End of the first week in November and the temperature is in the mid-sixties before noon. Not a cloud in the sky, quite reasonable wind, and I have some packages waiting at the PO. So I took the bike. And on the way back…
…this happened.
You might, at this point in the narrative, dear readers, be in need of further details. Well it’s like this: Uncle Joel’s lower left leg suffers from a medical condition known as “ain’t there.” This adds complications to bicycle-riding, among which: Sometimes on the downstroke my left foot slides off the pedal. This is common and normally manageable. But on this particular downstroke I was going slightly uphill and actually having to work the pedal so when my left foot slid off the pedal it did it with force sufficient to dislodge the prosthesis, which is only held on by the clever application of friction. Under certain circumstances it’s actually designed to come off – and having suffered serious knee injury many years ago when an earlier model didn’t, I approve of this. But in this case the prosthesis began to part company with me without permission, and I was concentrating on trying to get the damned foot back on the damned pedal before the leg actually fell off while at the same time lightly applying the brakes to lessen the oncoming injuries that were going to be caused by the increasingly-probable bike crash…
…the leg fell off, onto the road. And all still might have been – not well exactly, but not actually damaging – if it hadn’t fallen right into the path of the rear wheel.
Even before this I wasn’t 100% in control of the bike but that was the last straw. The rear wheel went into the air, the front wheel turned 90o and I went ass over teakettle.
Happily I had reduced speed so even though I should have buckled the front rim with that trick, nothing on the bike seems to be damaged at all. Another few scratches. And since I was somewhat padded against the cool, and wearing gloves and a helmet, I wasn’t damaged at all. A bit shaken up, I do admit because the ground came at me with remarkable speed from a remarkable distance but the helmet took the blow and left me with nothing but a slight kink in my neck. The helmet’s not looking as nice as before but that’s okay.
And most happily, absolutely nobody drove by to see all this until I was back on two pins – I had to crawl several yards to recover the prosthesis – and the bike was back on its wheels. So all’s well, including what little dignity I keep around for old time’s sake.
Glad to hear you are ok. Maybe you should look into a bike pedal with teeth on it for better grip for the left side?
Well that was interesting. Probably not good to add any foot retention devices to the pedals as that would make things a lot more exciting. Glad you only bruised your ego. Although you might be a bit stiff tomorrow.
Been thinking about going somewhere winter is a memory.
Glad to hear it worked out OK, Joel.
After the wreck, the proper thing is to look nonchalant and say, “I meant to do that”. That’s what my cat does, minus the vocalization. He gets that across by expression.
So thankful you’re okay! Only you could go completely ass over teakettle, still have the presence of mind to snap a photo, and then proudly share it with the rest of us. True talent! 😂
Sir: You are an F_ing legend!
I aspire to be as free of self-pity as you are.
Probably means I’ve been blogging too long. 🙂
Glad you and your bike are okay! Give that helmet your sincere thanks and a decent burial, right after you buy a new one. They are only made to take one blow.
I thought about that. Way back in the day it was the standard wisdom about motorcycle helmets. (FTR, I lost my leg in a motorcycle accident) I’ve looked over this helmet and don’t see any compression in the foam lining but I’m still thinking of buying a new one just to be sure. It really took a good shot and saved me from a serious headache at minimum.
An upgrade to a three wheeler might be an idea, or honking great outrigger wheels. If it works and saves your life, it’s not a stupid idea.
Not sure, Stefan, if they make three wheel electric bikes.
And Joel:
Congratulations on your survival again!
RE: bike helmets. I switched from the standard “beanie” type to an MX-type with front faceguard several years ago. Fortunately, I’ve never had occasion to test it, but the improved face and lower back-of-the head coverage is reassuring
I find myself thinking about your prosthesis retention in light of the weight you lost recently, and recall another bike incident you had that involved the loss of your prosthesis. Time for an adjustment?
Mark, they most definitely DO make electric 3-wheelers! They are all over Amazon, cheapest around $690, average about twice that. They look a little dorky, but I suspect that wouldn’t bother Uncle Joel.
Glad you made it thru that! Somersaulting over your handlebars is never a good way to get through a day. Had you held the handlebars tighter that probably wouldn’t have happened, but reflexes do what they gotta do.
I supposed you could duct tape the thing on when you go biking…
Here:
https://www.amazon.com/ESKUTE-Electric-Brushless-Step-Thru-Tricycle/dp/B0FKBXDHDP/ref=sr_1_5
Just think how easy it would be to carry your packages back home. If you did a little research, you might find one that can use the same battery you have in that one, giving you a spare and no range anxieties.
Neat trike. I’d have to try one out before buying, though.
Southernprepper1 just did a review on an electric trike
Joel, I’m glad that you are ok. That whole “gravity is not our friend” thing is a real issue.
Mark Matis – Many ebike makers make three wheel versions.
https://electricbikereport.com/best-electric-tricycles/
Sorry about your gravity storm. Glad you got out of it with “just” a great story and a minor beating. It’s good to have yer guardian angels partnering up with luck.
My last gravity storm was about 12 years ago, so I was “only” 62. It wasn’t a bicycle, it was an ’85 Honda 250R three wheeler. It was epic (sarc), I was probably doing 30-35ish on a So. Cal. firebreak in the hills east of San Diego. It was a left hand corner, that I’d taken many times, no biggy. Except this time I didn’t hit the sweet spot, so I power drifted (steering with the throttle) off the right side and fortunately, into a large sage/sumac bush, combo, sideways, under power. No death, destruction or damage (other than some scrapes and scratches). Yeah, I had an xlnt Moto type helmet, glove and boots on. I was laughing before I came to a stop, because I’m a sick adrenaline junkie. Untangling the Honda was real work, the rest of the ride went without incident. I sold it after I got to Tennessee, 11 years ago, because there’s few places to ride here. Sure miss it, though.
“An upgrade to a three wheeler might be an idea…”
That’s a downgrade, not an upgrade. Joel’s not in a city. Three-wheelers have horrible handling and greater weight. I’ve seen old bikers switch to trikes, and some come to bad ends. Uncle Joel will be fine. He’s had the experience, and will be more cautious, because he always puts safety first! Right, Joel?
Actually, he probably does. I have a crippled-up leg, and I judge what I can and can’t do carefully. I push it sometimes, but I weigh the risks.
Unfortunately what Tennessee Budd says is true. 3-wheels with one in front do handle a bit like rolling a pissed off cat in front of you with a stick — but ones with the single wheel in the rear handle very very well. Unfortunately those are rare for a reasonable price.
Hybrid that cart together with the frame, seat and drive wheel of the bike…
If indeed the only reason for said mishap was the shoe slipping off the pedal I suggest some strapless toe clips for the pedals. Much easier and quicker to pull your foot out when needed than the ones with straps. I use them on my mt.bike and find them beneficial in both foot retention and upstroke power.
Sorry to read about this! I’m glad you’re okay.
No disrespect intended; It appears your “kick” stand didn’t support the bike?
John in Alaska
Awesome story. I was transported back to 1970s National Lampoon.
Thank you.
Handled it like a boss. 🙂