Butterflies are Free, but stitches cost $115 plus...

[BiggJawn]

Had to happen...I'm learning (slowly) how to work these SPD-clone pedals and cleats on my bike, and I Fall Down.

Unclipped one side OK, and had that foot down, and before I could get my left foot loose, I fell over to the left...

So I pick myself up and while i'm trying to get back into the pedals I notice a "grease smear" on the outside of my right calf...Only it was BLOOD, not chain grease.

Nice little gash that was gaping open about 3/8". After figuring out that a trip to the ER was gonna cost me $115 co-pay, I cleaned it out and closed it with 2 butteflies...

I'm about ready to go back to old-school cleats and straps. Anyone got a pair of Detto Pietros in size 46?

[Kenneth ken]

1. owie

sorry - at least it was just a fall-over; not a run off the road by an inconsiderate car or some such.

I've always wondered about those type pedal/shoe combos. I've never tried 'em because I know I would fall and hurt myself trying to get a foot down.

[BiggJawn]

2. Cage Jockeys are cool up here...

They give you plenty of room and even wave as they go by...Amazing!

I GOTTA get used to these things! I can't ride the distances I'm starting to get in Reeboks, my feet hurt like hell after 20 miles...

[Kenneth ken]

3. that is amazing

I ride in flip flops; average about 15 mph, but i rarely go more than 12-15 miles.

Slower if there is a lot of uphill.


don't forget to wrap your calf next ride; you'll be exerting pressure via the calf, and you don't want to reopen the wound.

[BiggJawn]

8. I'm up to 24 miles, average almost 13 MPH...

Want to ride the Hilly Hundred next year.

Even the guys in the F-350 Penis Augmenters give you room here. I don't understand it, because when I lived in Indy, the game was to see it they could bump your ass with their side mirror.
Not even a "moran" could mistake me for a member of the Purdue Cycling Team in training.Maybe these are just nice folks up here? Naw, they vote ReTHUGlican...

[GregW]

4. Stick with the cleats

Once you get used to them they are much easier to disengage than straps (not to mention easier to 'engage' too)

Reminds me of the time a kid opened his car door in front of me, stopped my bike dead, I fly over the handle bars, and my feet nicely strapped to the pedals ensure the bike follows me airborne as we follow a graceful, parabolic arc back to earth. Face first. With the bike on top of me, still strapped to my feet.

:eyes:

[Kenneth ken]

6. LMAO

Greg - you too funny.

You encourage him to stick with the cleats and then give him such a good example of what can happen with them.


:hi"


:bounce:

[GregW]

10. No, no, no ...

I'm suggesting he stick with STRAPLESS cleats (at least, that's what sounded like he was evaluating) ... my "Superman and his bike" impersonation was with STRAPS ... almost impossible to extricate yourself from.

[BiggJawn]

9. It'd been a better story if you had landed on your wheels...

Not building much confidence here, Greg...:-)

[prolesunited]

5. I've been thinking about new shoes and pedals

I guess this post answers my question on whether it's a good idea. Sounds painful. How far did you have to ride home with blood dripping down your leg? Keep a watch for infection and be careful.

[BiggJawn]

7. Now I know why you should wear sox when you ride...

It was less than a 1/4 mile ( I was practicing in the parking lot across the street) so it wasn't far.

The reason you wear sox is so the catch the blood and keep you from ruining your shoees...:7
Cleaned it out with soap/water, then perioxide. It's looking pretty good this AM....