First Bike Wipe-Out/Crash- Advice Needed

Triathlon Forum
1

So it had to happen…

2004- Decided to get my fat (6’2", 238 lbs) butt into shape, started running.
2005- Doing 10k races, not too serious yet (220lbs)
2006- Ramp up to Half Marathons, do my first Try-A-Tri (205lbs)
2007- Ramping to Olympics, starting with Sprints (188lbs)

Eventually I had to crash my bike, and that happened this morning. It was my fault, it was raining a bit this morning, and I was riding along fresh pavement in the CNE (just around the Better Living Centre for you Torontonians). I took the turn @ 30kph (yes, I know, wet pave, fast turn= noob mistake). Wiped. Happily, seems like the aftermath of this is pretty minor: Some scrapes, some rash on my thigh, and a pain in my hand. Serendipitously, I have a doctor appointment this afternoon, for an unrelated item, so I’ll have him check me out. So now I have some questions, hoping you guys can help:

1- Nothing really ‘hurts’ right now, so…
- Can I run tomorrow?
- I have a long ride planned for Saturday, I’m assuming it’s okay to ride then?
- Swimming, I’m scabbing over, when will it be okay to head back into the pool
2- Grease/road stains on tri top
- Okay, I know this is vain, but I got a new tri top, and now it has grease stains
- One run through the washer didn’t get rid of the stains. Any idea how I can get ride of them?

On the whole, I feel pretty good, I’m glad that the first crash is out of the way, now I don’t have to dread it so much. It sucked, but it wasn’t THAT bad.

Any advice/comments/commiseration would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Ian

3

Talk to your Dr. first, but as long as nothing hurts too much keep going.

As for the bike, take it to your LBS (or do it yourself) and have them check the bike. Crashes have a funny way of making things bent, loose, etc.

4

Feel free to rest for a day to see how everything is. The full effects of the crash may not be felt until tomorrow. Continue to make your key workouts this week, but as for the short term, the choice is yours:

  1. You can find out how badly you are injured while working out and further injure yourself

  2. You can rest for a day, assess and then maybe get back at it.

Only you know how bad it is.

Congratulations on making your first road pizza.

5

I would not let the rash scab. Use an ointment called “Brave Soldier” and check out their website. By keeping the wounds moist, you won’t trap bacteria under the scab, and it will heal faster, and without scarring. Put ointments on continually during the day to keep it moist. For the bike top, use citrus cleaner, but if it’s already set, you may be able to get it out with a special grease spot remover from the grocery store. I use Carbona. So, as far as workouts, swim as it will help the wound heal, but apply ointments right after, as it will really dry you out, run and bike as your body tells you, and wear crummy tops when the weather sucks! Welcome to the club, now you’re a true cyclist.

6

Excellent advice Paul. I’m taking the day off, got my training in this morning (the crash happened on the last lap, so I was able to feel like I got it done anyhow)… My run was supposed to be tomorrow AM, but I’ll defer to the evening in interest of being safe…

Thanks guys, appreciate all of the suggestions. Going to look into that ointment at doc’s this afternoon.

7

You know, funny realization. When I was going down, the thought in my my head was:

‘Man, I hope that this isn’t a bad injury so I can get my ass back up on the bike’

Maybe I need a shrink :slight_smile: LOL

8

This may be a useful resource:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/roadrash.shtml
.

9

You will be sorer tomorrow so may not feel like running. Getting back on the bike is easiest, you can always fall on the other side to balance things out. Shouldn’t really swim with open wounds so may have to let them heal a bit first, if the rash was really minor you’re probably ok. If you feel up to running you’re probably ok but your body may want more rest and will be sure to let you know about it…so if you’re tired and don’t feel like working out take a few days off to heal.