chewbaker
Regular
- Location
- Portsmouth
As I headed down the hill I could feel my jacket wasn't zipped up fully at the neck so I was doing that while braking with my left hand (front brake on my bike). Then the bars suddenly whipped 90 degrees anti-clockwise and I was launched. I think I may have hit a stone with my front wheel while I had only one hand in control.
My right hand reflexively went out to break my fall but my left hand had a vice-like grip on the bars (wtf?) so my left shoulder went heavily into the road and - snap!
That's what I remember, I will review the bike cameras later to see if they offer anything else.
I couldn't get up for a good five minutes, during which time a couple of cars drove by me. Who ignores a person obviously in trouble? Anyway, a third driver stopped and lifted my bike up, giving it a brief check over. "Yeah, it's fine mate, you're good to go." Erm, I can't get up!
Yes, he was also a cyclist.
Only myself to blame for this one. It's funny, I keep going over it in my head to identify the crucial moment and work out why my left hand didn't come free, as though I can change the outcome. Idiot!
Sorry for your smash, hope you heal well.
I was told recently that if you are holding onto something already, part of the flinch reflex can often just make you grip it tighter...