Lessons learned from 55 years old EUC newbies 1st minor crash.

[Dirty Joe]

There I was: (As any old soldiers story should start)

 I’m on my KS16S, 1^st wheel and less then 70Km experience. Leaving the only place to eat lunch on the installation (Sagami, Japan) I approach an intersection I have indecision to turn left or go straight. I decide to go left, cutting the corner by two feet in the grass.  It is monsoon season here with a lot of rain.  I was not going fast but when I hit the grass my wheel sank in the wet grass and hit the edge of the intersecting street. My wheel stopped and I kept going. I did my 1^st face plant.  I was going slow enough to catch myself before kissing the concreate.

Wearing wrist guards, elbow pads, and cheap bicycle Helmut.  Received a small road rash on the knee, ruined Dockers pants, and my palms stung for a good while.

Lessons I learned: 

1.      I’m 55 years old, not 20 anymore. My broken bones take longer to heal.

2.      I will wear gear, even on short rides. (including knee pads)

3.      When riding my wheel past my limits and speed, I will put on my full-face helmet.

4.      I will keep situational awareness when I Ride.

[Marty Backe]

Nice. Welcome to the faceplant club 

Considering your early stage in EUC life, you had more protection than most. As you now know, knee pads are probably second only to wrist guards. Whenever and however you fall, the knees always seem to hit the ground.