So that's what hitting oil feels like

[redjedi]

.....it ******* hurts.

Turning off Chiswick high road onto a side road this morning, and down I went.

I saw a wet patch on the apex of the corner but didn't realise what it was until it was too late. The fact that it was on a green bit of cycle lane probably didn't help.

I took a nice lump of skin off my right index finger and a few nicks on some of the other fingers.
I've got a graze on my left forearm, and my left thigh is really hurting now. It's grazed and was a bit swollen. It should be very colourful by this afternoon.

Now the important news.....there's no mechanical damage to the bike just cosmetic.
Both the new levers are scratched badly, bar tape is ripped, and pedal has also been scuffed up.

But luckily it wasn't on the drive side so is running fine.

My brand new gloves are ruined, there were only 3 days old, and my new shoes which are about 1 week old, also have a few scuffs

I managed to finish my ride into work, but I don't think I'll be riding home.

I can post some pictures this evening if anyone wants to see the damage to either myself or the bike

 

[02GF74]

Maybe worth contacting the council to make a claim?

 

[magnatom]

Ouch!

The gloves may be ruined, but it's better the gloves take the damage than your hands.

I hope you heal (and get the photos up) quickly!

 

[thomas]

Maybe worth contacting the council to make a claim?

It depends how long it's been there and if they were aware...etc, I believe. Worth mentioning at least so they clear it.

 

[fossyant]

Diesel - lethal to cyclists and motor bikers.

Glad you are OK - blooming annoying scuffing up new stuff

 

[Davywalnuts]

Oh Dude, glad your well though all things considered!! But your poor Bianchi!! No Bianchi deserves that, the poor bike!

Where do these spills come from?

 

[Bollo]

Many sympathies Mr jedi - now get those gory piccies posted up pronto!

 

[phaedrus]

Done that. My sympathies.

 

[hackbike 666]

Oil is as bad as ice innit.

 

[very-near]

Maybe worth contacting the council to make a claim?

If it has already been reported, then yes, they have a duty of care, if it hasn't then no you won't get anywhere. Always report a spill.

Bad luck redjedi. When I came off on diesel my o/h who was pillion fractured a bone in her arm

Lorries and buses are by far the worst offenders from dropping diesel.

I have been involved in a campaign (fronted by m/cyclists) to try and reduce the risk from these vehicles. We had a ride last year which included a couple of members from here through the centre of London.

 

[J4CKO]

Oil is as bad as ice innit.

I see what you are saying, similar deal but I would say oil is worse, if it is cold enough you kind of expect ice and ride accordingly wheras oil is a wild card, especially when wet, I tend to try not to generate to much in the way of cornering forces when its wet and try and make the corner longer to maintain speed to avoid that horrible moment when your realise the front (or both) wheels are getting away from you.

 

[redjedi]

Thanks all.

It did look quite fresh and wasn't very big (but enough to cover the cycle path). I wasn't actually using the CP but cut across it when turning.

I have emailed Hounslow council about it, so I'll see if I get a response.

I'm most annoyed about the damage to the Campag levers. I bit of touch up paint should cover it, although it won't look quite the same, and I'll need to smooth it down a bit first.
I can probably get away with just replacing the one side of bar tape, as long as I can find the same sort.

My thigh and finger are killing me at the moment, not helped by sitting down and typing all day. I've taken some Solpadeine so just waiting for it to kick in.

Now I need to decide, do I take a taxi home or just pootle along on my bike.

 

[MacB]

glad you're not too badly hurt Red, pootle home on the bike you'll be able to see if anything else is out of sorts with it.

 

[redjedi]

I see what you are saying, similar deal but I would say oil is worse, if it is cold enough you kind of expect ice and ride accordingly wheras oil is a wild card, especially when wet, I tend to try not to generate to much in the way of cornering forces when its wet and try and make the corner longer to maintain speed to avoid that horrible moment when your realise the front (or both) wheels are getting away from you.

The roads were bone dry this morning, and the spill didn't have the tell tale rainbow effect you get when it's wet. I really only noticed it as I was going over the top of it and thought "that looks like oil" and at the same time finding myself on the floor.

I've taken that corner much faster in the past, and I don't even think I was at much of an angle (unlike last night when I found a really nice corner in Southall that I was able to take at great speed and nearly rubbed my knee along the tarmac . I was looking forward to doing it again tonight )

 

[redjedi]

glad you're not too badly hurt Red, pootle home on the bike you'll be able to see if anything else is out of sorts with it.

Thanks MacB

I always have a problem going slow when I'm on my own, but perhaps my thigh/hip screaming at me will help.