The totally incorrect way to get off a bike (volumes 1 and 2)

First topic message reminder :

I was hoping to never have to post this, but I had an unscheduled dismount on Monday making this my first biking accident. :(

Not sure exactly what happened which is making it even more frustrating for me. I didn’t have my video recorder with me, so can’t review that, but do have the SatNav track (time, distances and speed).

I was in Tonbridge, Kent an hour into my ride - had just turned left through a light controlled junction, accelerated up to 28 mph; could see a car parked on the pavement (boot open and the driver walking about) and there was a car in front of me, I slow down to 19 mph. Now the bits I have little or no recollection, I have no idea why I don’t seem realise the car is slowing right down and actually came to a halt. I don’t see any indicator just a brake light which suddenly came on. The log shows I was doing 0.8 mph when I touched the car bumper.
I hear a loud bang as my helmet and shoulder protector hit the road, boy did I hit the deck hard. I can hear the bike engine still running but can’t immediately stand up. Don’t know if my leg was pinned under the bike, but I have no pain or marks on my legs or leathers. The guy parked on the pavement comes over and helps me pick the bike up, I see the red (oil) light on and can smell petrol – I think I hit the kill switch, but maybe the still in gear engine died when the ‘spinning’ back wheel touched the ground.

So it was a slow speed bump, so not much damage right? Well the car bumper has a mark on it possibly from the tyre or the mudguard which can be rubbed out, the bike has a broken mudguard and some scratches on the fairing and the engine cover, a slight mark on the exhaust, the indicator popped out, but I think that is back in place and the mirror has pushed in on the ball joint but not broken. My leathers and boots are unmarked, but my lid has a bit of the paint missing and part of the shell is exposed. My shoulder protector either saved me from more serious damage or was the cause of my injury, but for now all I know is my shoulder is a bit sore and don’t feel that good when moving it about and am becoming aware that my left thumb is sore. I don't know if the fork's rebounded giving my thumb a good 'kick' and maybe had something to do with me hitting the ground so hard.

I ride the 30 miles home, bike rides fine – I’m OK as long as I don’t hit a bump. Decided that I’d go straight to A&E near home -this is no easy decision- the place has a horrendous reputation and the nick name given by healthcare professionals does not instil any confidence, May Die (its proper name is Mayday!) , but already started doubting my choice when I got off the bike. The adrenaline had begun to wear off and I was in some pain.

During my near 2 hour wait to be seen, I go to the loo and I discover I have no power in my right arm and my left thumb is extremely sore and near useless when I try and zip up. I could hardly walk back out into the waiting room with the zip down, nor could I casually ask anyone in there ‘mind helping me with my fly mate?’ Using both hands I get the zipper sorted, and go and sit down with tears in my eyes.

Eventually get seen and find I have dislocated my shoulder, they didn’t bother looking at my thumb. I have been given a bit of cloth which was tied around my neck and finished off with a safety pin, not sure if this little touch was to neaten up the mess or to stop my elbow from sliding out. Was told I can take whatever pain killers I have at home and come back in a few weeks when it is better so they can close the file. Arrgh, don’t know why I bothered.

Time to put the jacket back on and go home, I knew this was going to hurt, stood in the corner where no one would see me and ‘yanked’ it on, but I couldn’t do up the zip. Then I find I can’t lift my arm to put my helmet on, umm plan 2, put helmet face first on the saddle, hold with my left hand and push my head into it. Right glove goes on, but can’t get the left one on. I can’t let this beat me now, sod it one glove on one glove off, open jacket and unstrapped helmet, off I go –its only 2-3 miles home.
5 Hours after the incident I’m home and take the first painkillers.

I do hope this isn’t going to be like punctures. I went for 30 years without any then 3 in 4 years. I found I don’t bounce well and can hurt myself at less than 1mph, don’t want to imagine what it’d be like if I was going any faster.

Steve, I too had a shoulder injury many moons ago which required surgery, I dislocated my left shoulder in my teens & once it had 'been out' it kept popping out regularly as the muscle was permanently torn, I had an op called a 'puttie platt' where the muscle was cut & literally platted back tight again, these days it's keyhole rather than invasive surgery, it was a slow recovery & I still get aching in the shoulder now but I've never regretted having it sorted, touch wood it's been 'fixed' for 20 years now, good luck

sounds painfull when i was 16 i came of my 50cc enduro bike and ended up a year off work 3 pins in my shoulder and a massive flat spot on my knee. but could have been worse you could have not slowed down from your 29 mph .

Welcome in Kidderminster anytime for a rest halt Steve

I think you have just about a universal (GB) pit stop Steve

But just to add to the calls already out there/here . . . Notts is just about central to anywhere north you may be heading.
You have our 118 118

I still have nerve problems with my left shoulder (broke the shoulder socket bone when I was 17). Get the odd hand spasms still but am a wuss with having an operation and taking 6-8 weeks off work, for again, a non guarantee successful op.

If your having the op Steve then all the best, but plan it carefully with the ride outs this year. The Euro trip is in 10 weeks time.

Thank you all for your stop over offers

Rob, not doing the op - well not this year. I say I'm going to take it easy and then look at riding almost to Italy!

Always welcome at mine Steve...