Last Sunday, I decided to go for a ride. It was a clear sky, bright sunshine and a light breeze - perfect. The first part involved good roads with light traffic, but as the speed picked up I began to feel the chill. I therefore decided to go off-road and get warm by pushing against the drag of the inevitable snow.
One particular track that I used to use often is a pretty straight former railway line that allows you to push hard with just the odd walker / dog to consider. As I started along the track, the snow was slippery, hard and gave a choppy ride. Nevertheless, the effort made sure I soon got warmed up.
After a few miles, I reached the end of the track and paused - should I go further or double back ? I decided to return, as the sun was starting to get fairly low and I knew the temperature could start to drop pretty quick. It was a nice run back - but in terms of distance, I felt I needed more. Near the start of the track was a path leading to a country park, and I decided to go around the lakes to add some extra miles.
The first part (walkers and cyclists only) was gritted and clear. The next section was a tarmac access road for users of the cable ski and camping areas. This had not been treated, and was compacted snow and ice. It was definitely a case of gentle input and low speed.
As the road starts to climb, the entire width of the road is off-camber and follows the gentle slope down to the water. At this point, the bike snapped to the left without warning and I was falling to the ground. I instinctively put out my right arm, but the full force was taken by my right hip. The pain was incredible... I slid for around 15 feet, and just laid there. I started to feel sick. I knew I had broken my hip and I couldn't move my right leg.
In other tumbles - and there have been a few, I've immediately got up and been able to continue battered and bruised. This time, I wasn't going anywhere. Somehow, I stood up - and then picked up the bike. Could I use the bike as a crutch I thought ? No way - any movement opened the pain floodgates.
I wasn't carrying a mobile phone - stupid I know. I stood there, completely immobilised for the first time since 1997 when I had returned to cycling. I'd ridden almost every day since that time, through all conditions and never needed any help. About 10 minutes passed, then amazingly, a routine patrol by one of the park rangers came down the road. He helped me into the vehicle, and put my bike in the trailer. An ambulance was called, and then into A + E. The next morning I had 2 screws inserted to repair the joint (the surgeons wanted to operate the same day, but I had a temperature).
The staff were surprised by the injury - this type of break usually happens to 80 - 90 year olds. I can only think that the speed of impact, and it's direction was the reason. Although my speed was only 3-4 mph, the bike had slid away fast. If the speed had been higher, maybe the force would have been more of a sliding one rather than a direct, heavy blow.
Whatever, I now have a hip that needs 6 weeks before I can stand on it (only toes touching the floor is allowed). Apparently, it could take a couple of years for the joint to regain full strength - provided the severed joint does not actually die off... ! Hopefully, the joint will be good, and a replacement hip will be some years off
Please be careful out there.
One particular track that I used to use often is a pretty straight former railway line that allows you to push hard with just the odd walker / dog to consider. As I started along the track, the snow was slippery, hard and gave a choppy ride. Nevertheless, the effort made sure I soon got warmed up.
After a few miles, I reached the end of the track and paused - should I go further or double back ? I decided to return, as the sun was starting to get fairly low and I knew the temperature could start to drop pretty quick. It was a nice run back - but in terms of distance, I felt I needed more. Near the start of the track was a path leading to a country park, and I decided to go around the lakes to add some extra miles.
The first part (walkers and cyclists only) was gritted and clear. The next section was a tarmac access road for users of the cable ski and camping areas. This had not been treated, and was compacted snow and ice. It was definitely a case of gentle input and low speed.
As the road starts to climb, the entire width of the road is off-camber and follows the gentle slope down to the water. At this point, the bike snapped to the left without warning and I was falling to the ground. I instinctively put out my right arm, but the full force was taken by my right hip. The pain was incredible... I slid for around 15 feet, and just laid there. I started to feel sick. I knew I had broken my hip and I couldn't move my right leg.
In other tumbles - and there have been a few, I've immediately got up and been able to continue battered and bruised. This time, I wasn't going anywhere. Somehow, I stood up - and then picked up the bike. Could I use the bike as a crutch I thought ? No way - any movement opened the pain floodgates.
I wasn't carrying a mobile phone - stupid I know. I stood there, completely immobilised for the first time since 1997 when I had returned to cycling. I'd ridden almost every day since that time, through all conditions and never needed any help. About 10 minutes passed, then amazingly, a routine patrol by one of the park rangers came down the road. He helped me into the vehicle, and put my bike in the trailer. An ambulance was called, and then into A + E. The next morning I had 2 screws inserted to repair the joint (the surgeons wanted to operate the same day, but I had a temperature).
The staff were surprised by the injury - this type of break usually happens to 80 - 90 year olds. I can only think that the speed of impact, and it's direction was the reason. Although my speed was only 3-4 mph, the bike had slid away fast. If the speed had been higher, maybe the force would have been more of a sliding one rather than a direct, heavy blow.
Whatever, I now have a hip that needs 6 weeks before I can stand on it (only toes touching the floor is allowed). Apparently, it could take a couple of years for the joint to regain full strength - provided the severed joint does not actually die off... ! Hopefully, the joint will be good, and a replacement hip will be some years off
Please be careful out there.
