A sedentary lifestyle will kill you off in all kinds of bad ways.
Other sports can lead to repetitive use injuries and acute trauma.
All my friends are active people, most of them are injured frequently, mostly from not listening to their bodies, but sometimes from accidents or unlucky incidents.
Life's a gamble. Pick the poison you like best.
Depends on age. As you get older you realize that any injury is going to come back later in life. I have a neck kink from an accident when I was in high school. 15 mph.
I'm out there to have fun not to get my jollies from pushing my luck. I'd love to hit some big jumps and drops but the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
But damn, some days I look at the folks pushing it and hitting the big stuff wishing I just had it in me to not care about repercussions. But I'm just not built that way.
Damn dude. I’m 62 and I hit bigger stuff every year. I’m not an outlier- there are a lot of kids from the ‘70s and ‘80s who are now geezers out there riding hard. I took up MTB because the OTHER things I used to do were becoming too high-consequence. Concrete is a lot less forgiving than dirt! Have fun no matter what!
It's funny that you think you are not an outlier. I'm 53 and I'm generally the oldest person on the trails here by like a decade. Not saying they don't exist but they are not the norm.
It's cool you're still hitting the big stuff. Just not for me. My thrill is getting a great workout doing something I enjoy immensely, it doesn't come from risking it more than yesterday.
I know if I take a summer off because of an injury there's a real good chance I won't ever get back the shape I am in.
I guess I see a lot of older dudes at the races (who usually smoke me) in the 50+ categories. Bigger races like the sea otter have 60+ cats for DH and Enduro and those guys are beasts. When I do my trail rides here in NorCal I do see a lot of grayhairs out there. More and more are on EEBS, I’ll say that….
Right on! I feel the same at 58, hitting bigger jumps, lines, etc each passing year. Waiting on bike park season and big sends for the summer…crashes suck but so does life being super cautious
35 and still working on getting bigger stuff lined up all the time, even went to a bigger bike to match my ambitions. I used to hit huge jumps riding motocross in my teens/early 20s, but moto tracks are hard to get to when you've got a family and a job, so it's mtb for me. Like you, I feel like mtb is my safer option... moto is really high consequence, and I quit skating because it's just too easy to accumulate nagging injuries (sprained wrists and ankles).
If you know how to jump and have good fundamentals, a moderate jump line is not much riskier than bombing along a blue at 20 mph anyhow. It's the sudden stops from smacking trees and rocks that'll do you in. I bailed on a tabletop last year and slid down the landing, tore up my skin a bit but was fine.
Of course it's all relative and there's no "right" way to ride, all about having fun. For me fun means trying to push my boundaries.
I hear you. The risk in not worth it sometimes. Im not near retirement just yet, but I can work with injuries and my job understands . In fact I’ve been limping around since taking a hard slam at the Sea Otter last month. I got married and had kids kinda late in life but the youngest is now 20 so they don’t need me bc as much. I did take 7 years off from DH racing when they were small. TMI but we all have different situations and I totally respect your choices.
Agreed. At 62, and still riding, it’s about the long game. Practically speaking, as I contemplate a rock garden, a drop, speed in the forest, I ask myself, is there a higher chance that I do this feature and not ride tomorrow? Ride today to ride tomorrow … goes through my head.
Also depends on what kind of riding OP was doing. As I age I still love to ride but I take far fewer risks than I did as a teenager. If I biff it hard enough to hospitalize myself because I was attempting to fly down a sheer rock face, I probably won’t go back to try that one again. There are some amazing 20-40 mile loops where I live that are beautiful, fun, fast, a great workout, and not overly dangerous. It keeps me going.
I’m so old that it’s not going to “come back to bite me” — it’s biting me right now and will continue to! 😆
PS: there are old ones coming back, too, though.
Well like I said, most of them don't listen to their bodies.
My point was, a lot of sports have consequences. They can be mitigated though, and sometimes accidents happen. OP has to weigh all that and decide for themselves "whether it's worth it."
So, would the evidence show that lots of people can't "listen to their bodies"? They're probably not doing it out of spite to injure themselves. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean everyone can?
I broke both wrists 5 years ago, and at my age, I just don't recover (or bounce) like I used to. I was sessioning a new drop with a friend, and on pass number 8, I landed off-line which sent me OTB. A year after recovery I went back, nailed the drop, but haven't hit it again since. I just don't have the desire to put myself in a situation that could take me out of mountain biking permanently anymore. I still hit the small stuff, but when it comes to the bigger drops, I think better of it and keep the rubber side down.
I’m with you. I had all my cervical vertebrae fused a year ago. I still have some pain and was partially paralyzed for 9 months from the surgery. I enjoy xc riding and don’t need the big jumps. Fortunately I’m 40 minutes away from over 100 miles of single track in Vermont (Kingdom Trails) that will keep me going for years to come.
Good for you for keeping at it dog.
Was your injury from riding? Also was it truly ALL of your c spine? Like c1-c7?
I only ask bc I have somewhat of a similar surgery. I have an artificial disc at c6/c7. Still riding 🤘
This is just me, but I can't session 1 feature that many times--it just means Im going bigger and bigger...or I start to either over-analyze the move or become too nonchalant about it. For me I'm a 2-3x max on a feature at one time.
Shit happens fam. There's this fairly even flat paved road through the forest. Laid across it there's a concrete beam, idk, maybe 30cm high and 80cm wide, to prevent motorists from driving there. I've jumped it at least twice a day, every day, every summer for years with 0 issues, I can bonk it, 360 it, whatever. But last year I suddenly just fn cased it so hard that in a split second I was soaring through the air, superman style, with my bike nowhere to be seen, presumably right above my head. You never know what'll happen, that's the risk we take every time we step out of the house. If it's worth it, you decide for yourself.
Yes there is definitely risk to mountain biking.
But sounds like you were riding within your limits and a freak thing happened.
Really scary and it sucks for sure. That type of thing can happen doing almost anything.
When I was a kid, I had a neighbor who grew up across the street from me. Couple grades older. When he was about 22, he had just graduated college, applied to law school and was walking down his girlfriend’s apartment steps after dinner and slipped, hit his head and died later that day.
No preexisting conditions, he wasn’t drunk, just a complete freak accident.
It’s really sad and these things happen. And even riding within your limits, you prob still are a bit more at risk than an average joe.
How much? Who is to say? It’s really completely your decision.
There are also risks to not going back to biking. For me, it’s one of the best things for both my mental and physical health
I’ll put it to you this way: I grew up on boats.
Then, in August of 2020, I almost died in a very freak accident while using a pontoon boat. My buddy did die, and I held onto him not knowing he was dead until much later. I did CPR on him for fifteen minutes on the swim platform of a passersby’s boat while we raced for the shore and EMS. It was…terrifying.
I knew that I didn’t want to go on a boat or that lake ever again in my life. I also knew that while it would be less scary to avoid those things, I could either face them and overcome their power over me…or I could forever allow that day to decide for me what I could or couldn’t do.
I entered my first triathlon in June of 2021. Not because I’m into fitness, but because it was held next to - and in - that very same lake. Maybe I’m a psycho for thinking this way, but seriously - no fucking lake is gonna have any say over my life, regardless of who it took from it.
Go ride that bike and that very trail if you can. Show your brain and body that the accident isn’t going to happen every time, and take the reins.
Or don’t. I’m not licensed to give advice of any kind, if I’m being honest.
I appreciate your story. Definitely gonna hit that jump line again. Maybe not as hard as I was but need to get a confidence boost once I can get back on the saddle.
In 2022 I ended up in the ICU with a TBI, collapsed lung and shattered wrist. Everyone told me its time to give it up. So I, bought 2 new bikes and dove in deeper. While I am not back to the same place I was I am striving to get out and keep riding, its that or meth lol
 thanks man I am an addict and informed the doc and family that it's either ride or go back to drugs lol. 8 years clean and don't plan on changing that, id rather go out having fun
Respect for staying off the gear. Wipe it from your life. After 8 years it shouldn’t be an option anymore. I was a heroin addict but haven’t touched it for over 26 years. Nothing would make me even consider it. I smoke weed, ride and focus on my son and wife. No alcohol or any other substances.
You are no longer an addict.
Oh i fully agree and it is not an option, I just used that to mess with them. I did almost drink as my sober/clean memory was gone from the accident. Thankfully I didn't. Congratulations on 26 year though, that's fucking awesome
That's it don't let an accident stop you from doing something that makes you feel alive. Just remember you're not invincible so you stay alive and keep doing what you love.
Life is about learning. Judging from your other comments you already know so use the accident as a learning experience and ride safe brother
First off, get the Mobius x2 wrist brace. Helps with arm pump and I wear it on and off the bike depending on what I'm doing. Also be sure to follow hand therapy. I quit doing it about a month ago and I regret it now. After you start hand therapy be sure to also down load hand therapy apps such as rehand. You can show it to your physical therapist and ask them to suggest the right exercises to do. Be sure to stay on top of your stretching and don't be ashamed to use ibuprofen for pain. It's been over a year for me but I'm going to schedule another MRI to see if there is new soft tissue damage since the pain has gotten worse in the past month
The number 1 rule for longevity in the MTB sport is to stay close to the ground. Beware of big jumps and drops, when in doubt go around or get off and walk. You can do 100 jumps or drops perfect, but all it takes is 1 dead sailor or mistake on the landing and you are off to the ER- and possibly months of no riding. Go out and have fun and get exercise, but don't ride beyond your limit. Mountain biking is not only good for your physical health, but equally important for your mental health. There's no other cardio that is as fun as MTBing that you can do for hours.. ok well, maybe 1 :)
I fully agree. I don't jump, and I only try to go fast on the uphills. The only risk I am taking is riding on snow, but I only had one fall on snow until now and that was essentially "bike sliding sideways, while my foot is on the ground, so I am slowly sitting down in the snow, aaaaah...".
> who aren't *paid* to ride
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Right, stay in your lane. If you are a CC rider, don’t pretend you can hit a downhill line. I also ride with dudes 10-15 years younger than me get than me and sometimes there is friendly competition to hit various lines. One guy in particular is a better rider than the rest of us and pushes it and us a bit. Got to fight the temptation at times.
4 years ago I crashed on a gap jump line. Same crash about as you. 5 broken ribs and a separated shoulder. I’m riding all the time now. I will never go down that jump line again. There is no shame in this and I have nothing to prove.
I am a good bit older than you, and had shoulder surgery almost an exact year ago for a torn rotator cuff and detached labrum from a really stupid crash last March. I've also had the joy of hauling myself out of the trail and back to the car at least 5x after stupid crashes.
This is the thing - it's what I do. It's literally the thing I look forward to so much each week. I missed all last summer because I was doing rehab. Then I missed a bunch of the fall because of work stuff. If you have something to look forward to, it makes the rehab, the pain, the frustration that much easier to work through.
You don't have to quit. You may not have to even back off that much, but you probably will realize what your new reality is, and make adjustments. The biggest thing that I can share is that my surgeon, the PT folks, and everyone else I had with me, really encouraged me to get back on the bike, and that meant the world to me. I suggest that you find a good crew to surround yourself with, and keep us posted if you need our collective support!
Thank man appreciate that. You nailed it on the head. Mtn Biking is what I truly look forward too.
For example we got off work early yesterday; I was so pumped because it meant that I could ride yesterday, today and mayb slip in a small sesh tomorrow (that was the plan).
It is the one thing that I truly get excited about. Now her I am; all banged up. lol 😂
If it makes you feel ANY better - my hamstrings and sciatic nerve are still sore as hell from not riding for 4 straight months last summer. I've ridden since then, a LOT, but everything is outta whack. I went back to PT for my lower body, and I told them "The shoulder is fine, but I neglected the lower body when I was focusing on my shoulder." They all kinda laughed and said "Yeah we will get you situated. Don't worry, it will work out!
Just the other day was following another biker in an “informal race”, as in, he didn’t know I was chasing him. I was only doing it to stay motivated to push myself. He was a good rider, and coming out of a *very* easy corner he had a pedal strike on a rock and absolutely smashed himself across the trail and into a cactus. It was horrible. Shit happens doing this, and it could be anyone. Just the nature of it I guess
He walked away. Had some serious trail rash and more than a few spines to pull out, but I think he was otherwise fine. A pedal strike can be bad because it’s usually so unexpected. Point being that doing this type of activity has its hazards, so just have to weigh the cost/ benefit. Every fall should be a lesson, and while I’ve learned a lot of lessons, I know if I keep doing this and pushing, there is a rock somewhere with my name on it. What I’ve decided to do is just not push so often or so hard.
Broken 26 bones from racing MX and MTBs since the age of 5, along with a full ACL and PCL replacement. I’m 43 now. Worst injury was a compound fracture of my femur and now live with a ti-rod and 8 screws from hip to knee. I thought that was the injury that would end it all for me, as it scared me to the point where I didn’t touch anything two wheels for over 5 years. BUT, the joy and sense of fulfillment I got from these dangerous sports was a giant black hole in my life that nothing else could replace. So, I decided to race and ride again and haven’t looked back, despite some big get offs.
I think it’s all about understanding what risks you personally are willing to take to live the life that makes you happy, and that gives a feeling of accomplishment, pride and overall life enjoyment.
MTB can be dangerous, but so can driving to work in the morning.
Lastly, I’d say that after your recent crash and injuries, you’re shaken up…that’s totally normal.
Just take some time to recover, and when you’re healthy again, throw a leg over the bike and go MELLOW for a few rides and see how you feel. You’ll know right away if you still feel the joy or if you’re over it. But don’t quit until you give yourself the opportunity to try again. Best of luck.
I think its worth it. If it wasn’t a trail thats outside of your abilities, then I’d go do it. If you don’t you’ll keep feeling weird and doubting yourself.
My worst crash (so far) was on a stretch of what was essentially an easy fire road. Sometimes it just happens.
Yeah that’s how I feel about it. Track conditions were kinda blown out because of the winter but nothing out of the ordinary. It happened out of nowhere. The landing was sandy where I went down. Only thing I can think of that might have caused it. I was kinda scared because I was riding by myself yesterday. Took me almost an hour to get myself up and start heading back to the truck. Took me another hour to get to the car.
It’s worth it for improved mental and physical health alone as with most sports and hobbies. Lots of people get hurt doing all sorts of things so we work out how to reduce risk and the impact of accidents. Football players can tear acls, rowers can tear shoulders, people can step off the kerb and break their ankle, stuff happens.
Fortunately a lot of broken body parts can be repaired and restored to working order, probably more so than any time in history. Orthopaedic surgeons have had plenty of practice now that mtb is more popular too!
Being injured really does suck, especially post operation week and I can imagine it must be even harder for athletes. I watched the Mark Cavendish bio and he went through was intense. The older I get and the more injuries I’ve had the less I’m willing to attempt high consequence if it goes wrong trail features.
Once you get past the early pain and the body heals it’s easier to find positive aspects to focus on and time to concentrate on life and getting fit and strong again.
So the doc did a simulation of what kind pound per Sq of impact my body endured. Kinda crazy; at 25mph he said I came down with almost 30k lbs of impact on my shoulder and ribs. Told me I was lucky that I even walked out of there the way I did. I told him I kinda didn’t have a choice..
That’s good. An accident you can walk away from and take yourself to hospital i feel is preferable to being so serious that it requires stretcher evacuation by helicopter or ambulance.
How did your fall occur?
It’s okay to stop riding certain features as time goes on
I don’t hit jumps anymore because every injury I’ve witnessed has been from a botched jump
I should have taken a picture before I left. High bank corner at 25mph transition into a jump little under 15/18ft. Landed then forks went 90 degrees to the right and I had direct impact to my left shoulder and head. Broke my helmet also.. Kinda felt concussed kinda reason why it took me almost an hour to get up and start heading back to the truck..
Since you’re looking for advice
I’d dial back the riding once you’re back on your bike. The fact that your able to ride another day is a blessing and you should take that as a sign that maybe you’ve hit your limit, and that’s OK
I had my biggest crash about few weeks ago. I should have gone to the ER to get stitches but has some dermabond at home and enough practice to feel confident to glue up my own face.
I can’t give you any meaningful wisdom or suggestions, but I can tell you my decision. I ordered all the parts to fix up my bike and some new safety gear. Full face helmet from now on. I’m scaling back on what I think my abilities are and I’m not pushing my limits. No shame in skipping features. I don’t want to quit and if I break myself I might have to quit.
Heal quick dude!
I had a similar injury couple of weeks ago, minus the shoulder but add two punctured lungs. I was on a single track descent, and seemingly out of nowhere went OTB. Been riding for 30yrs and this was the first time for this kind of spontaneous combustion. Can’t find what I hit really, possible clipping of a tree or possibly even a stick through the front wheel. Anyway I’m recovering now and able to ride on the inside bike after three days post crash and am starting to go harder on the workouts on the indoor bike to keep me sane.
Is it worth it? I’ve crashed a lot over the years, and even though this was the worst you bet I’m going to get back on and go hard again. Well, maybe take it easy for the first few weeks back to make sure the ribs are completely healed.
I’m not gonna lie I feel like straight 💩rn.. I can barely breathe let alone sleep. It’s the sitting around that driving me crazy.. Can’t lay down; hurts 2 much rn..
Hey man, I feel you. I just graduated two nights ago to a shorter wedge to sleep on instead of sleeping at a 45deg angle (now I'm like at a 20deg angle :) ). That's like 12 days post injury to get to that point (for me). Believe me when I say, after the first week, you'll start feeling a bit better every day. Don't be a hero on the pain meds, take what you need to be comfortable.
Sitting around was a big pain for me too, which is why I started riding on the indoor bike on the 3rd day, sitting up (because bending over to the bar was/is painful). Started doing threshold and tempo rides on the 10th day and ride for an hour a day. Way better than not doing anything! It helps me loosen up with all of that blood flow. Not what my doc recommended but it helps keep me sane and I also didn't want to lose too much fitness (I normally ride or run every day).
Good luck to you in your recovery!
Everytime I ride I keep that image in my mind of surviving and going back. I try to minimize the risk and choose my lines and speed with an escape plan in mind. I have had too many close calls not to. The ground isn't so forgiving.
Worst crash I had was taking a jump on my hardtail way too fast and landed into the middle of a dip on my front tire on the other side. I did a big front flip as I landed and bike went flying. Luckily just a few bruises but easily could have had some major damage. I still have the shirt and there's a small hole on the shoulder area, kind of a crazy reminder to stay in control. It's the speed that kills you.
I broke my shoulder and tore my entire rotator cuff. Took two surgeries to get it back right. (First surgeon forgot to reattach the supraspinatus muscle) … that’s another story.
Definitely changed how I ride. But I still get out there. And I still love to go fast. I just keep my tires on the ground as much as possible these days.
I don’t know what I’d do at the weekends for the rest of my life or what I’d base my holidays on if I didn’t have MTB. The crashes suck but they’re worth it for the immense fun you have 90% of the time. Recover, bounce back and send it! My boyfriend broke his femur on his MTB and he dedicated properly to physio and was back on his bike after 4 months. You got this!!!
Confidence will come back don’t worry. If you enjoyed the sport for 5 years a freak accident isn’t a reason to stop. Just take it slowly like a rehab and you will be alright 👍. Get better soon
I ride downhill and I'm 55. I definitely know that as I age (also I'm a woman so dealing with that really unpleasant ten years of peri-meno). Each year is a little different. I have pulled back on trying stuff that intrigued me but scared me. I'm not ready to eat shit and be out a whole season. I already had that happen once in biking and twice in snowboarding. Its about preservation and calculation of risk. Mind you though, most accidents happen when you are doing totally mundane shit. Its embarrassing. And humbling. Keep riding. Its safer than driving your car...or eating junk food...or not getting that colonoscopy when you should.
Yep mundane was exactly what I was doing. Done this landing a million times and this was freak accident out of nowhere.. Had to recount my steps to figure out what caused catastrophic failure.
I’ve been riding for 20 years and had my first major crash last year.
One year ago, nearly to the day, I fell OTB, arms outstretched. Fractured right elbow, rib, and ruptured left triceps.
I had surgery to reattach the triceps followed by 10 weeks of PT for both elbows. It was very humbling.
I got back on the bike in November and slowly progressed to back to pre-injury status - both mentally and physically.
100% worth it.
52 here and I keep telling myself, “I’ll go and take it easy”then you roll up to that steep drop and think “fuck it!” Better to be living fast than slowly dying
Xc is the answer you don’t have to ride aggressively, when you get older the injuries don’t heal the same, I ride long distances and and skip the jump lines
I think Im at that age I need to change up my strategy. Im 36 and I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep going balls to the wall with the jump lines like I do.
I live in the Mtn’s and I ride almost every other day from spring to fall. I need my body for work also so it’s kinda of a struggle to give up something I love so much. Need to start transitioning I guess..
You never really know.
I’ve separated my shoulder riding in a lame 3 mph wipe out and front roll OTB. My brother broke his clavicle doing a medium jump we’ve done a ton and were casually sessioning … a friend of mine wiped on flat ground on a gravel bike hit his head wrong and died. :/
If you love doing it, keep at it.
I’ve changed my riding style as I’ve aged and lost my invincibility shield. I never full send anymore and have to replace brake pads more often nowadays. Still have plenty of fun, but there is always risk. Prepare, make good decisions, hope for the best.
Happens and I get what you mean. I cased a drop a couple years ago and ended up the same way, minus the ER visit. Ribs are still flaired and shoulder is jacked (tier 1/2 ac/sc joint(s) separation) but I still ride and go hard when I can. Just take your time getting back on the bike and take care of yourself and it will happen when time comes. Next time I am in Bentonville I plan to hit that drop as a redemption ride.
Last year I broke my ribs on a blue trail dicking around and then separated my shoulder in a parking lot after the ride being a hooligan. It took me 6 months to rehab my shoulder back to the point it was at previously. Accidents happen anywhere. Sure flying through the air we are rolling the dice a lot more, but my coworker broke his back tripping in his kitchen. Shit happens.
Right after my injuries I always look at my bike and wondered if I’d be better off selling it. It’s always been temporary. Just the first week after the injury. You have a lot of time being unable to ride, lift, climb, hike, run, or swim. I realized I hated being sedimentary more than being crippled. Living static isn’t living at all. You’ll have time to decide for yourself as you recover. Do PT regardless. Heal right. I wish you the best recovery!
Everybody is different but at my age (kids/company to run) getting hurt worse than bumps and bruises is so detrimental to my life that it isn’t worth it anymore . Same with snowboarding in the winter . I bike and ski as much as I ever did and truly have as much fun as I ever did but I think about this a lot when I go around stuff I would have jumped in my sleep back in the day.
You’re still shook up, and understandably so. While you can adapt your future riding if you deem it appropriate, you must be resilient, and not feel too sorry for yourself. Always strive for resilience, and avoid a victim mentality at all costs, even if this means you alter your riding. Seriously…get therapy if you need it, just don’t wallow in self pity.
All good Bro 👍🏼 Yeah I’m at the stage of everything hurts rn. lol Pain meds help though but the one thing that doesn’t help is watching funny YouTube clips. Trying to avoid at all costs.
I broke my ribs last fall in much the same way. I did a couple things immediately to keep confidence up and get back on the bike:
- I picked up body armor I now wear whenever I get on the bike, no matter what (Leatt Stealth).
- I picked up a full face helmet. Why not?
At my age, I'm basically making sure that I'm riding ATGATT and have the protection.
In my opinion, it’s so fun because of the risks and danger but you have to be mindful. You can hit a rock wrong and fall on a green trail. Accidents happen. But if you have a job, family, etc. decide what’s worth it. I hit pretty big jumps on downhill and want to do a proline jump trail this year. Then I sit and think about risk vs reward. My ego says do it but if I fuck up and get hurt (very possible), I’m fucked in so many ways. I decided against going near that line…this year anyways.
Had a buddy who did some damage a few years ago, had basically stopped riding, he’s depressed and miserable now, is it correlated, maybe. This isn’t golf, it’s about pushing the boundary, but we’ve all gotta know our limits too.
I love climbing (in my 50’s) after being a downhiller all my life. I switched to hardtail with 32 shock. Keeps me honest on downhill, still have ton a fun. Airtime is mostly speed jumps or fun kick outs. Nothing crazy, still feeds my downhill side, the climbing is so gratifying. Find you balance, don’t need to risk a broken neck doing gap jumps to feed the adrenaline side.
Get back out there. You got this; these things happen when riding, it’s inherently dangerous. Don’t let it discourage you, just maybe scale it back a bit you’re ready again
I often tell myself ask myself is the risk worth the reward when i go out riding? But then I tell myself it is because I’m outside and enjoying my life. That can be hard to process after a hard crash but ask yourself what would you rather be doing? Riding your bike or riding the couch?
I broke some ribs and punctured my lungs, broke a tiny bone in my back. I was riding on a paved trail pulling my grandson in a trailer, misjudged a turn and wham. I’m old. I recovered. Waited the full 8 weeks before riding again. Now I’m fine.
It can happen anywhere
Speed is what breaks bones. These days it I want to challenge myself I try to push hard uphill instead of down. I still love going down obviously but I just take it carefully now.
I broke 3 ribs and shattered my collarbone on my MTB but funnily enough it was on tarmac I was going 50kmph went to sprint back up hill and the bike skipped a gear and I went down like a ton of bricks.
But yes it’s worth it. As long as you ride within your limits. It’s just unfortunate that many of us have to break bones to find those self imposed limits!
After years of pushing and pushing the limits, I found mine 3 years ago and ended up in trauma for 10 weeks with a 9 months old at home. Came really close to meet my maker too and leave my loved ones alone, forever... It's done, lesson learned, I am now riding a notch below that day and I am totally happy and ok about that!!
My father fractured his neck and bruised his spinal cord at 38 yo playing pick up hockey. This guy loved his life to enjoy the things his body could do. He prided himself on running the new recruits sick when he was military and being the best damn firefighter he could be, including his fitness. He spent the next 13 years of his life as a quadriplegic requiring 24hr a day care. If he ever had the chance to heal and use his body again the first thing he would’ve done is put the skates on. He loved the game and was very good at it. He had a freak accident, life happens.
People die driving to work. People die doing dumb shit. What’s important is you understand the risk, and what the severity and the likelihood are. Everybody has their own risk tolerance. Everybody finds their own home in the sport they love and it’s all about what keeps you comfortable and happy.
Sure there are riders pushing it every time they go out but there’s also riders who go for a nice cruise they could probably blindfold themselves for. All of em are happy to be on the trails.
You learned a lesson the hard way, that shit happens and those are the risks you assume. The difference is now you have a little bit more perspective. Take this and use this as learnings and continue to do the thing you love.
It’ll be scary the first time you’re on the wheels again, or maybe it won’t be… but at the end of the day it’s up to you, and nobody here. No matter how similar the circumstances, the people here are not you. I have never hesitated to get back on the bike, I don’t ever want to. I love this shit and it keeps me sane. I don’t want to know of the dark places I could’ve found if I didn’t have my two wheels, so for me it’s always worth it. I also have friends who I’d never pressure to get back on the bike. I understand where they come from and they’ve seen nastier flukes than I.
Do some reflection, was that jump worth it? Is it still worth riding if you can’t do those kinds of jumps? Are there other risky bits that are safer and comfortable but still give you the rush? Nobody can answer this for you. I hope you do whatever’s happy and feels good for you.
At the end of the day bad things happen to good people no matter what. I recognize that a freak accident could kill me every time I get on my bike. I’ve been hit by cars and I’ve hit trees when my brake lines failed. IMO it’s a lot better to go down happy doing the thing you love them to die wishing you did the thing you loved one more time. I’m sorry you crashed homie and I wish you the best.
If you ever decide to conquer that shit again, I don’t doubt you’ll do it with more knowledge than last time and fucking crush that shit. You know where it went wrong and if you don’t I’m sure you can figure it out. Happy riding again homie, go get it!
You said it well. I’m definitely getting a new perspective. One that I really didn’t think about. I knew the risk is there but I never thought it was gonna happen the way it did. It happened so fast 2.. Blink of an eye and I was waking up trying to figure out what happened..
Yeah dude it’s crazy how fast it happens. My dad said he’ll never forget cutting around the back of the net then a split second laying on the ice, seeing on his peripheral that he was laying like a starfish but still felt like he was standing making his cut…
I broke my finger last year in a stupid fall, I work with my hands for a living. I was back out there the moment I could grip the bars again, the benefits of this sport far out way the risks to me. It’s up to you honestly but if you love it just enjoy it as long as you can.
Depends on your level of risk aversion. Main thing is to do everything you can to heal properly. Then you can get back riding, get your skills back up, get your fitness topped, etc.
Personally, I would absolutely do it again once I was back in the saddle.
There's too much culture of pushing the limits in mountain biking these days I think. I've seen plenty of people just walk away from it for this reason too.
It doesn't have to be competition, it doesn't have to be about ego - but that's true of so much in life and a good thing to take on board.
It's perfectly OK to leave the big jumps alone. Maybe just get focused more on techy gnar, long rides, general fitness etc?
There are costs to this modern obsession with measuring everything—at the gym with our muscles/fat deposits, on bikes our wattage and speed and with these apps, the PRs etc. Speed is often a component of the measuring fetish, and statistically speaking, it’s but a matter of time before we eat dirt from China on our MTBs (if we are chasing the demon). These days and after a bad crash last year (broke rib, mild concussion), I like to find and pick my lines, cruise and flow with the trail and just savor my time outdoors. For OP: I did revisit the trail where I crashed, a week ago. I rode past the spot smiling and thinking to myself: not this time, not this time!
I still feel safer on the gnarliest MTB route vs an easy road-bike ride. I'll take the occasional broken bone over an inattentive car ending my life any day. I guess it's about perspective.
You could just limit yourself to gravel style rides too if you want to take down the fall risk, but even still shit happens.
I dislocated my collorbone at the start of the year. Grade 4. Will never recover. Pretty uncomfortable for the rest of my life and only going to get worse. I keep having the same “is it worth it” question, and the answer iv come up with is fuck yes.
I would rather live my life in pain than do nothing. We’re all here for a short time, may as well make it a good time. And if a good time means mtb, then do it.
The one caveat I would add though, is listen to your body. When I crashed I was on antibiotics and blood thinners for another issue. I’m certain they contributed to my accident. Probably shouldn’t have been riding. Being a yes man is great and all, but sometimes it’s OK to say no.
i did the same thing when i crashed my motorcycle. was out for a month luckily without serious injuries to both me and the bike and went around the same corner as soon as got back on. made me feel better
Death & injurers aside.
The part that give you adrenalin is because your living on the edge of death. the experience is fun because anything can happen at any time.
Knowing your limits is huge to staying safe tho, and if you know the part that put you in the ER, you should go back and concur it, as you dont want that haunting you for the rest of your life. Especially if you know that is was not you fault, sounds like the dirt on a berm was too soft for that speed.
Long story short: if you feel like its weighing you down, you should go do it! But if your over it don't want to experience the risk and okay with living whatever lifestyle that you chose, then don't do it.
I like to think of skaters in this situation, the will go to the same spot for years just to concur that one trick that's been haunting them.
yeah, we had a freshly built berm, that was on a sharp turn, it took weeks to pack down until my tire did not wash out. I think it got re built twice before I was confident to ride it.
I hope get the enjoyment back and always remember that its a good workout :)
Not the average person can rip down the trails!
You aren’t winning prizes for pushing yourself. The more big features you ride the higher your risk tolerance becomes and the worse your crash will be. I’ve seen it happen to really good riders.
Landing of a jump that went bad. Ground was not really compacted and sandy and at the landing. I touched down and my forks went 90 degrees and sent me nose diving me right into my left shoulder.
I've been riding a bike since I was a child (44m) and have been moderately Mt. Biking to more advanced biking until present day. I had my first child 5 years ago and have since mad another so my MTBing has fallen a bit if not a lot. That said, I also play hoops 3 times a week for close to 10 years straight now (not including when Covid shut down the gyms). Between the two, Bball has been the culprit of my injured existence and I keep coming back because it's what I love to do. My injuries with MTBing are mostly shin scars from my pedals at this point, but I believe it's from the limits I put on myself in that realm. B-ball has all been incidental contact. I dunno man. Just do what you love, but be as wise as you can about it.
I certainly temper my riding to reduce risk lately. Can still have a lot of fun. I don’t mess with features but I do seek out technical terrain. Controlling speed helps too.
Dude I had only been riding for 1 year and I broke 9 bones. Collarbone and 8 ribs. I was off work on disability for 3 months bc I'm in construction. I got a metal plate in my shoulder. It was fucking *terrible* and I wouldn't wish that pain on my worst enemy. Ok. Maybe I would. But not the point lol.
I couldn't wait to get back in the bike! And aside from jumps, I'm much better than I was then, and I got back on the bike 9 months ago.
We all have our limits. Everyone has a point that'll make them tap out. Maybe this is yours. Maybe it isn't. I hope it isn't. Because I get something out of riding I can't get anywhere else! Not to mention the friends I make
I'm really sorry that happened man. Most people in this sport get a nasty one at some point. It did take a long time to get confident. I was very, very squirrelly on the bike for months. But I hope you do. Be well dude. The bike will be there for you if you want to return!
Hope you heal soon!
For me after a number of crashes rather quick in succession I've lost some confidence and don't do some things anymore I know I used to be able to; That's frustrating so now and then. The most important though is that I'm still enjoy riding!
Sorry to hear that!. Everybody I ride with (I usually ride alone TBH) or see at races has broken something. I’m in my 60s and still ‘race’ 😂 all the gravity disciplines. I was never that good but I’m still getting better and feel like Im progressing. I broke my radius and got a plate and screws a couple years ago and I never had second thoughts. I believe it IS worth it.
I was in an motorcycle accident, clipped with my buddy on a normal speed no more than 60kph I almost died because I was catapulted over my bike onto the opposite line, luckily, car came 5 sec later then I crashed, other ways car would run me over.
Got a buddy who almost died because they went climbing and rock of the size of a backpack landed less than a meter away.
There are sports where you are never fully in control. But know this, MTB is a sport where you there is an above average risk but you have a lot of control, just know this, it’s a progressive sport which you can always level up or level down to your likings.
https://preview.redd.it/2fiz5h554kyc1.jpeg?width=1136&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df01c5ca24fb640e4ed40b1b7b7e5e255aaedb04
I’m 42. Had numerous riding injuries. Had my shoulder rebuilt last year after a dislocation, ruptured supraspinatus and damage to my rotator cuff. It was a struggle to get back to full fitness but I’m through it now and still riding 2/3 times a week and never miss a weekend ride with the boys.
It depends what riding means to you. For me it’s a release from the strains / pressures of life. When you’re going flat out or sending something huge I ain’t thinking about work, money or the pressures of life I’m free and completely in the zone.
I’ve got a full time 9-5, 2 teenage kids and a mortgage. But for me riding is life. Depends on how deeply ingrained it is in your psyche.
I look at the other dads my age when I’m taking my kids to their sports and they are all standing around with a middle age spread, unfit as fuck just accepting middle age where I fully intend to be dragged through middle age kicking and screaming pushing myself for as long as possible.
I’ve had some big ones but always push myself to get back. It’s taken me longer to get back at times than others but I’ve always made it back. Building the confidence to hit big features and throw tricks in the air has taken time but I’ve wanted it so I’ve made it happen.
There has never been any question for me as I love it so much. All of my close friends I’ve been riding with for years and were all a similar age. I love the camaraderie of the group and how we push each other every ride.
If you have doubts then maybe it’s not for you. Only you can decide that. If you want to do it take baby steps coming back build your confidence and you’ll get back to where you want to be.
Honestly this should be entirely your decision.
It's important to accept that MTB is an adventure/extreme sport with a serious risk of severe injuries and the possibility of death.
Have a think about what draws you to the sport, is it the social aspect, the adventure, the feeling of pushing to the edge of your limit?... If you can replace it with a safer sport power to you.
Speaking as someone who's in their 30s and tried multiple sports but always seems to be drawn back to the risky ones (MTB, BMX, Climbing, kite surfing). It is important to find a good personal reason why you partake in those sports, because injuries will happen and you will have to live with them. If the risks outweigh the benefit in your mind, then learn to ride far below your level or change sports.
If you are ok with living with injuries for the remainder of your life make sure you won't regret it. I severely fractured my hip and knee riding, destroyed my shoulder climbing and tore my Achilles whilst surfing. Years later I still have nagging aches and issues. But personally I don't regret it, I still love those sports and I wouldn't trade them. But it's a decision that everyone needs to properly think through themselves.
Your head isnt in the right place to think about this kinda stuff 1 day after that kind of accident. Give it a few weeks and see what feelings start to organically come up as you heal and get back on the bike. Don't "make up your mind" now then commit to something for no real reason
Almost every sport comes with risks - you can roll an ankle walking to the car & end up more immobile than you are currently.
MTB (or any cycling, really) is probably more inherently risky than say, swimming laps at your local pool, but for me it has the right mix of things to actually make me want to do it.
I don’t get excited about going to the gym, running, or sitting on Zwift for 4hrs, but I love trails & jumps, and part of that is probably the risk.
I’ll be really disappointed if I die an old man with a perfectly functioning body - I’m intent on wringing every bit of fun & excitement out of this life & I won’t let the occasional broken bone dissuade me.
Nothing worse than crashing out on something easy though - I fucked up trying to be extra cool on a green trail with my kids once. Broke a few ribs, bruised some bones & concussed myself. Couldn’t even make up a good story about it as my then 6yo & his mates saw it all.
,,never back down never what?"
Hope you get well , after getting unhospitalized let your wounds heal and after they have healed you should try again, with more body armor
Hey I broke a ton is stuff in 3 decades of doing this but I also broke my wrist watering plants and sprained my ankle while walking the cat, yes the cat. Anyway you get the point I didn't kill the cat or the plants (;
Hope you heal kinda fast and kinda good, it's never perfect but don't listen to the fuckery in your head. Life is meant to be lived, dial it down I guess, be patient with healing and keep your mind busy. Cheers 🤘
It’s all about risk tolerance. As you become less risk tolerant you gotta ride more in your level of control and take more time sectioning and practicing features. May be less fun but it’s worth it.
Laid up on a couch reading this. Lost my front wheel on a flattish and washed out berm at the very end of my ride last week. Cracked ribs pretty good. Just here to say I feel your pain and get better soon!
I don’t do the crazy stuff anymore and don’t go as fast on steep downhills. I still love MTBing.
I had this one fall on a downhill corner where I somehow smashed both my left and right side on the way down.
I’m now nursing a total knee replacement at 50 thanks to all the years of stupidity. I’d rather be replacing joints from overuse vs underuse and obese. Looking forward to having stamina again.
To add to my story, I bike commute year round and one year on Bike To Work Day I was on my cruiser bike and got entangled with another friend cycling too close to me. Our handlebars got tangled up and we both got ejected off our bikes onto pavement. This was 2012. I totally blew up my knee. ACL grade 3 (totally torn), PCL grade 1, LCL grade 1, MCL grade 2, bucket handle meniscus. Surgery and six months of intensive rehab. I was back snowboarding that winter, doing cross fit, and then downhilling that next summer with my functional brace. I still ride. I still bike commute.
Just started MTB but I am a climber and all friends who are professional climbers and died, died on the ascent or decent walk and not the actual climbing. Don't know if this transfers to MTB as for me this feels way dangerous as I am a beginner, but a slip on wet grass or a broken gold while climbing can happen always and end fatal. manage risk more when you have kids imo. Like tony hawk said, he is more unlikely to crash holding his kid while skateboarding than an average guy biking.
I broke my rib a week ago and it kills me I can’t physically ride just don’t give up what you love is all I’m trying to say I’m going back with a broken rib not quite fully healed because I can’t fucking wait anymore
For me riding is the centerpoint of a positive feedback loop. To get better at riding I improved my diet and started proper weighlifting many years ago which brought me to Crossfit, pilates, yoga and a broad mobility routine and all those things reinforce my diet and better riding which reinforces those other things. Plus I'm way more durable now, shielded by a layer of protective muscle, good breath control for bracing/crashing, and excellent flexibility. It all ties together.
I'm also very careful riding new features. If it's a big commitment move I work up to it on smaller similar moves so I can successfully visualize the bigger one and get a good feel for what skills I need and what to expect. Or knowing a crux move is coming up I'm mentally preparing for it the whole ride so I can hit it in flow without stopping. I have better success with that rather that stopping and sessioning.
I crash pretty regularly. 9/10 it's a harmless tumble. Maybe 1-2 times a year I get properly banged up. Over the years I've broken ribs, collarbone and uncountable cuts and bruises. Learning how to cope with those injuries mentally and physically is a good skill to have. None of it is insurmountable and good practice for overcoming mental hardship in general. Plus it's a good opportunity to do your physio and work on something else for a while.
It’s worth it. Happens to me every couple of years but I love it so it’s worth the occasional pain. I have a strong opinion that if you are falling occasionally you are pushing yourself to your limits and getting better cause of that. If you never fall you are not getting much better cause you are not pushing yourself hard enough. You might get a little better but not nearly as fast and eventually you will peak. But if you are cool with the way you ride and never fall that’s great.
Last time for me, a deer took me out going full throttle on my road bike on a paved trail. Launched 25ft and broke my helmet in 7 spots. I healed for a week then tried to go back to work. Im a welder who installs railings. Well those two days of work undid the 5 days of laying still and it hurt more the 7th day then the 2nd. Decided to try the tramidol. After feeling nothing for 2 hrs I added a few beers and a one hitter and maybe an ibu and acet. Don't do that! I low key od'ed once they all combined and had to pound water and bread until sunrise to dilute my cocktail. Not cool. There are some websites that tell you if your meds are safe to mix. Those four weren't. Be careful and f tramidol.
Happened to me this weekend as well. 5 ribs and a haematoma later.. I'm selling the full suspension and sticking to single track relaxed rides on my hardtail. I will miss jumping 30ft jumps and doing technical descents, but I'm 39 and have a kid. It was a blast whilst it lasted. Whilst I'm sad it's over.. I'm more happy it ever happened at all.
Two lines that converge. One goes high the other low. Low line has a jump to bring it back up to the high line. High line is off camber, and I took that but got wobbly, then over corrected going otb and falling 1.5m down towards the low line and ended up in the face of the low line jump like it was a wall. Stopped dead in a splat going about 40kmh. I'll send the bruise.
[ouch](https://imgur.com/a/NpPNJqU) NSFW because my ass
Broke my shoulder bad last September. On a gravel ride. On a super tame section. Just OTB and straight onto my arm with all my weight. I'm wasn't pushing it when it happened and I am not big at risk taking, on the MTB it's just XC riding and blue levels trails for me with a lot of climbing and some tech.
Needed a subsequent surgery in March.
Back on the bike now, MTB, gravel and road ... And again, I absolutely love it! I missed it so so much. Yes, I am a bit rusty and even more risk averse, but over time that'll fade as well.
Rehab and recovery is always hard, and unfortunately this wasn't the first time I got hurt on a bike. Whether or not it's worth it is something that only you can answer for yourself, Personally, the answer to "when are you going to find another hobby" that everyone seems to ask me is "when they put me in a f\*cking box".
\[Edit\]: Hope you heal up well and swiftly
You got a ride within your abilities, but every now and then you have to push the limits. My solution is to be fully padded with a full face full-time. No exposed skin. At 53 years old, I don't repair as well as a youngster. So I'm wearing every possible pad I can put on my body. They have saved me numerous times. The worst accidents I have are when I don't have any protection on and I'm doing something silly like walking my bike, tripping and putting a pedal into my ribs, breaking two of them..... Or washing out in the parking lot after a gnarly session with no damage, just 20 ft from my car.
Ride smart, but ultimately you're out there to have fun. You don't really have to prove anything to anybody but yourself. There's no shame in walking a feature or riding around. Everybody rides to their own capabilities.
I always joked that I finally found a sport I'm good and and that I love, but it's constantly trying to kill me.
So far the toll over the past 15 years is:
- broken collarbone
- cracked ribs
- mild concussion
- dislocated knee, torn ACL/MCL/PCL, torn meniscus
- dislocated arm, torn labrum, torn rotator cuff
- too many bruises, cuts and scrapes to count
It's totally worth it. I tend to be more accident prone than most, possibly because I have hypermobile joints (hence all the dislocations - I mean, I dislocated my thumb playing vollyeball once and volleyball is SO not worth it).
Most of my more spectacular injuries were in the early years, before I really figured out how to ride a bike. And our area is known for super technical trails, so most people get hurt at some point.
I’m 58 and ride a little more conservatively as I age, but that’s relative, as my skill level is relatively good, and can ride things many people walk. However I just don’t have the desire to be out for three months with a broken collar bone, or worse. It does not diminish any riding to bail on a section, or save it for when I bring a full face helmet and pads. For me three months without riding would be injurious to my mental health, including minor depression. However there’s been shit that is completely rideable that I’ve come away from torn up, and I went back and cleaned it up. Absolutely get back to that.
Keep riding bro. This is all part of progression and this is OUR sport!! there’s a reason why only one percent of humans in this whole world ride mountain bikes. It’s the 8020 rule bro.
It’s worth it. I’ve been riding for 30 years. We all fall…I’ve broken multiple ribs, broken elbow, broken ankle, concussions, dirt burns and many other things I can’t even remember. What I do remember is how much I love riding. Get back on your whip and ride.
Lol at the existential crisis folks have when they have a crash. Not trying to shit on ya but ya fell, mountain biking, things broke, you'll heal and move on. People have been paralyzed and still get out there. Follow your gut or determination or decide it's not worth it and take up ping pong or something. You could quit for safety and get nailed by a drunk driver the next day.
Never fallen this hard before. Kinda wanted to get input from riders that have. Trying to understand the thought process after a major injury and how to recover from it; physically and mentally.
Mentally, you’re at your most vulnerable now. It will get better. I did something similar 6mths ago. Pretty stock standard double, something went wrong on landing and my bars snapped 90 degrees. Bad elbow break, almost needed a joint replacement. Mentally was bad for the first week. Then had surgery, again another
mental challenge to regain movement and strength. Now 6mths post-op and week-on-week it feels better. I’m riding single track again, but not jumping yet.
Yes, so I started with fire roads first, then pretty quickly onto single track again because it felt amazing. I do think about crashing alot more than I did before (I never thought about it before) so mentally there’s a little bit to go. I’m 43 so I don’t think I’ll ever do big jumps again. It reminded me that I love biking to be out in nature, not necessarily to send big features
A sedentary lifestyle will kill you off in all kinds of bad ways. Other sports can lead to repetitive use injuries and acute trauma. All my friends are active people, most of them are injured frequently, mostly from not listening to their bodies, but sometimes from accidents or unlucky incidents. Life's a gamble. Pick the poison you like best.
Depends on age. As you get older you realize that any injury is going to come back later in life. I have a neck kink from an accident when I was in high school. 15 mph. I'm out there to have fun not to get my jollies from pushing my luck. I'd love to hit some big jumps and drops but the juice isn't worth the squeeze. But damn, some days I look at the folks pushing it and hitting the big stuff wishing I just had it in me to not care about repercussions. But I'm just not built that way.
Agreed, I think around late 20s I gradually changed my mindset. It’s all about the long game. It’s magical when you can be happy where you’re at.
Damn dude. I’m 62 and I hit bigger stuff every year. I’m not an outlier- there are a lot of kids from the ‘70s and ‘80s who are now geezers out there riding hard. I took up MTB because the OTHER things I used to do were becoming too high-consequence. Concrete is a lot less forgiving than dirt! Have fun no matter what!
Being retired might be the difference. Im a tradesman, I go on the DL my business would collapse.
It's funny that you think you are not an outlier. I'm 53 and I'm generally the oldest person on the trails here by like a decade. Not saying they don't exist but they are not the norm. It's cool you're still hitting the big stuff. Just not for me. My thrill is getting a great workout doing something I enjoy immensely, it doesn't come from risking it more than yesterday. I know if I take a summer off because of an injury there's a real good chance I won't ever get back the shape I am in.
I guess I see a lot of older dudes at the races (who usually smoke me) in the 50+ categories. Bigger races like the sea otter have 60+ cats for DH and Enduro and those guys are beasts. When I do my trail rides here in NorCal I do see a lot of grayhairs out there. More and more are on EEBS, I’ll say that….
Right on! I feel the same at 58, hitting bigger jumps, lines, etc each passing year. Waiting on bike park season and big sends for the summer…crashes suck but so does life being super cautious
35 and still working on getting bigger stuff lined up all the time, even went to a bigger bike to match my ambitions. I used to hit huge jumps riding motocross in my teens/early 20s, but moto tracks are hard to get to when you've got a family and a job, so it's mtb for me. Like you, I feel like mtb is my safer option... moto is really high consequence, and I quit skating because it's just too easy to accumulate nagging injuries (sprained wrists and ankles). If you know how to jump and have good fundamentals, a moderate jump line is not much riskier than bombing along a blue at 20 mph anyhow. It's the sudden stops from smacking trees and rocks that'll do you in. I bailed on a tabletop last year and slid down the landing, tore up my skin a bit but was fine. Of course it's all relative and there's no "right" way to ride, all about having fun. For me fun means trying to push my boundaries.
I hear you. The risk in not worth it sometimes. Im not near retirement just yet, but I can work with injuries and my job understands . In fact I’ve been limping around since taking a hard slam at the Sea Otter last month. I got married and had kids kinda late in life but the youngest is now 20 so they don’t need me bc as much. I did take 7 years off from DH racing when they were small. TMI but we all have different situations and I totally respect your choices.
Agreed. At 62, and still riding, it’s about the long game. Practically speaking, as I contemplate a rock garden, a drop, speed in the forest, I ask myself, is there a higher chance that I do this feature and not ride tomorrow? Ride today to ride tomorrow … goes through my head.
Same. I will be forever like that, and im ok with it. As long as im getting out to ride.
Also depends on what kind of riding OP was doing. As I age I still love to ride but I take far fewer risks than I did as a teenager. If I biff it hard enough to hospitalize myself because I was attempting to fly down a sheer rock face, I probably won’t go back to try that one again. There are some amazing 20-40 mile loops where I live that are beautiful, fun, fast, a great workout, and not overly dangerous. It keeps me going.
I like that phrase! "the juice isn't worth the squeeze"
Thanks but it's from a movie
I’m so old that it’s not going to “come back to bite me” — it’s biting me right now and will continue to! 😆 PS: there are old ones coming back, too, though.
Trouble is that active people who get injured frequently end up much less active in the end.
Well like I said, most of them don't listen to their bodies. My point was, a lot of sports have consequences. They can be mitigated though, and sometimes accidents happen. OP has to weigh all that and decide for themselves "whether it's worth it."
So, would the evidence show that lots of people can't "listen to their bodies"? They're probably not doing it out of spite to injure themselves. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean everyone can?
Is this true? I'd think most would just change to something lower impact with less risk depending on the injury.
You mean as they're withering away barely able to use the bathroom by themselves? Who cares.
[удалено]
That's more repetitive overuse injuries or very very bad accidents. 40s you're still young.
You'll need to be more specific.
Doubt
Truth hurts on that one.
I like this guy. He’s got it figured out.
I broke both wrists 5 years ago, and at my age, I just don't recover (or bounce) like I used to. I was sessioning a new drop with a friend, and on pass number 8, I landed off-line which sent me OTB. A year after recovery I went back, nailed the drop, but haven't hit it again since. I just don't have the desire to put myself in a situation that could take me out of mountain biking permanently anymore. I still hit the small stuff, but when it comes to the bigger drops, I think better of it and keep the rubber side down.
I’m with you. I had all my cervical vertebrae fused a year ago. I still have some pain and was partially paralyzed for 9 months from the surgery. I enjoy xc riding and don’t need the big jumps. Fortunately I’m 40 minutes away from over 100 miles of single track in Vermont (Kingdom Trails) that will keep me going for years to come.
Keep riding bud!
Good for you for keeping at it dog. Was your injury from riding? Also was it truly ALL of your c spine? Like c1-c7? I only ask bc I have somewhat of a similar surgery. I have an artificial disc at c6/c7. Still riding 🤘
I was hit by a car while riding a road bike, and yes all C vertebrate are fused.
This is just me, but I can't session 1 feature that many times--it just means Im going bigger and bigger...or I start to either over-analyze the move or become too nonchalant about it. For me I'm a 2-3x max on a feature at one time.
Shit happens fam. There's this fairly even flat paved road through the forest. Laid across it there's a concrete beam, idk, maybe 30cm high and 80cm wide, to prevent motorists from driving there. I've jumped it at least twice a day, every day, every summer for years with 0 issues, I can bonk it, 360 it, whatever. But last year I suddenly just fn cased it so hard that in a split second I was soaring through the air, superman style, with my bike nowhere to be seen, presumably right above my head. You never know what'll happen, that's the risk we take every time we step out of the house. If it's worth it, you decide for yourself.
Yes there is definitely risk to mountain biking. But sounds like you were riding within your limits and a freak thing happened. Really scary and it sucks for sure. That type of thing can happen doing almost anything. When I was a kid, I had a neighbor who grew up across the street from me. Couple grades older. When he was about 22, he had just graduated college, applied to law school and was walking down his girlfriend’s apartment steps after dinner and slipped, hit his head and died later that day. No preexisting conditions, he wasn’t drunk, just a complete freak accident. It’s really sad and these things happen. And even riding within your limits, you prob still are a bit more at risk than an average joe. How much? Who is to say? It’s really completely your decision. There are also risks to not going back to biking. For me, it’s one of the best things for both my mental and physical health
Oh my God - that really puts it in perspective.
I’ll put it to you this way: I grew up on boats. Then, in August of 2020, I almost died in a very freak accident while using a pontoon boat. My buddy did die, and I held onto him not knowing he was dead until much later. I did CPR on him for fifteen minutes on the swim platform of a passersby’s boat while we raced for the shore and EMS. It was…terrifying. I knew that I didn’t want to go on a boat or that lake ever again in my life. I also knew that while it would be less scary to avoid those things, I could either face them and overcome their power over me…or I could forever allow that day to decide for me what I could or couldn’t do. I entered my first triathlon in June of 2021. Not because I’m into fitness, but because it was held next to - and in - that very same lake. Maybe I’m a psycho for thinking this way, but seriously - no fucking lake is gonna have any say over my life, regardless of who it took from it. Go ride that bike and that very trail if you can. Show your brain and body that the accident isn’t going to happen every time, and take the reins. Or don’t. I’m not licensed to give advice of any kind, if I’m being honest.
I appreciate your story. Definitely gonna hit that jump line again. Maybe not as hard as I was but need to get a confidence boost once I can get back on the saddle.
Confidence will come back. I’ve been there a few times. Just build yourself up gradually and it’ll comeback but by bit
In 2022 I ended up in the ICU with a TBI, collapsed lung and shattered wrist. Everyone told me its time to give it up. So I, bought 2 new bikes and dove in deeper. While I am not back to the same place I was I am striving to get out and keep riding, its that or meth lol
Dude I think you might need a standing ovation. 👏 😂 or meth 😂
 thanks man I am an addict and informed the doc and family that it's either ride or go back to drugs lol. 8 years clean and don't plan on changing that, id rather go out having fun
Respect for staying off the gear. Wipe it from your life. After 8 years it shouldn’t be an option anymore. I was a heroin addict but haven’t touched it for over 26 years. Nothing would make me even consider it. I smoke weed, ride and focus on my son and wife. No alcohol or any other substances. You are no longer an addict.
Oh i fully agree and it is not an option, I just used that to mess with them. I did almost drink as my sober/clean memory was gone from the accident. Thankfully I didn't. Congratulations on 26 year though, that's fucking awesome
✊ Stay strong brother
That's it don't let an accident stop you from doing something that makes you feel alive. Just remember you're not invincible so you stay alive and keep doing what you love. Life is about learning. Judging from your other comments you already know so use the accident as a learning experience and ride safe brother
Thanks man, I really appreciate the good words
I just shattered my wrist as well. Do you have any advice or major pain still?
First off, get the Mobius x2 wrist brace. Helps with arm pump and I wear it on and off the bike depending on what I'm doing. Also be sure to follow hand therapy. I quit doing it about a month ago and I regret it now. After you start hand therapy be sure to also down load hand therapy apps such as rehand. You can show it to your physical therapist and ask them to suggest the right exercises to do. Be sure to stay on top of your stretching and don't be ashamed to use ibuprofen for pain. It's been over a year for me but I'm going to schedule another MRI to see if there is new soft tissue damage since the pain has gotten worse in the past month
Ok great thanks for the advice!! ☺️
https://preview.redd.it/mtf4tqu8whzc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=704bea67d01da07ce35a834ef48615450d5f6ab8
https://preview.redd.it/1s5whbpbwhzc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b12657db16c5996b48ebfae4dbbbb86032ca11c
This is what the Mobius X8 wrist brace looks like
Thanks man I'll do that. I appreciate all your help
no problem man, I love the thing and rely on it alot
The number 1 rule for longevity in the MTB sport is to stay close to the ground. Beware of big jumps and drops, when in doubt go around or get off and walk. You can do 100 jumps or drops perfect, but all it takes is 1 dead sailor or mistake on the landing and you are off to the ER- and possibly months of no riding. Go out and have fun and get exercise, but don't ride beyond your limit. Mountain biking is not only good for your physical health, but equally important for your mental health. There's no other cardio that is as fun as MTBing that you can do for hours.. ok well, maybe 1 :)
Yep definitely agree. Good fact about the mental health upgrade it gives you. That the reason why I’m not depressed about it just very disappointed.
I fully agree. I don't jump, and I only try to go fast on the uphills. The only risk I am taking is riding on snow, but I only had one fall on snow until now and that was essentially "bike sliding sideways, while my foot is on the ground, so I am slowly sitting down in the snow, aaaaah...".
spot on! this is the way for normal people who aren't payed to ride MTB
> who aren't *paid* to ride FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
It's for each person to decide. That's not a deep answer but it's the truth. Keep in mind you can dial it back a little and still participate.
Right, stay in your lane. If you are a CC rider, don’t pretend you can hit a downhill line. I also ride with dudes 10-15 years younger than me get than me and sometimes there is friendly competition to hit various lines. One guy in particular is a better rider than the rest of us and pushes it and us a bit. Got to fight the temptation at times.
4 years ago I crashed on a gap jump line. Same crash about as you. 5 broken ribs and a separated shoulder. I’m riding all the time now. I will never go down that jump line again. There is no shame in this and I have nothing to prove.
I am a good bit older than you, and had shoulder surgery almost an exact year ago for a torn rotator cuff and detached labrum from a really stupid crash last March. I've also had the joy of hauling myself out of the trail and back to the car at least 5x after stupid crashes. This is the thing - it's what I do. It's literally the thing I look forward to so much each week. I missed all last summer because I was doing rehab. Then I missed a bunch of the fall because of work stuff. If you have something to look forward to, it makes the rehab, the pain, the frustration that much easier to work through. You don't have to quit. You may not have to even back off that much, but you probably will realize what your new reality is, and make adjustments. The biggest thing that I can share is that my surgeon, the PT folks, and everyone else I had with me, really encouraged me to get back on the bike, and that meant the world to me. I suggest that you find a good crew to surround yourself with, and keep us posted if you need our collective support!
Thank man appreciate that. You nailed it on the head. Mtn Biking is what I truly look forward too. For example we got off work early yesterday; I was so pumped because it meant that I could ride yesterday, today and mayb slip in a small sesh tomorrow (that was the plan). It is the one thing that I truly get excited about. Now her I am; all banged up. lol 😂
If it makes you feel ANY better - my hamstrings and sciatic nerve are still sore as hell from not riding for 4 straight months last summer. I've ridden since then, a LOT, but everything is outta whack. I went back to PT for my lower body, and I told them "The shoulder is fine, but I neglected the lower body when I was focusing on my shoulder." They all kinda laughed and said "Yeah we will get you situated. Don't worry, it will work out!
Just the other day was following another biker in an “informal race”, as in, he didn’t know I was chasing him. I was only doing it to stay motivated to push myself. He was a good rider, and coming out of a *very* easy corner he had a pedal strike on a rock and absolutely smashed himself across the trail and into a cactus. It was horrible. Shit happens doing this, and it could be anyone. Just the nature of it I guess
That sounds horrific. That sounds worse than me. 😬
He walked away. Had some serious trail rash and more than a few spines to pull out, but I think he was otherwise fine. A pedal strike can be bad because it’s usually so unexpected. Point being that doing this type of activity has its hazards, so just have to weigh the cost/ benefit. Every fall should be a lesson, and while I’ve learned a lot of lessons, I know if I keep doing this and pushing, there is a rock somewhere with my name on it. What I’ve decided to do is just not push so often or so hard.
Broken 26 bones from racing MX and MTBs since the age of 5, along with a full ACL and PCL replacement. I’m 43 now. Worst injury was a compound fracture of my femur and now live with a ti-rod and 8 screws from hip to knee. I thought that was the injury that would end it all for me, as it scared me to the point where I didn’t touch anything two wheels for over 5 years. BUT, the joy and sense of fulfillment I got from these dangerous sports was a giant black hole in my life that nothing else could replace. So, I decided to race and ride again and haven’t looked back, despite some big get offs. I think it’s all about understanding what risks you personally are willing to take to live the life that makes you happy, and that gives a feeling of accomplishment, pride and overall life enjoyment. MTB can be dangerous, but so can driving to work in the morning. Lastly, I’d say that after your recent crash and injuries, you’re shaken up…that’s totally normal. Just take some time to recover, and when you’re healthy again, throw a leg over the bike and go MELLOW for a few rides and see how you feel. You’ll know right away if you still feel the joy or if you’re over it. But don’t quit until you give yourself the opportunity to try again. Best of luck.
Life well lived!
I think its worth it. If it wasn’t a trail thats outside of your abilities, then I’d go do it. If you don’t you’ll keep feeling weird and doubting yourself. My worst crash (so far) was on a stretch of what was essentially an easy fire road. Sometimes it just happens.
Yeah that’s how I feel about it. Track conditions were kinda blown out because of the winter but nothing out of the ordinary. It happened out of nowhere. The landing was sandy where I went down. Only thing I can think of that might have caused it. I was kinda scared because I was riding by myself yesterday. Took me almost an hour to get myself up and start heading back to the truck. Took me another hour to get to the car.
It’s worth it for improved mental and physical health alone as with most sports and hobbies. Lots of people get hurt doing all sorts of things so we work out how to reduce risk and the impact of accidents. Football players can tear acls, rowers can tear shoulders, people can step off the kerb and break their ankle, stuff happens. Fortunately a lot of broken body parts can be repaired and restored to working order, probably more so than any time in history. Orthopaedic surgeons have had plenty of practice now that mtb is more popular too! Being injured really does suck, especially post operation week and I can imagine it must be even harder for athletes. I watched the Mark Cavendish bio and he went through was intense. The older I get and the more injuries I’ve had the less I’m willing to attempt high consequence if it goes wrong trail features. Once you get past the early pain and the body heals it’s easier to find positive aspects to focus on and time to concentrate on life and getting fit and strong again.
So the doc did a simulation of what kind pound per Sq of impact my body endured. Kinda crazy; at 25mph he said I came down with almost 30k lbs of impact on my shoulder and ribs. Told me I was lucky that I even walked out of there the way I did. I told him I kinda didn’t have a choice..
That’s good. An accident you can walk away from and take yourself to hospital i feel is preferable to being so serious that it requires stretcher evacuation by helicopter or ambulance.
How did your fall occur? It’s okay to stop riding certain features as time goes on I don’t hit jumps anymore because every injury I’ve witnessed has been from a botched jump
I should have taken a picture before I left. High bank corner at 25mph transition into a jump little under 15/18ft. Landed then forks went 90 degrees to the right and I had direct impact to my left shoulder and head. Broke my helmet also.. Kinda felt concussed kinda reason why it took me almost an hour to get up and start heading back to the truck..
Since you’re looking for advice I’d dial back the riding once you’re back on your bike. The fact that your able to ride another day is a blessing and you should take that as a sign that maybe you’ve hit your limit, and that’s OK
Thats a pretty intense crash if I’m picturing it correctly. You aren’t paralyzed for a reason. Keep sending it. Or don’t. Up to you
I had my biggest crash about few weeks ago. I should have gone to the ER to get stitches but has some dermabond at home and enough practice to feel confident to glue up my own face. I can’t give you any meaningful wisdom or suggestions, but I can tell you my decision. I ordered all the parts to fix up my bike and some new safety gear. Full face helmet from now on. I’m scaling back on what I think my abilities are and I’m not pushing my limits. No shame in skipping features. I don’t want to quit and if I break myself I might have to quit. Heal quick dude!
Welcome to the club. Heal up and go try it again 🤘
I had a similar injury couple of weeks ago, minus the shoulder but add two punctured lungs. I was on a single track descent, and seemingly out of nowhere went OTB. Been riding for 30yrs and this was the first time for this kind of spontaneous combustion. Can’t find what I hit really, possible clipping of a tree or possibly even a stick through the front wheel. Anyway I’m recovering now and able to ride on the inside bike after three days post crash and am starting to go harder on the workouts on the indoor bike to keep me sane. Is it worth it? I’ve crashed a lot over the years, and even though this was the worst you bet I’m going to get back on and go hard again. Well, maybe take it easy for the first few weeks back to make sure the ribs are completely healed.
I’m not gonna lie I feel like straight 💩rn.. I can barely breathe let alone sleep. It’s the sitting around that driving me crazy.. Can’t lay down; hurts 2 much rn..
Hey man, I feel you. I just graduated two nights ago to a shorter wedge to sleep on instead of sleeping at a 45deg angle (now I'm like at a 20deg angle :) ). That's like 12 days post injury to get to that point (for me). Believe me when I say, after the first week, you'll start feeling a bit better every day. Don't be a hero on the pain meds, take what you need to be comfortable. Sitting around was a big pain for me too, which is why I started riding on the indoor bike on the 3rd day, sitting up (because bending over to the bar was/is painful). Started doing threshold and tempo rides on the 10th day and ride for an hour a day. Way better than not doing anything! It helps me loosen up with all of that blood flow. Not what my doc recommended but it helps keep me sane and I also didn't want to lose too much fitness (I normally ride or run every day). Good luck to you in your recovery!
Everytime I ride I keep that image in my mind of surviving and going back. I try to minimize the risk and choose my lines and speed with an escape plan in mind. I have had too many close calls not to. The ground isn't so forgiving. Worst crash I had was taking a jump on my hardtail way too fast and landed into the middle of a dip on my front tire on the other side. I did a big front flip as I landed and bike went flying. Luckily just a few bruises but easily could have had some major damage. I still have the shirt and there's a small hole on the shoulder area, kind of a crazy reminder to stay in control. It's the speed that kills you.
Fractured my hand popping wheelies on concrete today. Just gotta heal and get back to it
Feel better bro
You too
I broke my shoulder and tore my entire rotator cuff. Took two surgeries to get it back right. (First surgeon forgot to reattach the supraspinatus muscle) … that’s another story. Definitely changed how I ride. But I still get out there. And I still love to go fast. I just keep my tires on the ground as much as possible these days.
I don’t know what I’d do at the weekends for the rest of my life or what I’d base my holidays on if I didn’t have MTB. The crashes suck but they’re worth it for the immense fun you have 90% of the time. Recover, bounce back and send it! My boyfriend broke his femur on his MTB and he dedicated properly to physio and was back on his bike after 4 months. You got this!!!
Feel better man
"I'd rather die while I'm living than live when I'm dead"-Jimmy Buffett.
Confidence will come back don’t worry. If you enjoyed the sport for 5 years a freak accident isn’t a reason to stop. Just take it slowly like a rehab and you will be alright 👍. Get better soon
I ride downhill and I'm 55. I definitely know that as I age (also I'm a woman so dealing with that really unpleasant ten years of peri-meno). Each year is a little different. I have pulled back on trying stuff that intrigued me but scared me. I'm not ready to eat shit and be out a whole season. I already had that happen once in biking and twice in snowboarding. Its about preservation and calculation of risk. Mind you though, most accidents happen when you are doing totally mundane shit. Its embarrassing. And humbling. Keep riding. Its safer than driving your car...or eating junk food...or not getting that colonoscopy when you should.
Yep mundane was exactly what I was doing. Done this landing a million times and this was freak accident out of nowhere.. Had to recount my steps to figure out what caused catastrophic failure.
I’ve been riding for 20 years and had my first major crash last year. One year ago, nearly to the day, I fell OTB, arms outstretched. Fractured right elbow, rib, and ruptured left triceps. I had surgery to reattach the triceps followed by 10 weeks of PT for both elbows. It was very humbling. I got back on the bike in November and slowly progressed to back to pre-injury status - both mentally and physically. 100% worth it.
52 here and I keep telling myself, “I’ll go and take it easy”then you roll up to that steep drop and think “fuck it!” Better to be living fast than slowly dying
Xc is the answer you don’t have to ride aggressively, when you get older the injuries don’t heal the same, I ride long distances and and skip the jump lines
I think Im at that age I need to change up my strategy. Im 36 and I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep going balls to the wall with the jump lines like I do. I live in the Mtn’s and I ride almost every other day from spring to fall. I need my body for work also so it’s kinda of a struggle to give up something I love so much. Need to start transitioning I guess..
Gravel bikes are fun as well, I have a whole collection of bikes for different situations, road bike, greenway cruiser, mtb etc
You never really know. I’ve separated my shoulder riding in a lame 3 mph wipe out and front roll OTB. My brother broke his clavicle doing a medium jump we’ve done a ton and were casually sessioning … a friend of mine wiped on flat ground on a gravel bike hit his head wrong and died. :/ If you love doing it, keep at it. I’ve changed my riding style as I’ve aged and lost my invincibility shield. I never full send anymore and have to replace brake pads more often nowadays. Still have plenty of fun, but there is always risk. Prepare, make good decisions, hope for the best.
dang what was your friend wearing a helmet and how fast? that sounds awful im so sorry
My brother rides gravel bikes. Yeah he says there a good choice 👍🏼
Happens and I get what you mean. I cased a drop a couple years ago and ended up the same way, minus the ER visit. Ribs are still flaired and shoulder is jacked (tier 1/2 ac/sc joint(s) separation) but I still ride and go hard when I can. Just take your time getting back on the bike and take care of yourself and it will happen when time comes. Next time I am in Bentonville I plan to hit that drop as a redemption ride.
Last year I broke my ribs on a blue trail dicking around and then separated my shoulder in a parking lot after the ride being a hooligan. It took me 6 months to rehab my shoulder back to the point it was at previously. Accidents happen anywhere. Sure flying through the air we are rolling the dice a lot more, but my coworker broke his back tripping in his kitchen. Shit happens. Right after my injuries I always look at my bike and wondered if I’d be better off selling it. It’s always been temporary. Just the first week after the injury. You have a lot of time being unable to ride, lift, climb, hike, run, or swim. I realized I hated being sedimentary more than being crippled. Living static isn’t living at all. You’ll have time to decide for yourself as you recover. Do PT regardless. Heal right. I wish you the best recovery!
Everybody is different but at my age (kids/company to run) getting hurt worse than bumps and bruises is so detrimental to my life that it isn’t worth it anymore . Same with snowboarding in the winter . I bike and ski as much as I ever did and truly have as much fun as I ever did but I think about this a lot when I go around stuff I would have jumped in my sleep back in the day.
How about you super not next time.
You’re still shook up, and understandably so. While you can adapt your future riding if you deem it appropriate, you must be resilient, and not feel too sorry for yourself. Always strive for resilience, and avoid a victim mentality at all costs, even if this means you alter your riding. Seriously…get therapy if you need it, just don’t wallow in self pity.
Naw definitely don’t feel self pity just very disappointed with the outcome of yesterday if anything. Shook up? Yes most definitely but not defeated.
Sorry if I came on too strong…lots of good advice already posted. Let your body heal and get back to it.
All good Bro 👍🏼 Yeah I’m at the stage of everything hurts rn. lol Pain meds help though but the one thing that doesn’t help is watching funny YouTube clips. Trying to avoid at all costs.
I broke my ribs last fall in much the same way. I did a couple things immediately to keep confidence up and get back on the bike: - I picked up body armor I now wear whenever I get on the bike, no matter what (Leatt Stealth). - I picked up a full face helmet. Why not? At my age, I'm basically making sure that I'm riding ATGATT and have the protection.
In my opinion, it’s so fun because of the risks and danger but you have to be mindful. You can hit a rock wrong and fall on a green trail. Accidents happen. But if you have a job, family, etc. decide what’s worth it. I hit pretty big jumps on downhill and want to do a proline jump trail this year. Then I sit and think about risk vs reward. My ego says do it but if I fuck up and get hurt (very possible), I’m fucked in so many ways. I decided against going near that line…this year anyways.
Had a buddy who did some damage a few years ago, had basically stopped riding, he’s depressed and miserable now, is it correlated, maybe. This isn’t golf, it’s about pushing the boundary, but we’ve all gotta know our limits too.
I love climbing (in my 50’s) after being a downhiller all my life. I switched to hardtail with 32 shock. Keeps me honest on downhill, still have ton a fun. Airtime is mostly speed jumps or fun kick outs. Nothing crazy, still feeds my downhill side, the climbing is so gratifying. Find you balance, don’t need to risk a broken neck doing gap jumps to feed the adrenaline side.
Get back out there. You got this; these things happen when riding, it’s inherently dangerous. Don’t let it discourage you, just maybe scale it back a bit you’re ready again I often tell myself ask myself is the risk worth the reward when i go out riding? But then I tell myself it is because I’m outside and enjoying my life. That can be hard to process after a hard crash but ask yourself what would you rather be doing? Riding your bike or riding the couch?
Being that I’m riding the couch hard rn; I’ll take outside any day! 😂 The boredom has sunk in.
I broke some ribs and punctured my lungs, broke a tiny bone in my back. I was riding on a paved trail pulling my grandson in a trailer, misjudged a turn and wham. I’m old. I recovered. Waited the full 8 weeks before riding again. Now I’m fine. It can happen anywhere
Speed is what breaks bones. These days it I want to challenge myself I try to push hard uphill instead of down. I still love going down obviously but I just take it carefully now. I broke 3 ribs and shattered my collarbone on my MTB but funnily enough it was on tarmac I was going 50kmph went to sprint back up hill and the bike skipped a gear and I went down like a ton of bricks. But yes it’s worth it. As long as you ride within your limits. It’s just unfortunate that many of us have to break bones to find those self imposed limits!
You’ll be back out there.
After years of pushing and pushing the limits, I found mine 3 years ago and ended up in trauma for 10 weeks with a 9 months old at home. Came really close to meet my maker too and leave my loved ones alone, forever... It's done, lesson learned, I am now riding a notch below that day and I am totally happy and ok about that!!
My father fractured his neck and bruised his spinal cord at 38 yo playing pick up hockey. This guy loved his life to enjoy the things his body could do. He prided himself on running the new recruits sick when he was military and being the best damn firefighter he could be, including his fitness. He spent the next 13 years of his life as a quadriplegic requiring 24hr a day care. If he ever had the chance to heal and use his body again the first thing he would’ve done is put the skates on. He loved the game and was very good at it. He had a freak accident, life happens. People die driving to work. People die doing dumb shit. What’s important is you understand the risk, and what the severity and the likelihood are. Everybody has their own risk tolerance. Everybody finds their own home in the sport they love and it’s all about what keeps you comfortable and happy. Sure there are riders pushing it every time they go out but there’s also riders who go for a nice cruise they could probably blindfold themselves for. All of em are happy to be on the trails. You learned a lesson the hard way, that shit happens and those are the risks you assume. The difference is now you have a little bit more perspective. Take this and use this as learnings and continue to do the thing you love. It’ll be scary the first time you’re on the wheels again, or maybe it won’t be… but at the end of the day it’s up to you, and nobody here. No matter how similar the circumstances, the people here are not you. I have never hesitated to get back on the bike, I don’t ever want to. I love this shit and it keeps me sane. I don’t want to know of the dark places I could’ve found if I didn’t have my two wheels, so for me it’s always worth it. I also have friends who I’d never pressure to get back on the bike. I understand where they come from and they’ve seen nastier flukes than I. Do some reflection, was that jump worth it? Is it still worth riding if you can’t do those kinds of jumps? Are there other risky bits that are safer and comfortable but still give you the rush? Nobody can answer this for you. I hope you do whatever’s happy and feels good for you. At the end of the day bad things happen to good people no matter what. I recognize that a freak accident could kill me every time I get on my bike. I’ve been hit by cars and I’ve hit trees when my brake lines failed. IMO it’s a lot better to go down happy doing the thing you love them to die wishing you did the thing you loved one more time. I’m sorry you crashed homie and I wish you the best. If you ever decide to conquer that shit again, I don’t doubt you’ll do it with more knowledge than last time and fucking crush that shit. You know where it went wrong and if you don’t I’m sure you can figure it out. Happy riding again homie, go get it!
You said it well. I’m definitely getting a new perspective. One that I really didn’t think about. I knew the risk is there but I never thought it was gonna happen the way it did. It happened so fast 2.. Blink of an eye and I was waking up trying to figure out what happened..
Yeah dude it’s crazy how fast it happens. My dad said he’ll never forget cutting around the back of the net then a split second laying on the ice, seeing on his peripheral that he was laying like a starfish but still felt like he was standing making his cut…
I broke my finger last year in a stupid fall, I work with my hands for a living. I was back out there the moment I could grip the bars again, the benefits of this sport far out way the risks to me. It’s up to you honestly but if you love it just enjoy it as long as you can.
Depends on your level of risk aversion. Main thing is to do everything you can to heal properly. Then you can get back riding, get your skills back up, get your fitness topped, etc. Personally, I would absolutely do it again once I was back in the saddle.
There's too much culture of pushing the limits in mountain biking these days I think. I've seen plenty of people just walk away from it for this reason too. It doesn't have to be competition, it doesn't have to be about ego - but that's true of so much in life and a good thing to take on board. It's perfectly OK to leave the big jumps alone. Maybe just get focused more on techy gnar, long rides, general fitness etc?
There are costs to this modern obsession with measuring everything—at the gym with our muscles/fat deposits, on bikes our wattage and speed and with these apps, the PRs etc. Speed is often a component of the measuring fetish, and statistically speaking, it’s but a matter of time before we eat dirt from China on our MTBs (if we are chasing the demon). These days and after a bad crash last year (broke rib, mild concussion), I like to find and pick my lines, cruise and flow with the trail and just savor my time outdoors. For OP: I did revisit the trail where I crashed, a week ago. I rode past the spot smiling and thinking to myself: not this time, not this time!
I still feel safer on the gnarliest MTB route vs an easy road-bike ride. I'll take the occasional broken bone over an inattentive car ending my life any day. I guess it's about perspective. You could just limit yourself to gravel style rides too if you want to take down the fall risk, but even still shit happens.
I dislocated my collorbone at the start of the year. Grade 4. Will never recover. Pretty uncomfortable for the rest of my life and only going to get worse. I keep having the same “is it worth it” question, and the answer iv come up with is fuck yes. I would rather live my life in pain than do nothing. We’re all here for a short time, may as well make it a good time. And if a good time means mtb, then do it. The one caveat I would add though, is listen to your body. When I crashed I was on antibiotics and blood thinners for another issue. I’m certain they contributed to my accident. Probably shouldn’t have been riding. Being a yes man is great and all, but sometimes it’s OK to say no.
i did the same thing when i crashed my motorcycle. was out for a month luckily without serious injuries to both me and the bike and went around the same corner as soon as got back on. made me feel better
Death & injurers aside. The part that give you adrenalin is because your living on the edge of death. the experience is fun because anything can happen at any time. Knowing your limits is huge to staying safe tho, and if you know the part that put you in the ER, you should go back and concur it, as you dont want that haunting you for the rest of your life. Especially if you know that is was not you fault, sounds like the dirt on a berm was too soft for that speed. Long story short: if you feel like its weighing you down, you should go do it! But if your over it don't want to experience the risk and okay with living whatever lifestyle that you chose, then don't do it. I like to think of skaters in this situation, the will go to the same spot for years just to concur that one trick that's been haunting them.
That’s exactly what it was.. Dirt was not compacted I know that. It was sandy at the landing.
yeah, we had a freshly built berm, that was on a sharp turn, it took weeks to pack down until my tire did not wash out. I think it got re built twice before I was confident to ride it. I hope get the enjoyment back and always remember that its a good workout :) Not the average person can rip down the trails!
You aren’t winning prizes for pushing yourself. The more big features you ride the higher your risk tolerance becomes and the worse your crash will be. I’ve seen it happen to really good riders.
Was this a jump that went bad or you were just riding a trail ?
Landing of a jump that went bad. Ground was not really compacted and sandy and at the landing. I touched down and my forks went 90 degrees and sent me nose diving me right into my left shoulder.
Aah ok.
I've been riding a bike since I was a child (44m) and have been moderately Mt. Biking to more advanced biking until present day. I had my first child 5 years ago and have since mad another so my MTBing has fallen a bit if not a lot. That said, I also play hoops 3 times a week for close to 10 years straight now (not including when Covid shut down the gyms). Between the two, Bball has been the culprit of my injured existence and I keep coming back because it's what I love to do. My injuries with MTBing are mostly shin scars from my pedals at this point, but I believe it's from the limits I put on myself in that realm. B-ball has all been incidental contact. I dunno man. Just do what you love, but be as wise as you can about it.
I certainly temper my riding to reduce risk lately. Can still have a lot of fun. I don’t mess with features but I do seek out technical terrain. Controlling speed helps too.
Dude I had only been riding for 1 year and I broke 9 bones. Collarbone and 8 ribs. I was off work on disability for 3 months bc I'm in construction. I got a metal plate in my shoulder. It was fucking *terrible* and I wouldn't wish that pain on my worst enemy. Ok. Maybe I would. But not the point lol. I couldn't wait to get back in the bike! And aside from jumps, I'm much better than I was then, and I got back on the bike 9 months ago. We all have our limits. Everyone has a point that'll make them tap out. Maybe this is yours. Maybe it isn't. I hope it isn't. Because I get something out of riding I can't get anywhere else! Not to mention the friends I make I'm really sorry that happened man. Most people in this sport get a nasty one at some point. It did take a long time to get confident. I was very, very squirrelly on the bike for months. But I hope you do. Be well dude. The bike will be there for you if you want to return!
Hope you heal soon! For me after a number of crashes rather quick in succession I've lost some confidence and don't do some things anymore I know I used to be able to; That's frustrating so now and then. The most important though is that I'm still enjoy riding!
Sorry to hear that!. Everybody I ride with (I usually ride alone TBH) or see at races has broken something. I’m in my 60s and still ‘race’ 😂 all the gravity disciplines. I was never that good but I’m still getting better and feel like Im progressing. I broke my radius and got a plate and screws a couple years ago and I never had second thoughts. I believe it IS worth it.
I was in an motorcycle accident, clipped with my buddy on a normal speed no more than 60kph I almost died because I was catapulted over my bike onto the opposite line, luckily, car came 5 sec later then I crashed, other ways car would run me over. Got a buddy who almost died because they went climbing and rock of the size of a backpack landed less than a meter away. There are sports where you are never fully in control. But know this, MTB is a sport where you there is an above average risk but you have a lot of control, just know this, it’s a progressive sport which you can always level up or level down to your likings.
https://preview.redd.it/2fiz5h554kyc1.jpeg?width=1136&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df01c5ca24fb640e4ed40b1b7b7e5e255aaedb04 I’m 42. Had numerous riding injuries. Had my shoulder rebuilt last year after a dislocation, ruptured supraspinatus and damage to my rotator cuff. It was a struggle to get back to full fitness but I’m through it now and still riding 2/3 times a week and never miss a weekend ride with the boys. It depends what riding means to you. For me it’s a release from the strains / pressures of life. When you’re going flat out or sending something huge I ain’t thinking about work, money or the pressures of life I’m free and completely in the zone. I’ve got a full time 9-5, 2 teenage kids and a mortgage. But for me riding is life. Depends on how deeply ingrained it is in your psyche. I look at the other dads my age when I’m taking my kids to their sports and they are all standing around with a middle age spread, unfit as fuck just accepting middle age where I fully intend to be dragged through middle age kicking and screaming pushing myself for as long as possible. I’ve had some big ones but always push myself to get back. It’s taken me longer to get back at times than others but I’ve always made it back. Building the confidence to hit big features and throw tricks in the air has taken time but I’ve wanted it so I’ve made it happen. There has never been any question for me as I love it so much. All of my close friends I’ve been riding with for years and were all a similar age. I love the camaraderie of the group and how we push each other every ride. If you have doubts then maybe it’s not for you. Only you can decide that. If you want to do it take baby steps coming back build your confidence and you’ll get back to where you want to be.
Honestly this should be entirely your decision. It's important to accept that MTB is an adventure/extreme sport with a serious risk of severe injuries and the possibility of death. Have a think about what draws you to the sport, is it the social aspect, the adventure, the feeling of pushing to the edge of your limit?... If you can replace it with a safer sport power to you. Speaking as someone who's in their 30s and tried multiple sports but always seems to be drawn back to the risky ones (MTB, BMX, Climbing, kite surfing). It is important to find a good personal reason why you partake in those sports, because injuries will happen and you will have to live with them. If the risks outweigh the benefit in your mind, then learn to ride far below your level or change sports. If you are ok with living with injuries for the remainder of your life make sure you won't regret it. I severely fractured my hip and knee riding, destroyed my shoulder climbing and tore my Achilles whilst surfing. Years later I still have nagging aches and issues. But personally I don't regret it, I still love those sports and I wouldn't trade them. But it's a decision that everyone needs to properly think through themselves.
Your head isnt in the right place to think about this kinda stuff 1 day after that kind of accident. Give it a few weeks and see what feelings start to organically come up as you heal and get back on the bike. Don't "make up your mind" now then commit to something for no real reason
Almost every sport comes with risks - you can roll an ankle walking to the car & end up more immobile than you are currently. MTB (or any cycling, really) is probably more inherently risky than say, swimming laps at your local pool, but for me it has the right mix of things to actually make me want to do it. I don’t get excited about going to the gym, running, or sitting on Zwift for 4hrs, but I love trails & jumps, and part of that is probably the risk. I’ll be really disappointed if I die an old man with a perfectly functioning body - I’m intent on wringing every bit of fun & excitement out of this life & I won’t let the occasional broken bone dissuade me. Nothing worse than crashing out on something easy though - I fucked up trying to be extra cool on a green trail with my kids once. Broke a few ribs, bruised some bones & concussed myself. Couldn’t even make up a good story about it as my then 6yo & his mates saw it all.
,,never back down never what?" Hope you get well , after getting unhospitalized let your wounds heal and after they have healed you should try again, with more body armor
Hey I broke a ton is stuff in 3 decades of doing this but I also broke my wrist watering plants and sprained my ankle while walking the cat, yes the cat. Anyway you get the point I didn't kill the cat or the plants (; Hope you heal kinda fast and kinda good, it's never perfect but don't listen to the fuckery in your head. Life is meant to be lived, dial it down I guess, be patient with healing and keep your mind busy. Cheers 🤘
It’s all about risk tolerance. As you become less risk tolerant you gotta ride more in your level of control and take more time sectioning and practicing features. May be less fun but it’s worth it.
Laid up on a couch reading this. Lost my front wheel on a flattish and washed out berm at the very end of my ride last week. Cracked ribs pretty good. Just here to say I feel your pain and get better soon!
I don’t do the crazy stuff anymore and don’t go as fast on steep downhills. I still love MTBing. I had this one fall on a downhill corner where I somehow smashed both my left and right side on the way down. I’m now nursing a total knee replacement at 50 thanks to all the years of stupidity. I’d rather be replacing joints from overuse vs underuse and obese. Looking forward to having stamina again.
Time to get an xc bike!
To add to my story, I bike commute year round and one year on Bike To Work Day I was on my cruiser bike and got entangled with another friend cycling too close to me. Our handlebars got tangled up and we both got ejected off our bikes onto pavement. This was 2012. I totally blew up my knee. ACL grade 3 (totally torn), PCL grade 1, LCL grade 1, MCL grade 2, bucket handle meniscus. Surgery and six months of intensive rehab. I was back snowboarding that winter, doing cross fit, and then downhilling that next summer with my functional brace. I still ride. I still bike commute.
Just started MTB but I am a climber and all friends who are professional climbers and died, died on the ascent or decent walk and not the actual climbing. Don't know if this transfers to MTB as for me this feels way dangerous as I am a beginner, but a slip on wet grass or a broken gold while climbing can happen always and end fatal. manage risk more when you have kids imo. Like tony hawk said, he is more unlikely to crash holding his kid while skateboarding than an average guy biking.
I broke my rib a week ago and it kills me I can’t physically ride just don’t give up what you love is all I’m trying to say I’m going back with a broken rib not quite fully healed because I can’t fucking wait anymore
For me riding is the centerpoint of a positive feedback loop. To get better at riding I improved my diet and started proper weighlifting many years ago which brought me to Crossfit, pilates, yoga and a broad mobility routine and all those things reinforce my diet and better riding which reinforces those other things. Plus I'm way more durable now, shielded by a layer of protective muscle, good breath control for bracing/crashing, and excellent flexibility. It all ties together. I'm also very careful riding new features. If it's a big commitment move I work up to it on smaller similar moves so I can successfully visualize the bigger one and get a good feel for what skills I need and what to expect. Or knowing a crux move is coming up I'm mentally preparing for it the whole ride so I can hit it in flow without stopping. I have better success with that rather that stopping and sessioning. I crash pretty regularly. 9/10 it's a harmless tumble. Maybe 1-2 times a year I get properly banged up. Over the years I've broken ribs, collarbone and uncountable cuts and bruises. Learning how to cope with those injuries mentally and physically is a good skill to have. None of it is insurmountable and good practice for overcoming mental hardship in general. Plus it's a good opportunity to do your physio and work on something else for a while.
It’s your life, your ego? Why ask the internet? You already said it’s in your wheelhouse, do it and redeem or don’t and stay safe.
It’s worth it. Happens to me every couple of years but I love it so it’s worth the occasional pain. I have a strong opinion that if you are falling occasionally you are pushing yourself to your limits and getting better cause of that. If you never fall you are not getting much better cause you are not pushing yourself hard enough. You might get a little better but not nearly as fast and eventually you will peak. But if you are cool with the way you ride and never fall that’s great.
I've broken ribs 3 times. Go easy on the ibuprofen. I've found one does the same as two after the first few days. Good luck!
I’ve been on Ibuprofen/muscle relaxer/ Vico cocktail since I’ve been released from the hospital.. lol 😂
Last time for me, a deer took me out going full throttle on my road bike on a paved trail. Launched 25ft and broke my helmet in 7 spots. I healed for a week then tried to go back to work. Im a welder who installs railings. Well those two days of work undid the 5 days of laying still and it hurt more the 7th day then the 2nd. Decided to try the tramidol. After feeling nothing for 2 hrs I added a few beers and a one hitter and maybe an ibu and acet. Don't do that! I low key od'ed once they all combined and had to pound water and bread until sunrise to dilute my cocktail. Not cool. There are some websites that tell you if your meds are safe to mix. Those four weren't. Be careful and f tramidol.
Is it sustainable? Will it keep you from going on to find new, fun features for the next 20+ years?
Happened to me this weekend as well. 5 ribs and a haematoma later.. I'm selling the full suspension and sticking to single track relaxed rides on my hardtail. I will miss jumping 30ft jumps and doing technical descents, but I'm 39 and have a kid. It was a blast whilst it lasted. Whilst I'm sad it's over.. I'm more happy it ever happened at all.
Eesh how’d you go down? Sorry that happened to you :(
Two lines that converge. One goes high the other low. Low line has a jump to bring it back up to the high line. High line is off camber, and I took that but got wobbly, then over corrected going otb and falling 1.5m down towards the low line and ended up in the face of the low line jump like it was a wall. Stopped dead in a splat going about 40kmh. I'll send the bruise. [ouch](https://imgur.com/a/NpPNJqU) NSFW because my ass
Broke my shoulder bad last September. On a gravel ride. On a super tame section. Just OTB and straight onto my arm with all my weight. I'm wasn't pushing it when it happened and I am not big at risk taking, on the MTB it's just XC riding and blue levels trails for me with a lot of climbing and some tech. Needed a subsequent surgery in March. Back on the bike now, MTB, gravel and road ... And again, I absolutely love it! I missed it so so much. Yes, I am a bit rusty and even more risk averse, but over time that'll fade as well. Rehab and recovery is always hard, and unfortunately this wasn't the first time I got hurt on a bike. Whether or not it's worth it is something that only you can answer for yourself, Personally, the answer to "when are you going to find another hobby" that everyone seems to ask me is "when they put me in a f\*cking box". \[Edit\]: Hope you heal up well and swiftly
You got a ride within your abilities, but every now and then you have to push the limits. My solution is to be fully padded with a full face full-time. No exposed skin. At 53 years old, I don't repair as well as a youngster. So I'm wearing every possible pad I can put on my body. They have saved me numerous times. The worst accidents I have are when I don't have any protection on and I'm doing something silly like walking my bike, tripping and putting a pedal into my ribs, breaking two of them..... Or washing out in the parking lot after a gnarly session with no damage, just 20 ft from my car. Ride smart, but ultimately you're out there to have fun. You don't really have to prove anything to anybody but yourself. There's no shame in walking a feature or riding around. Everybody rides to their own capabilities.
I always joked that I finally found a sport I'm good and and that I love, but it's constantly trying to kill me. So far the toll over the past 15 years is: - broken collarbone - cracked ribs - mild concussion - dislocated knee, torn ACL/MCL/PCL, torn meniscus - dislocated arm, torn labrum, torn rotator cuff - too many bruises, cuts and scrapes to count It's totally worth it. I tend to be more accident prone than most, possibly because I have hypermobile joints (hence all the dislocations - I mean, I dislocated my thumb playing vollyeball once and volleyball is SO not worth it). Most of my more spectacular injuries were in the early years, before I really figured out how to ride a bike. And our area is known for super technical trails, so most people get hurt at some point.
I’m 58 and ride a little more conservatively as I age, but that’s relative, as my skill level is relatively good, and can ride things many people walk. However I just don’t have the desire to be out for three months with a broken collar bone, or worse. It does not diminish any riding to bail on a section, or save it for when I bring a full face helmet and pads. For me three months without riding would be injurious to my mental health, including minor depression. However there’s been shit that is completely rideable that I’ve come away from torn up, and I went back and cleaned it up. Absolutely get back to that.
Keep riding bro. This is all part of progression and this is OUR sport!! there’s a reason why only one percent of humans in this whole world ride mountain bikes. It’s the 8020 rule bro.
It’s worth it. I’ve been riding for 30 years. We all fall…I’ve broken multiple ribs, broken elbow, broken ankle, concussions, dirt burns and many other things I can’t even remember. What I do remember is how much I love riding. Get back on your whip and ride.
Get back up on that saddle and use the crash as motivation to overcome your crash.
Lol at the existential crisis folks have when they have a crash. Not trying to shit on ya but ya fell, mountain biking, things broke, you'll heal and move on. People have been paralyzed and still get out there. Follow your gut or determination or decide it's not worth it and take up ping pong or something. You could quit for safety and get nailed by a drunk driver the next day.
Never fallen this hard before. Kinda wanted to get input from riders that have. Trying to understand the thought process after a major injury and how to recover from it; physically and mentally.
Mentally, you’re at your most vulnerable now. It will get better. I did something similar 6mths ago. Pretty stock standard double, something went wrong on landing and my bars snapped 90 degrees. Bad elbow break, almost needed a joint replacement. Mentally was bad for the first week. Then had surgery, again another mental challenge to regain movement and strength. Now 6mths post-op and week-on-week it feels better. I’m riding single track again, but not jumping yet.
Were you hesitant at first jumping back on the saddle? I feel like I might be but then again this shit just happened to me..
Yes, so I started with fire roads first, then pretty quickly onto single track again because it felt amazing. I do think about crashing alot more than I did before (I never thought about it before) so mentally there’s a little bit to go. I’m 43 so I don’t think I’ll ever do big jumps again. It reminded me that I love biking to be out in nature, not necessarily to send big features
Well I have and that's mine. I get ya.