First altercation with a pothole

[valleyold boy]

Last week I had a really nice trip from home in Pontllanfraith to pick up the Taff trail at Quakers Yard and up to Pontsticle reservoir,a nice 44 mile round trip on a beautiful day.Despite a p-----e on the way up it was still very enjoyable.Coming back just south of Merthyr(14 miles from home)my first encounter with a pothole happened.Travelling along at a comfortable 15mph one second,and launched over the handlebars the next,wwhat a shock to the system.I made it home but now I have bruises in places I didnt Know I had places.It has taught me two things,keep my mind on the business of cycling and (i know this will be controversial)thank goodness for my cycle helmet.Good thing was my bike was in one piece so I could limp home.

 

[Banjo]

Glad you didnt come to much harm.Im planning on taking the train up to Merthyr T ydfil sometime soon then back down the Taff Trail to Cardiff on the bike.I will keep an eye out for your pothole :-) No argument from me about helmets,I would hate to see them become compulsory but nearly allways wear one.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I know that route very well. I'm glad you were not too badly hurt.

Don't let it put you off cycling that route; as you know it is very beautiful most of the time. As for helmets I always wear one, even for very short jaunts; I feel naked without one.

 

[Mike Rudkin]

Tough luck Valley' -I will keep my eyes skinned on Taff Trail in future.Not got up that far-yet,but it's on the cards.
I heartily agree about the crash helmets.

 

[asterix]

These days you can't take good roads for granted; it's vital to watch the road surface ahead.. Especially a problem when riding in a group.

 

[beanzontoast]

Bad luck. I hit a sunken drain cover once and did the same aerobatics as you. Ruined my bike jacket and put a hole in my knee which still bears the scar.

Haven't hit one since, mind!

 

[swee'pea99]

Bad luck. I hit a sunken drain cover once and did the same aerobatics as you. Ruined my bike jacket and put a hole in my knee which still bears the scar.

Haven't hit one since, mind!

Yup - it's amazing how a little flying lesson makes you change your ways for good. Mind you, if you ride in London a lot, you *always* look at the road ahead - some of the surfaces have to be seen to be believed.

 

[valleyold boy]

Thanks for the sympathetic replies,it certainly hasnt put me off,I,ll be back onthe bike as soon as my knee heals.
Banjo,if your taking the train up to Merthyr you should take the route up to Pontsticle reservoir,north of Cefn Coed Y Cymmer,Its alovely path and terrific scenery,approx 7 miles each way added to your trip back to Cardiff.
Angelfishsolo,followed your route up the Dare valley as far as Mountain Ash,aim to get to Hirwaun when the scars heal.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Hope you heel up soon. I'm sporting a few scrapes and bruises myself but they are from a MTB 'adventure' lol. Am doing Aberdare to Cwmcalden and back tomorrow with a group training for http://www.cycle4sanity.co.uk/

Angelfishsolo,followed your route up the Dare valley as far as Mountain Ash,aim to get to Hirwaun when the scars heal.

 

[summerdays]

Glad to hear you are OK... I hit a series of smallish potholes the other day and almost came off. Went back to photograph it today.

Photo taken at 12:13 quick pootle around the Downs, and at 12:28 on my way back noticed this:

The thought police were obviously watching. Still bumpy but the worst offenders were filled.

Might be worth reporting your pothole and mentioning that you came off the bike because of it.

 

[fossyant]

You can't take your eyes off the road - some are shocking.