Mountain Biking Injuries: Wear Some Armor!

First, I’ve very much enjoy writing for Singletracks.com. It’s a great opportunity to provide some real science to an audience that deserves it.  My latest article: You Need to Wear Body Armor: The History of Mountain Biking Injuries.

It’s definitely appropriate.  I’ve sustained some pretty decent bodily damage because I choose to incorporate cycling as a part of my lifestyle:

  • Fractured ulna (left arm) – did not have elbow pads on
  • Fractured radial head (right arm) – did not have elbow pads on
  • Full-thickness 5″ laceration (left shin) – 14 sutures, two layers
  • Three 1.5″ lacerations (left knee) – 1 suture + 5 Steri-strips – did not have knee pads on
  • Torn meniscus (left knee, medial, horizontal tear) – was hit by a car during a commute
  • Displaced chunk of bone (~5mm diameter), posterior of patella, right knee
  • Countless scrapes and abrasions (some fairly large… we’re talking 6×4″ on my left shin… I’ll spare you the photos)
  • I’m sure I’ve forgotten something

Despite the above list, I love cycling, especially mountain biking.  I’m not alone.  Many people incorporate cycling as a part of their daily choice to live actively.  It provides a wealth of fitness benefits, decreases stress, depression and anxiety, as well as satisfies a need for adventure.

Demon United elbow pads

Wearing some pretty comfortable elbow pads during a jaunt in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Click the photo to check out more of their gear.

Most of us understand the risks associated with the sport.  But, will I ever ride helmet-less? No way. Knee and elbow pads are also worn when appropriate.  Why?  The injury statistics alone paint a clear picture of what can happen to just about anyone who rides, whether you’re a professional or a newbie.

Check out my article written exclusively for Singletracks.com discussing why you should always choose to be safe on a bike and gear up!

You Need to Wear Body Armor: The History of Mountain Biking Injuries

Cheers!

Sam Reynolds crash

Sam Reynolds at the 2015 Red Bull rampage. Photo by Pia McDonell of McDonell Media.

About truPhys

The mission of truPhys is to construct a bridge between the common public and health information published in well-ranked, peer reviewed scientific journals, with the foundational intention to educate.

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