How to crash properly?

[Thingy]

That is all good advice.

Also, try not to crash in front of Gygax.  He will run you over. ;)

[Team-G]

Also, 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  :)

[TommyG]

Yeah, the next time I run somebody over, I'll be in better shape  :)

Yes you will!!! I promise!!! ;D

[Rhun]

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!

[TommyG]

anyone ever notice Rossi and his football style mouthguard? Is that maybe to help reduce the chance of concussion?

[MELK-MAN]

anyone 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..

[H-man]

anyone 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.

[Super Dave]

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.

[H-man]

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

[kmf600]

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.

[Mark Bernard]

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  ;)

[H-man]

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  ;)

LOL  ;D

Congrats and way to go down in Daytona Bernie.   Welcome back to the cold ;).