I can’t help wonder if I jinxed myself. I’m superstitious that way.
Recently I wrote a post to celebrate Mary J Melange’s declared Bike Month. I talked about my various learnings along the way to becoming a cyclist – particularly #3 Keeping The Rubber Side Down.
… but I failed – again. This time in a most spectacular way. Warning – this might be uncomfortable.
Earlier this week I crashed while crossing a set of railway tracks which are located at an awkward angle to the road. I’ve crossed this particular set of tracks a dozen and one times without incident, but that day I think I hit the 2nd rail a little too quickly at an angle that was a little too sharp.
My back wheel slid out from underneath me and I bounced rather ungracefully off the pavement.
I wasn’t so lucky on this fall. In addition to the inevitable road rash and impressive temporary colour changes on various parts of my body, I broke my collarbone.
It is said there are only 2 types of cyclists – those who have broken their collarbone and those who are going to. I have now joined the ranks of the former.
Thankfully I wasn’t cycling alone and, as proof that the world is still full of good people, several motorists stopped to help … including the guy who called 911 and stayed with my cycling partner until her husband arrived to pick her up and our 2 bikes.
The condition of my helmet is evidence of why I believe that not wearing a helmet is folly and that the value of wearing a good helmet cannot be exaggerated.
It is crushed on the side of impact, having absorbed the shock of my head hitting the pavement. There are deep scratches in the side where I then skid on the road. My helmet did its job brilliantly and I shall mourn its loss.
My oldest son quipped that I just like riding in ambulances, but we all know too well how much worse these cycling accidents can be.
In the past 48 hours since my crash, I’ve had time to reflect on the impact of this accident. My major goals for the year are now burnt toast.
I will be unable to join the 18th annual People With AIDS Bike Rally from Toronto to Montreal in 4 weeks. Nor will I be able to recover and be sufficiently trained for my planned bike tour of Thailand in October – a trip from which I will now have to withdraw.
I think the Universe is trying to send me a message. I’ve been forced to slowdown dramatically (as I painstakingly peck out this post with one hand) and this new slower state will be my new reality for at least the next 6 weeks.
Perhaps I’m not meant to be a long distance cyclist after all. Right now my 60-year-old bruised and broken body is suggesting I should find a new sport.
That’s what happens when you live life on the edge … sometimes you fall off.
Hope you have a speedy recovery!
I broke my collar bone when I was quite young. Don’t remember anything about it, but the doctor can still feel exactly where the break was!
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I’m not surprised. This is one bone that typically isn’t re-set unless the break is significant and requires a plate and pins. I will likely have a small bulge where my break occurred.
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Sorry to hear of your misadventure, Joanne. Time to write a book, perhaps? Wishing you a speedy recovery.
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ha! It’s funny you should say that. A draft of a book I started 5 years ago is sitting on my table right now. Not sure I have the energy to take it to the next level.
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Just seeing this😳 Bad as it was thank goodness you’re going to heal. As for Thailand- there are always electric bikes. I started the Bruce Trail with Cheryl for my 60th and bought my horse Romy so I completely understand your desire to mark the milestone in a significant way. Seems that for us that also means a physical, risky challenge. You are such a determined person that I’m sure you’ll be anxious to get back at it but also give your body and mind some time to get over this trauma…just saying.
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I agree that there is always some element of risk in any challenge … and our acceptance of the risk changes as we get older.
I don’t believe this setback will stop me … there’s still too much to do!!
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Stop you – never! Take care.
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🙂
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[…] ← … And So It Happened […]
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Eek!
How awful – but I am glad that despite all the scrapes, bruises and broken collar bone (I’m cringing at the thought) – that you are going to be okay.
I hope you are getting enough rest (I suspect you have no choice) and that in the coming days you end up back on your feet and are feeling better.
It’s too bad that many of your plans, both short and long term, are now on the back burner – but sometimes when one door closes, another opens, even if we can’t see it just yet.
At the very least, once things have settled done, and in the weeks to come, you can sit and think and decide whether you’ll continue to cycle as a competitive sport, or perhaps, just for pleasure – a slower pace might be the ticket.
Take care and be safe 🙂
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Thanks for the encouraging words. There’s no question that this has slowed me down dramatically – especially since driving isn’t an option yet.
Over all, I’m doing pretty good. I can do a fair bit with one arm, assuming I don’t over-extend myself.
… but I can hardly wait until I can get dressed by myself though 😉
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It is incredible how easily and quickly everything changes in the briefest of moments! hope you have lots of loving, gentle helping hands to help you along 🙂
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I’m sorry to hear about this unfortunate turn of events. Thank goodness for helmets. Broken anything is not fun but it could have been much worse. I hope you heal well and quickly.
So the trip is totally off the table now? That truly sucks 😦
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I thought our final deposits for Thailand were due this week, which meant it was completely off the table, but in an email exchange yesterday with the organizers, I was told our final payments aren’t due until the end of August. This gives me some elbow room I didn’t know I had.
Gilles is very optimistic that I can bridge the gap in my training. I’m not so confident, but at least I have 2 months to figure it out.
More unplanned expenditures! – getting my bike repaired and a new helmet! 😉
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Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear this. I’m so glad you had a good helmet but how very painful for your collar bone. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Turning 60 is scary, I had to have a very large party to help me over the hump. It was about that time that I started hiking after having to give up tennis for my knees (I was playing doubles about 3 or 4 times a week). I’m certain you will find a new way to fulfill your very active life. Sending positive thoughts your way!
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Thank you – I appreciate the kind thoughts 🙂
I really didn’t have the heart for any celebration of my 60th. I’m still in a kind of denial. What happened to the last 35-plus years?!!! 😉
… seriously though, I’m temporarily down, but I’ll be bouncing back 🙂
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Joanne, hope you recover soon. That sounds very painful ~ major injury! You obviously are very adventurous and live life full…I’m sure this injury won’t stop you from continuing to do that…just perhaps in a modified way. For a while.
Heartwarming that people stopped to help. Speedy recovery. Sending positive healing energy your way!
Peta
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Thanks Peta for the kind thoughts. It’s not the first time I’ve *fallen off the edge*, but it gets harder to bounce back with age 😉
… but bounce back I will!!
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I fell off a motorbike scooter in Vietnam, so I know how even the shock alone, or maybe primarily is huge.
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A scooter in VN?!
You are a daredevil! 🙂
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So, my first question: is your pain controlled?
My physician colleague had the same injury (on a bike, too), and couldn’t perform surgery for weeks, and he struggled with pain. This is a man who has been cycling for years, and been wrecked multiple times. I’m hoping your recovery is much quicker!
I’m truly sorry about you wreck, and very, very glad that you wear a helmet!
My thoughts are with you, Joanne. Take good care!
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Thanks Laurie. I actually have seen a lot of this injury among my friends and my husband.
Bones usually heal without a lot of fanfare, but all the soft tissue like muscles and tendons can stay grouchy indefinitely. It’s usually the soft tissue that doesn’t get the attention it needs to recover properly.
I’ll be seeing my Athletic Therapist on Tuesday to start that process. Hopefully I’ll transition well but I’m still looking at least 6 weeks 😦
Thanks for the kind thoughts. I’m not taking any pain meds, but the nightly drink doesn’t hurt 😉
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Yes, it is indeed the non-bony parts that can be problematic. Here’s hoping your recovery will be event free, even if slow.
Cheers to that nightly drink!
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Yikes on bikes! Sorry to hear of the unfortunate accident but glad to hear you’re mending without lasting brain injuries due to your bike helmet and looking on the bright side, you have a clear mind to write this post even if you’re doing it one-handed. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
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I’m going to remember “yikes on bikes” 😀 Great line!!
I’m one of the lucky ones. Every summer the news is full of dead cyclists – today is no exception 😦
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Well, true to form, when you do something you do it up right….that sounds like one spectacular fall, Joanne! I’m so sorry…for the fall, the broken bone, the bruising and the cancellation of future plans. I know those plans are tough ones to let go. One thing I have found in past though is that even when something bad/unfavourable happens to keep up from our preferred choice/plan, down the line it usually becomes apparent that there was something at work to put us right where we need to be at a certain time to accommodate that next exciting thing Life has in store for us. I’m just sorry you’re such a strong force that it had to be such a big thing to blast you onto the new pathway. Fingers crossed for a very speedy recovery! I’ll be looking forward to seeing why Life had to intervene here and what it has coming up for you…..knowing you, it’s probably going to be something more amazing than what you already had planned!
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You know Torrie, you and I think so much alike. You’ve expressed exactly what’s been weighing on my mind.
I’m disappointed – no question – but at the back of my head I can’t help wonder *why*. Clearly I’m being nudged … I guess I just have to be patient. The *why* will become apparent in time.
Thank you for always being so positive and encouraging ❤
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Well, if all cyclists eventually break their collarbone, I guess you at least have your breakage out of the way now. Seriously, though. I’m sorry to hear about your accident. I hope your recovery is as speedy and painless as possible.
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Thanks. As I’m starting to reach the feeling-sorry-for-myself stage, I appreciate the kind thoughts 🙂
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I hope you get better very soon. 🙂
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EEEK!! If I’d known that post title hid such horrors I’d have read this much sooner. Argh, argh and argh! For the fall, the injuries and the lost adventures. Seriously, (and I say this from unfortunate personal experience) the universe can really suck sometimes.
I am just so glad things are not worse which, as you have graphically described, they could have been. Thank goodness for that helmet and you have my wholehearted endorsement for wearing one. (It’s illegal to ride without one here.)
I hope your menfolk are caring for you as best as the non-intuitive gender can.
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Thanks Heather – I knew you were one person who could really empathize with my situation now.
… And Gilles has been down this road too many times but I’m actually surprised by how helpful and supportive he’s been. I half expected that if anything ever happened to me, he would push me out onto an ice flow 😉
Today I have finally reached the feeling-sorry-for-myself stage. It is just the beginning of summer and everyone is gearing up for all their outdoor activities – except me, wah wah wah :(. But then again, I’m sure you know the feeling too well.
… And yes, helmets are the law here too, but that doesn’t stop people from ignoring it. I don’t understand. It’s such a simple form of life insurance.
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Oh, I definitely hear you. Feeling sorry for yourself? Do it. Wallow. Wail. Complain. You need it. It’s like the stages of grief. Someone [wiggles eyebrows] told me that once. 😁
Soon you’ll find the way forward. I’d suggest that needs to include alternative travel plans to replace the kiboshed ones. Otherwise that one’s going to hit you hard when the time comes.
If Gilles has been down this road many times, at least he should feel he hasn’t any right to complain. 🙂
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I was thinking the same thing … October is going to really suck if I don’t have an alternative plan. This trip was my big Turning 60 adventure …an attempt to take the sting out of being 60 this year. Uh-oh, might start to wallow here 😉
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Go for your life. You know you can wallow to me any time. 😃 I’ll understand. It sucks. Big time. No denying it. Sending you non-squeezy hugs and an empathetic ear.
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Thanks ❤
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OMG Joanne! I’m so sorry! Hope the pain is manageable (or that you’ve got good drugs to help with that). I’ve never been a fan of cycling, much as Ed tries to guilt me into doing it (“I don’t love hiking but I do it for YOU.”, etc.). I’ve just seen too many bad accidents, including a former coworker who wound up quadriplegic after a leisurely trail ride gone bad…
So glad you’re well enough to be blogging.
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Thanks Nancy. I must have a relatively high pain threshold because I haven’t needed any of the pain drugs. Occasionally I *forget* and do something I shouldn’t and the feedback from my shoulder is enough to turn my stomach. Other than that, it’s just REALLY inconvenient … Like I can’t get dressed without help and a lot of discomfort.
I think most people don’t recognize exactly how risky cycling really is. It doesn’t take much to end unhappily. I’m so sorry for your coworker who was one of the unlucky ones.
I really like riding, but I’m now again questioning whether the general Toronto area is a suitable environment for safe riding. Our roads are god-awful, the traffic is often outright scary, and the general attitude to riders is unfriendly.
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Oh dear, I am sorry to hear this Joanne. Cycling is dangerous, and the older we get, the longer the bouncing back takes. I have been on the verge of becoming an obsessive cyclist twice in my life. Once in the early 80s when a mad soccer hooligan bashed me, threw my bike and glasses in the creek, and in the nineties, when I had 3 moderate accidents in a two monthly period. Each time I backed off, saying I would return, but I never recovered from the accidents. It was always ‘what if’ from that point onwards, which took the fun out of cycling. I still cycle occasionally, but not any great efforts.
I know you have a different mind set to me and you’ll push on with positivity. I do hope you can make it to Thailand one day. It is a beautiful country. I friend of mine, who is 60, regularly visits Italy on gourmet cycling tours. Now that sounds good, don’t you think? My Jo will never do that so it’s trains for us. In Aus we have many of these gourmet trails. They are very popular.
Looking forward to a few many recovery entries from you over the next few months.
Please take a photo of your helmet. This would be a good entry on Facebook for the non helmeters.
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Thanks Mick. I know what you mean about how post-accident it’s hard to recover the love of the sport. After my last accident, it took 4 years to get back on my bike, and the only reason I did was for this trip to Thailand.
Now as I sit here contemplating *what next*, it’s hard to imagine getting excited about cycling again.
I do hope I get to Thailand some day. I was really looking forward to this adventure, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be this time.
I’ve tried to take a photo of my helmet, but as you know, taking a photo of a black object is really hard. The detail is lost so it lacks the punch (pun not intended). I’ve banged up helmets before, but not like this. I think I might hold on to this one for a while as a reminder on the days when I start feeling sorry for myself 😉
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Scary stuff…. I really hope you recover okay. I pulled or stretched something in my collarbone during our move several months ago and it still gives me crippling pain sometimes. 😦 I’m really glad your helmet took the brunt of that head impact though…. yikes!
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Bones will mend usually with minimal fuss, but the soft tissue like muscles, tendons etc can stay grouchy indefinitely. That is what leads to long term impairment. Sounds like you need to see a soft tissue therapist like a physio to help your recovery.
I have a very excellent Athletic Therapist and I’m already going to be seeing her next week.
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Ooooouuuuch! I wish you the speediest recovery ever. Glad your bean was protected… that part’s harder to fix 😉
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Yes – head injuries are very unforgiving. Why anyone would choose to not wear a helmet baffles me.
Thanks for the good wishes. So far I seem to be sleeping a lot … like 2 hour afternoon naps. What a decadence!
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Well, phooey! One small miscalculation, eh? I’m sorry this happened to you, but suspect that you’ll make the best of the situation. More blog posts, perhaps? A renewed respect for sitting still?! Books? TV? Plan a trip? Redecorate your home? You’ll find something to do with yourself, no doubt.
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You’re right – my focus right now is on what I can do rather than the opposite.
It sucks, but it could be worse.
In the meantime, I’m still really far behind on reading blog posts!
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I’ve had a few spills off my bike but, fortunately, have never broken anything. I’m so sorry that happened to you! Railroad tracks are nasty. Best wishes for a speedy – and if not speedy, at least not too uncomfortable – recovery. I hope you’ll still be up for a meet-and-greet in Toronto (which I assume was another of your major goals 😄 this year).
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I’m definitely still up for a get together! I don’t need 2 functioning shoulders for that! 🙂 Looking forward to it … it’s almost here already!
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So sorry to hear about your fall Joanne and your having to withdraw from the AIDS ride and the planned trip in Thailand. Such bad luck. From hiking the Bruce Trail to cycling, all of life’s adventures include some risk however I can’t imagine life without the Bruce or my bike. Take care and heal – my guess is you’ll be back cycling soon enough. You don’t seem like the type to stand still for too long.
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Thanks Cheryl – you’re right. I’m already focused on what I can do rather than the can’ts.
I’m sure if we never did anything or go anywhere, we’d never get hurt … but where’s the life in that?
I did the math – this was my 4th accident in 12 years of cycling. That’s not a terrible stat … after all, it is a risky sport.
Stay safe out there 🙂
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Ooooo, sending you beneficial thoughts and a new helmet. ❤
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Oooo – I need a new helmet 😉
… Although it will be some time before I can even think about getting back on the bike saddle.
Thanks for the good wishes 🙂
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I’m hoping you could grow to like swimming as much as bicycling? Really sorry to hear of your pain (and the disappointments), but so glad you did not suffer any neurological/spinal damage.
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There’s always a bright side and you hit on it 🙂
Actually, so far my spirits are pretty good. I’m getting to marvel at the emergence of some spectacular bruises.
Swimming is starting to look pretty good now 😉
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🙂
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Oh ouch Joanne. Hope you are soon feeling back to your usual self and able to cycle as far as you choose to. Love the last line of your post, so true.
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Thanks Ruth. Recovery will take a while and being forced to slow down will take some adjustment, but I’m confident I’ll be back to something new before too long 🙂
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Love the last line, Joanne. I have a feeling that this won’t be the end of your cycling days. The saying about collarbones suggests that you fit right in with the crowd. Sorry to hear about the cancelled trips though. That’s a bummer. Rest up and heal well. 🙂
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Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Even my teeth hurt. Thank goodness you had a good helmet but not good about the collar bone. Wish you a straightforward recovering. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks Tess. You definitely got the ouchie part right!!
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It was hard to hit the “like” button on this post! Oh Joanne I’m so, so sorry! I wish you a speedy and hopefully pain free recovery!
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Thank you. I need all the good wishes I can get and I’m so grateful for them 🙂
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My husband and my neighbour are both part of your club. Both fell off their bikes and ended up in ambulances to get to the hospital. My husband’s fall included numerous stitches to his head and a broken knuckle and my neighbour cracked his ribs. My husband also broke his collar bone but I think he was running through the woods and tripped on a root. I’m sorry that you are unable to travel to Thailand. Instead of giving up riding maybe you could take a more leisurely approach and cycle around your neighbourhood. Having said that, even walking can be hazardous. I’m just getting over hip bursitis. I slipped on the ice in April and in May after walking 18 000 steps I inflamed the area. It’s been a painful six weeks but I think I will be okay for Italy next week. Get better soon. Carol
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You definitely want to be ok for Italy!!!
As we get older, it seems we don’t bounce back quite as easily … and the injuries we sustained when we were younger come back to haunt us.
I hope you are now past the worst and your hip is happy on vacation 🙂
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Ouch! Sh..!#& and bummer!
You still live a colorful life, these days a bit more colorful than ever. 😉
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HA!! So true!! 😀
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Oh Joanne; I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope you recover quickly and completely. Take care.
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LOL! Su – when I quickly looked at your comment, I thought it said *take cake*! Sounded good to me!!
Thank you for your kind thoughts … I suspect there may still be some rough days ahead.
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Actually, given what you’ve been through, “take cake” is probably much better advice. Especially if, like most medications, you take it with liquid — coffee and/or alcohol probably, though I’m not a clinician. Seriously; I’m sure the coming days will not be much fun and I do hope the bad times pass quickly. 🙂
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Thanks. I’m sure there will be some challenging days ahead, but I’ll try to maintain perspective in the grand scheme of things
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This is weird and I swear it’s the truth but I did the same thing! Mmmmm…cake.
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Oh my. I am so sorry to hear about this. You didn’t jinx yourself. Railroad tracks tend to move around with temperature changed, or the pavement moves around them. I am glad you were wearing a helmet, your injuries could have been much worse. As it is, I feel very bad for you. Sorry to hear about your plans changing, but I hope you are on the road to recovery. We’ll keep a good thought. Let the healing begin.
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Damn – all along I thought I was just a terrible cyclist. It wasn’t me at all!! Thanks!!
Yeah – the disappointment of my plans hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’m sure I’ll be wailing about it at some point.
… but right now, I’m just feeling like I have so many reasons to be grateful.
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It’s hard to feel grateful with a broken collarbone, but it could have been worse. That’s too scary to think about.
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I agree. Right now I’m focusing on the good stuff.
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Joanne! This disaster biking accident happened earlier this week and we are just hearing about it now? 😦 So sad and distraught. I am keeping you in my top priority prayers and thoughts. It scares me to think of this serious collar bone crushing accident. Please know I am very gingerly hugging you, hoping to pass on some kind of friendly waves of healing. (Not really magical or a healer, disclaimer here! 🙂 )
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Accepting your friendly waves of healing with big smiles 🙂
My Thursday Doors post had been pre-scheduled so it gave me some time to gather my thoughts on this change of circumstances.
I’m not feeling sorry for myself – yet. Mostly I’m feeling really lucky that it wasn’t worse.
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Oh, Jo, poor you! And it must have hurt dreadfully. Just the words ‘road rash’ made me wince! Shame about Thailand too, but thank goodness your accident wasn’t over there. It would have been much worse. Wishing you a speedy recovery – and if the TV is too dreadful then get reading! There are a lot of blogs out there 😉
Jude xx
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Oh God – I hadn’t considered the scenario of crashing in Thailand – even though we had purchased travel insurance for that possibility. The thing is – no one ever expects to get hurt.
I find I have to keep moving around or else I start to *seize up*. You’re right though – I’m getting in a lot of blog time … but it takes me soooo long to type a comment!
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I wouldn’t worry about commenting – just click on *Like* And I know all about seizing up – just getting up from the sofa after a stint in the garden has me moving like a zombie! My 60 year old body with a 25 year old brain is NOT a good combination…
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I know the feeling!
I didn’t realize we were the same age. 56er?
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Well, I lied a little there – you are a couple of years younger than me 😀
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You’re 27 instead of 25?
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If only!
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Kinda hard to Like this post. I’m sorry your plans are ruined and I’m sure you’re hurting. I’m glad you’re okay, considering. SO GLAD you take the helmet seriously. Maybe you can take up a new hobby, like pool water floating or mattress testing.
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hmmm – pool water floating. Make it a wave pool and I’m in! 😉
Yeah – pain isn’t so much fun. I’m learning what things to avoid doing. eg – Laying down is easy. Getting up is brutal.
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Oh my goodness Joanne. My like of this post is a show of support, not a like. There are tears in my eyes, so sad to hear this. Hugs. But never say never. There is always 2017! There might be another bike tour somewhere else. And I know you will find a way to support the AIDS ride even if you’re not riding yourself. I don’t know you well but I do know that you are one of those people who find a way. hugs xxx
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Thanks Annie. I appreciate the kind words.
I think I’m still in a highly reactive mode so the implications haven’t fully sunk in.
Until late last night, I was managing alone until my husband could get on a flight home from a business trip on the other side of the country.
As you know, somehow we do what we have to do.
Not sure what happens from here, and I may have been knocked down, but I’m not out yet 🙂
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Oh honey, I’m so sorry this happened and that it’s put an end to your biking plans this year. And I sure hope I didn’t jinx you by declaring June bike month. Or encouraging you to write a bike post.
I’m glad that it’s only a broken collar bone and that you’ll recover from this. Without that helmet, I hate to think…
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Oh God, no Mary. You’re completely innocent! I simply made a mistake during my ride – probably two. I’m really good at that 😉
I look at my helmet and cringe at the implications. It did its job very well. Why anyone would ride without one baffles me.
In the meantime, my life has suddenly become a lot slower.
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I’m sorry … you must be hurting … but at the same time glad — the alternative could have been so much worse.
Biking accidents makes me feel uncomfortable. My brother’s 1988, changed him as a person. He’s no longer the brother I knew.
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Oh Rebekah, that’s so sad to hear. Cycling is risky – very risky actually. I’m sorry that it’s affected someone so very close to you.
I know that I’m lucky and for now, it’s damping any disappointment I may feel about my plans being turned upside down.
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I’m sorry. A fall like that would shake you up big time. Hope you’re not in too much pain.
Hey- on the plus side, maybe you’ll have more time to write your awesome blogs. Cyclings loss is the blogging community’s gain!
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hehehe – I’m thinking I’ll be spending a lot of time online too 🙂
I still have a lot of catching up to do!
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Aw, Jo, what a fucker 😦 I gather you’ve been looking forward so much to that Thailand trip! Glad your head is OK, at least. Apart from the disappointed thoughts that must be coursing through it right now… I hope you’ll still be going on a nice trip this fall to compensate. And recover.
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Actually it hasn’t really sunk in yet. I know at some point I’m going to be really bummed about this – especially when my friends start posting photos from Thailand.
I haven’t even begun to think about next steps – beyond going to the Fracture Clinic next week.
Right now I’m staying focused on what I can do rather than what I can’t.
… but my helmet is still sitting on the kitchen table as a reminder of the alternative.
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You should have added a pic of that helmet to your post! And yes, focus on recovery first. A little jaunt can be booked at short notice, when you feel up to it. 🙂
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I considered a few pics, but anything black (like my helmet) doesn’t photograph well – all the details I tried to describe got lost in the matte darkness.
Then there are the bruises and road rash. Some things are just better left unshared 😉
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Aw… I had real bad road rash once after coming off my bike. I remember my broken toes hurting considerably less than the extensive parts of my skin on which I had slid down the gritted hillside.
Hope it all heals up quickly and that you’ll be back in action soon 🙂
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So true about road rash … especially when you first introduce it to water! The burning!!!!
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I was about 90% scabs. But I bet you’d swap that any day for a collarbone that was still in one piece 😦
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Yup
Although the last time I crashed, I landed on my face and that’s where a lot of the road rash was.
It wasn’t pretty and I fussed about permanent scarring for a long time.
At least my face is intact this time.
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Good. So you can stuff cake into it until the rest of you gets better.
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gah – that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for the past 3 days. I’ve got to wrestle this under control before I turn into a blimp.
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OMG I literally gasped as I read this. Those railway tracks can be hellish and these obviously were. I’m so so sorry to read this Joanne, for so many reasons.
First let me say thank goodness for that trusty helmet! Every rider I see without a helmet I want to smack on the head and knock some sense into them.
What a disappointment to miss supporting the team and of course to miss the trip to Thailand. I want to cry on your behalf.
I am sending gentle hugs dear friend. I hope you are getting lots of love and support and TLC. I wish I lived closer and would pop over to do things like bake and cook. Trust me when I say this is offer of epic proportion as I am not keen on the kitchen. Know I am thinking of you and sending positive and healing energy across the miles. Xoxo
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Wow – Sue Slaght is offering kitchen services! I’m so humbled.
Yeah – I’m not impressed with how this year is panning out so far, but I keep reminding myself that it could be so much worse. When you go out in the world doing stuff that challenges you, sometimes it gets ugly. What’s the expression? – if you never fail, you aren’t trying hard enough.
Like you, I cringe whenever I see someone without a helmet. No one expects to get hurt. No one.
I look at my helmet and don’t even want to consider the what-ifs.
So now I’m trying to get used to a slower pace and figuring out my new limits before my body starts to send me grouchy messages.
Thanks for the hugs and good wishes. I’m down … but I’m not finished yet 😉
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You have a very positive attitude my friend. Yes it could have been so much worse but still a big injury. I have no doubt you will be back. Till then take it easy. One day at a time. Xo
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Thanks 🙂
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What a nasty thing to happen. I have a 79 year old friend who fell of his bike cycling down a mountain, injuring himself badly. He got back on the bike when recovered and was hit by a car. Now recovered from that he is back on his bike. He can’t walk far but can still ride. Maybe when you recover you will gradually build up you confidence. Me, I stay on flat bike tracks and dismount when I see anything irregular. My husband calls me a wimp but I have a strong sense of preservation. Good luck with your recovery.
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Wow – your friend has really persisted. I hope the worst is behind him now.
We all have a different comfort zone about different things. I think it’s a great strategy to stop and assess when you’re not sure. That’s good advice that can be applied to virtually everything 🙂
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Sounds painful, and disappointing that you can’t go on that bike rally. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery.
Your accident hits a little close to home. My sister was a bicycle fanatic. She travelled all over the country, going on various bike rides. She tried explaining this sport to me once, but my brain faded out in the middle. Anyway, she’s had numerous accidents, including one that involved a severe head injury. Without her helmet she would have been killed.
A few years after the head injury she began having grand mal seizures. She’s all crippled up now, from the seizures, and can’t ride any more. Now when I see bike riders, I fear for them. I drive slowly and widely around them, and hope they’ll finish the ride safely.
I’m glad all you got was a broken collar bone, and I hope that’s the worst that ever happens to you. Get well soon!
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Tippy, your story makes it very real. Most people don’t appreciate how risky bicycle riding is and it makes me crazy when I see both drivers and riders who disrespect the risks.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. She was clearly one of the unlucky ones. Head injuries are so unforgiving. My very best wishes to her.
This is by far the worst accident I’ve had and it’s been a wake-up call. Luckily I will recover … but I don’t know what my future as a cyclist will look like after this.
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Take care. My thoughts are with you during your recovery.
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Thanks. I appreciate it.
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You didn’t jinx it. It’s clumsy months didn’t you know that? It has to be;I am waving at you with a big splint on my right hand. I dislocated my thumb and pulled a tendon while playing superwoman. I do wonder if it might be age. When did I start to be that fragile?
I am very, very happy that you are writing this to remind everybody of the importance of helmets. I am sorry you are hurting, but I am happy nothing more happened. BTW you can still join the bike rally; you are just not cycling.
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Oh no – not you too!!! … and your right hand! I hope you are left handed?
Thankfully it’s my left shoulder in a sling. I can still muddle along with a lot of stuff – just a lot slower, and I have to rest frequently because I’ve discovered that even using my right arm can put stress on the left shoulder.
Unfortunately with a wounded wing I can’t join the rally. I can’t drive right now (I was supposed to be a volunteer support driver) and we camp in tents every night.
Not a good idea for the walking wounded – I’d be a bigger hindrance than help.
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No..I am right handed, but can work with my left hand. I am actually working and typing. It’s just that my thumb hangs down. 😦
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Ouch. I’ve had thumb injuries and they can persist for a while. Hope this heals up well!
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” Well , here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into !” I hope you have a quick recovery, and you get to continue to do whatever floats your boat. But, reading this confirms why I ‘walk’ through life. It’s definitely not as exciting or as much exercise, but … Have a good weekend and be sure to buy a new helmet..
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LOL! That’s a fairly good approximation of what was going through my head in the ER.
My bike is going to require some TLC – it too took a beating in the crash – and a new helmet will be required … but I have several weeks ahead of me before I have to worry about that.
Happy Friday to you!
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OUCH!!! Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a few new interests to fill your “free time.”
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Definitely ouch! Thanks for the good wishes. My biggest handicap right now is not being able to drive. I can’t even take myself out on less risky adventures 😉
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Oh boy – sorry to hear. I ruined my knees playing soccer so I know the feeling well. Take care!
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I worry about wearing out my body parts before I’m finished with them. Unfortunately, it seems that each sport seems to have its Achilles Heel.
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Oh gosh, so sorry to hear! You’re lucky to have been wearing your helmet! I guess you can comfort yourself with that thought for the next 6 months…oh yeah, and the fact you have your blogging buddies here for you!
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I always wear a helmet and I’m baffled by those who don’t. Shit happens when we least expect it.
Blogging buddies are the best … but my typing capability is seriously impaired. This could be my new challenge 😉
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Yeah, I read that as well. Maybe you will find a way to do it that’s not as painful or perhaps it will get better as you heal. BTW, don’t feel a need to answer if it’s painful for you. All your bloggers should make a mental note to send you a message every day until you heal that does not have to be answered!
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🙂
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Sorry to read this and wishing you a complete recovery!
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Thanks. Older bodies don’t bounce back quite so quickly … but I’m hoping for the best.
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So sorry to hear that you broke your collar bone Joanne and I hope you have a speedy recovery 🙂 I used to live on the edge also, I never would rewind VHS tapes before returning them to Blockbuster Video Stores 🙄Feel better my friend.
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hahaha! Oh Joe, leave it to you to make me laugh!!! 😀
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I hope making you laugh didn’t hurt you too much. My suggestion is take a painkiller and have a Margharita 😜
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It’s Friday … Martini Day!! I’ve been counting down for 2 hours now 🙂
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It’s so frustrating when you find a sports you like only to end up being unable to pursue it. While it’s hard to see anything good about this accident, at least the helmet protected you from even worse injury.
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Helmets are awesome … I’m pretty sure I might not have survived this one with a great helmet.
I’m sure there is a silver lining in here somewhere!
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Yikes! Rest up and speedy recovery to you.
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Thanks .. *resting up* is a lot harder than I thought. After an hour in front of the TV yesterday, I was going stir-crazy. Something to work on
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