I know nobody wants to crash...but since it does happen...anyway to stay safer?? Special position, etc??
The better physical condition you're in, the less likely you are to get hurt, no matter what position you crash in. I think if you train like a football player; neck, arms, legs, back, cardiovascular and stretching before racing, you can sustain impacts more....take it from an old body that knows...and should know better...and don't skimp on the gear ;)
DON'T!!! ;D
Go along for the ride. Do not try to stop yourself, or avoid things. You just can't do it.
Wait until you are COMPLETELY DONE SLIDING/TUMBLING/ETC and perform the following check.
1. On track? If so, gotta get through the rest of this checklist QUICK. If not, take your time.
2. Arms/legs/hands/feet/neck. All move okay? Proceed.
3. Stand up
4. Get the hell out of the crash zone
The biggest things to remember are that you can't stop the slide, etc. And that you need to STOP before you try to get up. There's nothing funnier as a spectator than seeing someone sliding and they dig their boots in or try to stand up, only to realize they're still moving at 30-40mph and it LAUNCHES them through the air. Completely avoidable.
If you have enough time to think while you're sliding, keep your arms IN. If they're out, they're easier to snap once you start tumbling.
Most of the crashes I have seen consisted of broken collar bones. Why can't you guys wear what football players wear around their collars to prevent this? Would it be too hard to wear or what? Surely it can be modified to fit a rider. ;)
When it happened to me, it seemed like it was moving in slow motion. I felt like I had time to think about things while I was sliding on my arse. I tried to stay calm, I was really pissed because I was watching my bike tumble on the plastics I had just installed, and I was thinking and looking back on the track to see if I was going to get hit by anyone behind me. It was pretty funny how slow things seemed they were moving. Once I slide off the pavement and hit the grass is when I started tumbling. Stay on the ground and stay low when you stop sliding, and make sure you aren't going to get hit by anyone, if you are on the ground and low, I understand you will get run over. If you stand up and get hit it will send you flying, and hurts more. When everything is clear and all bodyparts are still attached you should get up and get to safety.
QuoteMost of the crashes I have seen consisted of broken collar bones. Why can't you guys wear what football players wear around their collars to prevent this? Would it be too hard to wear or what? Surely it can be modified to fit a rider. ;)
Football players wear that primarily to avoid neck injury but I do sometimes wonder why we don`t have better protection. I think that topic has already been beat to death on this forum though!
To beat that dead horse, the problem is clearance and mobility.
Collar bone snaps come largely from the helmet contacting the collar bone, pressing it and snapping it. A piece of padding might help prevent it, but would restrict movement of the neck/helmet which would decrease visibility significantly...
QuoteThe better physical condition you're in, the less likely you are to get hurt, no matter what position you crash in. I think if you train like a football player; neck, arms, legs, back, cardiovascular and stretching before racing, you can sustain impacts more....take it from an old body that knows...and should know better...and don't skimp on the gear ;)
Ya....RRRIIIGGHHTTTT! Dave should know this because...
a. He`s in the worst shape of his life
b. He never trains......ever!
c. He`s needed leathers and a helmet for 2 yrs
I still love him like a much older,much slower brother though! ;D
PP,
I'd agree with most of what's been noted but add the following.
1. The collar bones are very fragile. They can breeak from either direct impact (in which case it really won't take a lot of force) or indirect energy such as jamming your arm. There are chest protectors sold (Hayden and Edwards endorse one of 'em) that both protect the collar bones and provide some padding for when your chest hits against the tank due to bumps as your in a tuck.
2. Just as Jef4y wrote, try not to let your arms flail away from your body. But here's the tricky part (though not difficult). Stay limp! Don't tense your muscles. Just like the old saying about rigid trees breaking while the limber ones bend. It's true. Think of martial arts break falls, if you've any experience in those. This is also why being in good physical condition ahead of time is beneficial.
Practicing crashing helps too... I dedicated most of 2001 and 2003 to crashing, which has made me a far better crasher...
QuotePracticing crashing helps too... I dedicated most of 2001 and 2003 to crashing, which has made me a far better crasher...
AND I'm here to testify that ole brother Jeff does it with
STYLE. 8)
I gave that turn 9 incident at G-man a 9.5 ;D
That is all good advice.
Also, try not to crash in front of Gygax. He will run you over. ;)
QuoteAlso, try not to crash in front of Gygax. He will run you over. ;)
Yeah, the next time I run somebody over, I'll be in better shape :)
QuoteYeah, the next time I run somebody over, I'll be in better shape :)
Yes you will!!! I promise!!! ;D
wow I wish you would have asked this last week! I could have given you a really smug answer based upon years of crashing, many spectacular! :D And how I always walk away. I have mainly smoothed out a lot of dirt, but also did my share adding skin to street intersections. Granted most of this was a few decades ago. But when I started riding again four years ago I still could crash well! I had (am?) planned to start road racing next year, but realized that I would need to push harder as I am down a second on other people who race and do track days. Well all has changed. Last weekend the track was still dew damp I was in race mode when I should have been in 'learn the track' mode. I washed out the front end went down without warning. I usually try to bail at a good time and enjoy the crash. I don't recall hitting the ground, but based upon my helmet and leathers, head and shoulder was the where. I used to wear open face but now have the required full face. Based upon one of you that could have been what broke my collar bone. I ended up setting backwards on the track not being able to get off the track because I knocked the air out of myself. When I heard someone coming I waved my hand and hoped that the flagman didn't think I was alright. Maybe I'm a wus at my older age, but it hurts alot.
The advise I've heard so far on crashing has been very good. I might add use your head for racing not to brake your fall. Learn then race. Be observant before during and after a crash. ::)You came to the right place to ask, there appears to be very wise and still humorous people here!
anyone ever notice Rossi and his football style mouthguard? Is that maybe to help reduce the chance of concussion?
Quoteanyone ever notice Rossi and his football style mouthguard? Is that maybe to help reduce the chance of concussion?
probably to keep from breaking teeth too though. Not a bad idea, i keep forgetting to get one.
As others have said, GET IN SHAPE. Putting on some muscle mass and being flexible can help.
keep the arms tucked to the bod and hands closed..
Quoteanyone ever notice Rossi and his football style mouthguard? Is that maybe to help reduce the chance of concussion?
I wear just such a moughguard (a black, form fitted internal mouthpiece) every time I'm on the track.
I get a lot of ribbing about it. I tell folk it's for maximum intimidation. Of course, between the dark smoke visor and the chin part of the helmet, if anyone could see me smile it should be very scary!
But to answer your question, it is to provide greater protection in case of a head strike. The bite force and the human jaw are very strong. Mouth guards could be the wave of the future for added protection.
Gear. Has to be first and last.
Genetics. Well, some people break easier than others.
After that, well, yeah, pretty much everything said here.
But when I hit the ground, I don't go completely limp. I don't want to tumble, and I want to control a bit of where I am or where I'm going. Kind of like sledding on one of those round disc things. I'd prefer not to hit a wall, I don't want my bike to follow me, and I don't want to be ran over.
Some pavement is grippy, and it will cause a leather clad person to be gripped and flicked. That will usually break appendages. Bad. i usually try to flatten out on the ground. Keeps my CG low so that I can't get flicked. Additionally, the larger surface area should help slow down the mass in motion.
You're right Dave, while being flexible you don't want to be without some control. I'd hoped that using the breakfall analogy might help in that regard. Guess I should have used an example that more people would be familiar.
So say there you know you're gonna fall down. You gotta ask yourself, "Do I have guts or balls?". :-X ::) ;D
You know, I am glad you asked this question, and I read some of the responces. I went down this Saturday at Daytona. I slid on my ass for about twenty to thirty feet, then started tumbling for a while. All I wanted to do was stop bouncing around. I am OK, a little sore but OK.
The most important thing to do once you come to a stop is to...
1) pop up to your feet
2) raise both fists in the air
3) and tell the corner worker... "I ment to do that!" ;D ;)
QuoteThe most important thing to do once you come to a stop is to...
1) pop up to your feet
2) raise both fists in the air
3) and tell the corner worker... "I ment to do that!" ;D ;)
LOL ;D
Congrats and way to go down in Daytona Bernie. Welcome back to the cold ;).
QuoteLOL ;D
Congrats and way to go down in Daytona Bernie. Welcome back to the cold ;).
Thank's H-man. :D