Dangers of cycling?

[Jimbits76]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

Being an avid cyclist myself I can only speak for my own situation. Caution is the the number one rule in my book. If I had exercised my 'right of way' on every occasion I wouldn't be writing this. Always remember you are very vulnerable.

Good lighting and a reflector jacket. The jacket makes you look like a traffic warden but I don't give a hoot about that. I helps! Car drivers notice me much sooner with the jacket.

Maintenance. Break pads wear out much quicker than you think and reduce the stopping power by over 60%. Very dangerous.

Why do I get the mental image of Michael Crawford careening out of control as Frank Spencer??????

Ooooohhhhh Betty!!!!!!!!!!

J

[Dan Pierce]

Just got back from my second outside ride for the year, though it was the first. Even with the risk, dogs, traffic, broken glass, people who move left when you say "on your left" , it beats the hell out of riding inside on a trainer.
Anyway, tomorrow is the start of cycling season for me. The Tour Of Cailfornia! Hamilton, Landis, and Armstrong.
dP

[Mrdi]

Find a bicycle trail.
Competing with a cell phone mentality on the highway is suicidal.

[Terry Newton]

I have thousand's and thousand's of miles on the road. I refuse to stop, as I love it too much. I do not compete with cars, don't flip people off, ride to the far right, but, the drivers are getting more and more crazy and impatient with bicyclists this past year. I ride many organized rides and drivers are getting more dangerous and stupid. We finally had a cyclist killed this past year and the driver of the truck is going on trial for accident causing death. I still ride the road and will, till I am fried.

Most here know of my horrendous accident in 04 where a dog collided with my front wheel. I have a surgically repaired shoulder and four artificial discs in my spine now.

It's a fun sport, but, if you do it safely, yield to cars, be courteous; you will mitigate most crazies. There is always that one time though. Ride safe.

Terry Newton

[Lol-x]

I think there are some golden rules I've learned over many years and ten and tens of thousands of miles of cycling.
1. Full proper equipment is a must, helmet, gloves, sunglasses;
2. Stay off bike paths unless you are prepared to ride slowly as they are full of dangers including poor surfaces, children, joggers, animals etc.
3. Do not run red lights because other cyclists do.
4. Do not make sharp lateral movements across the road to avoid a pot hole or go around an obsticle. Car drivers see your position laterally on the road, and judge how to pass, if you move sharply to the left to avoid a pot hole, you might just get a car in the backside, so look well ahead and gradually move out to pass an obstical.
5. Generally ride about 2-3 feet out from the gutter, otherwise car drivers think they can squeeze through. Make a statement that you are on the road without being a road hog.
6. Always consider the road surface and weather conditions, in the rain you will have very little tyre grip and that can be very dangerous.
7. If you see a dog running out at you, do not try and outrun it, if it goes in your wheels, you will be on the road. Slow right down, a slow accident is always better than a fast one.
8. If you fall, remember (hopefully instinctively) to roll and curl up into a ball.
9. If riding in a group, don't just watch the guy in front of you, ride a few inches to one side, so you can see in front of him, this will help your reaction times, and can save you from falling.
10. If you are feeling exhausted and like you can't keep up with others, don't keep going hard, as you will lose your judgment, just slow down and go at your own pace.
11. If you can't see what is around that next corner or bend, don't go at breakneck speed, as you never know what may be there, and bicycle's offer zero protection in emergencies.

Having said all that, enjoy cycling, I think it is the healthiest and most satisfying, exhillerating sport in the world and I will do it as long as I live

[Bisquitlips]

Dan,

You need some of these padded panties!!

Just do it man! No one needs to know about it!

http://www.lovemybubbles.com/shoppaddedunderwear.shtml

[Bisquitlips]

Or some of these if the panty idea doesn't work for you!

[Bisquitlips]

But, I personally think the panties would look better on that tushie!

You can get them in blue for boys!

[Bisquitlips]

You knew you were gonna get hammered from us guys didn't you????

The very idea of posting your hiney here!!

You "crack" me up!!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

You knew you were gonna get hammered from us guys didn't you????

The very idea of posting your hiney here!!

You "crack" me up!!

Richard,
I've never had a problem showing my good side.
dP

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Richard,
I've never had a problem showing my good side.
dP

That is obvious Daniel!!! And you know you made all the ladies swoon too don't cha!

Some of them probably now have that shot as their screen background......

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

That is obvious Daniel!!! And you know you made all the ladies swoon too don't cha!

Some of them probably now have that shot as their screen background......

Swoon??? Hell, they won't be able to eat for a week.
dP

[Terry Newton]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Swoon??? Hell, they won't be able to eat for a week.
dP

The pleasures of being a road cyclist.

I wouldn't trade any of the scars I have which pale in comparison to the pleasure I've gotten out of riding. It is the happiest times of my life.

Terry Newton

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Swoon??? Hell, they won't be able to eat for a week.
dP

Mais non, dear! You were the inspiration to thaw out some ground beef for dinner.

[away36]

My son ended up with this 'extra' body part in the clavical after a bad spill. Tough little bugger. Did a whole Ironman competition successfully and THEN had the surgery. Ugh.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by away36

My son ended up with this 'extra' body part in the clavical after a bad spill. Tough little bugger. Did a whole Ironman competition successfully and THEN had the surgery. Ugh.

Oh, that hurts to see, Nancy! I can't believe he finished... that's an Ironman in the truest sense.

[Carolina]

Originally Posted by away36

My son ended up with this 'extra' body part in the clavical after a bad spill. Tough little bugger. Did a whole Ironman competition successfully and THEN had the surgery. Ugh.

Yikes, Nancy! Forget what I said about men being babies!!

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Richard,
I've never had a problem showing my good side.
dP

Good thing you've got the sense of humour to turn the other cheek, Dan.

Good posts all round here on an often controversial topic. I haven't been on a bike in ages, but thinking back about I did all kinds of stupid things that I certainly wouldn't do now. It takes a huge amount of mutual respect for everyone to get along on the road, but as the guys have said, a bit of common sense goes a long way.

[Goodwatch]

BTW, this is my ride:

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

BTW, this is my ride:

Wow! You guys are nuts. I would just drive around with that on the back of my truck in the hope of picking up chicks.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Wow! You guys are nuts. I would just drive around with that on the back of my truck in the hope of picking up chicks.

Aluminium frame and carbon fork. Shimano 105 group. I've added mud guards, a baggage rack with weather-proof bag, a rechargeable LED lighting set and a trip computer to this. Changed the pedals as well. But still I get wet when it rains

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by Goodwatch

Aluminium frame and carbon fork. Shimano 105 group. I've added mud guards, a baggage rack with weather-proof bag, a rechargeable LED lighting set and a trip computer to this. Changed the pedals as well. But still I get wet when it rains

It pains me to admit that I now have another reason to look up to you. Hey, I still remember size 46. Ain't been down to the base this year. Going soon with a special friend.

[Lion]

As a suggestion get a rear view mirror for riding on the roads or trails. Mine attaches to my glasses and they really work well. Padded shorts are a must. The padding really helps cushion the ride as padded gloves cushion your hands. And always check your bike out before riding: check brakes, cables, tire pressure,chain is lubed and you have remembered to carry an I.D. and water bottle to keep hydrated.