Hi Jim: Sorry to take so long to get back to you but I have been away
visiting family for a most enjoyable month. After the crash, I had a
chance to examine my rear tire and I believe the sidewall gave out
during a high-speed turn allowing the tire to slip off the rim. The
last memories I had before my knee smacked the pavement was hearing
the back tube explode and seeing my back tire about six inches away
from the rim.
There was no rip in the tire itself but although the tread wasn't
bad, the sidewalls showed cracks and the effects of wear.
I've heard several keen riders say since that they replace tires on
their bikes every spring, regardless of how much tread has been worn.
They see it as cheap insurance, which seems a good idea.
Speaking of safety, I always wear a helmet but I also was glad the
chin strap was tight enough to protect my noggin during the crash. So
often you see people with straps hanging loosely below their chins. A
fellow rider once said you should just be able to slip two flat
fingers under your chin strap when the helmet is in place.
In my case, despite the inner shell of my helmet cracking in two, I
suffered no head or neck injuries.
A complete recovery is expected to take six to nine months for the
shattered plateau on my tibia to heal. That should leave plenty of
time for my new tires to get me ready for GOBA 2008.