This longish post is probably TMI before getting to the subject, but bear with me. My July 7, 2021 post (if you care to read it) details the eight, now ten) times I've fallen. I would have added "off my bike", but in some of those I was stuck in my pedals so technically I was on the ground but still connected to the bike.
Yesterday I eschewed the group ride for several reasons. It starts at 8:00, only goes 26 miles, and I don't particularly like the route. But the real reason is that a few days ago I started a new medication which has one side effect of lowering blood pressure. I wanted to see what would happen on a long ride. And so, at 7:22 I set off for Walburg. I've done this ride for years. It's 50-60 miles, depending on various back roads I take on the way back. Even though I intended this to be a chill ride, my energy level was down a bit, as was my heart rate. I'm thinking medication, but the jury is still out until I do a fast group ride, but I digress.
About fifty miles into the ride, exiting Old Settlers Park at US 79 into Kalahari Resorts (for those who are local), I approached the traffic light. The light just turned green for those leaving Kalahari and turning left in front of us, and I knew I'd get the green next. I slowed my cadence and timed it so I wouldn't have to unclip. I creeped along and was about to accelerate after the last car turned. But she didn't! Rather than complete her turn she slowed, apparently thinking I was going to go out in front of her. It happened in a flash! My foot got caught up and wouldn't unclip and I toppled over. Now I was on the ground with both feet still in the pedals. It took some maneuvering to get unclipped. By then, one of the drivers next to me rushed over to see if I was hurt. No, nothing but my ego. If he had been a cyclist he would have asked if the bike was ok. Actually, my left knee lost a little skin. Interestingly enough, the same three places as in previous falls. Also a few bruises on my left elbow, and my right thumb was oozing blood under the nail.
I made it through on the next light, but stopped at a convenient place and sat down to address the situation. I carry an emergency zip lock bag with antiseptic wipes, Band-Aids, gauze pads, sun block and other stuff. I wiped the knee and put a Band-aid on the thumb, checked the bike, replaced the mirror that had come off, and took a few minutes to let the adrenaline subside. Then did the final seven miles.
Of course, this incident shouldn't have occurred. I could have easily just stopped and waited the few extra seconds. But I relied on experience instead of judgement. Apparently experience is not always the best teacher. So, be safe y'all and carry a first aid pack for when the unexpected happens.
