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Re: [RC] Helmets . . . Again - Joe LongOn Thu, 23 Feb 2006 09:28:40 -0700, Lif Strand <lif@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: I think most of the problem I have with the arguments about the need to wear helmets is that they are all fear based. I think it all comes down to the fact that people who don't wear helmets when they ride have nothing they fear. This is a very strange statement. What it really says is that people who "have nothing to fear" when riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or horse are in denial. No matter how competent and athletic they are, no matter how carefully they ride, no matter how calm and settled the horse, shit happens. Whether you survive that shit when it happens to you, is what the choice is about. You know, I survived a car crash into the woods at 80MPH, hitting two trees and demolishing the car (it was on one of my backwoods races). I walked away from it because I was using the right safety gear. I survived a motorcycle crash at 70MPH, because I was wearing leather and a helmet. I don't live in fear (obviously), but I do protect myself. The way I see it, people should do what they want to do because they want to do it - living a live because you're afraid not to do something is not good enough for me. If someone wants to wear a helmet, then wear a helmet. If you feel that the risk is enough that wearing a helmet is justified, wear one. But please, don't be telling others to wear helmets, using fear arguments as justification for that point of view. I support the right of adult riders in endurance to make their own choices about helmets, stirrup cages, body armor, etc, 100%. Minors are another matter. I support the rule that Juniors must wear helmets 100%, too. The idea that small children are not at serious risk at rides because they have adult sponsors is also denial, no different from what Lif said above. -- Joe Long jlong@xxxxxxxx http://www.rnbw.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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