Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Advocacy & Safety
Reload this Page >

I landed mostly on my head

Notices
Advocacy & Safety Cyclists should expect and demand safe accommodation on every public road, just as do all other users. Discuss your bicycle advocacy and safety concerns here.

I landed mostly on my head

Old 10-01-21, 07:01 PM
  #1  
boozergut
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
boozergut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 489

Bikes: Kona Dew, Gary Fisher Paragon, Salsa Campeon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Liked 123 Times in 77 Posts
I landed mostly on my head


Tonight I was finishing a 25 mile ride on the MUP. As I was crossing one of two final roads I needed to make a 70 degree left turn to stay on the path. There was a lot of loose sand on the road this when I turned left the bike went under me and I hit my head hard on the road. Nice road rash on both knees. Some on forearm. Was able to ride back to my truck then discovered my keys had left my middle jersey pocket. Rough day but this helmet is a keeper.
boozergut is offline  
Likes For boozergut:
Old 10-01-21, 07:16 PM
  #2  
Alligator
Full Member
 
Alligator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 200

Bikes: Too many. I’m constantly selling and buying new bikes.

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 24 Posts
And that’s a perfect reason to buy and wear a helmet (nice job!). Just think, that could have been your scalp. I hope you are okay after that.
Alligator is offline  
Likes For Alligator:
Old 10-01-21, 07:20 PM
  #3  
boozergut
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
boozergut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 489

Bikes: Kona Dew, Gary Fisher Paragon, Salsa Campeon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Liked 123 Times in 77 Posts
Just some road rash, I could feel the helmet compress and take up the shock. Ive already ordered a new one. It certainly did its job!
boozergut is offline  
Likes For boozergut:
Old 10-01-21, 08:02 PM
  #4  
anga
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 377
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 156 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 21 Posts
Originally Posted by boozergut
Tonight I was finishing a 25 mile ride on the MUP. As I was crossing one of two final roads I needed to make a 70 degree left turn to stay on the path. There was a lot of loose sand on the road this when I turned left the bike went under me and I hit my head hard on the road. Nice road rash on both knees. Some on forearm. Was able to ride back to my truck then discovered my keys had left my middle jersey pocket. Rough day but this helmet is a keeper.
Glad to hear you are fine.
Wearing the helmet is always good.
How does your head feel?

Were you clipped in? How fast were you going? Did you brake while turning?
anga is offline  
Old 10-02-21, 05:46 AM
  #5  
boozergut
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
boozergut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 489

Bikes: Kona Dew, Gary Fisher Paragon, Salsa Campeon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Liked 123 Times in 77 Posts
Originally Posted by anga
Glad to hear you are fine.
Wearing the helmet is always good.
How does your head feel?

Were you clipped in? How fast were you going? Did you brake while turning?
Head feels great. I was using spiked mountain bike pedals. Just a sharp left turn on a road with a lot of sand on it. Probably around 15 mph.
boozergut is offline  
Old 10-02-21, 06:12 AM
  #6  
anga
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 377
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 156 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times in 21 Posts
Originally Posted by boozergut
Head feels great. I was using spiked mountain bike pedals. Just a sharp left turn on a road with a lot of sand on it. Probably around 15 mph.
The bike falls too quickly to take any evasive action.
Only luck matters.
anga is offline  
Likes For anga:
Old 10-02-21, 07:48 AM
  #7  
BobbyG
Senior Member
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,962

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,658 Times in 822 Posts
Seeing the decals curling off your helmet reminded me of a helmetless friend fell biking home from work. Although she didn't initial hit her head, the bike ended up on top of her head and held it against the pavement as she slid down a steep hill. The skin was scraped off the side of her head.
BobbyG is offline  
Old 10-02-21, 02:09 PM
  #8  
GamblerGORD53
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Elevation 666m Edmonton Canada
Posts: 2,457

Bikes: 2013 Custom SA5w / Rohloff Tourster

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 314 Times in 241 Posts
I've slid out just as fast at least 6 times. None were anywhere close to my no helmet head. Or maybe it was, but your helmet sticks out 2". Three times I landed like a cat on all fours, palms and the soft spot under my knees. All 4 had skin dents of course. Ripped the blue jeans I think.
Nothing but spike pedals for me, since they replaced rubber blocked ones.

Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 10-03-21 at 05:12 PM.
GamblerGORD53 is offline  
Old 10-03-21, 10:25 AM
  #9  
TX_master
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 13 Posts
Glad you are ok. I too had a very bad accident about 20 yrs ago where I landed almost directly on top of my head. My Giro helmet did its job and I do believe had I not been wearing one I could have been paralyzed. Kask looks worthy of your return business!
TX_master is offline  
Likes For TX_master:
Old 10-03-21, 10:33 AM
  #10  
zandoval 
Senior Member
 
zandoval's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,418

Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 929 Post(s)
Liked 1,595 Times in 1,021 Posts
Rats.... A fall is a fall... glad you made it!

I have always disliked ridding with a helmet but they have saved my arse as well as my head more than a few times...
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
zandoval is offline  
Old 10-04-21, 08:36 AM
  #11  
Bholz
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 12
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 3 Posts
Wow, I never wore a helmet when I was younger and had plenty of spills. I could not even imagine riding without a helmet these days. Stay safe!
Bholz is offline  
Likes For Bholz:
Old 10-04-21, 11:12 AM
  #12  
Daniel4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,497

Bikes: Sekine 1979 ten speed racer

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1477 Post(s)
Liked 637 Times in 436 Posts
Originally Posted by Bholz
Wow, I never wore a helmet when I was younger and had plenty of spills. I could not even imagine riding without a helmet these days. Stay safe!
I've had plenty of spills on gravel, mud and ice but never had any impact on my head.

These days, if I had a spill that contacted my head, there'd be a lot damage to all the equipment and gadgets up there than just my noggin.
Daniel4 is offline  
Old 10-05-21, 06:01 AM
  #13  
boozergut
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
boozergut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 489

Bikes: Kona Dew, Gary Fisher Paragon, Salsa Campeon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Liked 123 Times in 77 Posts
I spent part of the next day truing a bent wheel....
boozergut is offline  
Likes For boozergut:
Old 10-05-21, 10:29 AM
  #14  
indyfabz
Senior Member
 
indyfabz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,062
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 15,299 Times in 7,231 Posts
Originally Posted by boozergut
Rough day but this helmet is a keeper.
I hope you don't mean that literally, as in "I am going to continue using this very helmet." It's damaged and should be replaced.
indyfabz is offline  
Likes For indyfabz:
Old 10-05-21, 10:38 AM
  #15  
boozergut
Full Member
Thread Starter
 
boozergut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 489

Bikes: Kona Dew, Gary Fisher Paragon, Salsa Campeon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Liked 123 Times in 77 Posts
No, I have a new red one now, Ill toss the blue one...
boozergut is offline  
Old 10-06-21, 09:28 AM
  #16  
rydabent
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924

Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II

Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,054 Times in 634 Posts
I approve this message. Wear a helmet.
rydabent is offline  
Likes For rydabent:
Old 10-07-21, 08:22 PM
  #17  
indyfabz
Senior Member
 
indyfabz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,062
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 15,299 Times in 7,231 Posts
Originally Posted by boozergut
No, I have a new red one now, Ill toss the blue one...
Red helmets are faster than blue helmets, but not as fast as white helmets.
indyfabz is offline  
Likes For indyfabz:
Old 10-08-21, 11:18 AM
  #18  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
I've had two times where I had an overhanging branch strike my helmet while I was riding at speed (It's easier to do than it sounds on fast winding country roads--just slightly above eye level and around a curve). Turned what would have been at least nasty gashes into 'wow, that's a weird experience". I wear my helmet at all times on a bike, weird stuff happens.
livedarklions is offline  
Likes For livedarklions:
Old 10-08-21, 11:22 AM
  #19  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
Originally Posted by indyfabz
Red helmets are faster than blue helmets, but not as fast as white helmets.

Yellow just screams "I have a yellow hat!"
livedarklions is offline  
Old 10-08-21, 11:25 AM
  #20  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
Originally Posted by boozergut

Tonight I was finishing a 25 mile ride on the MUP. As I was crossing one of two final roads I needed to make a 70 degree left turn to stay on the path. There was a lot of loose sand on the road this when I turned left the bike went under me and I hit my head hard on the road. Nice road rash on both knees. Some on forearm. Was able to ride back to my truck then discovered my keys had left my middle jersey pocket. Rough day but this helmet is a keeper.

They should outlaw sand.
livedarklions is offline  
Old 10-08-21, 11:56 AM
  #21  
Moe Zhoost
Half way there
 
Moe Zhoost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,955

Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 985 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times in 526 Posts
I had the same experience a few years back but was not lucky enough to land on the top of my head. Instead I hit the ground pretty good with my cheekbone. No fracture but was quite the sight (and a great conversation starter) for a while. My sand was one of those red plastic disposable cups that was flattened on the road. I was turning to the right as my front wheel hit it and slid like ice. I was focused on a big semi backing up ahead and didn't see it.

Glad you're ok, mate. Also, don't toss the helmet - give it to a local advocacy/bike safety group to use as a demonstration.
Moe Zhoost is offline  
Likes For Moe Zhoost:
Old 10-08-21, 08:27 PM
  #22  
Kat12
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 419 Post(s)
Liked 378 Times in 278 Posts
Originally Posted by livedarklions
I've had two times where I had an overhanging branch strike my helmet while I was riding at speed (It's easier to do than it sounds on fast winding country roads--just slightly above eye level and around a curve). Turned what would have been at least nasty gashes into 'wow, that's a weird experience". I wear my helmet at all times on a bike, weird stuff happens.
Way back in elementary school, we had a "bike safety" presentation, and they had a drawing for a few bike helmets. My friend won one. He was so proud of that thing that he wore it outside for recess and "field day." During the softball toss, a ball came down right on top of his head... helmet FTW! Now *that* is a weird helmet experience!
Kat12 is offline  
Likes For Kat12:
Old 12-01-21, 08:27 AM
  #23  
rumrunn6
Senior Member
 
rumrunn6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,528

Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0

Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5220 Post(s)
Liked 3,564 Times in 2,331 Posts
Originally Posted by livedarklions
I've had two times where I had an overhanging branch strike my helmet while I was riding
this happens to me regularly, so I also wear eye protection
rumrunn6 is offline  
Likes For rumrunn6:
Old 12-01-21, 08:32 AM
  #24  
livedarklions
Tragically Ignorant
 
livedarklions's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613

Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,094 Times in 5,053 Posts
Originally Posted by rumrunn6
this happens to me regularly, so I also wear eye protection

I think this is a New England thing--lots of low branches overhanging the roadway. I wear shatterproof glasses, so I think I'm covered there, but my strikes have always been to the top of my head. I'm guessing you are either taller than I am or ride higher on the saddle.
livedarklions is offline  
Old 12-01-21, 08:42 AM
  #25  
rumrunn6
Senior Member
 
rumrunn6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,528

Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0

Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5220 Post(s)
Liked 3,564 Times in 2,331 Posts
Originally Posted by livedarklions
I think this is a New England thing--lots of low branches overhanging the roadway. I wear shatterproof glasses, so I think I'm covered there, but my strikes have always been to the top of my head. I'm guessing you are either taller than I am or ride higher on the saddle.
well, I'm in the woods more than on the road. but country roads w/ narrow shoulders force me closer to the side. like on Martha's Vineyard. I think they don't trim as much?
rumrunn6 is offline  
Likes For rumrunn6:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.