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I was coming to the end of today's ride and just coming off the roundabout coming into my home village when I became aware that a car at the exit I was passing was going to pull out.
I'm aware that in the general fug of voices and faces around me and some pain, that I was incredibly worried about the state of my bike which I envisioned would be a mangled mess.
Although initially I was rather dazed and wasn't sure if I'd come down onto his bonnet or the road, it looks like it was less of an impact that I first thought. It looks as if he caught my rear wheel with his bumper and I hit the tarmac.
Mercifully the bike looks in one piece, even the rear wheel seems true and the tyre's still seated & inflated. I'll have a good look over it tomorrow when I feel a bit livelier but I want to get back on it ASAP, so in the absence of any obvious damage is it safe to ride and what should I be looking out for?
Minor injuries have sent me home with just cuts and bruises and the mild headache I had is gone (although I guess I'd better replace my helmet).
Be careful in the days afterwards - the real aftermath is usually a bit delayed. Heal up well, @PJay.
Mild headache.
Lay off the beer and wine etc this eve. And an early night... make sure your brain is recovered before riding again (a 2nd bang can be baaaad in the long term)
Did you get their details JIC. Take things steady over the next couple of days and give yourself some time
Hope you're ok.
n I became aware that a car at the exit I was passing was going to pull out.
I’m aware that in the general fug of voices and faces around me and some pain...
...Although initially I was rather dazed and wasn’t sure if I’d come down onto his bonnet or the road,
That sounds like there's a distinct chance of loss of consciousness, be very very careful. Seek actual advice.
Glad nothing obviously broken, but don't rush to get back out too soon. The hospital should have properly explained the concussion protocols, please take them seriously.
A mate rode home after a minor off, got in the shower and blacked out. Shattered jaw and lost quite a few teeth. Several months on he's back riding, eating a mainly solid diet and saving to get some teeth installed.
Do not take chances.
Ouch
daft question but I assume you mentioned hitting your head hard. Also, it may be you, or a poster with very similar username who I believe has some cardiac issues? If it’s you I assume you will be on some kind of blood thinning medication, in which case a knock to the head need careful evaluation
For the bike.
I'd be doing a few things,
- I'd loosen the wheel axles and re-tighten (front and back) in case anything shifted or has a 'locked in- load
- check the front and back are actually in the same plane /.alignment (by eye / bike upside down etc, or in rollers (don't fall off !!)
Any impact at all on the bars ? If so you REALLY need to check those for being bent or any cracks... especially towards the steerer / stem. If carbon then if they have any impact marks, I'd be concerned - not just the point of impact, but the max bending stress areas (near the stem).
Check the stem hasn't moved on the steerer or stem vs bars.
Overall, work methodically from one end to the other. Check all bolts are still tight.
If there's any creaking or clicking going on after the checks, eg when you next rise, stop and go back to square one.(and look for cracks, softer / mushy areas of carbon (if carbon) etc.
Hope you're OK.
Sorry to hear it. Before you start worrying about the bike, make sure you report to the police if you've not already done so as you were injured. The car driver should be doing the same within 24 hrs. You might actually feel worse tomorrow, I'd not be in too much of a rush to get back out there.
re. the bike, I don't think this is the situation where you should be canvasing the opinions of remote, non-experts. Too much consequence from bad advice.
Get well soon though.
I want to get back on it ASAP, so in the absence of any obvious damage is it safe to ride and what should I be looking out for?
Really glad that you want to get back out on it straightaway, and that things seem OK.
I'd go with the advice above; a big blow like that can take a bit of time to recover from, so rest up.
I'd be inclined to take the bike to a shop or mechanic for them to have a look - it's not always obvious (especially with carbon, for example), and that way if there is any damage it's been identified by a pro, possibly saving you another off, and there will be a record in case you need to make a claim.
Heal up quick!
Yeah give it a couple of days and really check out the bike.
dets and reported to the plod I assume ??
. Also, it may be you, or a poster with very similar username who I believe has some cardiac issues? If it’s you I assume you will be on some kind of blood thinning medication, in which case a knock to the head need careful evaluation
Yes that was me, I've had a number of heart attacks (the big one whilst out cycling) and it's one of the reasons I'm keen to keep going.
I'm off the tablets they put you on following stents (when I was on these my blood was like water) and just on aspirin. The nurse practitioner at MIU didn't seem overly concerned - I've been pulling strange faces at her to test brain function - but I've been made aware to look out for nausea or vision disturbances; I've been given a leaflet on heard injury which I'll have a good read of.
-- Edit --
The bike's a Singular Swift so a mtb & steel, and the bars are titanium so all reasonably robust.
Good stuff! Obviously the medical professionals know what they are on about far more than me so if they are aware of it and still sent you home then I’m sure you’ll be grand!
rest up and get better soon
I got back on my bike and continued cycling to work after being knocked off by a car that failed to give way and ran into me the other week, just as I was about to exit a big roundabout. I didn't hit my head thankfully but it still felt really shit and shook me up. Take care!
I’m hoping you’ve got details and report the accident to the police, so there’s a record
get a professional bike shop to check over your bike.
I had someone pull out and hit me a few years ago. Thought it was just bruises and even cycled home - months and several grands worth of physio/steroid injections later, it was clear that all was not as rosy as first thought.
I went down an ambulance chaser lawyer route - or rather I was going to until the ladies insurance company made me an offer. I wish I had as it ended up costing me a lot more in medical fees than I was paid out.
Glad to hear you're OK. Bloody car drivers.
Another well-wisher here. Sounds pretty scary, and glad you've Wales away from it reasonably unscathed.
But I agree with those saying take it easy for a bit. Hope you heal up quickly.
Get well soon OP.
Echo what's been said.
Thanks for the good wishes. I'm sore today but no worse that following the accident and nothing alarming has transpired. An added bonus is that the bike looks fine as far as I can tell, so hopefully no need for insurance claims or suchlike.
I also wanted to flag up the fact that there were a lot of really kind people who stopped, did all the phoning around, got me out of the road and settled at the side; there were plenty of good wishes too (of course there was the occasional parp parp from those aggrieved to be slowed down at the roundabout by other peoples' concern, but there you go). There was even a trainee paramedic who checked me out and provided hand written notes and obs (and also an ex-combat medic so I was in pretty safe hands).I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to all those nice folk who got me out of harm's way and looked after!
Ouch, GWS!
Nearly taken out myself yesterday at end of gentle ride, I had right of way through crossroads and car pulled out on my right as I approached, instinctive big shout and handful of brakes brought them to halt with apology hand up.
Rest up. I got taken out by a Pug 2 weeks ago, lucky not to break a collarbone. Taken 2 weeks to start feeling better.
Glad you are OK, and the bike. I was clipped last year, just ended up with a nasty gash on my arm, but was back out the next day, big bandage on.