Just to re-state what I said in the welcome forum.......I (re)started cycling about 6 weeks ago at the ripe age of 56 (some might say what an idiot!!! ... some would agree). By way of history I had a heart attack 6 years ago, followed by pneumonia a year later. Despite those two incidents I carried on smoking. Almost exactly a year ago (and unashamedly prompted by the Olympics) I decided that enough was enough and decided to give up smoking and with the saved proceeds invest in a road bike.
To cut a long story short I took delivery of my bike about 2 months ago and have really enjoyed myself. I mean I have not been setting the world alight but have been thoroughly enjoying myself and slowly building up to 20+ miles or so.
I had my obligatory "clipless moment" quite early on .... no damage except to pride done. And I thought "well at least that is done now I can forget about that". HOW WRONG I WAS!!!!!
On Saturday I decided that I would drive down Eastbourne way and ride the Cuckoo Trail (a converted old railway line for those who don't know) . I planned to ride up and down the whole route twice for my first 50 miler. I got to mile 20 and felt great (the cycling was easy, very flat, the weather was great, the road surface was brilliant and the few people on the trail (walkers, riders and cyclists) were extremely friendly and courteous; I really could not have been happier.....until....
At mile 20 I approached a group of 4 people with 3 dogs (not on leads) and these dogs were walking towards me...I was slowing down. The first two dogs moved passed me while the third carried on into my path. My brain had shutdown I was fully expecting the dog to move. He didn't (move). I stopped and came down in a mighty crash. The people helped me up and asked if I was OK.. I said I was fine. They then said that it was really no suppose as the dog was deaf and blind!!!!
I was in agony and I knew I was in trouble. Adrenaline got me back the 6 miles to my car and the 60/70 mile drive home. To cut a long story short I now have a broken leg (Tibia) and unknown ligament damage. So out for 6 weeks minimum.
I must train my brain....this was easily avoidable!!!!
To cut a long story short I took delivery of my bike about 2 months ago and have really enjoyed myself. I mean I have not been setting the world alight but have been thoroughly enjoying myself and slowly building up to 20+ miles or so.
I had my obligatory "clipless moment" quite early on .... no damage except to pride done. And I thought "well at least that is done now I can forget about that". HOW WRONG I WAS!!!!!
On Saturday I decided that I would drive down Eastbourne way and ride the Cuckoo Trail (a converted old railway line for those who don't know) . I planned to ride up and down the whole route twice for my first 50 miler. I got to mile 20 and felt great (the cycling was easy, very flat, the weather was great, the road surface was brilliant and the few people on the trail (walkers, riders and cyclists) were extremely friendly and courteous; I really could not have been happier.....until....
At mile 20 I approached a group of 4 people with 3 dogs (not on leads) and these dogs were walking towards me...I was slowing down. The first two dogs moved passed me while the third carried on into my path. My brain had shutdown I was fully expecting the dog to move. He didn't (move). I stopped and came down in a mighty crash. The people helped me up and asked if I was OK.. I said I was fine. They then said that it was really no suppose as the dog was deaf and blind!!!!
I was in agony and I knew I was in trouble. Adrenaline got me back the 6 miles to my car and the 60/70 mile drive home. To cut a long story short I now have a broken leg (Tibia) and unknown ligament damage. So out for 6 weeks minimum.
I must train my brain....this was easily avoidable!!!!
Hope you're not in too much pain that sounded nasty, funny too but still nasty.
GWS!
