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$\"Gravatar\"$ Fortunately, I was too slow to be anywhere near the crash.

However, I think it would be educational to have the details of crashes discussed online so those of us who weren't there, and even those who were nearby, could understand what happened and perhaps be better prepared to avoid whatever the problem was, if/when the situation arises again in the future.

Years ago, a recessed access valve cover on Hwy 150 took its toll on Jim Loree, Wilum, Joe Escobar and Jim Burney. Following the CHP report of the incident, the problem was corrected by whoever fixes such things. In that case, the injuries were serious and required Jim and Wilum to spend time in the hospital.

In the case of the most recent crash, a touch of wheels at high speed might have been due to errors in riding technique by someone other than the crashers. It's not necessary to point fingers at anyone, but it would be helpful for everyone to understand that something that happened two or three riders ahead, who might not even know they had done anything untoward, had actually caused the indicent.

Of course, it may have been nothing more than two guys, too close together, going too fast.

Does anyone have details?

Does anyone know any more about how Nick and Randy are?

Jim
Jim Holden | 03.24.08 - 4:04 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ I agree with Brian, we need to ride within our limits. The weekend rides are serious recreational rides and are not races and they certainly should not be used for race training. Several long time group members have opted to stop riding with us because of reckless riding by others. That being said I was off the back and did not have a good view of the crash so I cannot comment on the cause. It may have been a pure accident. Mostly we ride safely but everyone owes it to everyone else to err on the side of safety when sprinting - remember: there is always next week! I wish Nick and Randi a quick recovery.
Kevin
Kevin Wells | 03.25.08 - 3:16 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Well I take Kevin and Jim's comments to heart. The theory at this point is that there was a rider in the front that was riding in the \"red\" zone who backed off the gas and did not swing out. This then caused rider #2 to tap the brakes and moved a little to left then causing the wheel touch and eventual crash.

I am not going to be the person pointing fingers at one rider or another as we all have been on the front at one time or another and had gone into the red.

As a group we should have called a truce on the days ride as we had some close calls with cars pulling out of spaces without looking just miles before the crash.

The good news is that both riders are going to be fine. However it looks as if Randy's bike took more abuse then it needed to.

Cheers everyone!

bd
Brian Dallas | 03.25.08 - 11:27 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Hello fellow cyclists.Here is my take.The Easter Sunday accident was not a result of Nick and I coming together.Morgan was at the front pulling hard on a funny bike with Tucker 2nd wheel and me 3rd wheel. Morgan cut the gas a little but did not pull out.This may have caused some wheel overlap by riders 1 & 2? I think he cut the gas a second time and Mark, I believe, responded by braking. I think Morgan's intention was to fade down the middle of the group and the group would absorb him. I would have to ask him to be sure. If this was his intention, I would submit under the conditions of the day( large group and the Easter Crazies pulling cars into the bike lane at least 3 times), there just wasn't enough space to accomplish this safely. I think as a group we should have shut the sprint down entirely.I have seen cases where some are sprinting all the way over in the oncoming lane.I am guilty of this on occassion and will not do it again.Do we need another Lemire race? Mark responded instinctively. I will have no issues with being on his wheel again.There are some things he may have done differently, but I do not care to speculate.I hit Mark's bike and the front wheel tucked and I went to the ground.I saw Nick do a front wheel stand over my bike. I don't think he was ever able to get out of the clips or release his hands from the drops.I remember thinking that is going to hurt.
In the mean time, I slid it seemed like forever.When I stopped, I walked a little and rememberd asking myself what happened. Because I could see and remember every detail... I straightened my bars and rode to my car. I was pissed...but I wouldn't be who I am if I wasn't mad at something! There were some things I may have done to contribute to the crash also.When our group gets going around 30 mph I get on the drops and forget about the brakes. I knew the speed would pick up as it always does and the brakes become even less significant for me.While I may have saved myself by fading the brakes, the riders behind me would have to respond accordingly. Unless we got lucky, there may have been another crash a few riders down in the pace line?.Also, maybe when I noticed the reduction in speed by Morgan, I should've quickly moved by both Mark and Morgan.Mark has been injured, so I know he was not really ready to throw down.As it was, I stuck to Tucker's wheel.As most of you are aware, being on Mark's wheel is usually a pretty good place to be. Some of you know this way better than I do. Perhaps I need to rethink my approach.Generally speaking, I do not win field sprints...so perhaps I need to re-establish how important contesting these group sprints is to me. In the scheme of things...not very.Besides,the real gear heads are racing. My frame set is trashed.(On the positive side...it might be a good time to change colors?)Right now..
Randi L Perkins | 03.29.08 - 1:42 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ The last part of my comment entailed an apology for my contribution to this crash. I take pride in being concerned about everyone's safety in group riding. For the most part, I do not come in contact with the pavement much( once in 20 years)and I have not received too many negative comments about my riding...(only that I am going too hard when someone else wants to take it easy! I get this alot and have tried to tone it down)I am receptive to constructive criticism,( not shit like... don't you know that that is a left hand turn?)I am not interested in assigning blame.If we can learn something from this...let's do...see ya on da road...Dr.P
Anonymous | 03.29.08 - 1:56 am | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ Does anyone have an update concerning Nick's shoulder and estimated healing time?
Karen Brown | 03.30.08 - 5:57 pm | #

$\"Gravatar\"$ First of all I would like to thank everybody for the amazing support at the scene.
besides some minor road rash I seem to have sepperated my right shoulder (third degree sepperation) the good news is surgery is not recomended.
The first week was painfull but I feel great this week and have already returned to my trainer. Thanks again and I hope to be back on the road shortly.
Nick
Nick Iannetta | Homepage | 04.04.08 - 5:18 pm | #

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