Crash! Ouch!

[Wal]

Had a nasty spill this morning on the way to work. Pretty much my own fault: I was slipstreaming a truck at 40mph, a good few bike lengths back, when I hit something unsighted in the road – either a pothole or an object, not sure which – and lost control of the bike. I’m ok apart from some very sore road rash on my arm, thigh and calf but my bike suffered a broken £180 carbon handlebar, a torn saddle and scrapes to a new Dura Ace brake lever. I also destroyed my helmet, shorts and jersey.

The crash certainly brought home what a dangerous activity slipstreaming is. I’ve been doing it for years and years and have been fortunate enough to avoid an incident until now…now I’ve learned my lesson and won’t be doing it any more, however fun it might be. It’s just not worth the risk.

[Sylv]

Ouch that sounds nasty
I know the feeling there are some nasty potholes on my route
But you get to know where they are and anticipate them!
Loosening your arms/grip on the bars helps a bit too
THankfully there was no traffic to bump into you from the back?

[Andrew G]

Ouch indeed, were you on that lovely Scott . Hope your scuffs don't sting too much.

[Stu Merckx Man]

ouch hard luck mike.

you going to be ok on tuesday? your destined for a win!

[Wal]

Yes, unfortunately I was on the Scott (very gracious of you by the way, Andrew, to openly express admiration for a Shimano-equipped bike ). Fortunately the frame is unmarked; the only parts of the bike to hit the road were the pedal, the handlebar/STI lever and the rear wheel quick release. Most annoying damage is the handlebar, a lovely Ritchey WCS carbon Evolution which was one of the more expensive bits on the bike.

Still, I suppose I should count myself lucky that I wasn't more seriously hurt.

The stinging has subsided for the time being – not looking forward to peeling the bandages off later though!

I was planning to come on the club run tomorrow and to race at Palace on Tuesday, but my bike won’t be back together until at least the end of next week

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Yes indeed, I've always advocated that slipstreaming is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted, especially not on a tandem but you did get away with it remarkably lightly considering the speed, but bet it's stinging today. I managed to do a similar thing all by myself a few weeks ago and the most expensive thing to replace was all the clothing I ripped

Sincerly hope your wounds heal quickly and your confidence bounces back.

[quote]very gracious of you by the way, Andrew, to openly express admiration for a Shimano-equipped bike.

[Ivor]

[quote="Wal"]The stinging has subsided for the time being – not looking forward to peeling the bandages off later though!

[-Adam-]

Another reason not to use carbon handlebars...

[Sylv]

[quote="mrP(Boonen)VT"]Yes indeed, I've always advocated that slipstreaming is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted, especially not on a tandem

[quote="Sylv"][quote="mrP(Boonen)VT"]Yes indeed, I've always advocated that slipstreaming is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted, especially not on a tandem

[Andrew G]

MOST of the bike Mike, the groupset did let it down . Made it a bit heavy I thought too .

I've always had a paranoid fear of carbon bars and stems having read about some snapping - seem to recal Lotto had a big problem with stems one year. It's just the thought of it snapping and leaving a jagged edge that worries me, I think metal is more likely to bend. Anyhoo the Richey WCS bars and stem are very nice.

[Sylv]

Andrew I'm surprised you're not still using toeclips and friction shifters!

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote="Sylv"]Andrew I'm surprised you're not still using toeclips and friction shifters!

[Andrew G]

I have a plan to build up something, but it wouldn't need friction levers.

[Marky Mark]

That reminds me of Sylv on our Brighton run last week.

He flew past me and Mr Pvt chasing the stickers on the back of that bus over a bridge, That did tickle I

Hope you are ok Wal