September 24, 2004

Reckless Bikers

I started riding my bike to work again. I've really been missing it and have been looking forward to getting back to it. I love the hot weather here, but it is not exactly conducive to a bicycle commute. Since it is back down to the 90's I was good to go.

The morning ride was great. There is a bit more humidity this time of year (not Florida humid, by any means, just more than most of the year) so when you sweat it actually cools you off. Most of the time the moisture disappears before it can do you any good - till you get into an air conditioned space where you sweat for another 5-10 minutes.

The ride home was really nice, too - most of the way. Heading up 27th Ave (on the sidewalk, it is a busy street full of crazy drivers) I see a lady walking the same direction I am riding. Coming from the other direction are two guys on bikes. So, I pull over to the side behind the lady and slow down - plenty of room for the guys to pass us, then I can pass her.

The first guy goes past me with no problem. Second guy jumps off the curb to go around the lady, "no problem" I think "he is going to ride in the street past us". Wrong! He jumps back on the curb right into me. Nailed me nearly head on - couldn't have hit me more squarely if he'd have been aiming at me. Good news is - my helmet works. Bad news is - now I know my helmet works (and I have to buy a new one, they are only good for one impact). He was on a BMX type bike which put his entire mass (and handlebars) at exactly the right place to do the most damage.

I went flying forward: groin impacted the handlebars; right knee, right arm & head hit the concrete; left hip hit something. I now have a bruise the size of Montana on my a**

Montana

which is quite a trick 'cause my a** is only about the size of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island

My bike is kinda mangled, but salvageable. I think. I limped home with my legs hardly working and not able to use my right hand (yes, I've had several friends ask why I didn't call them to come get me - I figured I was close enough to walk it - & I'm stubborn) So, my ride home usually takes about 45 minutes. The walk from impact to home (about 2 miles) took that long.

So, I am walking down he street covered in gravel and dirt and blood, tears streaming down my face, and NOBODY says anything about it. No one asks if I need help. The only guy who said anything to me asked for directions.

This morning is even worse, as happens with those types of injuries - this weekend should be a lot of fun.

Posted by Vox at September 24, 2004 12:16 PM | general
Comments

Ow. I'm glad you're (mostly) all right. It must be wonderful (most days) to live close enough to bike. I like 17 miles from work, mostly toll highway, and it's 90% humidity every day. :(

Posted by: Michael at September 24, 2004 04:21 PM

You're welcome to come join me on my ride anytime - once I get the bike fixed. It is only about 8 miles each way, so just 30 minutes pedaling. Unfortunately, we don't have very good bike paths (at least not where I need to go) so I spend a lot of time waiting for lights and/or traffic.

Our humidity, at it's worst, is in the 20-30% range - today I believe it is under 10% and 99 degrees

Posted by: Vox at September 24, 2004 05:00 PM

What did the jerk do when he smashed into you? Get up and ride off like it was your fault?

Posted by: wickld at September 24, 2004 09:26 PM

No, it took him a while to get up, too. Then he asked if I was OK - but didn't stick around long enough for me to get up, stop crying and answer.

Posted by: Vox at September 24, 2004 11:49 PM

welcome to the club of horrible bike accidents.

Posted by: broken at September 26, 2004 01:31 PM