What to do in the event of an off?

Bit of a pessimistic thread I guess but I was chatting to Berlin t'otha night about how basic but vital information about what to do in an off just isn't a fundamental part of a CBT or bike test anymore.

Now if I remember rightly (and do correct me if I'm wrong!) but:

• In the event of a lowside you should spread out your arms and legs as much as possible.
• In the event of a highside you should "dive" off the bike and then try and spread arms and legs out.

There was another one I was told but I can't remember it now!


A lot of people have unfortunately had offs on here (as is bound to happen!), some have got up and walked away, others not so much and I'm curious as to what you might have done on looking back, or what you did that you think may have helped you avoid further injury.

Those that have been, do you even get time to think about what position to get into? In retrospect, what do you think would have been the best thing to do?

Those of you who've had tests of recent months or years, were you taught anything at all in this area?



I'm hoping this may be a useful thread to some people, it will be at least to me!

[Luckypants]

why would you spread your arms / legs wide, thus exposing yourself to hitting signs / trees /other vehicles with your limbs? Also exposing vulnerable areas such as the femoral artery /groin, ribs and brachial artery?

What is the advantage of spreading yourself out wide?

Originally Posted by Luckypants

What is the advantage of spreading yourself out wide?

Slows you down?

Whenever I've had an off, be that on the road or the field etc, I tend to just let instinct take control. It's served me well so far.

Basically, just going floppy, not doing much & generally going with the flow.

In the past, I've landed upside down on the back of my neck, without even so much as a helmet on from approx 50mph and didn't get a scratch.

One day my number will be up, but at least I've had fun whilst I've been here.

1. Say/think "Oh S**t!" several times.
2. Say "Ow!!" lots of times.
3. Look for the bike.
4. Swear a lot when you see it upside down and missing lots of plastic.
5. Check limbs for movement.
6. Sit down when the pain finally hits you!

In that order!

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Slows you down?

In the air or on the ground? Get yerself out mountain biking, loads of falling off practice and you can see if you ever get the chance to flap your arms about.

About the only thing I would do, instinctively from riding MTBs years ago, is NOT put out my arms to catch myself then try to 'go with it' like Baph said. If sliding down tarmac at speed, I may try getting on my back but it is more likely I'd hit a kerb / hedge etc before this, graceful slides only happen on the track.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Jester666

1. Say/think "Oh S**t!" several times.
2. Say "Ow!!" lots of times.
3. Look for the bike.
4. Swear a lot when you see it upside down and missing lots of plastic.
5. Check limbs for movement.
6. Sit down when the pain finally hits you!

In that order!

spoken like a true veteran!

[anna]

I should imagine trying to relax and go as limp as possible ? I´m basing that on the fact that drunk people and babies seem to get away with more injuries than others.

however no doubt the yellow T-shirt brigade will answer shortly....

& 7. Try to get out of your leathers before the 'nice' ambulance man insists on cutting them off!! Grrr!

Originally Posted by Jester666

1. Say/think "Oh S**t!" several times.
2. Say "Ow!!" lots of times.
3. Look for the bike.
4. Swear a lot when you see it upside down and missing lots of plastic.
5. Check limbs for movement.
6. Sit down when the pain finally hits you!

In that order!

+1. I must admit, when I've come off on the road, I've thought "feck feck feck, this is going to be expensive..." then after hitting the deck "where's the bike & what damage has been done?... Right fine, I can still ride it."