Today I joined THAT club
Discussion
I partly joined the club a few weeks back.
Was just down the road from my house, bit tired after a ride.
Pulled up at some lights, and managed to stay clipped in and hold a railing at side of road. Lights changed. Went to set off, and realised I'd forgotten to change gear before stopping. Weary legs couldn't push the big cog to set off and I promptly fell into the railng and the planter attached to it. Took about 10 seconds to get off the railing and get away. Had a queue of cars alongside me too. Didn't dare look at their reaction.
Was just down the road from my house, bit tired after a ride.
Pulled up at some lights, and managed to stay clipped in and hold a railing at side of road. Lights changed. Went to set off, and realised I'd forgotten to change gear before stopping. Weary legs couldn't push the big cog to set off and I promptly fell into the railng and the planter attached to it. Took about 10 seconds to get off the railing and get away. Had a queue of cars alongside me too. Didn't dare look at their reaction.
It's amazing how much stuff you can ponder whilst falling to the ground!
I've done over twice, once in front of traffic (very scary) and once out of sight. Had a few close calls where I've managed to grab a railing just before going over; giving the car behind a big toothy smile was good fun, as it's usually returned plus a 'that was close' look on their face.
Thing is, though, I was amazed at how little it actually hurt hitting the ground? it's not a huge distance to travel, but even so, it hurts loads less than you'd expect.
I've done over twice, once in front of traffic (very scary) and once out of sight. Had a few close calls where I've managed to grab a railing just before going over; giving the car behind a big toothy smile was good fun, as it's usually returned plus a 'that was close' look on their face.
Thing is, though, I was amazed at how little it actually hurt hitting the ground? it's not a huge distance to travel, but even so, it hurts loads less than you'd expect.
Ordered some SM-SH56 cleats for my trail bike today will see how they go. If they are somewhere between flats and SH51 they will be fine. Proper locked in cleats make you a crap skills rider but it is nice to have a bit of spd efficiency. I'd ride flats all the time if I was fit enough, only takes maybe 2 months of spd use and a return to flats and the rear wheels left hanging all over the place. Spds make you very sloppy.
THX said:
It's amazing how much stuff you can ponder whilst falling to the ground!
I've done over twice, once in front of traffic (very scary) and once out of sight. Had a few close calls where I've managed to grab a railing just before going over; giving the car behind a big toothy smile was good fun, as it's usually returned plus a 'that was close' look on their face.
Thing is, though, I was amazed at how little it actually hurt hitting the ground? it's not a huge distance to travel, but even so, it hurts loads less than you'd expect.
Certainly that is the case if you can fall correctly...I've done over twice, once in front of traffic (very scary) and once out of sight. Had a few close calls where I've managed to grab a railing just before going over; giving the car behind a big toothy smile was good fun, as it's usually returned plus a 'that was close' look on their face.
Thing is, though, I was amazed at how little it actually hurt hitting the ground? it's not a huge distance to travel, but even so, it hurts loads less than you'd expect.
However, I've known a few people to shatter collarbones and wrists by trying to break the fall with and outstretched hand and landing with the elbow locked, putting all the force up into the shoulder or over-rotating the wrist. Not a fun recovery in either case, but all of the breaks were using SPD-SLs
I renewed my membership last week on the daily commute in the most lazy of fashions. Waiting at a set of lights at the bottom of Wood Green high road I was leaning on the side of a bus right on the back corner (in my defence it was a bit chilly that morning and the back of buses are always a bit warmer). Anyway bus moved off faster than expected leaving me to topple gracefully to the floor.
I'm 48 and obviously don't bounce as well as I used to the bruise on my shin is something to behold, If I wasn't being watched by a collection of Polish builders I probably would have cried!
I'm 48 and obviously don't bounce as well as I used to the bruise on my shin is something to behold, If I wasn't being watched by a collection of Polish builders I probably would have cried!
My wife is now a member.
We were cycling around Windsor Great Park and it was her first time riding clipless. We slowed down to stop and look down the length of the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle in the distance... and you can probably guess what happened next. The flailing arm, the "wowoooaaah" on the way down, legs still clipped in on the ground, me finding the situation more amusing than she did, etc.
And there was of course a large audience of tourists also looking in the same direction.
We were cycling around Windsor Great Park and it was her first time riding clipless. We slowed down to stop and look down the length of the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle in the distance... and you can probably guess what happened next. The flailing arm, the "wowoooaaah" on the way down, legs still clipped in on the ground, me finding the situation more amusing than she did, etc.
And there was of course a large audience of tourists also looking in the same direction.
Newish member here. Only been road riding 6 months and only a couple of times a month (mostly out on MTB with normal pedals). Was out on my longest ride yet @ 36 miles and cycling by a river on a cycle path. Was catching up with a jogger as they approached a small side road and they went straight across without using the edge strain light crossing. Area was new to me and I was right behind her so went to follow. Saw a car coming out the corner of my eye and thought it as turning my way so slammed on the brakes halfway across the road. At that point, I joined the club. Quite a deep graze on my knee with blood and sore elbow. It was exactly halfway round the 36 mile route, so had to get back on and ride through it. Guy in the car actually looked concerned, but I couldn't get back up quick enough and wave like I was all OK as I hobbled back out of the road. Now I always unlclip as I approach any type of junction just in case!
Last weekend I put them on my MTB and did my usual 12 mile route. Found pedalling easier, but also found on very step hills, the second you stop peddling to unlclip, you've already stopped and with some steep slopes right by the side of the track, I'm worried I might fall over the edge!
Last weekend I put them on my MTB and did my usual 12 mile route. Found pedalling easier, but also found on very step hills, the second you stop peddling to unlclip, you've already stopped and with some steep slopes right by the side of the track, I'm worried I might fall over the edge!
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