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Out for a ride today and came on a bad crash. Guy on a downhill bike clipped a rock (snapped the fork) and in the ensuing crash, completely sheared off about 1/2 inch of his elbow-bone (olecranon). The medics were there and had him about ready to transport, arm & shoulder completely splinted/wrapped---he was awake, but the medic said they had already given him an injection for pain.
There goes his Thanksgiving dinner, not to mention the orthopedic surgeon on call at the hospital.
Where?
guessing America with the reference to Thanksgiving - healing vibes to the guy.
He was riding the upper Foothills trails here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Not a difficult trail as such, but extremely fast. It looked like he just got wide in a turn, hit the inside edge of a rock about 2 feet across and launched--clipped his elbow on the sharp edge of another rock about 10 feet down the trail. Medic thought his collarbone was likely broken as well and possible shoulder dislocation/break.
Crashes on 'easy' trails just as bad because as you say they are faster. Just depends what you hit.
Medics on site is always bad news.
Ha! Well he'll still be enjoying dusty trails again before we do. 🙂
(Healing vibes to him)
Makes me wonder if I should start wearing elbow pads again. But then a month down the line I won't have had a crash, and they'll be uncomfortable again until I hear some other story about broken elbows and the like.
The guy had on shin/knee pads and a full face helmet. A guy he was riding with said the guy wears them DH racing, but seldom on practice runs. They were doing timed runs down the trail, which wasn't especially bright on a multi-use trail with above average typical holiday use of hikers, kids, dogs on leash, etc.
Well he'll still be enjoying dusty trails again before we do
You probably got that right. We have had 3 1/2 inches of rain for the entire year so far.
Think we've had that much today alone!
This is why I don't really like riding fast!
Makes me wonder if I should start wearing elbow pads again. But then a month down the line I won't have had a crash, and they'll be uncomfortable again until I hear some other story about broken elbows and the like.
It was really hot in Chamonix when I was there and I was riding a very simple trail, had a crash and was lucky not to break my shin on a sharp rock. My pads were strapped to my backpack as it was hot and "just an xc ride" -
Healing vibes to the rider (epic Thanksgiving lunch today curtosey of my American colleague (food) and French colleague (wines)