How to crash?

[Fretless33]

We talk a lot about our crashes and misfortunes on the road, but something that doesn't get discussed very often is what's the right way to crash? I know we have some experienced crashers here and I'm not really interested in "here's what I did when I crashed" stories. I want from the information that people with training got. So what's the right way to crash in your standard low side and high side, I know every situation is different, but lets be "text book" about it.

[Hi-Side]

Once you separate yourself from the bike, there are no rules... I've had easy 20 mph crashes and easy 110 mph crashes. I've also had very hard 20 and 110 mph crashes. Best to concentrate on how to stay on the thing...

[rjh200]

The only rule of thumb I can point to is try to stay loose and not panic.  Don't try to get up until you come to a complete stop. 

[Fretless33]

Once you separate yourself from the bike, there are no rules... I've had easy 20 mph crashes and easy 110 mph crashes. I've also had very hard 20 and 110 mph crashes. Best to concentrate on how to stay on the thing...

For someone who's an instructor and experienced racer, I would expect a better answer than that...

NEXT!

[Hi-Side]

This question has come up many times at the school and that is the same response that was given at the school... concentrate on staying on the bike and riding within your limits... we train on how to ride the right way... and no matter how much you think you may learn from reading nonsense in these forums, the first couple times you separate yourself from your bike, everything goes right out the window.

Sure I could tell you to relax, but when the whole incident is over in seconds, you really won't...

And sure I could have said the same about not getting up until you're sure you've stopped but that won't pop into your head until you try to get up and you're still moving...

How about this for crashing advice... don't 

Oh... and there is no such thing as a "standard" low-side or high-side... each one is a very unique experience.

[rjh200]

Just like anything after you do it a few times you'll get the hang of it and be able to relax a little more.  Although I have only had 2 real crashes on a street bike both times I was very relaxed and not panicking.  I have hit the ground more times than I would care to remember on BMX bikes, dirt bikes, quads, snowboards, skateboards, rollerblades.  Hell if it has wheels I've probably crashed it.   

[JQrr]

I understand what Fret is asking.  Although there are no better ways to crash, but there are better ways to hit the ground.  I know this doesn't totally apply to bike crashes but it does in other sports, for example, snowboarding.  I've fallen hard while boarding hundreds of times.  In this case, the best way to fall is on your back, not on your arms, head, or your face.  My brother has broken his arm when he fell cuz he put his hands down.  When I fall while boarding, I actually control how I fall.  I usually just lay on my back and slide.  It's not always possible, but it is possible.  When I hit big jumps, I put just the right amount of pressure on the heelside so if something goes wrong, I can fall backwards instead of fall forward break my arms or plant my face in the snow/ice.

When I crashed on my bike, in that split second, I instinctively knew it was better to slide on my back then anything else.   As soon as I hit the ground, I actually tried to skide on my back.  When I was sliding down the road, I was thinking to myself, "don't tumble, don't tumble...."  And I didn't.

I'm writing this in kind of a hurry to it might not make sense.  Does it make sense?

[NewRedRider]

Just like anything after you do it a few times you'll get the hang of it and be able to relax a little more. Although I have only had 2 real crashes on a street bike both times I was very relaxed and not panicking. I have hit the ground more times than I would care to remember on BMX bikes, dirt bikes, quads, snowboards, skateboards, rollerblades. Hell if it has wheels I've probably crashed it.

I think your on to something here! I think it has to be learned in gradual stages. I started out as a kid trying every stupid trick in the book to crash on a bicycle. Went to dirt bikes at 8 and learned how to crash them too. Much like learning to fall on ice skates. You get better at it the more times you do it. Only here, you're doing it on a 600RR. You don't really want to crash on that. So if you've never crashed anything by now, I would suggest you start with a tricycle and work your way up from there. Learning the "right way to fall" sometimes take awhile.

But what Hi-Side has to say about how quick it happens is very true. There will be no time to think about it until it's over. And even then it takes a few minutes to sink in.

Tim

[Fretless33]

This question has come up many times at the school and that is the same response that was given at the school... concentrate on staying on the bike and riding within your limits... we train on how to ride the right way... and no matter how much you think you may learn from reading nonsense in these forums, the first couple times you separate yourself from your bike, everything goes right out the window.

Sure I could tell you to relax, but when the whole incident is over in seconds, you really won't...

And sure I could have said the same about not getting up until you're sure you've stopped but that won't pop into your head until you try to get up and you're still moving...

How about this for crashing advice... don't 

Oh... and there is no such thing as a "standard" low-side or high-side... each one is a very unique experience.

I like this answer better than your first answer, thanks Hi-Side 

Oh... and there is no such thing as a "standard" low-side or high-side... each one is a very unique experience.

That's why I wrote this

I know every situation is different, but lets be "text book" about it.

I know better than to think there is any kind of "standard" when it comes to crashing Hi-Side! I was refering to your typical low side (yea you know the type) and your typical Hi-Side.

[cbrmike]

I know you don't just want examples, but whe I crashed, in both situations I did the same thing instinctually.  Try to stay loose(as previously mentioned) and slide on your back.  Basically, you have to "ride it out" and it happens in seconds, but lasts a lifetime - so you can think.  The video Nem has on here shows a guy getting up and running away as soon as he hits the wall.  I think of it more of what you don't want to do than what you do want to do. 

[Fretless33]

I know you don't just want examples, but whe I crashed, in both situations I did the same thing instinctually. Try to stay loose(as previously mentioned) and slide on your back.

For real! When I low sided I was sliding like I was sliding into home plate (although I was going around 30mph) and I stayed in that position until I was slowed almost to a stop; however,I did get up quickly because I was at a pretty busy intersection and ran too pick up my bike.

[Jeff]

Each crash is different, so Terry is right. 

My basic rules are to stay loose and if possible, come to a complete stop and take stock of your limbs before trying to get up.  However, if you're in the middle of traffic, there are situations where you may need to get up a bit quicker.

Sliding is better than rolling.
If you are rolling, not that it matters, but don't hold your arms out trying to stop because you'll break them.
Hi-siding all depends...  I've flown off bikes so hard that I was upside down in the air, looking backwards at my bike spinning around.  Coming down head-first sucks.  Prayer has high value here.

In the end, common sense...  Don't try to change direction or stop, or anything because your efforts are worthless.  Buy good gear, make sure your insurance is up to date, and be right with God...

[NewRedRider]

Good advice Jeff! 

[DaBeachBum]

the first couple times you separate yourself from your bike, everything goes right out the window.

Sure I could tell you to relax, but when the whole incident is over in seconds, you really won't...


How about this for crashing advice... don't 

My 2 low sides were both over before I knew it.....there was nothing "to do". I just got up and was pissed off for awhile.
I'd like to go for a tumble throught the gravel pit someday

[Fretless33]

My 2 low sides were both over before I knew it.....there was nothing "to do". I just got up and was pissed off for awhile.

I'm not talking about how to prevent a crash, I'm talking what to do after the get off happens (in an ideal situation).