Something to think about
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jarmaug
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« on: September 11, 2008, 10:00:23 AM »
    Autumn is now upon us. This last summer provided
scores of epic rides and good times. Huge efforts in trail
upkeep have improved the trails, allowing us all to improve
our skills and push our limits.
    Looking back over the peak riding season, some may
have noticed that there were a number of injuries this year.
This may be anectodal, but my perception is one of an alarming
uptick in accidents and injuries this summer.
    One avenue of reasoning may be that because the trails
have improved it allows us to hone our skills and push our
abilities more than we have before. Gaining more speed, getting
more air, having more fun. Think about the difference between
what you are capable of now to what you were capable of when
you first began biking... then think about the difference
between the protective equipment you wore then and what you
wear now. Odds are, you wear basically the same thing as you
have always - just a bike helmet.
    Automotive engineers have an addage that states that
your acceleration technology should never outperform your
breaking system. The same should apply to safety equipment
on the trails: A simple half helmet designed to protect the
average rider in a routine fall from a bike is likely not
going to be adequate in protecting some of our more notorious
blazers going 35mph+ on a rocky winding downhill.
    Proper protective equipment is expensive, and a lot of
folks balk at the idea of shelling out that much cash for
something that is just going to make you sweat more and might
never be needed. Not to mention the fact that you become the
target of jiibes on the streets to and from the trails. The
idea being that its moronic overkill, and reminds people of
the special education kid we grew up with who would wear his
plastic replica football helmet whenever we let him play touch
football in the backyard with us.
     So what do we do? Resign ourselves to the risk of
bodily harm for fear of ridicule or expense? There should be
a middle ground somewhere if we brainstorm. I propose that
2009 should be a PMBA safety year, where bikers are educated
about proper protective equipment based on the level of
riding they do. Where local shop owners are encouraged to
provide and stock reasonably priced protective gear beyond the
generic bike helmets currently available without special orders.
Develop a guideline by PMBA for what protective equipment is
recommended for the different types/styles of riding - Not
mandated, just suggested. Consumer research into best prices,
best solutions, best materials.
    This issue has been getting short shrift for far too
long. Nothing ends a bike season more abruptly than a cast.

Just something to think about.... comments?
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Rico
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« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2008, 10:13:05 AM »
Quote from: jarmaug on September 11, 2008, 10:00:23 AM
    There should be
a middle ground somewhere if we brainstorm. I propose that
2009 should be a PMBA safety year, where bikers are educated
about proper protective equipment based on the level of
riding they do. Where local shop owners are encouraged to
provide and stock reasonably priced protective gear beyond the
generic bike helmets currently available without special orders.
Develop a guideline by PMBA for what protective equipment is
recommended for the different types/styles of riding - Not
mandated, just suggested. Consumer research into best prices,
best solutions, best materials.
   

I think this is a good idea.  We have vendors with lighting systems at meetings in the past.  Why not stress the safety aspect as well.
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fishnchips
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« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2008, 11:36:19 AM »
Lots of good idea jarmaug; safety is important to think about.

Having the 'light' night meeting was great and talked about safety, if in a roundabout way. And we also had an entire GM devoted to CPR. With the unfortunate death of Mr. Chaplin (non-riding related) and other emergency situations I'd like to think that safety has been high on PMBA's agenda. It's not so much making 2009 a safety conscious year, but just making safety a fundamental part of the mission, the same way we do for Trail Maintenance.

I have a different perspective in that as a beginner I suffered far more injuries than I do now. I endo'd 6 times my first year including a significant rib/sternum injury. Not to mention numerous slow speed falls, especially while climbing. My legs were constantly banged up. I started wearing pads.

But as I've gotten better I hardly fall at all. I suppose two years ago I was down to once a week, and I’d guess once a month. I actually stopped wearing the pads on a daily basis partly because of laziness but also because in the  summer they heat up and ever so slightly stifle your mobility. With my lower 'need', especially on hot days, I feel they can cause more problems than not.

That being said I think that it would help the confidence of all beginners, or those trying new things, to be padded up. I'll certainly pad up when I practice wheelies and bunny hops. Riders pushing the envelope, or catching big air, have to dress the part.

I've heard some experts say that they think pads give you a false sense of security. I'm not sure if that is true. I would guess that the pads really do help keep your body from being banged up in slow speed falls, and as an extra bonus as you don't get carved up by the stickers half as much. But if you're going 30mph and you hit a tree, I'm doubt the pads will do anything for you. A full face helmet might, but the force of a rock or a tree impact breaking your arm may do so no matter what you're wearing.

Even though I have far fewer incidents now, it does cross my mind that wiping out at some of the speeds I hit would be very serious. I would agree that when things do happen now they tend to be more serious. But overall I’d say the more you ride the lower your injury rate.
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« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2008, 12:39:34 PM »
Very good thoughts Jarmaug. I always sum it up like this:

"Dress for the crash not the ride"

I too used to wear pads all the time back when I was experimenting with drop offs. They saved me more than a few times. Now I don't crash as much and don't wear them as much either. I went downhilling this past weekend and wore full body armor, full face, leg and shin pads, and hip pads. I did not crash but if I had, I would have been well protected.

Three years ago I was downhilling wearing full protection, crashed hard and ended up in the hospital for two weeks, 5 days of which was in ICU hooked up to a few machines; Internal injury.

I think one good suggestion to stay safe is a really good set of brakes. If you're one of the guys hitting that 30mph mark, you should probably have hydros with 8 inch rotors. Not just for your safety but also for others that may be on the trail ahead.
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Tom Coyle
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« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2008, 02:02:55 PM »
OK, Tom.  Since I work in an emergency department and also like to push the boundaries while riding, I didn't need to hear about your ICU stay.  OUCH.  LALALALALALALALLLALALA(that's me trying to forget that I heard it)  Oh, one more thing.  If something happens to me on the trails and I can't dictate for myself, two things.  NO to Roxborough memorial(incompetent). And PLEASE don't take me to Temple.  The first thing they do is rip your clothes off and stick a finger up your butt.  You can imagine how this would make for an interesting work environment.   Tongue
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RepoMan
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« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2008, 02:19:47 PM »
Good thoughts!

I would add "don't get overconfident, expect the unexpected, and be careful."

I crashed on the little creek crossing near Wise's Mill Road in the beginning of August and have been off my bike ever since. I broke my little finger on my left hand, and while it seemed like such a minor thing at first, it resulted in pins and close to $20,000 billed to insurance (and counting). It was such a goofy, slow speed, stupid crash, too. Nothing spectacular. Just "slip on wet root, hit the ground". I can't chalk it up to anything else but dumb luck. I've ridden the crossing countless times and maybe I was thinking more about the steep climb after it... who knows.

I got the pins out yesterday and PT is now slowly getting my grip back to the point where I might be able to grab a handlebar (despite my doctor's eye-rolling) in a few more weeks.

In the end, my point would be that even the seemingly smallest little crash on an innocuous ride can have a significant impact on your riding and your wallet, not to mention your health.

PS regarding hospitals, Chestnut Hill's ER has been great the two times I ended up there from crashes in the Wissahickon. Once for some stitches and now this broken finger.
« Last Edit: September 11, 2008, 02:21:32 PM by RepoMan » Logged
chunter
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« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2008, 04:15:52 PM »
Oh, And Never, EVER Follow Hunter!!
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Lou
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« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2008, 05:45:11 PM »
Haha, just ask Nick about that.
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Lev
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« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2008, 10:59:49 PM »
Quote from: Durb on September 11, 2008, 02:02:55 PM
OK, Tom.  Since I work in an emergency department and also like to push the boundaries while riding, I didn't need to hear about your ICU stay.  OUCH.  LALALALALALALALLLALALA(that's me trying to forget that I heard it)  Oh, one more thing.  If something happens to me on the trails and I can't dictate for myself, two things.  NO to Roxborough memorial(incompetent). And PLEASE don't take me to Temple.  The first thing they do is rip your clothes off and stick a finger up your butt.  You can imagine how this would make for an interesting work environment.   Tongue

Wait a sec there... If you show up unconscious to your favorite medical institution wearing your bike shorts and shoes, you're pretty much destined to get the old finger in the butt just about ANYWHERE these days. I don't think Temple discriminates.  What's the take home point? Wear your helmet kids!!!
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« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2008, 09:07:07 AM »
Repo, I had a similar situation.  I decided to get off my bike to walk down a steep and rocky hill, slipped on a rock and next thing I know I have a puncture wound in my leg.  Thank God it wasn't too bad where I rode/walked back to my car, went home and went to Abington's ER.  I almost went to Roxborough, but I used to do work there, and thought against it.  I'm thankful after hearing the advice of healthcare workers above!!  LOL

The moral of the story is you can never be too careful, wearing full body armor or not, even the littlest falls can do a lot of damage. 
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« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2008, 09:19:26 AM »
Well, unfortunately speaking from recent experience, I have to agree that the Dirt Jump style helmet I was wearing at the Bowl was not sufficient enough to protect me when I went OTB at full speed jumping downhill. I suffered a major cuncussion, broken collarbone, bruised adrenal gland (didn't even know I had one) and a knee injury. And yes Temple Hospital cut off all my clothes, which happened to be my favorite shorts and a sweet jersey. Not to mention my underwear. They didn't mess with my shoes so I guess that is good. The blessing in disguise is that I don't remember feeling any pain and I know it all must have hurt bad... So needless to say I will not be wearing that helmet anymore; it's on the wall of shame. And if I ever go there and do jumping again I will be wearing my full face motocross helmet, which are Snell and DOT rated and much stronger than a downhill MTB helmet, which have no ratings. I wear these helmets when I do DH, and I feel very safe. Wish I was wearing it at the Bowl becuase there is no way my concussion would have been near as bad or wouldn't have got one... Definitely dress for the crash, worst case scenario. If you don't crash that's a bonus. But you will want the protection, when, not if, you fall...
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fishnchips
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« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2008, 09:26:39 AM »
ran into a dude with a cut on his leg yesterday and he was hoping just for a band-aid to protect it while he rode. It quickly dawned on me that I never did get a First Aid Kit together, which I have wanted to do.

But I did have a couple feet of electrical tape around the bars and some TP stored for emergencies, so the fellow was able to fashion a temporary solution.

Any recommendation on what it a biking First Aid Kit should contain besides electrical tape? I also want to prepare a Winter First Aid Kit as I'm assuming there should be some differences.
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« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2008, 10:08:04 AM »
I carry a small portable first aid kit in my Cambak. I got it at REI and it's made to be stowed in backpack, so it's small and light.
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« Reply #13 on: September 12, 2008, 12:01:42 PM »
Quote from: RepoMan on September 11, 2008, 02:19:47 PM
PS regarding hospitals, Chestnut Hill's ER has been great the two times I ended up there from crashes in the Wissahickon. Once for some stitches and now this broken finger.

After my endo about three weeks ago, I found my way to Chestnut Hill to get stitches.  I was impressed.  In and out quickly.  Stitches came out at 8 days instead of 10.  I was riding after 12 days.

The bruised thigh is still touchy, but I'm riding.
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« Reply #14 on: September 12, 2008, 12:04:16 PM »
Quote from: Lust4singletrack on September 12, 2008, 10:08:04 AM
I carry a small portable first aid kit in my Cambak. I got it at REI and it's made to be stowed in backpack, so it's small and light.

Definintely carry one.  Don't be bothered by the weight.  It weighs nothing compared to your butt.

I was carrying when I biffed.  My two co-riders helped me put something on the elbow gash.  Then I rode to Valley Green, and drove myself to Chestnut.  It's nice to not be bleeding over yourself when you walk into the ER.  Not to mention keeping the car interior free of my internal DNA.
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« Reply #15 on: September 12, 2008, 02:17:55 PM »
Back in May 07 I went OTB & landed flat on my back in the undergrowth in Belmont, luckily I managed to crawl back to my car and drive home. I spent the rest of the weekend with ice on my back, trying to decide whether to go to the ER. I didn't in the end but did go see my own doctor the next week. She gave me a bunch of muscle relaxents and painkillers and suggested pads/armour in future! That fall definatley dented my confidence.

The biggest safety improvement I've made since is buying a new bike! My old hardtail was only a few steps up from a 'Walmart special', now I have a 'proper' mountain bike. Though I did fall a few times getting used to the new bike (eg loads more suspension and disc brakes). I haven't yet got the pads/armour or full face helmet.

I did the PMBA CPR training, but I still need to throw that first aid kit in the camelbak (I have one at home for when I go hiking/campling).
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« Reply #16 on: September 12, 2008, 02:31:41 PM »
Think I need to add a First Aid kit to my Camelbak. 

Took a spill on the downhill at the golf course last Sunday.  Riding alone.  I think Hunter, Kman and another rider passed me as I was brushing myself off and taking inventory.  Came away with a few bruises, scrapes and a nice contusion that looked like I had a baseball lodged in my right thigh just above the knee. 

Wasn't riding too fast, just fell awkwardly after getting a wheel on each side of a log that was laying parallel to the trail.  Tried to ride it out.  Pads probably would have prevented most of the injuries.  Thought about heading to the doctor but used the ice and Alleve method first.  Been off the bike all week to rest and heal.
« Last Edit: September 12, 2008, 03:53:21 PM by JDurk » Logged
RepoMan
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« Reply #17 on: September 12, 2008, 03:49:35 PM »
I agree, REI has some nice portable first aid kits in varied sizes. I have a small one in a soft case that has the basics. The weight is negligible, as is the space it takes up in the pack.
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fishnchips
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« Reply #18 on: September 13, 2008, 11:48:40 AM »
I just picked up this one at REI. It's inexpensive, has a bunch of stuff, fits in the camelbak, includes an Emergency First Aid Manual and has plenty of room for other stuff you may want to pack.

Not that the previous one is large, but this one is even smaller and has all the basics.

Many others to choose from at REI too.
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Kelly
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« Reply #19 on: September 13, 2008, 06:48:57 PM »
The smaller one that fishnchips put in the link for this the one I have and I've just transfered to my Camelbak today. I showed it to my better half (whose a nursing student) and she said it would be fine for having with me when I ride. I has what's needed for emergencies on the trail. I'd certainly recomend it. Hopefully I'll never have to use it, just as I've never had to use it while hiking for the past few years.
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« Reply #20 on: September 13, 2008, 09:28:08 PM »
Quote from: fishnchips on September 13, 2008, 11:48:40 AM
I just picked up this one at REI. It's inexpensive, has a bunch of stuff, fits in the camelbak, includes an Emergency First Aid Manual and has plenty of room for other stuff you may want to pack.

Not that the previous one is large, but this one is even smaller and has all the basics.

Many others to choose from at REI too.

I have something similar to the second one. It's small & basic (tylenol, electrolyte tabs, band-aids, bee sting stuff, gauze, etc) but I also just stuck some of that spray neosporin into my pack too. On another note, I also usually ride w/a do-rag on my head. Aside from keeping sweat out of the eyes it's come in handy to be used as a turnicut (sp) for bigger wounds.   
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« Reply #21 on: September 15, 2008, 04:39:36 PM »
I don't understand What the deal is, I have yet to crash on a bike!?


 Roll Eyes
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« Reply #22 on: September 15, 2008, 04:44:10 PM »
Quote from: Kman on September 15, 2008, 04:39:36 PM
I don't understand What the deal is, I have yet to crash on a bike!?


 Roll Eyes



+1

 I don't know what you foos be talking about
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bonkers
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« Reply #23 on: September 16, 2008, 09:19:10 PM »
Quote from: Kman on September 15, 2008, 04:39:36 PM
I don't understand What the deal is, I have yet to crash on a bike!?


 Roll Eyes



Ditto- No,wait.. I forgot.. I took a beating at Bear Creek! haha Tongue  Nevermind!
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« Reply #24 on: October 09, 2008, 08:39:08 AM »
Had to help clean up a friend's trail injury at the clinc last week.  I carry a home-made kit and needed the following stuff from it: 

> 4x4 gauze pads for cleaning the dirt.  We used 2 on the trail and 2 more back at the car
> Some kind of disinfectant wipe.  I buy the small alcohol wipes that are individually packed and used for cleaning skin before injections.  They're really small - you need 2 or 3 of them to clean out a decent-sized cut
> Antibiotic cream, like Neosporin.  REI sells these in small one-dose packages.
> A couple of big bandaids - enough to cover an 8" tear in your forearm.  Sometimes they'll stick by themselves; other times you need to cover them with duct tape, which you also should have for general bike repairs
> Advil or some other pain med.  They come in 2x packs, but you can also get a small tube of them and keep refilling it.  Taken early (on the trail, not back at the car) it will help a lot.

Also WATER - a lot of it.  We used an entire b