So I took my shiny new Tribike out for its first real ride on Saturday morning so I can get a feel of the handling for the race I was supposed to be in this coming Saturday. Note the phrase "was supposed to be."
It started off pretty well. The Speed Concept 2.5 was quick to pick up speed and my position was really comfortable. I was cruising on the bullhorns at 18-20 no problem. Noticed what I heard about hidden brakes on tribikes in that they are not quite as powerful as the unhidden variety; the hidden rear brake definitely does not have the power that the front does but the front is plenty strong.
Cruising down a long stretch in aero position was pretty comfy and it was nice to be able to change gears to adjust for inclines while aero. Good change from the clipons that I had on my road bike for the last few years. Max on the flats was around 26 and could hold 24-25 with no issue. I couldn't believe the computer readout until I was keeping up with traffic.
Now the "fun" part. It was a bit damp out here in central-ish Jersey and part of my route goes over a metal grate bridge. I had no problem going over 95% of this bridge until I came up to a red light and tried to slow down. The front wheel went squirrely on the slick metal and I went down. Fortunately the people in the car behind me stopped to help me out. Handed off my road id and had them call family and an ambulance since all I could see were stars after a minute.
Nothing is broken on me or the bike, but both need some fixing. The brake levers and shifters need some tweaking and I am covered in bruises and still can't move my right elbow too much. Thank goodness I was wearing a helmet and gloves. The helmet has a few grate impressions in it and I only lost a small patch of skin on one thumb. I'm writing this 3 days later because it's the first time I can operate a keyboard. Both wrists were so swollen I couldn't get them to move in a typing position, let alone rest them on anything.
So, tl;dr; version: the bike is awesome and try not to ride on wet metal grates because they hurt a lot.
Be safe out there!
Glad you are relatively ok.
Glad you are relatively ok. Crashing is no fun. Hope You get back out here soon.
Socket, Wet conditions can
Socket,
Wet conditions can be tricky, especially when metal is involved. I have a scar on my hip from a similar fall.
I am glad to hear that the accident wasn't too bad and that you're recovering.
Now that you've christened the tribike, it should be smooth sailing from here on out.
Enjoy your training and racing.
--Richard
I've got a couple of those
I've got a couple of those bridges in my area. They are short tho'. I try not to pedal or brake on them. One of my first races, I saw someone cheese grater their leg crashing on a similar bridge. It was bad. You may have been there actually. The Spring Bassman back in '08?
I think I was going to be at the same race as you this weekend. NJ Kickoff Classic? I'm taking the camera, my wife is racing.
Hope you heal up quickly!
+1 to always wearing gloves
I wish you a speedy full
I wish you a speedy full recovery as well.
I had a bad crash last season that caused me to repave a large portion of the roadway with my right butt cheek and hip. (Not mention destroyed my fav tri shorts)
It's no fun, but get back out there and attempt to avoid the same mistakes.
Big 3: I was at that race
Big 3: I was at that race and saw that guy. That was my first triathlon. Yes, I was going to do the kickoff and was really excited about it. Good luck to your wife! Mine wants to do a late season du :-)
Thanks for the well-wishes, I appreciate them. I should be running again next week, but it may take a bit longer for the bike and especially the swim (really did a number on the right arm).
Socket wrote:The helmet has
[quote=Socket]The helmet has a few grate impressions in it and I only lost a small patch of skin on one thumb. [/quote]
... and that helmet is now in the trash, right? ;)
Not yet, but it will be.
Not yet, but it will be. Just have to buy a new one. Any suggestions?
Love my Giro Atmos helmet.
Love my Giro Atmos helmet. So much more air through it compared to my previous helmet. Was able to find it for $90. Not necessarily the color I would have picked if they were all $90 but it was a good deal. (Brown, BTW).