Bike Racing Rule #1

Submitted by Mark EWERS on Sun, 02/24/2008 - 8:29pm
Mark EWERS's picture

Bike Racing Rule #1: Always protect your front wheel.

I'm kicking myself tonight because I forgot that rule. When the guy ahead and to my right suddenly slowed and came left, I crashed. Forgetting rule #1 cost me almost 3 minutes' time getting my bike back in riding condition. The front wheel is about ½" out of true. It made an awful and annoying racket all the way to the finish line.

I was lucky that and a few bumps and bruises were all I got for forgetting rule #1. Just the same, I don't think I'll be forgetting that all-important rule again any time soon.

Unit's picture

Amen!

Unit wrote 3 years 49 weeks ago

I am really sorry to hear that, man! This accident may turn you into a timid rider in packs for a little while...just learn from it and understand that:

1. Races in February often contain squirrels.
2. Races on wet roads (wet from snow melt) bring squirrelly behavior out of even the best riders.
3. When your group catches the Cat. 5 pack in one of these races, get to the front ASAP (to lessen the chances of encountering squirrels).
4. If you must deal with a squirrel in your front wheel...do this:

Ahh...that one never gets old...

This is yet another of the MANY MANY examples of road races where the fastest guy does not win. Try not to let it bother you...we can practice some sketchy pack riding if you like to bring your comfort level back up (if you need it).

will's picture

That sucks

will wrote 3 years 49 weeks ago

That sucks

Don't be too hard on yourself - sometimes very hard to avoid.

(PS - unit - great squirrel photo)

bobber's picture

UR Good

bobber wrote 3 years 49 weeks ago

Glad to hear you are ok. Crashing and bike racing go together like hand and glove. Get used to the danger. You will only be safe on courses with excellent selection features (ie big hills).

heal well

Boz (not verified) wrote 3 years 49 weeks ago

Heal well, friend. Sorry about the crash and hope you're hip isn't too banged up. I would have enjoyed racing it to the finish with you. Thanks for the company on the trip and I owe you some Starbucks! Safe travels. Boz

Mark EWERS's picture

Good words all

Mark EWERS wrote 3 years 49 weeks ago

Thanks guys, for the great words of encouragement.

I know the reality is I just got a bit unlucky. It's hard to accept that all the time and effort in preparation can do little or nothing to prevent something as simple as a shard of glass or a dropped water bottle from ending an otherwise successful day. As they say, that's bike racing.