Bike Confidence

Hi all,

I came off my bike in quite a severe fashion on a flat cycle path and went over the handlebars, breaking my wrist and collarbone in the process.

I'm having an op to place a metal rod in my shoulder to help the collarbone grow back straight, so I will probably be out of the saddle until at least the new year.

Particularly when it has been due to technical faults, how have people gained their confidence back when they were fit enough to ride again?

I'm worried this might really knock me

Do you know what caused the accident?

If it was a mechanical issue then I'd possibly look at doing some maintenance courses so you can feel confident that your bike is always in a good, safe condition before you ride it.

For general bike handling type stuff I'd look at doing some MTB'ing and/or CX- hurts less when you fall off, fewer cars waiting to hit you and you'll learn a hell of a lot quickly.

About a year ago I had a front wheel issue that saw me go soaring over my handlebars and faceplant the road, Didn't do quite as much damage to myself as you, just lost three of my front teeth (which I've since had some implants put in so I don't look like an ass -so much-) and a nice smothering of cuts and bruises. I never lost my confidence... Why would you? Get back on the horse as it were. If it was caused by a 'technical' issue, surely there was some element of user error involved, not entirely a problem with the manufacturing or assembly? Get a claim in in you can prove me wrong..
I never didn't ride after my spill, but I'm always sure to perform a small safety check of my bike now before I ride. I know you always should but using it as a run around its tempting to just jump on and off the bike and get complacent.

I can only wish that you heal like wolverine and jump back in the saddle as soon as you can. Accidents happen.. that's life. Cant live in a bubble and miss out on things because it went badly one time. Just keep your bike well maintained, give it a once over before going out on it, and if you are having trust issues just start small, don't go straight off on a large technical ride, just pop to the shops or something, start slow and build up. You'll soon be thrashing about again. Wounds heal, Bikes mend.

Kind of similar thoughts to TwentyThree^ really. I came off about a year ago, going too fast, slipping on a tight corner - dislocated my shoulder, impacted my hip, lots of cuts down the side etc etc. It was wet when I fell, and I had cheap 23c tyres and a cheap starter wheelset which I felt was part of the issue, so I bought some decent 28c tyres and wheels from varno when I could afford to. Had a few weeks off the bike, and just took it a bit easier for a while - couldn't turn left as quickly/didn't have the confidence to - but I went back to the same corner to rid the demons, which worked wonders. Safe to say being off the bike was much worse than being on it again!

I've done the same thing twice this year. It sucks. Heal up soon (and do your physio)!

The first time, I was hit from the rear by a Land Rover. To be honest, I still kind of shit my kecks about it while riding - I used to think "well, I'm in primary, so that car is going to keep behind me like it should" but now I'm like, what's stopping anyone? Other people are terrifyingly unpredictable. That goes for everything.

I've made some changes in the way I ride (doubled up on lights, never riding with headphones in again, a lot more over-the-shoulder glances) and these have helped my head somewhat. Plus, if I think about my hours-riding-in-London-to-injuries-sustained ratio... I'm still doing OK, just about.

Peace