08/16/2023 Bikepacking Spain Day 8 : Pedales de FOC!

by Brian · Published August 16, 2023 · Updated March 3, 2024

Photos:

I woke up early this morning to climb up to the high Pyrenees. However, not everything would go as planned…

It was calm and peaceful ascending the steep road in the crepuscular light. A relief to be out of the hotel room which never got below 80F - even with the window and door open. (those thick stone walls retain heat, as it was 58F outside).

I got off my bike to park it for a photo - and in the process, my shin grazed those dangerous flat pedals with spikes around the perimeter. This wound was about 4mm deep and 50mm long. I knew I couldn’t keep going up the hill like this, so I turned aroun…. Well, actually, I took a photo and THEN turned back.

There aren’t any places to get stitches nearby, and this injury really needed stitches. So, I washed it with water, then I dabbed in lots of iodine that I now carry (Thanks to Mark Glenesk and his first aid kit suggestion). I blotted the iodine out, and then rubbed an antibiotic cream into the deepening and widening wound. Finally I dabbed off the excess with toilet paper and pinched the wound shut. Janet brought over the super glue that I was carrying (for tire repair)… and I laid down a thin bead of glue while pinching it shut. After the glue dried, I made another layer, with perpendicular lines of glue (much like stitches). Once that dried, I placed 3 bandaids over the top… et voilà! Not a drop of blood has come out all day. Fingers crossed it doesn’t get infected!

My niece broke the two bones in her forearm last week and had to get stitches in her head too. Her bones were sticking out of her arm. My sister says she hasn’t complained at all!?! I sent her a message saying now we are “twinsies.” Well, not really- her injury is way worse. Also, I think that means I’m not allowed to complain one bit! She’s a real trooper!

This is my punishment for joking with Janet that she was going to have to eat low carb here in Spain. Oops! This was breakfast at the hotel - do you detect a theme?

Janet motored up the mountain today. Plus we saw 3 small groups of cyclists who she spoke with. They were all very nice and Janet is getting better every day with her Spanish.

Some of this route we are doing is called “Pedales de Foc”. We did another small section of this route in 2019. And by the way, FÖC those pedals that keep slicing up my legs! Foc means fire, I think - so Janet and I surmise the route is “Pedals of fire”

One group of 3 gravel riders was particularly friendly, and we were talking with them about food. I mentioned that my friends at home didn’t think eating squirrels was too cool. They said that eating squirrels would be very unusual here. I said, “here, have a look at this photo; maybe I got that wrong.” As soon as they saw the photo, they shouted “conejo!” in unison. Turns out, that was rabbit at the meat counter, not squirrel. Not sure that makes it any better for my stateside friends.

The high Pyrenees!

We heard that there are fires in the Pyrenees… near Costa Brava, i think? It has been pretty hazy at times.

Happy! Loving every bit of this route.

Strava Comments:

Warren G.

Wonderful riding and great photos! The superglue trick is exactly what we used in the Indian Himalaya years ago. Works really well!

Boris F.

Look spectacular and I hope for good healing. Seems like you did the right things after the injury. Flats with spikes scare me since that time I tried out someone's trials bike without a shin protector and sliced my shin.

brian W.

Brand new flat pedal pins are not machined correctly in my opinion: they're just bolts cut to length leaving a sharp edge. Sandpaper can smooth those edges out. I've also used a grinder but it's too easy to go too far. Pre-smoothed replacement pins are like 10 bucks if you can find them.

Brian L.

That’s good/interesting advice, brian w . I did the brain-dead solution and just removed the outer pins. The inner ones seem to work fine by themselves.

Janet W.

Brave guy operating on your own shin this morning! I’m glad it’s not bothering you, so we can continue having awesome days riding up huge peaks in the Pyrenees!

cathy G.

I’ve heard about that happening with those pedals but I love your super glue solution in lieu of stitches

Jessica M.

They do make “real” people glue you can buy in US. Next time. I am sure it will be fine. Even if it opens up - it will heal up by secondary intent.

Brian L.

Warren Gold - The fact that you have experience with this gives me extra confidence; thanks! Jessica Malone - “secondary intent?” Is that like I can will it into healing with good intentions?

Jessica M.

Brian Lucido ha!! Ask God!! Kidding, means wound opens and heals from inside out

Sօʀƈɛʀɛʀ 🅅.

Shin de föc! Brian Lucido yeah I can see how the tandem adds another level of peril to such pedals. It's a reminder to us about the importance of first aid supplies and having antiseptic along. Heal up. Beautiful photos. Interesting about the stone building retaining heat and making the shelter too warm during these times. Hope the smoke doesn't get to you. Probably uncomfortable, and you have to be careful not to reopen that wound. Maybe wear some protection? A knee sock at least?

Scooter R.

As long as you keep the dirt out and keep the tension off the “glue joint”, my money’s on a clean repair. Steri Strips are another option, but I prefer duct tape. Also, funny that “coneys” is the term Samwise Gamgee uses for rabbit stew.

Mark G.

Thanks for the shout-out Brian Lucido. Like you, I always find that the sooner I clean and repair the faster it heals. I was surprised that you were all flatpedal in NZ and now again. I know in NZ you had some minor shin badges also. On my last trip I used 1/2 flat 1/2 clip(each side of pedal) and am liking that. And, of course, great photos today - many "no car" miles so far.

Sօʀƈɛʀɛʀ 🅅.

Brian Lucido I realized, you are on your single bike, and not the tandem, but still as a fellow spiky platform pedaler I share the concern. How about wrapping the pedal in something to reduce the potential damage until you are healed. I don't know, just trying to help.

terri W.

Happy to hear the cleaned wound and super glue worked.

it heals well. Actually we brought superglue on remote hikes in Alaska although fortunately never had to use it. We were more concerned about huge puncture wounds from unfortunate bear encounters. Your route and photos look amazing! Safe travels!

Paula G.

Do you know why cows ware bells? Because their horns don't work. Your cut was especially gruesome when I enlarged it on my computer. Glad you are ok though.

Corrine L.

Nice job on the repair. Super glue works great in these situations. Good thinking! It should do fine. But ouch!

Dean G.

Ladder Snake: It has two darker stripes along the length of its body. The Ladder Snake likes bushy cover, including vineyards, orchards, hedges and stone walls. It feeds on mammals such as rabbits, mice, and shrews, but will also eat spiders, insects such as grasshoppers and birds.

Hana B.

Looks like some fantastic riding and scenery! Well done on the wound management too.