What’s it like to crash on a bike?
It’s been said the experience can be like stripping down to your underwear and jumping out of a car door at 40 mph/70 kph. I was reminded yet again over the weekend when descending Palomar Mountain, featured in Stage 8 of this year’s Tour of California. Myself and Troy Malone (@troymalone) hit more than 45 mph coming out a few select corners. That’s faster than vehicles can safely navigate sections of the hors catégorie climb that stretches 11 miles and more than 4,100 feet/1,270m of vertical gain. You’d think we’d be in the clear, glued to the road on Vittoria Corsa EVOs. Think again.
On the off chance, a racing motorcyle comes up from behind and brushes within a few feet, you clench your jaw and grip the bars ever so more tightly. You must hold your line, take the proper arc and avoid the smallest piece of road debris as an insurance policy to guard against disaster. The side of the roadway offers a softer landing than the tarmac, but nothing more.
As a motorcycle rider screams by in full helmet, leather suit, body armor and boots, you remind yourself of being the braver one. Of being more in touch with life, the one who feels the wind, sun and elements. Whose heart beats out of exertion — and exhiliration of going fast. You’re the one who understands what it means to sacrifice, who knows how to keep things under control, how to avoid the crash. It’s at times like this we crave one thing: survival. Images from L’Equipe magazine, which has 25 amazing images.
Related posts:
- The road to satisfaction When you pedal in wet and cold conditions and refuse to surrender, there’s a quiet satisfaction. Saturday was one of those rare days in San Diego. The forecast was catastrophic by local standards. Precisely what was needed for a Palomar Mountain group ride planned weeks ago. The official 70% to...
- I am the walrus, Hoodoo-da-doo Ever ridden 519 miles in 2 days or less? Me neither. But I have ridden with a strong cyclist from San Diego who will be tackling this feat this weekend in Utah. Oh, and a minor detail: 30,000 feet of climbing awaits. Let’s put that into perspective. The Race Across...
- The ride’s the thing: Why I bike This post originally appeared in the blog, 30 Days of Biking, on April 1. I’m popping it up on BC in its entirety for posterity’s sake. Also because I’m lazy today. Why do I ride? That’s like asking me why I breathe. Riding a bike is part of who I...
- Hot rhymes with not Riding in extreme heat. Cyclists in Central California, Arizona, Florida and other roasted climes know the drill: start early, end before lunch. Or ride in the dark. Whatever you do, avoid the day’s scorching zenith. I’ve ridden in some nasty warmth (the final 30 miles of the 155-mile Climb to...
- Gracias, danke, merci, grazie, thanks It goes without saying that today in the U.S. is one heckuva day of gratitude. There will be hugs. Smiles. Sighs. And maybe a few tears. Forget rush hour on the freeway. Or horns honking. I’ve heard none blare yet as the 7:30 a.m. hour approaches. Today’s the closest we...
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great entry and a good reminder that we must stay focused. The skin & bones vs. tarmac championships always end with an 0:1 score. Also, descending at 45 mph is a skill learned over time; know your bike and your own limitations. To see a master at work (Cancellara) check out this video: http://bit.ly/3MDiY as he chases down the field in an insane downhill exhibition.
It’s not a matter of if you’ll go down, just when.
Cancellara: True poetry in motion as that video demonstrates. May we all descend happily and always finish safely.
“It’s not a matter of if you’ll go down, just when”
I’ve gone down, and will again, I just don’t want it to be off the side of a mountain.
An update on Jens Voigt http://www.saxobanktakingthelead.com/?p=1217