Herriott Sports Performance

Crashing hurts, but there are ways to minimize your discomfort.

I had the unfortunate experience of crashing on the last corner of the last lap of the crit at the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic. Here are some post-crash pointers.

1. If you can get up after a crash, DO IT. For some reason, I was feeling completely content laying on the ground, and before I knew it, they cut off my brand new skinsuit and duct taped my head to a stretcher.

2. When they offer you drugs, be decisive. They asked what kind of pain medication I wanted, and I said “I don’t know.” They gave me a shot of morphine in my hip. This was bad because I probably had a concussion, and I fell asleep for a LONG time. I also felt unbelievably hungover the next day.

3. Make sure the doctor looks at you. They cleaned me up and discharged me, but I was never checked out for a concussion, even though I broke my helmet pretty nicely and had a big bruise on my forehead.

4. Listen to your teammates! If they tell you that you shouldn’t race, they are probably right. I was angry and disappointed yesterday, but I am thanking them today.

5. Keep it covered! If you let the road rash dry out, it will hurt more and scar more. A moist environment also promotes healing, improves tissue formation and protects the area from infection. Use a semipermeable, non-stick dressing (such as Tegaderm or Second Skin) and use adhesive tape to attach the bandage to healthy skin.

6. Keep it clean! First make sure to clean the area before applying the bandage. This will hurt, but it’s important. Also be sure to use antibacterial ointment. Not only does the ointment promote healing and keep infection away, but it keeps the bandage from sticking to the road rash. Ouch!

7. Check that you’ve had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years.

8. Always ask for a Blizzard. Nothing hits the spot better after an ER visit than Dairy Queen.