My Recent Adventures as a Noob

Hi All

Long time lurker on here - but thought it was time to post my adventures.

Having recently injured my knee playing sport and running - I finally made the leap into cycling.

With the help of a well timed payrise at work, I was able to buy my bike in late August and started training with the initial aim of the 100k Amy's Ride (but would have been happy with the 65).

I started off slow, with 35km trips been the longest - but slowly my distances, cadence, speed and endurance starting increasing - all with the help of advice here on the forum (and others), help from fellow cyclists, the inaugural Muddies ride - and tracking everyone on Strava for route ideas, and improving my times.

I really starting loving cycling to the point I was even riding to work, and unfortunately this is where I came unstuck two weeks ago. On my ride home from work on the Southern Expressway track - I looped up past Noarlunga and was returning to Sheidow Park, heading on the downhill before O'Sullivans Beach Road. I was enjoying the freedom and was not even pedalling as I was saving my legs for the Brodie Road climb, when the thought crossed my mind I was doing a safe speed if I had to overtake a cyclist ahead, but if there were pedestrians ahead, I would have little room, so I sat up, applied some brake, but in doing so, drifted onto some dirt, and before I knew it, I was on my back and the bike was bouncing over me.

End result amongst lots of minor injuries - two broken bones in my hand - so had to have surgery last week to insert pins, screws etc. Still not sure of what damage the bike has taken, a quick look suggests just scratches, but will get Noel from the bike station check it out.

So - I missed my first proper organised ride - but to some amusement today, found out I won one of the lucky prize draws from Amy's Ride :-)

Also - I have Velosure insurance, so looks like they will be looking after my out of pocket medical expenses and any significant damage to the bike once I pay there excess - so good news there.

So lessons learnt - a little more caution on the bike on downhills - but can't wait to get out there again - just need to find a trainer now to keep my legs spinning.

Tags: experience, injuries, newbie

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Permalink Reply by Trent on November 8, 2011 at 10:56

wow sounds like u were lucky (in a sense) and hopefully you are on the road to recovery! How long are you off the bike for? look forward to seeing you on a muddies ride soon! will u have time to prep for the TDU?

Permalink Reply by Karl Dutschke on November 8, 2011 at 10:57

nice fractures, must of hurt

Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on November 8, 2011 at 11:08

Sorry to hear about your accident. The fractures in the back of your hand look nasty but undisplaced so should have been alright for the surgeon to fix. All the best with your recovery:)

Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on November 8, 2011 at 12:13

Hope your hand is OK and that you are back on the bike soon.

Dropping is a risk we all face, and sooner or later most of us come unstuck. I'm glad your 'initiation' wasn't too severe.

Permalink Reply by Gus K on November 8, 2011 at 12:31

Ouch, but I bet you couldn't wait to get back on the bike. The other lesson learned was to have insurance and I'm glad you did. Stay safe.

Permalink Reply by Steven Ellison on November 8, 2011 at 12:37

It won't be that long before you return. It gives me a chance to catch up on your hill climbs LOL I do hope the injuries are not troubling you to much. By all acounts you had a good surgon fixing your hand. You should be as good as new in no time.

Permalink Reply by Frank on November 8, 2011 at 14:20

Bump--- Get better

Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on November 8, 2011 at 15:10

Thanks for the support all - more motivation to get out on the bike, and one of the reasons I love cycling - the sense of community.

I wrote this more as a warning to stay safe out there, as been injured sucks!

The real irony of is that last year I was training hard for the City to Bay fun run, and the training for this was the main reason for my knee surgery, hence my move to cycling. So, getting back on the bike will not be my main fear, my main fear will be entering an organised event, as it would appear I am cursed :-)

Also - I have both BikeSA and Velosure accident cover - anyone recommend which one would be the best to claim my medical expenses with?

Permalink Reply by Caroline Cuthbert on November 8, 2011 at 16:07

Why don't you try ringing each of them to see what they are likely to pay and then choose who to send the claim to? Get well quick :o)

Permalink Reply by Mikael Liddy on November 8, 2011 at 16:18

Ouch, well at least you can now claim to be a proper cyclist after having your first real crash!

As has been said, best of luck with the recovery. Having taken a similar track to yourself over the last year or so I can confirm that once it gets under your skin it's a hard habit to shake and whenever there's a question you think's too stupid to ask down at the bike shop, head on here for pages & pages of helpful advice!

Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on November 8, 2011 at 16:35

Matt, I have a trainer sitting here doing nothing at the moment as I have lent my spare bike to a mate. If you want to use it PM your address or mobile # and I'll get it to you.

My Recent Adventures as a Noob

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