In a lot of the threads I've browsed through, people mention that they've broken their collar bone, or arm, or hip, or some other useful bit of their body. Even the milder accidents mentioned sound pretty uncomfortable.
Is mtbing really that dangerous? Am I likely to have a serious accident at some point in the future? I've only come off my bike once so far, but rolled well and got back on within 10 mins (although my knee did swell up and hurt like bugggery for a few weeks). I don't like to think that it is only a matter of time before I do some real damage. 🙂
Joolz
Skillz < Speed = 😥
Skillz > Speed = 😀
[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/how-dangerous-is-mtb ]Bindun.
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It's as safe or as dangerous as you want it to be...
Having said that, having a nasty tumble can make you think a bit more about the potential consequences of falling off.
It's a bit dodgy for sure but you're unlikely to die or anything.
Thank Jamie, I hadn't seen that. There's such a stream of threads on here it's impossible to catch them all. 🙂
It's dangerous enough to keep it interesting.
A dangerous as you want it to be.
Depends if you wear a helmet or not...
This threads been done 3 times in the last 2 days!
I found over the years, that I only fall and injure myself if I'm going too slow or braking. Lesson to learn there 😉
Mind you, I did dislocate my thumb at the weekend and I wasn't braking at the time. 😯
A dangerous as you want it to be.
Not strictly true, there is always the possibility of events beyond your control leading to a crash, eg mechanical failure, being wiped out by a car/dog/sheep/etc...
Agree with Onzadog. If you don't push your limits, you don't really get any better.
That said, my worst injury (busted neck) was from going too fast and over-confidence on a track I'd ridden 100s of times. Trouble was it was wet and I was on a demo bike with unfamiliar tyres.
Avoid trees, I say.
I believe that the outcomes of crashing are heavily down to luck. You can crash flat out doing a big jump or technical feature and get off with no damage, or equally have a slow speed crash on some really difficult move and be fine. Conversely the same crashes the next day might result in a broken bone as could just riding up a kerb.
Over the years, i've had 3 broken wrists, 2 collar bones, 1 thumb and lots of more minor injuries. Doesn't stop me though, as i'm broken now all i can think about is getting back on the bike.
Only nearly killed me once so far from an injury related to a crash and various scars.
As Baz Lermahn (spelling?)said 'Do one thing every day that scares you'
Also 'wear sunscreen' 😆
A lot lot less dangerous than BASE jumping or Cave diving
In 15 years or so
Broken both ankles
Separated one ankle (that one hurt)
Fractured approx 10 ribs
Discloated elbow
Dislocated collarbone
Concussed twice
Broken fingers
Many many scapes,brusies, cuts, twists and sprains.
So there you go see nothing dangerous at all you could get all of those skiing, playing football, rugby or the like.
The fear of crashing is often more dangerous than the crashing itself.
in decadess of off-road biking my biggest injury is a cut on my elbow and chipped bone. Had a few bruises as well
I don't ride beyond my limits - perhaps this makes progressing slower but you can still progress and I did martial arts a kid wich teaches you to breakfall which helps
its definitely as dangerous as you want it to be.
I'd say it can be very dangerous if you're a bit mad.
I take it easy on DHs (especially when wet) and hammer it on the flats/ascents after a few nasty and random crashes when I was a bit overconfident. Still have a few scars from the worst one but had I not instinctively pulled myself into a "ball" I would have snapped limbs (thanks martial arts training)
I normally get one injury that puts me out for a few weeks per year. It's normally coming into spring, the first bit of dry riding, over enthusiasm and finding new limits after riding winter slop.
This year I've been ok but I've been training for a 24 so been super sensible. Last year was a busted hand, year before was shoulder sprain.
I can cope with that level of risk and I've gotten vastly better in the last two years despite mostly taking calculated risks. A skills coach will tell you that getting faster and finding new limits doesn't need to == crashing and injuries.
Speed is your friend bear that in mind for sure. Well perhaps not speed maybe more momentum. Hanging up on stuff because you aren't driving the bike with your legs can lead to the odd crash.
My crashes almost all come from akward low speed stuff, well except the concussions.
Oh wow, ==, old programming habit, haven't worked as a software dev for years!
It largely depends on what tyre you're using.
its definitely as dangerous as you want it to be
It's definitely not!
i have a couple of nice scars on my chin from going quicker than I could handle. Generally I seem to bounce well and most of my injuries just result in me limping around for a few days. Worst one was concussion after smashing a helmet to bits (darn concealed tree stumps!) which could have been a lot worse.
riding down hill off road on a bike...................nah easy lol
I'd say it's less dangerous than road biking in general, although to be honest there are too many variables on both sides.
Don't worry, you're only likely to die once mountain biking.
It's as dangerous as you want it to be.... you could always wrap yourself up in cotton wool.