Turning a new leaf........

[V98]

Reading all the threads about helmets recently got the gears turning. I started to think about all the close calls I've had in the last 20 years . Some not so close, just aggravating, and some that were "I need to change my shorts" close. After mentally adding up these incidents I got the proverbial "Godsmack" in the head and it dawned on me how unbelievably fortunate I've been all these years. Standing at the kitchen sink last night preparing my lunch for work today, I asked my wife to turn down the tv because I needed to tell her something.She does but is still kinda half watching the news. So I proceed to tell her that I want a divorce and give her a 1 second pause. Then before she can speak, I said "Now that I have your attention, I need to tell you that I made a decision today that affects us, and you need to make a decision also". Of couse at this point she's not seeing any humor in the first comment but I did get her undivided attention. Then proceed to tell her that from this point forward I'm going to at least wear my skidlid when riding. Now she's really silent because she knows that I've never worn a helmet in 20 years unless out of state without a choice in the matter. Then tell her that she needs to decide about herself and that I'm not going to force her , but no helmet = no ride. Now she's standing there looking like she just got whacked in the head with something, but after 15 years of putting up with me she knows when I'm being a smartass(which is usually) and when I'm what I like to refer to as "serious like tight shoes". If you've ever had shoes that were too tight, you know how serious that is. She never did give me an answer. I think she was dumbfounded but I believe she'll come around. So there it is. A revelation , a 180deg. turn for me(us). Now if I can just figure out a way to get a helmet for a 3lb. yorkshire terrier, it will all be good .

[RLD]

I've always worn a full face helmet and after our incident with a deer last year, my convictions were proven correct. I now also wear an aerostich roadcrafter, gloves, and proper boots. I've taken on the dual sport crowds mentality of "ATGATT" (all the gear, all the time). Good luck with your decision. Buy a quality, vented helmet and the decision will be much easier and I dare say, it won't be long before riding without a helmet just won't feel right anymore.

[Jeff K]

Then proceed to tell her that from this point forward I'm going to at least wear my skidlid when riding. Now she's really silent because she knows that I've never worn a helmet in 20 years unless out of state without a choice in the matter. Then tell her that she needs to decide about herself and that I'm not going to force her , but no helmet = no ride.

"I'm not going to force her? But you won't let her ride without? Sounds pretty forceful to me. Sounds like an ultimatum to me.

I know what Joanne would say to me.
"You ride your bike the way you want and I'll ride mine the way I want."  
Maybe your wife will buy her own ride and become her own person.  
If I made demands like that to my wife I think the divorce thing would be right around the corner.  

[Black Pearl's Captain]

It's much better to make that decision before the mishap than after.

Now take your time and let her try on as many helmets as it takes to get what she really likes. If she doesn't like the first one buy her another (tight helmets are like tight shoes), it's still cheaper than getting bumps on the noggin cured. A helmet that fits will be snug but it shouldn't hurt after a half hour of wearing it.

The new flip front helmets are pretty darn nice if you've decided on a fullface along with your commitment. Fulmer, HJC, Nolan, several others are lower priced then the Shoei and Arai.

I try to go by ATGATT but that 1/2 mile ride at 25 MPH to the YMCA does test my gear contiction. I do wear the helmet though.

Raymond

[Jack]

Bottom line:  It should be everybody's choice.  State and Fed laws should not mandate it.

[the inspector]

Bottom line:  It should be everybody's choice.  State and Fed laws should not mandate it.

Agree

"the inspector"

[sugerbear]

i keep my "ate up" full face beside my good helmet, just as a reminder.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

i keep my "ate up" full face beside my good helmet, just as a reminder.

Insurance took mine when they bought me a new helmet and I started my second life. Do we get nine like cats? I'm kind of a cool gato negro.

Raymond

[V98]

Well, I got my answer . I don't carry my phone at work so she left the following message,"I talked to Jasmine(our dog) this morning and we decided that we're going to wear helmets too. We know how much you love us and don't want anything to happen to us for you to make such a turnaround. The only stipulation is Jasmine says hers has to be cute. Love you, bye." Now that's a smart girl there. She gets it. She gets me. She doesn't see a "DEMAND". She knows me like a book and sees the love and worry. I'm a lucky guy.OBTW JeffK, my wife doesn't need anything to prove she's her own person. She is and always has been. It's the only way I would ever want it. She's 100% girly girl, but there's a spine of steel in there when the need arises. She's also perfectly content being my passenger which makes me 100% responsible for her safety and I completely accept that.

[Jeff K]

OBTW JeffK, my wife doesn't need anything to prove she's her own person. She is and always has been. It's the only way I would ever want it. She's 100% girly girl, but there's a spine of steel in there when the need arises. She's also perfectly content being my passenger which makes me 100% responsible for her safety and I completely accept that.

Sorry, I just don't take ultimatums very well. I always take the "or else" route.

I would prefer that Jo rode with me, but If I told her either ride with me or we are both staying home... I would be staying at home alone. 
She is her own person, she makes her own rules, I don't need to be making them for her.
Nothing wrong with the results of your mission. It got the results you were looking for.
To each their own.

[Gryphon Rider]

I try to go by ATGATT but that 1/2 mile ride at 25 MPH to the YMCA does test my gear contiction. I do wear the helmet though.

Let's see, 0.5 miles divided by average walking speed of 3 MPH = 10 minutes to walk to the Y where you do what?  Exercise?  Maybe on a treadmill?
Reminds me of a gym I saw in or near Claremont CA, on W Foothill Blvd.  It might even be the one in this photo:

[Willow]

Helmets and handguns have something in common.

"If you ever need one and you don't have one, you will never need one again'"

The one the insurance company bought from me a year ago only had a small nick in the back.  It was where the helmet hit the pavement after I dropped from probably twenty feet or more in the air to land on my back.  I didn't land on my head; I landed on my back.  Something was needed to bleed off the energy of the fall when my head snapped back.  The choice was either the back of my brain container or the silly looking mushroom topping.  The last opportunity to choose was twenty minutes prior to the moment of consequence.  I spent twelve weeks in a wheel chair.  I'm thoroughly convinced that had I not been wearing protective head gear that day I wouldn't have spent twelve weeks in that wheel chair.

I, as some others, believe strongly that the rider should be allowed to choose for himself, but it doesn't interfere with my thinking you're dumb as a rock if you rationalize with twisted logic a really stupid choice.

Do I make dumb choices?  You bet!  I pick up and eat food from the same ground that dogs piss on.  I no longer carry a handgun.  I ride a motorcycle in city traffic.  I occasionally ride my motorcycle in traffic without a helmet.

In my mind the only acceptable logic to the choice to ride without a helmet is, "I fully understand the risks and I'm willing to accept them for the joy of the experience."  Interestingly, it's the exact same logic that should be applied to riding a motorcycle in traffic.

Honestly, there are two other reasonably valid arguments, but I'll let Gary or Hollywood explain them to you.

"If you ever need one and you don't have one, you'll never need one again."

Kudos on your new leaf.  I hope it proves to be, for you, a decision that never demonstrates itself to have been beneficial.      

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I try to go by ATGATT but that 1/2 mile ride at 25 MPH to the YMCA does test my gear contiction. I do wear the helmet though.

Let's see, 0.5 miles divided by average walking speed of 3 MPH = 10 minutes to walk to the Y where you do what?  Exercise?  Maybe on a treadmill?
Reminds me of a gym I saw in or near Claremont CA, on W Foothill Blvd.  It might even be the one in this photo:

Well I wish I could walk that fast and that far after a day at work but that's kind of why I go to the gym.

Linky if you want to see why I ride to Y and mostly swim. I am working on it though. 

I go 4 times a week or more, how about you?

http://www.far-riders.com/albums/albums/userpics/10011/cut3~0.jpg

Raymond

[Black Dog]

Linky if you want to see why I ride to Y and mostly swim. I am working on it though. 

OK, Damn, and Ouch 

That gets ya a pass to ride the 1/2 mile 

Black Dog

[Gear Jammer]

Helmets and handguns have something in common.

"If you ever need one and you don't have one, you will never need one again'"

I like that Willow.  Mind if I print it out and stick it on my man cave wall?   

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Do I make dumb choices?  You bet!  I pick up and eat food from the same ground that dogs piss on.

Do you mind if I print that out and put it on my dogs man cave wall?   

No offense to Gear Jammer, just jerking on Willers chain.

Raymond

[Mongo]

I think the rider has every right to decide if his/her passager wears a helmet. As the rider you must take responsability for your passager. Which includes the speed you will travel, the weather you decide to ride thru, ect... The rider's actions are the most important part of the passagers safety. including how you start your ride.  Just as in a car the driver should make sure their passagers are wearing seat belts.  If not you stop the car. The one with the Keys decides
My 2 cents

[Gear Jammer]

Do I make dumb choices?  You bet!  I pick up and eat food from the same ground that dogs piss on.

Do you mind if I print that out and put it on my dogs man cave wall?  

No offense to Gear Jammer, just jerking on Willers chain.

Raymond

No offense taken Cap'n..         I actually want it for SugarPlum to see, as I've been trying to convince her to carry her personal CCW all the time, rather than leaving it at home.  Lot of good it's going to do there.

[hillbilly]

zoomergear.com for a helmet for miss Jasmine ( they have um in pink) Max my JRT never rides without his

[Willow]

I like that Willow.  Mind if I print it out and stick it on my man cave wall?   

It's not mine.  I saw it on a poster some thirty-odd years ago.   You're welcome to steal it just as I did.

Do you mind if I print that out and put it on my dogs man cave wall?   

No offense to Gear Jammer, just jerking on Willers chain.

Feel free.  Don't forget to teach the dog to read.      Perhaps he could use instruction in the occasional apostrophe.   

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I like that Willow.  Mind if I print it out and stick it on my man cave wall?   

It's not mine.  I saw it on a poster some thirty-odd years ago.   You're welcome to steal it just as I did.

Do you mind if I print that out and put it on my dogs man cave wall?   

No offense to Gear Jammer, just jerking on Willers chain.

Feel free.  Don't forget to teach the dog to read.      Perhaps he could use instruction in the occasional apostrophe.   

I've never seen him apostropee, he just uses the bushes mostly' ' ' , '

Raymond

[Gryphon Rider]

Well I wish I could walk that fast and that far after a day at work but that's kind of why I go to the gym.

Linky if you want to see why I ride to Y and mostly swim. I am working on it though. 

I go 4 times a week or more, how about you?

http://www.far-riders.com/albums/albums/userpics/10011/cut3~0.jpg

Raymond

I usually go 3 times per week, but after my last motorcycle crash I think I was off 3 weeks before getting back to the gym.  Sorry, folks, my injury photo is not for the squeamish:





And sorry to those of you who saw this the last time I posted it.  I know, once is too much.

Kevin