The Bicycle Club of Irvine

[Peter Gerrard]

On a Ride last February;

I was descending on El Toro Rd. from Santiago Canyon, with the intention of making a right turn on Portola and heading back to Irvine via Bake. I had a green light, and about half-way through the turn I was suddenly down. No tire slip for a warning, just "Bam!

I believe the right side of my chest hit first, then my right hip (or the reverse, I was just very aware of the former) and then I–probably inelegantly–slid on my cheek and lip for a bit. Several cars stopped, and I think one of the guys who got out to block traffic said it was an 8.5 out of 10, at least. The paramedics came, and I refused to be transported, so they took info and left. I was going to ride home but my left shift and brake lever was not looking good: when I tugged on the brake blade to try and straighten it (it looked like a finger that was out of joint) several small parts fell out. I figured that it was not a good idea do Bake with no front brake so I called for a ride.

To all of you who asked: the bike is pretty much ok, except for the brake/shift lever.

Oh - I didn't break anything, just muscle strains and cartilage damage in my ribs, and sundry road rash which is healing nicely. I went to work later that day and think I scared a kid.

I heard that the day before another rider had crashed at the same place. It was dry, no moisture on the corner. I didn't check for oil or sand.
_________________
Peter G.
BCI #3329
peterg@cox.net