Crash on the MVT – July 23
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Sunday morning my friend Jerry and I decided to take a ride down to Mount Vernon. We met at Jones Point Park for our ride. I warned Jerry we should expect debris and wet conditions on our ride. Sure enough, as we rode south we had to avoid tree limbs, branches, twigs and a spot where the trail was blocked by a fallen limb.
We made it down to Mount Vernon, drank some water and rested. Before getting back on our bikes, I reminded Jerry to be alert for wet bridges as we headed home.
I was out in front and had just passed the parking lot at Riverside Park and was approaching a bridge (I think it is Bridge #3). Based on my Garmin tracking, I think I was going less than 15 MPH. There was a branch hanging over the guard rail (likely water laden from the previous night’s rain) blocking my view and path. Without giving any thought or warning, I moved over to the left to pass the branch. What a terrible decision!
Headed southbound was an on-coming cyclist, I attempted to brake and move to the right. Unfortunately, there was no forgiveness from the bridge – down I went with the other cyclist riding over me. Miraculously, the other rider was not hurt, not even a scratch. As I lay on the trail assessing my injuries, it looked like I had survived with some bad rash and a sore upper leg. I had not hit my head, my extremities all were functioning, and the little bleeding was not cause for concern. Somehow, I had even managed not to tear up my Crystal City Ride jersey nor my bike shorts.
Arising from the ground, I was able to walk with just a bit of pain. I went to check on my bike, other than a couple of scratches, the bike was ok.
The other cyclist and I confirmed we were ok and headed off. Home was 14 miles away.
Peddling was easy on the flat areas, but I quickly realized that hills were not my friend. However, I did discover that clipless pedals were invaluable. By pulling up on my left foot, I could avoid having to put a lot of pressure on my right leg. Jerry was an invaluable wingman helping to guide me home.
The first time we had to come to a complete and feet on the ground stop was at the traffic light at Wilkes and Patrick, putting full weight on my right leg hurt. Once the light changed we headed off, no more stops for the last 5 miles.
When I got home and got off my bike, I realized that I couldn’t even put any weight on my right leg. Fortunately, my wife was at home and came to my assistance. She helped me into the house and I called urgent care.
After many hours in urgent care, multiple x-rays, confirmation that walking on my right leg really was excruciating, I was sent off for an MRI. The MRI found a minor hairline fracture of the neck of the femoral bone. Surgery was scheduled for Monday morning.
Ultimately, surgery was canceled due to the abrasions that were right where the surgeon needed to operate. Once those heal I will most likely have surgery to have three screws inserted into the bone. Then I make the push to get past this and back on my bike.
So, I thought I was being careful and had enough experience to avoid this, but I clearly didn’t.
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