Submitted by arragonscycles on Tue, 2012-02-21 11:26
Well I didn't ever want to put a photo like this on the site but feel I should as a reminder of how careful us cyclists need to be!
I was riding with the boys on the usual Sunday Ironman training ride, coming down the hill to Greyrigg when I was overtaken by three cars. Unfortunately, the third car then slowed up and indicated to pull in on the left hand side. The driver was in the middle of the road, I couldn't go left as I would have been squashed and I coulnd't go round as I would have collided head on with a car travelling in the opposite direction.
I guess I was riding at a speed of up to 25mph when I was over taken as I was in top gear on my bike, trying to catch the boys who had climbed the hill a lot more sprightly than I managed! I did have time to slow and consider my options. Unfortuantely, my only one was to brace and prepare to hit the rear windscreen.
I was knocked from my bike but apart from a couple of grazes on the rear mech and bar tape, the Genesis is unscathed with not even a buckle on the wheel! My clothes are as good as new and my helmet has the smallest of dints but my cheek now boasts a proper shiner!
The Ambulance crew made note of my well maintained bike, the fact I had a helmet on and that I was clothed in 'proper' gear as attribute to the fact that I walked away from the scene.
It was an accident, the driver didn't intend to cause an accident and thought I was further away / not travelling as fast. I would consider myself an experienced cyclist; I am careful and acutely aware of my surroundings, especially cars who may not notice me or appreciate the speeds I can travel. It hasn't put me off in the slightest and I can't wait to go out tonight with the girls.
If you are cycling on the roads, please make sure your bike is maintained - especially brakes, please always wear a helmet and try to clothe yourself in specific cycle clothing which is designed to protect you.
Safe cycling...
PS Thanks to Dougie for picking me up off the road, Phil for being there as always, Dave for checking my injury and James for being CSI!
