I got a nice email from the folks at Yield2Life earlier this month after sharing a tweet about a crash. I promised I would expand on the experience in a few “micro chapters.” The hope: lessons can be learned and used by other cyclists to avoid the same fate. Any readers of BikeCrave know I work to keep it real here, so be ready for a photo or description that you may want to only see or read between meals. These words are as I actually wrote them in late March 2008 after the crash. The italicized section below I added this morning with the luxury of more than a year of reflection and recovery.
“Had a serious crash Thursday night. First one in 25 years. Lights on at dusk, riding solo and feeling stronger than ever, I awoke clammy, shaking and confused. Paramedics told me to be still. They pulled Duct tape over my temple and legs to better hold me on a body board. They cut away my red, white and blue Brooklyn chewing gum jersey, my bibs and arm warmers. They inserted IVs and took vital signs. I didn’t move my head or open an eye. I was in shock. I’ve yet to see the full police report (set for Tuesday) or speak to anyone who dialed 911. I will be thanking them soon. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Jonathon Wilensky, a plastic surgeon who was on call for another trauma case when I was airlifted to Palomar Medical Center. Dr. Wilensky spent about 4 hours (12 a.m. to 4 a.m.) stitching my right ear back together, as well as my mouth and cheek. I can’t address dental issues until next week. Giro, the helmet maker, deserves a huge thanks as well. Without the Giro Atmos helmet, I would not be writing this. I start riding the trainer as early as Friday (with medical clearance). I’ve logged more than 35,000 miles (many of them solo efforts through mountain passes) the last 4+ years. This first serious cycling accident doesn’t change how I feel about the sport. We have to be as safe as we can — and trust that others will do the same.”
The crash happened at dusk (about 7:30 p.m.) on a two-lane section of country Highway 67. Slight curve to the right. Myself and traffic were heading directly into an orange setting sun. I was riding inside the painted line of a small shoulder and had a bright flashing six-LED tailight clipped to my rear jersey pocket under a vest with thin see-through mesh designed for spring. The roads were dry, skies mostly clear. Temps were in low 60s to high 50s. I was heading up a 1-2% incline about 15-18 mph in 39 chainring. Nothing amiss. Music playing in my right ear through an iPod. (That ear bud became a razor blade upon impact with the ground.) I had zero warning or memory. My wife struggled to look at me in the over-crowded ER while I awaited surgery after I was taken there by helicopter. Only later did I learn that the police crash investigation and “interviews” (just one — with me moments after gaining consciousness while being worked on by paramedics) was brief and useless. When they arrived on scene it was just me and a passing husband and wife who called 911. Chapter 2 on Wednesday. Photos below: immediately following surgery, and Giro helmet and cycling cap that both took a beating.
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Thanks for sharing this. Did you ever figure the cause?
My husband was hit by a car in July. I love cycling, but it does come with risks. I hope we can do more to prep both drivers and cyclists about safety — since both are growing in numbers. Your story is part of that education process. Thanks for sharing.
It’s why we all need a Road ID (www.roadid.com) or something similar, it’ll speak for us when we can’t