My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Crashed. Remember your bike helmet.

It was a beautiful evening to bike in one of our favorite places - St. George. We had a three-day weekend planned with lots of biking, listening to conference , cheering on my friend who was running the St. George Marathon (I was going to run a portion with her!), some nice walks, lunch with a friend and shopping (of course!). We were finishing up our first (and unfortunately last) ride - we had climbed to the top for this view:
After a nice 25 mile ride, we were heading back to our condo when we hit a tiny wet/mossy part in the gutter as we were going onto the road -- it pulled our bike in and flipped us over.  It was such a flukey deal and a reminder how fast those things happen!  Steve hit his head hard -- thank heavens for his helmet (that now has a dent), bruised hip, shoulder and lots of scrapes.  I landed on my left hand (yes, the one that I hold on to Cricket with) and scraped my knees and hands.  (This is our first fall in 11 years.  We think we are a pretty good tandem team!)  After we pulled out of our mess, we hugged and kissed.  Grateful to be okay.  We are sore, but feeling very fortunate that it wasn't more serious.  Fortunately, I sprained (not broke) my wrist so only a brace for a week or so. Two days later we are feeling new places where we are sore!  My neck is so stiff from holding it tight to not hit the road.  Steve hit the hardest because he landed first - his poor hip and shoulder!          
We came back to our condo bleeding.  Cricket rubbed against us and was so concerned that she had blood on her too. 
My friend did awesome in the marathon!  We cheered from the sidelines.  Perhaps, next year we will run?  It will be a little while before we are back on the bike.  In the meantime, we have memories of a wonderful evening prior to our crash and a reminder to all to wear your bike helmet.  Otherwise, I would have been calling 911.  We enjoyed some relaxing time (and trying to help each other's aches) and watched lots of episodes of International House Hunters!  I did have a moment of overwhelm at the store trying to have Cricket guide me.  She seemed to know we were debating on taking her as she slid in front of the door!  Steve talked to her and explained the situation and asked if she could pull a little lighter the next couple days.  She listened intently and really is doing so!   She basically will be off duty for a few days - just accompanying me and my white cane to the office :(.

14 comments:

Karen said...

So very grateful it wasn't worse. Hope hips, wrist and other injuries will heal really quickly. Thank heavens for steve's helmet.

Lucent Imagery said...

Oh you poor things. Sending you big hugs. I too am a big advocate for bike helmets. I know it saved me when I went head first over handle bars as a teenager. And many people I know who compete in sport involving cycling. I hope you both heal fast my friend.

3 labs 4 me said...

Oh my dear friends. I am so sorry to hear about your accident. You were very lucky, to say the least. Hugs from Oregon.

S.DAY said...

Yay I have internet again and I'm catching up!!! SO sorry to hear about your crash! Poor you and steve and poor crickers for worrying!
Bummer about the sprained wrist. You need anything?!
love ya

Maxmom said...

Wow, Becky!...(and you still took the time to visit us and type out a comment...thank you.)
Gee, I am sorry to hear about your fall, but so, so glad to hear that it wasn't critical.
Yes, you are right, these things happen so fast - and then proceed to jolt us into understanding our vulnerability. I hope that the emotional scars won't stop you from eventually getting back on the bike again.
I am praying that you heal fast (in all ways) and that Cricket will continue to be understanding. I am so glad that Steve is okay too.
Get better soon - and go easy on yourself. ((Hugs))
sending lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SA

Anonymous said...

Very glad to hear that you both are okay. That could have easily been serious. At least you two are smart enough to wear those helmets. Hoping you both heal very quickly!

Lisa and pups said...

WOW, how scary. Glad you are okay and it wasn't more severe! Definitely something to be grateful for! Hope you heal quickly!

Erin said...

OUCH! Glad you guys are ok! How scary!

L^2 said...

Ouch! Very glad you two are mostly okay, and hoping your injuries heal quickly.

Myrna R. said...

I'm so glad you and Steve are basically okay. May you feel better real soon.

wendy said...

How sweet of Cricket to be so concerned. Pets are so "in tune" with what's going on with us I think...and I am sure Cricket is extremely so.
Thank goodness for helmets indeed.
Glad you didn't break your wrist...and that neither of you got seriously hurt.
Crazy, like you said, that these things can happen in a second.

I know you'll keep on riding, and aside from that, sounds like you had a wonderful weekend.

Pamela and John said...

Hey Becky! I am so very glad to hear that you are okay! You and your husband have such amazing attitudes. Hope this week is going better for you both.

jennohara said...

Oh my gosh, I cant believe how behind I keep getting.
I'm so glad you are okay! Big hugs to both of you!
I'd say you are an awesome team to have only one accident in 11 years.
I see that you have it casted as well now. Bummer. :(
I hope it heals quickly so you can back to normal again!

Unknown said...

Oh Becky & Steve,
I was catching up on your blog and noticed your cast and scrolled back through the posts to find out what happened...so sorry about the accident, but I am so glad it was not worse and that you had your helmets on.
Happy healing!