stacked it ...

well, after 2 years of cycling 200-450km per week, I was involved in my first stack (stack is australian for a crash). It was 'dumb driver day' on the roads in melbourne this weekend ... had a number of close calls, both on the bike and in the car. some people here have little regard for other's safety, or such minimal skill in driving to be aware of their surroundings.

it was days like this, that lower my desire to stay in this country long term. too many cowboys.

it happened pretty quick. one second, 7 of us were travelling along 2 abreast as normal in the bike lane around 40kph near Rosebud, 80km south of melbourne, and the next second my tailbone was kissing the pavement.

i'm thankful it wasn't worse as the guy beside me went over the handlebars, cracked his full carbon Orbea along the top tube, broke his helmet as his cheek and face rubbed pavement and probably also broke a finger.

some old guy, who evidently could barely see let alone drive, rolled past us and then 5 seconds later turned into a driveway directly in front of us. I was second wheel on the left side, the guys in the front managed to react well enough but trying to avoid them I veered left towards the truck, slowed a bit, ran out of real estate and hit the deck no-hands and onto my tailbone.

it could've been worse. the bike is ok and i was able to ride the 130k home, though with some pain.

major bummer. pun intended.