bit of a dilemma

[Shore Rydah]

Well, Ive gone and busted my clavicle up for the second time in 6 months. This time its really got me thinking. 10% of the time I have a lapse in judgement and tend to go faster than I should or need to. I get kinda caught in the moment and don't really think about the consequences.

I get alot of grief from my old man and my boss about giving up mountain biking, and getting hurt too much. While I can see where they're coming from, I don't even think I can quit mountain biking, I love riding and challenging myself with new obstacles.

Anyway I got a lot of time to think about it, has anybody else gone through this type of situation?

[the flying moose]

switch up the riding style. try road or xc for awhile.

[HIBuLlitT]

Well, Ive gone and busted my clavicle up for the second time in 6 months. This time its really got me thinking. 10% of the time I have a lapse in judgement and tend to go faster than I should or need to. I get kinda caught in the moment and don't really think about the consequences.

I get alot of grief from my old man and my boss about giving up mountain biking, and getting hurt too much. While I can see where they're coming from, I don't even think I can quit mountain biking, I love riding and challenging myself with new obstacles.

Anyway I got a lot of time to think about it, has anybody else gone through this type of situation?

Well in a little over a year I broke a left leg first, then left clavicle, then right clavicle.
I try and ride a bit more tame, I'm not hucking as much, but I like to go fast.
Try and find trails that have more twisty fast sections instead of flat out speed
or real big hucks.

My $.02
Heal up, watch your weight, I went from 165 to 185 in less than a year with
all the sitting on my ass. You got to do what you love though.

[craw]

I agree. Get healed up and when you get back on the bike, head to some different trails. Try riding a 'smaller' AM-type bike. Just remember what it means to be out riding, out in the forest. As you get healthier just ramp things up slowly and keep your recovery in mind at all times. This will keep your riding under control when you encounter those situations you might have hit too hard/fast/aggressively in the past.

Just chill out. If you want to ride for a long time you need to pace yourself. You can always come back for something tomorrow. It won't hurt you to take an extra day to try and visualize a particular move. Besides, the anticipation and feeling of being prepared for a stunt is wicked.

Also, remember to hit the physio hard. Every time you break a bone, the biomechanics of that particular area change, especially with the clavicle (as it tends to get a bit shorter from the overlap required for it to reattach itself). Physio helps rebalance the area making sure the musculature adapts to its new structure thereby staying flexible and strong. General strength conditioning is key as well. Your body will survive crashes and accidental abuse much better if you're not a waif. Strength conditioning is good for bones as well. As a side bonus, when you're monster strong moving a 40+lb bike around becomes a lot more fun.

[biggles604]

I badly broke my arm last year, and while it wasn't really doing anything at all, it still got me thinking. I still do some of the big stuff, but I sold my Shore and bought a Six, and I am now riding old school flowy single track and since doing that I have not missed all the stunts, and I have been enjoying riding more than ever.

[Shore Rydah]

This time I hurt myself by underestimating bumpy/rough trail ( the beginning of big brother). Picked up speed over the bumps and wasn't prepared for a 2' drop which shot me on my shoulder.

yeh i think more of an all mountain bike and more smooth flowy trail riding will be fun/safe for the most part.

thanx for the input guys

[evanius]

Just remember that killer crash is going to happen when you least expect it. I've been taking it easy(er) since breaking my wrist badly a couple years ago. Its not that I have changed the trails I ride so much, but I pay more attention to gut feel now and am more likely to bypass something I don't quite feel up to, and I think that is the biggest difference. I also spend a lot more time riding xc, although fell victim to a couple broken ribs and a broken hand this past winter on easier trails. You can't avoid all injuries - but you can keep your risk down...

[HIBuLlitT]

You can't avoid all injuries...

One of the guys that used to ride with us broke his wrist riding in the parking
lot. Hit a patch of gravel, not paying attention (why when you're in the parking
lot?), and down he went. I've come close just putting around, and of course
you don't have your helmet on yet (doh!)...

Heal up!

[brent_14]

yeah, the worst injuries happen doing the stupidest or smallest things. i was in a pump race and i mannaged to sprain my wrist pretty bad, get a decent concussion and make my front teeth loose. yet i have never fallen and hurt myself on any large stunts

[HIBuLlitT]

yet i have never fallen and hurt myself on any large stunts

he says while knocking on wood ;)

[Furious]

Get married, have kids, take on a mortgage that's a little too large to be comfortable....

[biggles604]

One of the guys that used to ride with us broke his wrist riding in the parking
lot. Hit a patch of gravel, not paying attention (why when you're in the parking
lot?), and down he went. I've come close just putting around, and of course
you don't have your helmet on yet (doh!)...

Heal up!

I broke my wrist in the car park, I threw my leg over the seat, missed the pedal, lost my balance and bam, 8 weeks in a cast.