This Ain't Golf We're Playin'

I'm in the process of writing up a piece about this weekend, but until I find some free time in my ever hectic schedule (HA!) I figured I'd jot some quick notes about the uglier side of cycling-crashes.

Crashes happen. I always say that crashing on a training ride is stupid, but crashing during a race is just part of the game. That said, I've done my fair share of crashing both in and out of races. In fact, I nearly plastered myself on the front of a car today. Normally I wouldn't be worried because I'm built like a brick shithouse, but this was a volvo and they have an even better frontal crash rating than I do.

Anyway, I'm writing about crashing now for two reasons. First, I saw a particularly well-written New York Times article about crashing in general, and more specifically about how full rehabilitation of a racer is as much mental as physical. They focus specifically on Jens Voigt and how he rebounded from a horrible crash in last year's Tour de France (including video). He's a rider that I respect a great deal, and the article just strengthens that feeling. Anyway, I think the article is pretty spot on. I've taken some diggers that resulted in only minor cuts and bruises, but left my confidence seriously shaken. It can be really difficult to overcome the fear after a fall. Its the strangest thing too. You can be riding the same bike, with the same tires on the same road that you were on before a spill, but everything feels different after you've hit the deck. I think it would be like watching video of a roller-coaster fly off the tracks right before you went to an amusement park. If you hadn't seen that video you'd probably feel totally comfortable, but just knowing the possibility of an accident exists, no matter how unlikely, would make that same ride feel unsafe, or worse yet, terrifying. Its the same thing on the bike. I've been really lucky to escape serious injury given the inherent dangers of cycling, but I do know firsthand how difficult it can be to tuck my fears, often pretty rational fears, aside and get on with the dirty business of bike racing.

The second reason I've been ruminating on diggers of late is that my friend and former teammate Fabrice had a terrible crash in Sunday's race. For those of you who don't know him Fabrice is a hard man on loan from France and one the most talented cyclists in California. He's a no nonsense, man of steel and I've seen him put the hurt on some of the top professionals in the country. There's not a doubt in my mind that he'd be racing professionally in the US if not for the UCI age rule (ask me about that some other time). He can ride with incredible fury, and yet I've never seen anyone cooler in a race. I can be flogging myself to the very limit and look over at Fabrice and it seems he's not even breathing. Sometimes I think he was chosen by France to take out an entire country's anger with Lance on a hapless NorCal peloton. Fabrice hit a pole at 35 mph and broke his femur. Rand has more details on his blog, as well as a place to leave a message for Fabrice. All you cyclists out there, and anyone else for that matter, should take a moment and write some kind words. Fabrice is strong both mentally and physically, and I'm sure he's on track for a Jens-like, full recovery.

So ride smart, stay safe, think happy thoughts, and for the love of Pete please wear a helmet!