Recovering From A Road Bike Crash | How To Regain Confidence After An Accident

[@gcn]

Have you had to recover from a crash recently? Let us know how you found it 👇

[@annabelholland]

I never crashed even after 2 years of cycling but I did had lots of close calls in my life

[@adrikbaron8542]

I almost got hit by a semi today

[@BluGiant14]

Recovering now from a crash that caused major shoulder damage. Have been imagining going downhill and the fear I’ll likely endure. Hope to be back by summertime after extensive PT

[@robertofner5093]

i once crashed on a rainy day because of a splint which crossed the road. from one moment to another i was laying on the ground (unfortunately near a quarry with lot of small stones on the road, ouch) Luckely without any bigger injuries, but at home i couldn´t even walk. Since this day i have huge respect from a splint

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

I've realized--thanks to watching this--that I've been staying inside not because of cold, but because I'm still nervous after being hit by a car. Thanks.

[@jamescarter7134]

I had my first crash yesterday since taking up road cycling a year ago. Coming down a hill and took a sharp bend too fast. Road was damp from a light shower of rain and the wheels just slipped and I splattered onto the road. A motorist stopped to help me as I was cycling solo. Then a group of cyclists came along, one being a doctor. They checked me and my bike over and I can’t thank them enough for making sure was ok before continuing on. Luckily nothing was broken but will be a little while until I can ride again as I have hurt my hip and shoulder. Will definitely be taking it easy and have more respect for bends moving forward.

[@martinandersson5833]

This is what I’ve learnt from all my chrashes and close calls 1) Force yourself to stay alert even when you are dead tired, scan the road, traffic and so on. Don’t let that head drop 2) No matter how careful and alert you are many accidents happen with no fault of your own. Leave some margin and try to think ahead. 3) You are most likely not out there competing for the world championship or the gc of a big race. Relax and live to fight another day👍

[@transes81]

wish i received this advice before my accident. 1) was main reason i ended up with a broken jaw! (t-boned into side of a car that blocked my lane)

[@petewillmot]

I had a mad crash about two years ago coming off Streatley Hill (avg 16%) at 47mph. It took me 3 months to recover and have been quite fearful of descents since. It’s taken me a good 2 years to grow in confidence again and huge thanks to GCN for their tutorial videos. I’ve found them enormously helpful regaining confidence and relearning how to ride well and fast still. And not only that they’ve inspired me to double my annual mileage again this year!! Thank you guys!

[@elkellenhabla]

Wow. Did you break anything? Road rash all over?

[@petewillmot]

@@elkellenhabla thank you for asking 😊 . Fortunately didn’t break anything. I took out a big chunk below my knee and had road rash on my right side (the side I slid down on). I got a puncture so knew I had around 20-30mins of adrenaline in my body so used that to work quickly, get myself home before my body went into shock. I later went to A&E that evening to get my wounds cleared out and then rested for about a week.

[@marcelosuetam]

I misjudged a corner while descending a mountain close to home and, for the good, I crashed right before a steep fall. That’s happened in early 2016. Since then I’m have been more respectful to the road and my limits also. Thankfully, last April (2020) I could treat myself with a brand new gravel bike and now, almost 8.000km later, never felt more alive and healthy.

[@russstarke6004]

Production Meeting: I've got an idea. Let's get Hank to do a video on treating road rash. But that means ... Yes, yes it does.

[@sallyparkes3659]

Knocked off by a pickup that didn’t see me. Went over it and smacked my head. Shoulder and leg problems - but back on my mtb down a v quiet lane within 10days and proper riding within a month. I decided why should someone not seeing me result in my not riding my (new- old one was a write off) bike when I love riding so much! Still feel a bit wary around black pick ups and at junctions! 😊

[@danielgiesbrecht9701]

I had a crash a few months ago - broke my collarbone and needed a helicopter evac. This video really helped me feel like it's normal to be nervous about going back out, so thank you 😊

[@tomsutton101]

I got knocked off by an ice cream van (of all things) in September. Fella just pulled out from a sore road without looking and hit me side on! Luckily I managed to avoid going into ongoing traffic. Wrote off my bike, I spent the arvo in A&E and took some mental strength to get back on the roads again. Can’t stress enough how important time off and easing back in is! Be safe out there everyone 💪

[@jolyonlawson1758]

I watched this last night and came off this morning, first time since my teens (I'm 59). I feel very lucky, the video reminded me to adjust my helmet strap which had needed doing for weeks. I went down on black ice, low speed and a straight bit of road, no one else around. When I was on the ground I remembered the advice to do things slowly. I knocked my head and bruised my hip but not too badly. I walked for a while and considered if it would be more dangerous to get back on and ride the 5 miles home or get my wife out of bed to pick me up. I rode home. Thanks for the video, it helped me today.

[@caesarianboii8060]

My worst crash is when Im going downhill then suddenly this car overtaken me without any warnings slightly hitting my bike's front.Bruises, blood, broken bike parts etc. Now it haunts me every fckng time

[@mathewjames4137]

I've never been hit by a car. I guess I've been luck so far.

[@lewiscampbell8013]

Broken bike parts! Oh no

[@enigma375]

Did the driver stop to help?

[@superoisin12]

Coming back from a broken wrist in November; did my first spin back on the road last week so easing back in. Really feeling the support and motivation from the video and this comment section community! xo

[@Lewyburrough]

What a timely video! I’m one week post op from a shoulder reconstruction, as I broke my clavicle while riding a few weeks back. I’m still in excruciating pain but I am itching to ride again. Keep up the great videos!

[@derbmed1]

I had a major crash when I was a teenager. It took me 14 years before I was able to get on a bike and I only did small incremental trips before I was able to get confident on a bike again.

[@RJ-wn6cm]

Still in the recovery process right now, it sucks but the drive to get me back to where I once was keeps me going

[@kjetillangauer2816]

All the best to you. Patience is key

[@Vince1648]

Around 20 years ago, I had a head-on collision with a car. The car short-cut a corner and.. boom! It was dark and he claimed that he never saw me. I did have lights on, although minimal but still enough according to the police. I was black and blue, could hardly walk the day after, but no broken bones. Since then I always make sure they see me even if they're half-blind! Around 12 years ago I broke my shoulder due to a crash, and have annoying beep sounds in my right ear ever since. I take it easier on my bikes now.

[@jakobfriesen9561]

Crashing is part of cycling like crying is part of love 😉!

[@ronndaleesporlas6100]

Pretty nervous to take corners faster now in fear of the biking sliding from under me 😥

[@anata5127]

The same. Had close call/“near crash” on a corner and fast (40-42mph) descend on bumpy road. Handlebar started go side-to-side; still cannot understand how I managed to keep balance at such speed. Maybe use of flat pedals on road bike helped. I still don’t use clip-on pedals.

[@Mrcreateto]

Pulled the front brake to hard at 32km/h. 2 days in hospital and lost half of my front teeth.... But I’m fine now. It just takes time. And a good dentist 😅

[@eliezerdekanter8289]

Yes we all watch GCN for the knowledge and the tips, but lets all be honest : Manon is making it a lot more enjoyable :)

[@davidziemelis1593]

@f wam XD

[@lawriebased8166]

Get a grip

[@boyobane1590]

@f wam Oh my lord

[@mic9check]

Never underestimate the value of a good crash. In some instances it means that you will get a new bike and a new leg!

[@TexasNightRider]

The new leg comment made me laugh and choke on the soup I was eating.

[@jeremyemilio9378]

BruHh 😂

[@Avioto]

I feel like this video would be more powerful if it was the GCN hosts talking amongst themselves about their experience with crashing.

[@DanuelNuel]

That's realy good idea. They miss more personal content.

[@HackettFlynn]

Having come off my bike twice in the last year, once ending in hospital for stitches in my elbow, (my fault - tried to bunny-hop some tramlines!) I wonder why we don't see the sort of thin dimpled rubber pads incorported into jerseys and shorts much like those that slip into little pockets on the inside of motorcyle gear. Even thin rubber pads protecting the elbow and hips bones might work as these are usually the first areas to hit the tarmac. For those who might be horrified by the idea of spoiling their sleek aero look, I'm not suggesting anything thicker than a few milimetres.

[@TexasNightRider]

You should invent such attire. I think it's a great idea. I wish something like that on my last crash.

[@AndreLayson]

i just had a crash few days ago and i'm very looking forward for one of these. the worst thing is i was about a mile away from a short ride and my bike just decided to left me on a left sharp curve. i was just gaining confidence from another crash a month ago but yeah. love the content guys!

[@brucewallace3860]

Thanks for this. I had my share of ‘road rash wrecks’ and was usually more embarrassed than injured. However, this past fall I was hit by a car. Still recovering from injuries, I’m just now beginning physical therapy. While I want to jump back on the bike - a part of me no longer wants to face the threat of serious injury (or worse). I appreciate being reminded of how many of us have been there before and that time to ease back into it is my best ally.

[@justinmare3033]

Crashed a few months back, jumped back on the bike immediately duoderm and all. Then I remembered I’m not a pro and have been taking it easy and avoiding the crowded nyc commuting. Much better riding early on the weekends not having to worry about the numpties crowding up the road.

[@anata5127]

Good man!

[@lifeisbeautiful7452]

Watching this with a scraped faced and broken arm after a crash. Feeling great and lucky to be healing well. Can’t wait to (slowly) get back on my wheels. :)

[@Aerynsam13]

Still in the throes of recovery after getting pulled out on at a junction, surgery, screws and months later I'm just beginning to get back to it. Still mostly indoors at the moment, but looking forward to getting back out in the real world properly when the weather gets a bit more stable.

[@ChrisGuarraia]

This is great advice. It’s good to hear from pros as an affirmation that rest, recovery, getting back into it easy, and even taking time off are all part of training.

[@mikefisher9895]

Yes 3 1/2 year's ago I was knocked unconscious a car pulled out on me it took me 10 months to get back on a bike started on a Turbo trainer, off road and walking on the footpath beside traffic to getting my confidence back up I'm ok now.

[@jamesrobert262]

Nice tips manon thank you, I had a nasty fall a month ago, was descending down a wet leafy road at 40mph, tried to slow down to take the bend, massively underestimated it. Front wheel slipped from under me and came crashing down on my right side. I’v a nasty scar on my right leg, but the shoulder took most of the impact, i couldnt move my arm for ages, my dad came to pick me up🤣 all better now though and back riding with a new bike !!😛😱

[@mywildadventures88]

Had an accident 5 months ago. Driver turned into a junction, crossing my path as I was riding at around 20 mph. Had no time to do anything and slammed right into him. Brand new bike written off, fractured pelvis and still haven’t returned to the road. It’s hard for sure, but I will return, just need to find that mental strength, something we can’t underestimate.

[@ChrisPinnockUK]

Yes! Last May I started riding again and I was doing well. By July, I was able to ride 75km comfortably in a fasted state during the week, doing a 100km at the weekends. The last weekend of July, I prepared for a 100km ride. I had a good breakfast, carbed up and headed out. It was very wet out and about. I was coming home on the A13 cycle lane. I crossed at the junction under Ripple Rd flyover. I must have been going 10km max, turned a corner, lost my back wheel and wrapped my arm around a metal fence. It was pretty awful... fortunately another cyclist scraped me up and got me to A&E... Despite it being a very complex and horrid fracture, I've recovered. I've been on Santander bikes but I'm working up the courage to get back on a bike. I'm sure I will. This video was excellent - many thanks.

[@mariposalandcompany1202]

Had a crash two weeks ago on my gravel bike. Ended up in a heap on top of a pile of rocks. I got back on the bike with a sprained ankle and road the 16 mile home in much pain. I plan on going back to that same spot I wrecked on and re-ride it to see exactly what I did wrong.

[@fromoutwest]

That's ironic, I did a similar thing last week. Was going up a 20% grade incline, ran out of gears too fast and didn't unclip in time. Over I went into a pile of rather pointy rocks. My hip took the brunt of the fall (with a bruise to prove it), but ultimately was more upset about causing minor cosmetic damaged to my bike which is only a month old!

[@triathlontim]

Came off around Christmas on a local loop on black ice - was dry when I went out and the first loop was fine; by the second loop, we had freezing rain. I turned into a LH corner and the bike went from under me. Big bang and grazing on my hip. Put the chain back on and rode steadily home (only 5km) but the ungritted back road was like an ice rink - came off again on a right hander; not as bad but had to walk it for a bit as there was just no grip. Saw another cyclist heading whence I'd come and warned him off, we headed the 500m or so back to the main road together, but I made the mistake of touching my brakes and went over again; fortunately didn't take him out! Very glad that there were no cars around. I've been back cycling soon enough but I'm still shaky on corners, esp. as it's still very wet out there and I'm concerned that there's no grip. The daft thing is, that makes me tense up, which I know is worse! Still, I know it'll come back...

[@bobicabayo]

I hit the curb and fell. Dislocated right shoulder and proximate humerus fracture. Surgery, therapy, and 3 months with no cycling. Then back to the bike in december in Colorado. I have recovered 90% of my confidence.

[@annakramer4961]

I was hit by a car while out on a ride in college, and although I managed to walk away with just a broken nose and some serious road rash, mentally it was really hard to get over. A friend got me back out on (a different bike) on a ride once I was physically ready, and we biked back to the site of the crash to look it over and talk through it. I'm still extra wary of cars (in general, but also) coming from the opposite direction when they're turning left across an intersection, though, and though it's been years, still have nightmares about the collision.

[@philiplaing9008]

I’m struggling with confidence on the road at the moment. I crashed last year in a time trial; not a particularly bad one, but my confidence has been seriously shaken. I find riding in crosswinds and downhill terrifying. Hills that I used to sail down, now i gingerly coast my way to the bottom. Clipping out issues haven’t helped either.

[@luftged8891]

My worst crash: I was riding with some friends home from school. One of them took an unexpected turn (did not signal), i hit his back wheel and fell over my bike and lost both my front teeth, broke both arms, got a concussion and broke a couple of bike parts. Please signal when riding in groups

[@deblordoutdoors5783]

😲

[@stevencroat]

Four months ago, while riding in the evening, a rabbit jumped in front of me from a bush, while riding at 30km/h. Damn thing so well timed it, I didnt have time to even react. I went over it crashing , breaking two ribs, bruising my hip, and having a concussion. That Basic decathlon road helmet got five stars, it shattered, dampening the impact. Without it I think I guess I would be learning how to speak, and walk in a rehab centre.

[@jirdesteva]

I won the "Door Prize" a few years back. Just a few bruises and some hurt pride. It took me a while to ride on the road again.

[@robertcaunt8488]

I fell off on black ice. Bike went one way, I went the other. I landed right on the corner of a kerb stone. Contact was just under the rib cage at the back. Hurt like hell. Was off the bike for 20 days. Bought myself a smart trainer to get back on the bike.

[@martinscott1855]

We need to see more of Alex's massive smiley face when he is riding. He loves it!

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

I had a nasty fall last wk , on ice 🧊 on the road covered by leaves 🍁, Bruised and broken but Alive ! My helmet 🪖 saved my brain ! got my tetanus shot and CAT scan , Have to stay inside for 3 wks or more , some concussion take long time to recover … getting hydrated and good protein diet helps , most importantly is rest and sleep .. B bk in 2 months , Stay away from ice !

[@Slsl-sf9su]

Took my elbow socket completely off a couple of years ago. Plate & screws, 50 rounds of p.t., more surgery 4 months later. Eventually got most of the range of movement back, but am on flat bars and an upright position now because the arm won't support my weight for any length of time. And I haven't been back on the mountain bike at all yet. Zwift has been a godsend.

[@cherrielemargarethbinay-an3407]

Thank you for your videos ,, it really helps in coping up,I just crashed badly with a rider , he’s 70 years old, he fainted and I cried because I’m worried about him, The ambulance came Over and assist us ,he got a lot of bruise than me, it’s horrible. We are both good , I’m relieved, I felt good.I want to forget the situation and get back my strength, and I pray for him too.

[@jeffscholl6734]

Ouch! That hurt, knees, ribs, pride but not the head which was only body part protected at the time. Thing was I was turning around and barely moving, old injuries are just as bad second time around. Learned long time ago not good to just blow through a stop sign, after that crash was long time before I could ride again wish I had some gotten some good advice then. Riding now more than ever, have more time now since retiring, thanks for all the great information on everything, has really helped me get back to the joy of a bike ride.

[@giantastic]

Ate some pavement a couple weeks ago when I hit an oil slick on a damp road. Elbow scrapes healed well. After a couple days one of the gashes on my shin became a hematoma the size of a golf ball. Glad I was in bearded Covid mode as my chin was the last to hit. Other than a cranky jaw for a couple days and a wear pattern in my beard, my face survived!

[@elmerrichardson6413]

A few years ago, had a real bad fall. I was doing something with my jersey, while coasting and let the bike come to a complete stop while clipped in. Needless to say I fell and hit the tarmac so hard, and bruised my lower back and tail bone. I was off my bike for 2-3 months. Lesson learned: pay attention to what you're doing while clipped in.

[@rwenger567]

I was getting back into cycling 2 years ago after many years off. I had been riding for about a month when I hit the front brake too hard one day and went over the bars. I fractured both radial heads (where the forearm meets the elbow. One required surgery. Our second daughter was 2 months old and the wife had to take care of both of us. Thankfully she let me back o. the bike after I healed and I have been incident free since. My family still jokes that it was an extreme step to take to avoid changing diapers.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Omg!!! I had a terrible crash and broke my shoulder in 3 places. It’s been 6 months and I have had physical therapy for 5 months with a muscle manipulation and my shoulder and arm still hurt very much. I’m still recovering and I did a 20 miler with my team today. Taking pain meds which slightly help but celery n enzymes help the most. Not giving up the sport I love.

[@chrisdalgado]

Wow I think it’s fitting that GCN made this video a few hours after being hit by a car

[@yorgerV95]

hope youre doing ok, i just got hit by a car a few days ago myself, scary shit...

[@chrisdalgado]

@@yorgerV95 are you alright? I’m fine now it wasn’t a serious crash was able to brace for the impact.

[@danieldls503]

Took a spill today..and rode my bike 2 hours home afterwards..ready to recover though..Thanks for the video..my hand and arms got wild road rash...hit a pothole and dodged a car...

[@davechaplin912]

December 31 2018, Ice caused a fall breaking three ribs and puncturing a lung. Recovered began riding and in August fell again, same side, broke scapula, clavicle and some more ribs. Indoor trainer and Zwift brought me back. In July the next year gravel riding, fell and broke the same clavicle and ribs. I had the same ER doc who was talking about the definition of insanity. My Kickr and Zwift were the answer. Knock on wood, I’ve made it a year.

[@BluGiant14]

Just got this video shared from my brother. Recovering from major shoulder surgery after shattering my socket during a downhill fall which was easily avoidable. About to purchase a Trek SL5 so I’ll be back by summertime. Thx for this!!!

[@Brevet217]

Hit a patch of black ice at speed in early December, broke my left clavicle into five pieces and fractured my pelvis. Oddly, the worst part was having my somewhat pricey winter kit cut off by the paramedics! Ended up having surgery right before Christmas. Back on the bike, but a little hesitant about riding curves still. Been pretty cold, but I've managed to complete 500km this month. Time will tell...

[@jrobbins135]

My wife had a crash the day after you posted this :( Wish I didn't need the video but thanks for the good advice all the same!

[@aidanlane-250]

i crashed hard when riding my bike with my friends because I went over the handle bars going down hill. I had to stay off the bike for a long time before going out again so I watched GCN to guide me through cycling. My other crash was when I jumped over a curb, I fell off my bike and hurt my knee cap and my shoulder.

[@chrisgill8023]

Reading all these comments will make me ride with that extra bit of care and alertness, I don’t want to have any accidents

[@paulinblack9036]

Hit a pothole 13 months ago. Dislocated and broke my neck. Lucky to be alive and able to walk. Long road back. Indoors mostly now until weather improves. Can't afford to risk another crash.

[@apm9507]

Thank you for this video! I am recovering from sliding out on an icy curve on my fat tire bike during my evening bike commute. I did an involuntary and unexpected snow angel to avoid a car that likely wasn't a hazard. There are three crosses on that curve. There have been multiple car deaths on that curve, so an embarrassing unpleasant snow angel and wretching my back and right knee was a better result than death. The next morning it was only ankle deep in snow, so I pedaled my velomobile to work. With some Tiger Balm on my right knee and some aspirin, I was pedaling again even though I could barely walk that morning. The cold air also helped ice my knee I think. I could have driven my truck but I think that the knee injury could have impacted how I use the gas pedal. It didn't seriously impact my velomobile cycling though. When I was in the US Army, a fellow Soldier and near professional cyclist friend of my had a horrific crash. There therapist told him no running, walking, rowing, push ups or pullups. But cycling was OK! Sort of a hair of the dog solution but it worked for him in 2003 and it worked for me in 2021!

[@alexparsons-moore9068]

Had a few crashes, the worst was a car hitting the back of my bike at 60mph. Took off the front bumper, lights and nearside front wing with my legs. Broke my back on the windscreen and smashed my teeth in. Spent 5 minutes unconscious and woke to find two police officers either side of me. Worst thing - ripped my shorts and landed on stinging nettles where the sun doesn't shine. 3 months off work as a result. However, left me hugely worried about cars driving behind me and took time to develop confidence. Take your time and don't worry if you lose your cycling mojo. It'll come back, but perhaps in another area, such as gravel riding where you may feel safer.

[@anata5127]

Did you sue that car driver’s a** off? Did you have backlight or better radar on your bike?

[@alexparsons-moore9068]

@@anata5127 Sued him - this happened a few years ago and in broad daylight. Worst thing was that he went into shock and had t otravel in the same ambulance as me, wailing all the way!

[@anata5127]

@@alexparsons-moore9068 Driver lost his focus. Unfortunately, this happens. I have been in such situation twice; just escaped hitting bikers. In both cases, I really did not see them. Since these cases, I ride in bright reflective dress, and installed radar. Last is a game changer. I look forward to new generation of radars that will show distance to car and whether they are on collision course with biker.

[@ZOB4]

Broke a rib in a crash. Staying inside on the trainer helped to keep me comfortable on the bike while the rib healed and that made a big difference in keeping me confident when I got back on the bike outside.

[@bravotur8755]

Broke a couple of ribs, this summer on my mountain bike. Very painful and took a long time to heal..

[@Raglandguy]

My worst crash was when I first started using clip-less pedals. I walked my bike 2 blocks away from my local REI where I found a nice spot with a guard rail that I could hang onto. With the guard rail on my left hand side I clipped my right foot in with my hands on the handlebars. It was at this point that I slowly started tilting to the right. By the time I realized it the guard rail was out of reach and my right foot was still clipped in. Took the fall and got a 3 inch gash in my leg from the chain-ring. Limped back to my local REI where my co-workers helped to patch me up.

[@GianCRO9597]

This is very timely, I crashed yesterday due to clipless pedals 😅

[@amolpakhare5548]

You don't have any idea that how much I appreciate This video. Thanks 🙌🏾 Nice to see you ride on your canyon, Ollie.

[@nicknygaard4122]

Just scrubbed my road rash...seems like a good thing to watch right now.

[@TheWhtshprd]

A buddy of mine and I were going for the finish line stop sign at the end of the regular training loop. He cut in front of me sweeping my front tire. I went down breaking my right collarbone and road rash on my head (no helmet... idiot move) . We knocked on the door of a ranch home and was driven to the hospital. Recovery took a couple of months. I was off the bike a while because of pain while healing and not so much due to lack of confidence. This was about 25 years ago when I thought I was indestructible. Nowadays, I see how it could e easier on a trainer, especially using an online platform like Zwift. Cheers.

I also do parkour, and it involves a LOT of falling, and sometimes injuries too. This sport can be scary in itself, but after a crash and possibly a long injury, it's really terrifying to jump again. There are two thing i would recommend to anyone. First, this one seems a bit obvious: always listen to your body. It knows things better than you, so if something feels bad, it is. Pain, fear, discomfort, all of them are there for a reason. Pay attention to them and don't be a hero. You'll get better quicker if you don't rush it. And the second, which helped me a lot: make sure you know exactly what you're afraid of when you get back on. Don't just "ahh, i don't even think about it". I rolled my ankle, and terrified of rolling it again. Sure, it can happen again but as long as i put effort into actively making sure that i'm careful, i can slowly gain back the confidence and the necessary skills. Oh, and one thing that's more like for prevention: face those fears. If you're afraid of going downhill fast, or in traffic, etc., find out why is it scary, what can happen, clearly know how bad it could be. Sounds silly, but imagine the bad things. From that, you can build up your way of avoiding those things. If you don't know what can happen, how else will you avoid them? Take care out there! :)

[@MetalQueen24]

Had a crash just this week. Hit a patch of black ice @ 30kp/h on my morning commute. Got back up after regaining my self and checking that no bone's were broken. Bike was ok, just the left shifter was a bit out of position. Jumped back on and completed my last 28km of my way to work. Result a few gut on the left knee and hip, bruised ribs. 2 day's off work after found to the doctor's office. Monday I will be back on the bike 😁

[@theiansm]

About a week from getting my gravel bike, which was my first ever drop-bar bike, I hit my face straight to a tree going downhill (my wheel slipped off the road) ....what's worse was I didn't have any helmet yet (it was just an impulse buy when I bought the gravel bike). I had 3 stitches above my left eyebrow, eye shut blackeye for a couple of weeks, had crazy back pain, and my a few scraps on my left knuckles. The scary part of it was that I couldn't move the muscle under my left eyebrow after my wounds healed (I could move them now.)

[@JimmyLazers]

Broke and lacerated my elbow before Xmas needing surgery and time off the bike. Your video helped me work out why I came off and this one is also timely, thanks gcn. I'm doing some light zwifting as my arm gets a bit stronger.

[@rvpuk]

Had my first ride on my new road bike after recently getting back into cycling on my old MTB, took my hand off to signal at reasonable speed and the much more responsive steering put me into a death wobble, with subsequent splat! Biggest injury was to my ego, with a little road rash and a few scuffs to my levers/seat! Finished the ride a little less sure of myself but no less keen to get back out there, although I might wait for the high winds to die down first though!

[@pauldevereux9501]

Still no walking 3 months after crushing hip. Chopper ride was nice with the pain drugs😁

[@willmo1725]

Wooden bridge surfaces are very slick. Lost front wheel and gravity took over. Just missed grtting run over by my friend. The wood wet bridge was like ice. Be safe

[@neilmdon]

Speed wobble on a rented (Spec. Roubaix) bike in a sportive in Colorado (years ago now). Knocked out, ambulance ride, whole bit (first encounter with speed wobble - I had no idea what was going on). Quite proud that I held onto the bike, and it had only a little scuffing on the levers, though I have zero memory of the 1s before and maybe 1 min after impact. I high-sided and stuck the landing on my left side - every contact point from ankle to head, and aside from the concussion, which thankfully turned out to be not all that bad, I wound of with an awful hematoma on my hip - compartment syndrome like, took more than a month to subside and start stationary cycling. Fear of descending and wobs took years - I think I am mostly over it and I really enjoy descents that I know; still cautious when I don’t, and still working on descending in crosswinds.

[@boyobane1590]

I crashed a couple of years ago and got road rash all up one side. Didn't have the luxury of letting it knock my confidence though because I had to put my bike back into working order and ride it home. I have a feeling that if I had totaled the bike, or was injured badly enough to need to call for help, then I might not have been able to go back to riding for a while, but as things happened I was back out a couple of days later after trueing my wheels and putting new grip and pedal on the road-impacting side of the bike.

[@cakel9]

crashed into a ditch and broke a vertebrae this october, had to wear a neck and back brace for 12 weeks but i have now started riding on my trainer again and i'm ready to hit the road as soon as the snow is gone :)

[@Kaiserfa]

Got hit by a car in a roundabout. Only minor injuries, but the bike was broken. The guy that hit me was really nice, drove me and the bike home. Bought a new bike, and that got me really hooked, I spend a lot more time on the bike than before! It took a while until I could take roundabouts with confidence again, though.

[@fluffydragon3333]

Just crashed today when I was trying to swurve off and on a sidewalk to avoid something and on my way back to the sidewalk my tire skidded on the edge and I landed on the end of my handlebars, I’ve been in pain all day so now I’m watching these videos lol, I bent my bikes wheel too

[@Pesmog]

My cousin; 150,000 mile cycling career over 50 years and never had a fall. Me; two falls a year and a big one every 2-3 years. Am back on the bike this week after a 5 mph crash where I had concussion, 10 stiches in my arm & knee, a chipped elbow, a broken collar bone (that needed surgery to add a plate) and a 26 inch long bruise down my right side. I had two nights in hospital and my brand new wavecell helmet was scrap. Oh well, onwards to the next tumble...........

[@adamshutt1566]

I crashed around 3/4 years ago after being hit by a car, bike wrote off, dislocated shoulder and concussion. I’ve never been the same again especially now with COVID I have had the confidence to get back in the road

[@akowal8882]

I have fractured my left femur bone 4 months ago. I am back on my bike already. I was bit anxious during first outside ride but once you on the bike everything is good again.

[@elmark.472]

Crashed on my gravel bike in August. Fractured patella, surgery, 8 weeks off the bike. I then started indoor training, only turning pedals with 50 watts. In the beginning I couldn't ride in standing position only seated. Week after week put on more watts, finally did FTP Test as basal information. Then started riding outside again. Very carefully in the beginning. After some rides I passed the position where I cashed in August for the first time again. It felt strange. I passed respectfully. Meanwhile (after 5 months) back to normal on the road (did Festive500 etc) but still riding very respectfully on muddy gravel roads. Hope that will get better with time.

[@lynnebarkas6906]

2019 South of France following a fall 3 broken ribs and a fractured scapula. Really knocked the wind out of my sails. It has taken quite a while to gain confidence back. Suppose being 68 at the time doesn’t help. Slight damage to bike but helmet split, replaced.

[@raybarber9526]

When cleaning a graze, use an antiseptic wipe and start at the centre and brush outwards. That will clean away any dirt and grit.

[@nialball9023]

Black ice is a hoot! There's no saving that one! Managed to scuff up my brand new STI shifters!

[@sln9360]

While riding on a bike path, coming around a blind corner someone was riding in the wrong lane and straight into oncoming traffic, me. Went down hard on my elbow, so hard that it shot my shoulder joint right through my rotator cuff, requiring surgery to repair it, still recovering.

[@jakem6720]

My worst ever crash was just six days after I turned 14. I was crossing a four-lane road where three cars stopped, and it was empty, and then a fourth car came barreling in the inside lane at over 45 mph. Bike was cracked in three different places, seatstays were ripped 100 feet into a pond nearby, and the bottom bracket was toast. Over two years later, I am not allowed to ride on any roads that don't have a sidewalk, and only bike paths. Which makes long rides impossible as I have overcome my fear of riding on roads again.

[@maddie1818]

I am a beginner cyclist, and today was my first sort of “serious fall”. So stupidly I still haven’t gotten myself a helmet, and just an hour ago I got spooked by a car. Tried to ride up the side walk, I just realized in the last moment. The curb was too high up, my tires as thin, and I was at an awkward angle. Surprise surprise, I crashed sideways. Half of my face is all scared, the area around my brow is is aching with pain ( I honestly thought that I may have gotten a concussion), my upper lip is busted, my shoulder’s skin just got peeled off, my armpit got a few scratches, and so have my palms and knee. I am ok, to say the least. I am more concerned about my bike. I have to replace my handlebars due to the damage, it’s unfortunate that I cannot ride for the time being. I was really looking forward to it, at least I learned a lesson. Alloy, helmet, gloves, confidence.

[@prestachuck2867]

I haven’t (knock on wood) crashed since 2002. That was in a criterium pile up. Damaged a rib, and it was pretty uncomfortable but since I was breathing fine, never went to a doctor. I just took time off the bike.

[@danblackwell1997]

Hit ice, broke shoulder (scapula) 2 months back and seriously injured groin. surprised how long the recovery is!

[@chrisj5443]

I crashed and fractured my left elbow 4 months ago (bike was OK, go figure...) Living in the northern US, it was nearing the end of my outdoor riding season anyway. Soon after, I got a trainer due to COVID shutdown of gyms, and have been riding on that since. I'll be ready (and itching) to be back on the road once weather and road conditions are acceptable.

[@Kat_Lisek]

The worst thing that happened to me wasn't even my own crash. I was on a race and the finish was after steep descent, everybody was going fast, and the guy that passed me like 10-15 second ago crashed on finnish lane - there was time measurement line and his wheel slipped, his head hit the curb and even helmet didn't help. He didn't make it. After that I have extreme fear not of racing per se but mostly of riding through those time measurement lines.

[@byejason]

Broke my coxis. Still hurts 12 months later when sitting down for extended periods of time. The nice doctor informs me it will probably hurt for the rest of my life. Thankfully I can't feel it when riding my bike as I am leaning forward.

[@jameswoods4656]

Luckily When I crashed and broke my hand It was in December and I was layered up so at least I didn't suffer any scrapes. My new down jacket got thoroughly shredded though.

[@amarmangaonkar7682]

I had crash but was on mtb fell of the cliff about 15 feet deep bushes damped my fall although most were throny but hey better than nothing. Broke both hands, still rides my road bike as well as mtb. Crashes are part of the game. Also DIAMOND HANDS. HOLD THE LINE.

[@nathanielbohrer8736]

Went out on RAGBRAI last summer and the first day I crashed twice as well as my friend and almost everyone on the ride. It was super rough, my friend actually lost some teeth and was taken my ambulance to the hospital immediately. My brother hit me on my last crash and went over the handlebars and off the path. My friend got back on the bike eventually and is back to normal now, but my brother hasn't ridden the same or nearly at all since it happened in July.

[@robertthies9946]

They cancelled RAGBRAI last summer!

[@nathanielbohrer8736]

@@robertthies9946 there was a virtual event that happened at the same time. We rode the same milage as ragbrai but from home. It was rather nice really, sleeping in a bed, showering in a permanent shower, going home after a ride. Not the same but nice anyways.

[@mathewjames4137]

2017 was the year of the lamp post. Riding in Auckland NZ early in the morning I reacted too late to a pedestrian refuge at the side of the road for a crossing. I high sided as I swerved to avoid the Kerb jutting out into the road and hit a lam post whilst flying backwards superhero style. The outcome was four broken ribs, a punctured lung, and lacerated spleen and kidney. Two weeks on a chest drain, two months at home, then another two weeks in hospital with a drain in an abscess on my spleen, then six weeks at home with a PICC line for antibiotics to my heart. Two years later I don't have full mobility on my left side, putting left shoes on is a stretch and I now have 30kg to lose!!! The lessons learned are, 1/ good lights are needed in reduced visibility, 2/ dont pick fights with lamp posts they are "well ard". Oh and for real cyclists who read this far, there was no damage at al to the bike, I checked it as I waited for an ambulance!!

[@DanuelNuel]

I have a nasty looking accident with car - girl crash my rear wheel and I fly over bars. Fortunately ended only with 10 stitches on the knee. After two years, I still have goosebumps whenever a car ride behind me.

[@Matt-kt7oi]

I think Connor needs to go and check for concussion from trying to look relaxed by the tree but instead knocking his head. ;)