My First Off

[Exile]

So today I had my first off since getting back into the saddle. Nothing serious, just a graze on my left elbow and another on the side of my leg. I'd already had a bit of a squeaky bum moment on the ride coming down a bit of a hill I realised no matter how fast I thought it could make me go, I shouldn't be pedalling down it, especially as a nice solid fence had came into view (just like this one. In fact, it was that one!).

Thankfully I avoided that catastrophe, but it only delayed disaster by about two minutes. Not far through the gate I discovered what I already knew: Riding on wet cobbles takes skill. And skill is something I'm still working on.

The fall was so fast. My train of thought was pretty much "These cobbles are a bit slippery under the tyres and very uncomfortable to lie on". One second I was building up speed, the next I was on my side. Through either luck or judgement I managed to go down on the side opposite the gears. I have enough trouble with them without bending things!

Still, I did what all good cyclists do and got back up, checked the bike, then checked myself and got back on my merry way. Caught up with my riding partner sat near the other entrance wondering where I'd got to. Nice of him to come looking for me

Went on to put in a leisurely cycle route around the vale and into Phillips Park before heading back home . I reckon I'll be giving cobbles a wide berth for a while, at least in the wet.... Oh, who am I trying to kid? I'll most likely be back there tomorrow, and will probably do exactly the same thing again, knowing me!

 

[Saluki]

Glad you are OK. Not sure I would have ridden down there but then I am a wuss.

 

[paul04]

Glad your ok, I came off my bike riding across the tram tracks (back wheel got stuck in the track)
Now I make sure I go over them at the correct angle and take my time, and extra care full when its wet.

As they say "we learn from our mistakes"

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Glad your ok, like Saluki not sure I would have gone down there, and I aint a wuss.

Viking O.O.B. by nigelnaturist, on Flickr

 

[Boon 51]

Shakes you up a bit with an off... glad your are alright

 

[Exile]

Glad you are OK. Not sure I would have ridden down there but then I am a wuss.

Glad your ok, like Saluki not sure I would have gone down there, and I aint a wuss.

I've walked up and down that hill a few times over the years as it's the quickest way into the vale, and it didn't seem half as bas as it did when I was cycling down it. I did think about getting off and walking the bike down, but managed to convince myself it couldn't be that bad. I soon found out how wrong I was!I think it's best to stop pushing my luck before I break something.

Glad your ok, I came off my bike riding across the tram tracks (back wheel got stuck in the track)
Now I make sure I go over them at the correct angle and take my time, and extra care full when its wet.

As they say "we learn from our mistakes"

I've never crossed tram lines on a bike (yet), but having lived in Sheffield for a few years before coming back to Manchester I've seen more than my fair share of cyclists fall foul of them. And you'd think I'd learn from my mistakes, but I'm sure the past 27 years prove I don't

Shakes you up a bit with an off... glad your are alright

It does dent your self-belief a bit, doesn't it? I was more than a little nervous for a while after I got back on, but a bit of riding on nicely paved tracks helped get the confidence back.

 

[themosquitoking]

"These cobbles are a bit slippery under the tyres and very uncomfortable to lie on".

Glad you're not badly hurt, seems like a lot of people are picking up niggles this week.

 

[ianrauk]

It's amazing how quick a bike can throw you to the ground....

Glad you are not too badly hurt.