Recovering From A Mountain Biking Accident

By walker on 9/14/2007 on walker's blog

You've crashed, I've crashed, we've all crashed, now what are you going to do about it?

If I had a dollar for everytime I've crashed, I'd be rich. Look at my checkbook if I had a dollar every serious crash and I'd be poor. I just don't crash HARD that often. But, I have before and it hurts. A friend of mine is mentally recovering from a crash. He describes it as one of the most serious 6 foot drops around - I hear fish story. The crash was enough to tear his head open a little as well as damage the old collarbone. Mostly, he's ok, but his mental state is what concerns me.

Ever crash and it seems like you'll never get back to where you were? Do you remember how you felt: angry, frustrated, in pain, scared when you get back on your bike?

I went through this once before and it scared me, too. Below are a few tricks to help you get through the mental recovery state:

DON'T KEEP THE PAST ON YOUR FACE
- Relax when you ride. Don't grit your teeth
Ride like you mean it!
- Don't hold back, that's when most crashes happen
Ride with your mind
- Try to organize a ride in your head and ride through the technical sections.
Try yoga
- You crashed because your body was in an unnatural position. Try going back to unnatural.
RIDE, RIDE and RIDE
- They say the best way to get over an ex is to find another partner. Well, the same can be said for MTB'ing right?

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richclydesdale says:

LOL get over ex = get over crash

I crashed really bad on a 20" when I was like 15. It's 15 years later, and I'm FINALLY over it. I tore the flesh off of my right knee down to the knee cap. To this day, I scream like a schoolgirl if I hit it on something.

by richclydesdale on September 15, 2007 - 3:11am reply Email this comment report misconduct

randy says:

walker,

do you still have scares on your arms and chest from that guard wire that was over by okc rocks?

by randy (not verified) on September 18, 2007 - 1:12am reply Email this comment report misconduct

mgersib says:

sometimes, especially when crashes involve things like broken bones, plates and screws, it's not just a "forgive and forget" sort of thing. it's a healing process that often takes months, perhaps even years to overcome.

that said, you nailed some of the most important things, which are to:
- stay relaxed - consciously work to keep your mind and body calm.
- look ahead - don't get caught up in what's going on right in-front of your front wheel.
- ride in the present - don't obsess on the past. every day is a new day, with new opportunity to expand your riding ability.
- don't second guess instinct - if your mind screams 'DON'T DO IT', don't do it. save it for another day, when you're more ready to tackle the challenge.
- ride behind someone you trust until you rebuild your trust in yourself.
- don't forget to breathe. i sometimes catch myself holding my breath in sections that make me nervous.

by mgersib on September 19, 2007 - 9:30pm reply Email this comment report misconduct

walker says:

Randy,

I have more than scars, I have nasty scar tissue all in my left arm. Crazy that you remembered that...

Walker T

Off the road, on the mind...

by walker on September 20, 2007 - 1:49am reply Email this comment report misconduct

Matt,

How are things? Good to see you back online. Fruita trip any time soon???

by walker on September 20, 2007 - 1:50am reply Email this comment report misconduct

yo brother -- doin' the 24 hours of landahl this weekend actually, and am going to be keeping a race journal on your site, actually! not sure when i'll make it out to fruita next. might not be yet this season. 'cross season is gonna' get hot and heavy soon. we'll see what happens.

what's happnin' with you? still ridin' that salsa at all? drop me a line.

cheers,
mg

by mgersib on September 21, 2007 - 3:59am reply Email this comment report misconduct

outdoorvallarta says:

Yes.. ride safe....!let the bike do its job....you will see ..eventually..you will float on the dirt..!
feels like the bike desapear..!!
Don't ride tight...feel free.!!
Ride as fast as you feel confident...!
but remember....!! keep riding!
Alex.

by outdoorvallarta on September 21, 2007 - 5:46pm reply Email this comment report misconduct

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