Full disclosure

I haven’t mentioned it anywhere but my bicycle threw me again and I landed on my shoulder- fracturing the clavicle again. That hasn’t hurt (physically) as much as it sounds but the bruised ribs are always fun. Don’t make me laugh. Seriously. 

Neil

We're gonna have to figure out some kind of inflatable "bounce" riding suit for you. It's either that or a rolling rig that surrounds your bike with mattresses. You must be on a first name basis with the doctors by now.

A duck walked into a feed store .......no, I just can't do it to 'ya.

There are some new suits for motorcycle road racers that

inflate in a crash to protect the riders.  I don't know if they work at bicycle speeds, though.

Mending!

I hope you're on the mend!  Maybe you should shoot that bicycle and get a new one.  Maybe a recumbent, or one with three wheels?

Dang Neil!

I had to get off motorcycles to keep myself intact, maybe you need to forget the bike awhile! Sorry to hear you're hurting again. Glad you are getting the lighting straightened out. It's often overlooked in the first stages of building a layout but the sooner the better. When we put stuff like that off, it often makes it more difficult. I put off doing some feeder wiring to my buss that I should have done sooner and now it's back breaking. I'm having to take it in baby steps, five minutes at a time, whereas if I'd just done it when I should have I probably could have done it all in ten minutes!

No laughing! (ouch)

Ok guys. I deserve the ribbing (get it? Ribs? Nvmd). 

The inspectors at work started calling me “Crash” Erickson. Mr. Crash to you son. 

It’s been a week now and I have been able to some stationary rides so no need for the bubble or mattress. My daughter was a cross country equestrian and they all wear those vests that inflate when separated from the saddle. Not sure that I’d have had time. Tomorrow I head back to see my surgeon to get fixed up (again), and yeah they all are on first name basis now. At least my co-pay is done for the year. 

The lighting really had to get done before being immobilized so happy for that! My son is flying back with me so I may get his help cutting the backdrop to height. His engineering degree should also help me figure out what size steel to use for the upper deck as well! See! There is a silver lining :- ) 

You need this...

Randy

Apple Watch

I'm usually not a fan of anything Apple, but it's beginning to sound like an Apple Watch (Series 4 or later) might be a good idea - it has a "hard fall" sensor and will call 911 for you, even if you are unconscious. 

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208944

Seriously.

Apple Watch or bubble wrap?

I actually have an Apple Watch and use an application called Strava when cycling. Strava has a emergency contact feature similar to the series 4 where my assigned contact(s) can track my ride or be alerted if I fall or am stationary for too long (mine is set for 15 minutes). 

My sister texted me after the fall and asked if I was ok. I texted back that we were headed to the ER to get checked out. Of course she called my mom and dad who tried to call and text me later but I’d decided to rest and missed them. So they called my wife and asked if I was in the hospital. Well, I didn’t see my wife when I got home so all hell broke loose. Needless to say she wouldn’t speak to me for about 24 hours. Thought I’d gone deaf. 

Bubble wrap is starting to sound better and better. 

Can Sympathize...

I hit the pavement last year in June on my bicycle, took the handlebar end in the ribs just to the left of the heart.  Fractured two ribs and had a hemotoma that was the size of both hands.  Nothing else broken though I had some road rash and a sore shoulder.  It Still hurt 3 months ago!

My tires became traction poor when they hit some water which was overtopping a road, since it was in full sun and slow moving, the water hid algae slime that had covered the pavement.  No traction.  Hit the water, made a big splash and luckly slid in the slime otherwise I would have been all rashed up.

Oddly enough, bicycle accidents have left me with more scars than motorcycle accidents.  Proof that good gear pays for itself.

Sympathy

When I was 17 I took my bicycle out for a spin after tuning it up and getting it ready for the season.  I was riding down a side street when a parked car opened it's door in front of me.  I swerved to miss it, but then looked back to see who had done that.  When I turned back around I hit a BIG pothole and sailed over the handle bars.  Messed up my bike good, but worse, I broke my four top front teeth and tore open by chin and upper lip.  All these years later I still have nice scars, and crowns on my four top front teeth.  Oh yeah, a year later the teeth died and abscessed, and I had to have root canals done through the steel crowns!  I didn't ride a bike again for decades!

@Neil

Geez, Neil,

You are making me think I should sell my bicycle!  Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery again (pun intended).

Al Carter

Again

Neil,

Well I read about your bike mishap and thought an old story. Then again, so it must be true! maybe not bubble wrap but one of those bubbles and you can peddle inside that as it rolls along. Or better yet,  peleton stationary bike is only $39 a month plus a fee to ride on the internet for life. It might be cheaper then hospital bills in this day and your age.

You have many years my friend of riding left, please ride safely. 

Tom in Wisconsin

Ya' Know, You Did Mention It (on the 17th)

You're not as old as me so you shouldn't be so forgetful! lol

On someone else's post:

"Now that you mention it, I seem to do a pretty good job of messing up myself without adding complications. Over the last week I added a grabrail down one side of the stairs to my train room - not that it helped as I managed to crash my bicycle again and re-broke some bones. < sigh> "

And I quipped:

"Rebroken bones! Pretty soon your wife is gonna take your bike(s) to a trash compactor.

How bad this time?"

To which you responded:

"Sorry -----  I didn’t mean to hijack your blog.

Bud - I should have posted that on my own site. Seeing the doc tomorrow and will let you, and everybody, know what’s determined. Definitely cracked some ribs so don’t make me laugh!!"

Just to prove the written word lasts forever!!! lol

That bike is trying to kill you Neil

You need to find a safer hobby... Like juggling chainsaws, or something!

Good to hear you're still in one piece though.

Neil, all the best wishes for

Neil, all the best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Nowadays it is required to wear a bike helmet hereabouts. Not by law but anyway... So I talked to someone and she told me it was absolutely essential to wear a bike helmet because she broke her collarbone when she fell from the bike. Huh?

If you're into protective gear, you can buy a cycle helmet that self-inflates if you fall.

Yes, a tricycle bike is safer in some ways but it poses different dangers in other ways. Car drivers are not used to dealing with recumbent trikes (ask how I know). Once I got run over by a wild pig because the pig wasn't used to 'bent trikes and thought me a danger.

After a while I stopped cycling the main road to the train station - it is just too plain dangerous. There is a cycle lane (which is actually painted red to hide the blood stains). But the car traffic is still too much and too fast for the little street. I now use the slightly longer route through the industrial area and the fields - which is a lot safer. I still have to avoid cyclists without lights (in utter darkness!)...

Just last night I almost ran an X-Acto knife into my hand when doing a little railway modelling. Even model trains have their dangers...

Anyway, I admire your get-up-and-keep-going attitude. Too many people would give up and add another car to our roads - too many kids get driven to school every morning even though it's only a ten-minute walk. Too many kids get hit by cars that are driving other kids to school...

Now, how do I fit a cycling stadium on my layout? No space for that... Guess I'll have to live with the bike stand at the station.

Have fun!

PS: Congratulations on finishing the lights - it seems so simple but it always is a lot of work...

Time for a new sport?

Thanks guys! I’ve done downhill racing (skiing) and skateboarding on some pretty crazy hill but haven’t tried parachutes or bungee jumping! Lol. 

Got home yesterday from surgery on Oahu. They kept me overnight instead of releasing me as expected - pain management. Who came up with that phrase? I really don’t like the narcotics so am suffering with Tylenol. No up to date X-rays yet so not sure what was done.

I’ve been riding a stationary bike for over a year now, similar to peloton, that uses my own bag and speaks Bluetooth with the app. This is very engaging and I’ve met people from all over the world. My avatar looks a little like everyone else but my height (6’-4”) and weight (192 lbs) are reflected when riding up or down hills. This may be my future. 

My avatar on the left and me with my bud Leonard (tongue sticking out) who took me to the ER. Below right was taken the fateful day. Like MR’ing, the people are what make it a rewarding experience - real or online.

The screenshot on the bottom is me riding with my sister (who has an unrealistic tan for a Washingtonian) from 2300 miles away. 

Ya know....

Neil, I thought the Er was just part of your last name....now I realize its a locator "Where's Neil?" ER.....perhaps a less dangerous passtime?   

Peace, and hope the recovery doesn't drive you crazy, Bill

Jumping Jehoshaphat

Neil;  Hope you get healed up soon and no more flying.

I have a numb spot on my finger.  Had the razor knife jump over the ruler and slice thru my finger edge.  They glued the 1/4" flap shut but the nerves have never grown back.

Regarding tipping wheels.  I once went face first from my electric wheelchair.  Going fast and hit a dip in the pavement, no seat belt.  I flew right outa the chair without wings.  No ER, just a scrapped cheek and wounded pride.