What should have been a gentle 40 mile ride to Bath this morning has proved to be a little more painfull than anticipated. Heading out on the cycle path, following behind a cycling buddy at a steady 12-14mph, he took a bend a little too wide and caught some mud on the edge of the track.
Back wheel goes from under him and down he goes about 10 metres in front of me...it all happened in slow motion and I thought I could avoid him, but he's a big fella wearing a fluro gillet so target fixation takes over and I hit him hard...down I go like a sack of spuds...clipped into the pedals my hip and hand takes the majority of the impact.
We rise gradually to our feet to take stock of damage, both to us and the bikes. My mates got a bloody chin, hand and hip, and looks really out of it. I suggest sitting down and having a drink, but before I know it he's back on his bike and away...concussion I think causing him not to think straight. I on the otherhand feel quite sick and dizzy so take 5 minutes sat down to recover.
My mate's then calling me on the moby to say he's stopped about half a mile further up the road. Can't recall much but is heading back as his head is hurting.
Back to Bristol from where we set off and a quick cup of tea, we decide that he needs to go to A&E for a checkover. He was due to be doing a triathlon next Sunday but can't see that happening.
I've just got in and the bikes a little worse than I thought with damaged brake & gear levers on both sides (not sure how that happened as I went down on my right) but perhaps the bars twisted when I hit the deck.
Need a new pair of bib shorts (gutted as they were my favourite pair) and some new gloves too.
Damage to me isn't as bad as it looks but I think my thumb may be broken too, as it's now purple and I can't move it (any suggestions for treatment ... ice pack? welcome), I'm going to see how it is tomorrow before considering visiting the NHS Walk in Centre in town for a 2nd opinion.
Oh, well accidents will happen and it could have been worse if we were on a road rather than a cycle path. I'm off for a lie down and a cup of tea.
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