TIFU by taking an unsafe route to work because of the ice and had a more exciting ride than anticipated.

Submitted by Revolutionary_Cut236 t3_zoy9ux in tifu

So every route to work is 5 minutes away by bike. Strait forward and enjoyable. However this cold morning was different.

So I saw frost on the pathways and decided to cycle on he road like normal until I come to a certain street with a small snicket leading to the main road. But my gut was screaming at me "DO NOT GO DOWN THAT HILL! GO AROUND!" But since I don't really follow it, I make a dumb move and take the snicket between the houses.

So this hill is a short on by about 10 meters along and at a 25-30 degree angle? I had both breaks on and was making my way down slowly.

Half way down my front tyre shot forward causing me to lose control. I managed to get my feet down but they slipped as well! The handlebars twist right and I go flying forward, land on my face and can't move! My bike also landed on my legs. It all happened so fast.

Whiles I was on my back in shock and bleeding from my cheek (near the eye) a pair kf good samaritains were passing on the main road and saw me. They helped me up and got me to work which was 2 minutes away by that point.

I'm fine. just a graze on my left kneecap, a graze and cut near my eye, a couple cuts on my left hand (I landed on my left), some soreness on my legs and a lovely headache from the event.

Watch for black ice lads and ladies. I got lucky! Others not as much...

TL;DR I ignored the unseen dangers of my bike route to work and got hurt for it.

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Comments

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UnadvertisedAndroid t1_j0pplmh wrote

TIL what a snicket is (a narrow passage or alley).

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Revolutionary_Cut236 OP t1_j0pqb60 wrote

Yep I've called them snickets since people who aren't driving can use them. Technically I was driving on a pushbike lol

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pleasecallagainlater t1_j0qs99p wrote

Especially in northern England this varies town by town. When I went to uni each of us had a different name for a path between houses. Snicket, ginnel, cut-through, twitchel.

Then we had the bun, roll, barm cake argument.

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andywalker76 t1_j0s3can wrote

>Then we had the bun, roll, barm cake argument.

Teacake, cobb, stottie, muffin.........

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pegasBaO23 t1_j0ppjo1 wrote

I remember my first encounter with black ice, my car not stopping, the abs kicking my foot via the pedal, good thing I wasn't moving particularly fast - only 15km/h

Ps: when dealing with ice of any kind maintain rolling of the tires at all times, because as soon as the tires slip all semblance of control is lost

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Revolutionary_Cut236 OP t1_j0pqfpc wrote

Wow that must have been pretty scary. The worst thing about black ice is that we think everything is fine but it pops up like the boogeyman.

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pegasBaO23 t1_j0pwjrm wrote

monitor the weather conditions at all times during winter, and it wouldn't sneak up on you

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Revolutionary_Cut236 OP t1_j0pxj22 wrote

I did do before setting off. But I will be following my gut next time and taking a safer route.

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Bassflow t1_j0q91gr wrote

I lost control on black ice in New Jersey (USA) on 287 North bound side over 15 years ago. I was going 60 mph (100 kph). The trick in most cars is you need to turn with the spin of the car not against it. I did 3 to 4 360 degree spins, and continued on my way. Thank God no one was near me on the road at the time. Years of practice made me know what to do.

You're right about the slippage of the tires. Once they start to slip, get them to not slip as best as you can.

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Empecial t1_j0rr080 wrote

if it was white ice u wouldnt have made a post

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Revolutionary_Cut236 OP t1_j0rr5ko wrote

I still would if I went down the route and the same happened. Either way I certainly learned my lesson ^_^'

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