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I believe I have a slight advantage when falling, even from a bike, in that I was taught how to fall and not stick my arm(s) out when I practiced (and taught) judo. Although that was many moons ago those lessons stick. When I took a little tumble due to a group of peds recently, it was my elbow and knee that took the brunt as I didn't stick my arms out. However, I know in the event of a big tumble or full on crash knowing how to fall wouldn't help one little bit.
I've had loads of problems in my previous serious cycling life with carpel tunnel syndrome and wore wrist splits when riding for ages. Thank the cycling God/desses I'm not having such issues at the moment but my increasing mileage means I would like the extra padding that half decent pair of gloves offers. I will look at the PI gloves. I recently got a pair of PI undershorts and am impressed with the quality. |
Incubus - What are numpties? isaw the footnote number but couldnt find the corresponding reference. :)
Yellow thanks for the recommendation for gloves. I think i would like theterry also. pardon the bad typing...icing hand while i type. Had 1st "incident" on my bike. TTotally my fault. I was passing a ped on a narrowed bridge on the greenway and got too close to the rail on the left. whacked, i.e. destroyed my mirror and panicked and reached out to (i dobt know what) push off or stop or something. Funny grabing railing when youre moving quivkly will bend ur fingers backwards. LOL But on a possitive note....rode 9 miles, in higher gears, in shorter time, and didnt have to walk anyof it. Incident occured right at end of ride. Saturday going riding with some friends out to a little community 10 miles out for breakfast. 'Im lovin riding. Oh! and The Boy may be getting hisnew bike soon, a hybrid, so he can start riding with me. A |
Hey there pajara. Here's a link to the numpty definition http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...&postcount=185 The footnote numbers were just counting the number of times I have used numpty/numpties today as I challenged jelli to use the word 3 times today :cheesy: 9 miles wooohoooo...Go you, that's awesome! Sorry to hear you hurt yourself...here's hoping it's the first of not-very-many. Happy pedaling |
passing on the left to turn right
In Pennsylvania, that is illegal. Passing a bicyle on the left side of the rider to make a right hand turn. Over the week end, a 48 year old woman, who was training for an upcoming triathalon, was passed by a truck who swung wide, passed her on her left and turned right, the truck clipped the front wheel of her bicycle, throwing her over UNDERNEATH the rear set of wheels of the truck, and yes. She was killed. It didn't matter that she wasn't wearing a helmet. HOWEVER, something Linus spoke about way back in the thread, something I never do, and was sort of shocked that people did, she was wearing an IPOD in both ears and it is assumed she heard nothing. (long sentence)
As much as we bicycle riders complain about the reckless things we see vehical operators doing, we need to be sure we are being smart. I know since Jelli (by the way Jelli, thanks for joining in on the conversation) told us about Cruels BAD accident and nearly loosing her leg, thats been in the back of my mind. Maybe this morning I was feeling a little less cavalier. I know I am not the same from my incident. (it was much more than a broken finger nail). Maybe we should be talking about riding vigilently? Another thing I've been thinking about today, since I actually made fun of it *outloud* last night in my post....is that BEATER bicycle. Yes, I know it's quirks and can operate it, but the reality of it is- I should either take it to a bike shop and have it repaired properly or donate it to be reconditioned and buy another one. Someone is going to get hurt on it because it is a BEATER..... Also, as if our law makers have nothing else to do, they want to make it mandatory for bicycle riders to wear helmets. Something they've been tossing around on the floor I'm told. |
I really cannot comprehend why folks would wear headphones in traffic. No-one deserves to be in an accident but blocking off a whole sense that makes you aware of your environment is a choice you make about your own safety levels.
I believe I am a very canny rider; after so many years in the saddle and a strong sense of self preservation I endeavour to be uber aware of what is going on around me. Especially now there are so many more numpties³ on the roads in bigger and bigger vehicles. The rise of the rather large 4x4 or SUV is in full swing here now. Yellow Band...don't buy another bike just get that 'beater' repaired. Unless you're looking for an excuse for another new bike...Recycle (pun entirely intended!) I would be a conscientious objector if helmets were made compulsory - although I think they should be for children. There is no conclusive proof that wearing them saves more lives than when not worn. Although as I have previously stated I am becoming tempted to purchase one due to the road-numpty issue and the slow nature of town cycling, when, I believe, ones noggin may be saved if a collision occurred. On bigger roads and much higher speeds I don't believe that any sort of helmet will help if you hit the floor at speed. The Helmet Issue divides whole cycling fora everywhere. :cheesy: |
helmets
Even though I wear a helmet, I'm against making it mandatory. I am all for making motorists learn to share the road. I feel that is the bigger problem.
We have police on bicycles and that helps tremendously as they ride bicycles that look much like ours and they wear a *summer* police uniform, if you will, and people really are not looking for them, so some of the non respcting motorists are treated to an occasional big surprise. Agreed, on the ipod thing. I don't do it while running either. What ever happened to my personal safety. In the gym, yes I do. Beater Bicycle....well I should include my S/O in this I guess. Maybe if she has a bike she semi sorta likes, she might enjoy riding a little more. She scoffed at kayaking in the beginning too, but now loves it and is pretty good at it. Thats why I'm very patient with the slow riding and the pushing it up hills ect....I'm used to the beater, but she calls it THAT PIECE OF SHIT :|....anyhow, made it home from work....horrendous heat continues. Going to eat more peaches |
Sadly, I think it unlikely that motorized vehicle drivers as a body would be willing to be educated about their road usage....voluntarily.
Re: the ipod thing....I think I've said before that I do wear one side of my in-ear headphones when riding on non traffic routes. We have Cops on Cycles here too. Our local Bobbies patrol on bikes. Soooo get your other half a bike she likes and then you might have a more willing riding partner. I'm sure a kid would love to inherit a fixed up bike to tool around on. I really need to do a few miles tomorrow if my body lets me. It's been hurting too much today to do anything significant. |
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Journal posting of Cruel's accident.
This is a journal posting of Cruel's accident. I know you can wear all the proper equipment, take every safety measure, and still life happens, so just be safe riders!!!!
10-08-2004 08:57 PM As most of you don't know... Wednesday night Cruel was cycling to work around 8:30 and was struck by an SUV. What an ordeal. I needed to come here tonight for support and encouragement for him/me. ::: crying ::: I have never been so terrified in my entire life. Ever! To come so close to losing the one you haven't had nearly long enough time to love. I was 3 cars behind Cruel when the accident happened although I didn't see it take place... I was taking his lunch since he had forgotten it on the counter. I thought there must be a dog or something that had been hit. so I pulled over to the side to go see if I could help and I see the the yellow of his helmet... Cruel hands me a small handful of blood and a tooth that was yanked clear out... and proceeds to ask "How's my bike?" Cruel was life flighted off the accident scene for fear of left leg damage would lead to loss. Cruel also made small jokes about "Well, I at least got to ride in a helicopter, although I couldn't see out the window." I think his humor was more out of worry for myself. ::: jelli to Cruel while in the trauma bay ::: "Baby, let me be strong now. You just focus on getting well." ``````````````````````````` Injuries: Right ankle in air brace. Right knee and both palms are road rashed. Left knee is severely injured. Glove effect to top of knee. Left inner thigh/knee are had 14 sutures for another gash. Bruises and swelling over arms and legs. Face is road rashed, teeth injured, and mouth swollen. Concussion. No internal injuries. And they cleared the neck and spine. We're lucky to have him tonight. `````````````` Tonight, I brought him home. This is where he wanted to be. This is where they said he'd heal faster. As I sit here, he's lying in bed, drugged and still in pain. My heart still feeling as if someone is stepping on it. {{{{{{{{{{Cruel}}}}}}}}}} soul of my soul. How I pray for you. How many deals with the Goddess I have made in the last 48hrs. ::: crying ::: I am at a loss and feeling ever so helpless. I wish I could lift your pain from your mind and body. Heal fast my love. I'm right here. |
Something to lighten the air...
You might be a cyclist if....... 1. You tell a family of 5 in a crowded mall to "hold their line." 2. Your spouse says "If you buy another bike I'm going to leave you" and you think "I guess I'm going to miss him/her." 3. You have more water bottles than you have drinking glasses. 4. You have more cycling jerseys than work shirts. 5. Your cycling jersey IS your work shirt. 6. Your legs are smoother than your wifes. 7. The nicest pair of shoes you own have cleats in the soles. 8. You have defined the 8 stages of roadkill decomposition through daily observation. 9. You are walking along a street and you signal left. 10.You go to your local store on a bike. 11.You sulk when in cars, on hot days. 12.You sulk when in cars, on cold, windy, snowy days. 13.You get withdrawal symptoms if off the bike for more than a day. 14.When anybody mentions distance you immediately think of how long it would take to cycle it. 15.You point at pot holes, but you are driving in your car alone. 16.While driving your car you yell at your passenger "Car back" as a vehicle approaches from behind. 17.Your bike is worth more than your car. 18.You put more miles on your bike than your car. 19.Your hands have a strange tan that looks remarkably similar to the pattern on your cycling gloves. 20.Weather forecasts can be broken down into 2 categories: good biking weather, bad biking weather. 21.You put your bicycle in your car, and the value of the total package increases by a factor of 4 (or better). 22.You find out you are going to have a child and the first thing you think about is how you will schedule your rides to avoid divorce and still be a parent. 23.You spend 2X the money on cycling wear that you do work clothes. 24. You can tell your wife with a straight face that it's too hot to mow the lawn , then bike off for a century. 25.You dream of winning the lottery and the first thing you think of is how many/which bikes can I buy? 26.You buy a car based on whether or not a bike will fit in the trunk/back, with the rear seat folded down. 27.You open your car window and yell out "On your left" when passing cars on the freeway. 28.You have not one, not two, but three permanent chain ring scars on your right calf. 29.Your bike sleeps with you in the living or bedroom. 30.You wear a heart rate monitor during sex. 31.You check out all other guys/girls legs to see if they are better than yours. 32.Your spouse can't take it anymore and takes up cycling. 33.You wonder why a $500 bike has 24 gear ratios, while a $20,000 car or truck only has 4. 34.You crash...and insist on getting to the bike shop to have your bike checked out BEFORE going to the hospital. 35.You can't seem to get to work before 8:30am, but you don't have a problem meeting your buddies at 5:30am for a ride. |
This was several years ago. Our son, Garrett, cycling on the Skyline Drive near Shenandoah Valley in VA.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...e/808a71da.jpg |
[RANT]
Cycle path/walkers path separated. Bicycles painted on the floor for reinforcement of the idea. Barrelling along at a good pace despite the heavy headwind. Group of folks spanning across walking lane and free running dogs in the cycle lane!! "Dogs in the cycle lane" shouts I "The dog doesn't know it's a cycle lane" came the reply. "Well yeah! but you do you numpty™ ©® why isn't your dog on a lead?" thrown over my shoulder as I sped away to enjoy the rest of my 20miler Why is it that peds and their pets get the 'God given right' to not have to notice what's going on around them and I, a cyclist abiding by the rules of the cycle paths and roads, have to be responsible for anticipating what those peds/animals/kids/old folks are going to do? [/RANT] |
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CRAP :(
Someone at work was selling a nice Fuji for $500 and I missed out on it! :( WAH! |
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We've met up with George at several cycling events in S'burg, G'ville, Saluda, etc. They hold the USA Cycling championships here in G'ville. One of his all time favorite training rides for him and his friends is Paris Mtn. |
~like~
Great thread!
Impressed that we Nashvillains have enough riders for a pretty sweet cycling club! Currently in my stable: 2007 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2008 Specialized 29er Disc 2003 Quintanna Roo Triathlon Bike I work in the heat and am so "over" it when I get home that I haven't ridden much this Summer. Will change that in the next few weeks, however. There is some great riding here in the Nashville area! |
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My first bike was a $500 bike. I rode it ALL THE TIME. For years. It didn't matter the heat index. It didn't matter if I was riding through snow (mountain biker here). I was going to be out on that bike! My next bike was $2,800. It didn't fit me as well, and subsequently, I rode less (well, that and a bit of PTSD from a head on collision with another rider on a trail!) It is all about fit! And shame to the rider that may have sold it to you unless it WAS a perfect fit! /lecture. |
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Maybe us TN folks should get a fall ride together. :) A Oh btw, The Boy got his bike the other day. We went riding this morning. Only a couple of miles 'cause I didn't know what the hand would do. It's a "boxer's fracture" after all, but didn't impede the ride much. But it was an easy course. |
By jiminy I'm cream crackered! (that's knackered!)
I've been out with the cycle club tonight despite having a wee chest infection. I probably shouldn't have gone but I'm glad I did because it's such a challenge. The Clarion motto is that they never leave a rider behind, which is a good job because I'm usually the one at the back. Tonight we got split up. The fast guys up front dropped us - that is me, the ride leader and the lovely Sean who keeps me company at the back. We knew we'd never find them so we carried on our own ride. http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...h_IMG_0218.jpg Yup, yup I have 'ride hair'. We were treated to a bit of the old crepuscular action in the sky http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...h_IMG_0217.jpg These are thumbnails, click on them for the full size pics. The ride was a never ending incline with the wind increasing by the mile - inclines and the wind are serious asthma/copd triggers for me - but I made the 20some miles and now my body has given up for the day and my bed is calling me. |
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I'm realize I'm a little late to the party, but I'm super thrilled to find a cycling thread on BFP!
I've always had a bike for general commuting & bopping around town, but in 2007 I bought a road bike so I could ride Ragbrai (an annual 7 day ride across Iowa) with my Dad. We've done it every year since then, and I've definitely been bitten by the cycling bug. I've done rides in Oregon & Arkansas since then as well as lots of riding here in MN. I had to give up running after back surgery and a fractured ankle (work injuries) and cycling filled the gap for me. I was worried that being bent over on a road bike would be hard on my back but I had the bike professionally fitted and I find it more comfortable than my old upright - for those who have posted they're afraid to be on a road bike or are uncomfortable, there *is* a bike for you - go to a good local shop and try a bunch and when you find the bike you love, get it fitted! Happy & safe pedaling! |
Let me be the first to say welcome....the bicycle party never seems to end. Some one is always in the mood to talk about bikes. Right now its way past my bed time and I'll just say welcome before something very non relevant comes off the tips of my fingers.
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Hello, hello and big welcome to our chat about cycling blue-eyed blonde. I've just googled the Ragbrai...wow that's one big challenge and a great event. How cool that you do it with your Dad. I'd love to do such a supported ride in the future. I'm real disappointed that I've had to cancel my Sky Ride today. I was to be riding the Lytham Loop ride (just 20miles - a paltry distance for some of you lot) but it's way too windy for this rider with compromised lungs. The wind is one my my copd/asthma triggers and I've had a chest infection this week so thought it better to give it a miss and hope the wind dies down a little for me to get an easy roll out later today. I posted about Thursday's Clarion ride and how I'm glad I went as it was a challenge. Well, because of that 'wee chest infection' I managed to make myself rather poorly and bed-ridden for most of the day afterwards. In retrospect it was rather silly to go out with the 'real cyclists' with an infection. Lesson learned! Happy pedaling one an all. |
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Yes, Ragbrai is a very cool ride and I feel blessed to be able to do it with my Dad. In his own words, he's "one tough old bird." This year's Ragbrai was the hardest I've ever done because of the extreme heat & humidity. Iowa's always hot at the end of July, but add humidity to that plus hills & 70 miles a day and it was kinda rough. Ragbrai is a huge ride - anywhere from 10,000 - 15,000 people ride it every day of the week! I rode Cycle Oregon in 09 and they limit it to 2,000 riders. I can't recommend it highly enough - it was absolutely amazing, both the riding (the toughest but most rewarding I have ever done) and the support (the cadillac of rides IMHO). There's a ride in Nebraska each June called Tour D'Nebraska that takes only a few hundred people; friends have done it and raved about it. Next year I'd like to ride the BRAG - Bike Ride Across Georgia. I've heard good things about it. I've been inspired by a woman I met on my first Ragbrai whose goal was to ride in every state. She's done that now and has moved on to countries! |
Thanks for that blue-eyed blonde. Yes I am a 'real' cyclist despite not being able to ride as far, as fast or up hills and lacking the disposable income to buy all the lovely kit that the folks at the cycling club have.
I'm in awe of the distances and the large events you ride in. The lady who's riding in every country...has she been to the UK yet? I would love to ride with her. That's a serious amount of people on the road for the Ragbrai, are ya'll riding in close proximity? Is that safe? One day I hope to do the C2C and JoGLE. I'm not ready for either of them yet though. A more realistic aim is the Manchester to Blackpool ride in Spring next year. Tonight was a Breeze ride. The women who ride on it are generally new to cycling so I get to help out up front whilst our ride leader keeps the inevitable back marker company at the back. With the magnificent mountains of the Lake District to the North and the outline of lumpy bumpy North Wales to the South East-ish and a raging sea at high tide it was a dramatic view. It's a pity that my iPod can't capture the majestic mountains of the Lakes http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q...h_IMG_0226.jpg After last weeks infection it was good to feel strong tonight. At the start of this year the inclines on this route (the longer version of which I do at least twice a week) seemed like major hills and I was really honking up them, even having to stop at times. Tonight however I flew up them and in bigger gears than I ever have. I'm sure the challenge of the Clarion club rides have helped with an increase in my fitness level. |
I've been cycling for many years. It's such a major part of my life, it's my freedom, joy and tons of excitement. Human and the machine, pure beauty.
When I started racing, Eddy Merckx was my hero back then and he still today. I love that man. I learned so much from his style of riding. How he hardly every came out of the saddle, hand placement, body placement, and knowing how far to go. Enjoy the attached video of the great Eddy Merckx [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sziZ6PejrfM"]‪Eddy Merckx‬‏ - YouTube[/nomedia] |
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Hey there and welcome to the cycling thread SF_Boi
Thanks for posting the clip of Le Cannibale...his record of wins in all the great Tours and the Classics puts him way up there with the best. It could be argued, quite easily, that he is the best road racer ever. Although it's hard to seperate Merckx, Hinault and Anquetil. I remember watching highlights of Eddie's later TdF wins with my Pops. |
I'm getting fatter by the day! The weather has been appalling since Monday so I've been far too inactive.
Tonight, although the weather wasn't great I just couldn't sit in anymore. I put on my cycling duds and set off for a roll at 20.40pm. Here's my 17.99mile route http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/45654924 With a slight tail wind I powered on to Lytham, which is up the coast a few miles away. The roads weren't busy so I didn't have to concentrate too much on anything apart from the job at hand, which was getting to my destination as quickly as I could. As I reached my destination the rain set in again. So I took a 10 minute rest stop, changed my jackets around and had a drink, stuck m'hat on and set off back along the coastal route to complete the loop. The trip back was harder as there was a bit of a head wind and it was raining but I made it. 2 hrs later I hit home on an endorphin high and real glad that I hadn't just sat on my arse all night. On the way back there were sections of the Blackpool Illuminations being tested. I made a little video to show y'all. S'cuse the heavy breathing and the shakiness - I was on a bike yanno! :rolleyes: |
I liked blackpool lumus. Forgive me, I haven't been getting alot of sleep....
where was the camera, I seemed to have missed that part.....were you really riding in the rain, in the dark, with one hand? Biting tongue! --- This is a big kick off week end for Bicycle Pittsburgh (i have a couple of rowing conflicts) and now I hear the weather is going to be awful. One of he things the bicycle group is going to be doing, is touring one of our famed cemetaries dressed as zombies ...(on bicycles of course) everything bicycles. I'll look for some video to post. |
Yup I admit I was being rather naughty and was riding in the dark, in the (by then rather light) rain, with one hand. I did a risk assessment, was aware of any hazzards and of what could go wrong (I know this route and ride it often). As you can see, only one car overtook me. It was 9.30pm and no traffic was going my way. I wouldn't dream of doing what I did on that road under day-time, or even early evening conditions.
Ohhhh tell me more about Bicycle Pittsburgh. What events are being staged? We have the big Blackpool Sky Ride on Sunday. Most of the towns roads are to be shut off to traffic and a shed load of cyclists are taking over the roads. |
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I wear high density colored tops for day time riding...you know the ultra bright yellow, reds, and oranges in the wicking material.....
At night I wear a total reflectived vest that is also high desity yellow but filled with these dots that reflect light. The department of transportation workers wear these, and a friend of mine works for the Penna. D.O.T., so he bought me one......it works really well..... here is a link to Biycle pittsburghs 10 day *everything bicycles* http://ow.ly/5Wrj9 |
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I do indeed Dapper. My regular cycling jackets and rain jacket all have reflective details. I also have a high vis vest, which, to be honest, I tend not to wear in the summer. I have a flouro flashing led strip for my leg or arm. I also have bike lights (and a spare one clipped to my person quite often) which are set to flash, which I think makes them more visible than a static light. To be fair, I did know I was taking a rather naughty risk but decided to go for it due to my knowledge of the route, the lack of traffic going my direction and also that there were tram tracks and no junctions on my left. (We drive on the left of course). I had forgotten how much I like riding urban (well lit) roads at night. I wouldn't ride the unlit country roads, that are not too far from here, at night. |
Bike Pittsburgh, which I belong too, but I am more involved the the ghost
bike project than any other specific part.....and we are more pro active than just showing up at the scence of a bicycle/ vehical death scene and chaining a ghost bicycle.....we like to think we are more pro active. --- moving forward. Thru an aggressive letter writing campaign, we were able to get city council to pass an ordinace stating, it's unlawful to bicicle in darkness, without a solid white light on the front of your bicycle and minimum one red flashing light on the back. Our relationship is very co operative. City council, by the way, like most cities....we have budget troubles, passed an ordinance to install 2000 bicycle racks in the business districts over two years. All parking garages must have 10% of the total amount of spaces be made bicycle acceptable and all new construction must include bicycle parking racks/sheds! Bicyles have come along way in this city. Don't forget, Pittsburgh is mountainous terrain. It's not beach, resort area. And bicycles are popular here. Appalacian Mountains. |
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Do you have a high percentage of deaths on bicycles in your state? How about the whole of the U.S? How fantastic that you have 'secure' parking in garages. I'm waging a one-genderqueer-battle for the same here in my town. Our council has provided miles of new cycle tracks on the town centre roads (many of us believe some of them to be dangerous though) and lots of new bike parking stands but our thieves are devious and too many bikes go missing from town centre. I want to be able to park my bike in town, somewhere that is CCTVd and patrolled. I am quite happy to pay a sum commensurate with the service provided. To be fair our town is much more cycle friendly than it ever has been which can only be a good thing. There are lots of folks, like British Cycling and Sky Rides who are doing much to promote cycling around the area. What is it about cyclists and mountainous areas? My serious cycling back in the day was in hilly and mountainous areas. |
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