:: No Helmet :: No Ride

[bm0p700f]

I have only had one spill where I needed my helmet, I was gald I was wearing it as it was a bit cracked afterwards.

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

Wanting to come along as a separate person riding public spaces but not with everybody else is IMO a very small minded and selfish attitude, the people organising these rides take a lot of time and effort for the benefit of others (the people attending) with no personal gain (financial or otherwise), if you did have an accident in the vicinity of a retrobike ride and everyone ignored you and carried on "with there organised and helmeted ride" I'm pretty certain they would get slated for being a set of t*****s for leaving you stranded (which wouldn't happen BTW) . As an organiser of motorsport events I have similar discussions with competitors on the grounds of safety and up to press have only had to deal with 1 minor incident (due to the competitor being a dick and trying to ignore the rules) and believe me the last thing you want as an organiser is to feel responsible for someones death or injury (let alone the grief and paperwork).

The whole idea of a forum and organised rides is to enjoy yourself with old and new friends so why bother bringing the whole subject up if you don't want to join in (which it seems like you don't as you refuse to wear an helmet for a couple of hours) if you do want to join in then get a bloody helmet and stop wingeing.

Apologies to anyone I may have offended (or not) as no personal insult has been intended but selfish bloodymindedness winds me up sometimes.(Yes I can also be bloody minded if I disagree with something but I keep it to myself and don't attend the event)

Matthew

Again, well said.

I have had a glimpse into how much prep goes into these rides and have respected the Retrobike organisation by asking questions about things via PM to the organisers rather than make it an open debate.

I have been on many rides organised on the web and I must say that the RB rides are by far the best organised, I can feel safe in the knowledge that if anything happens to me that there are qualified people there to look after me. More importantly a organised structure and chain of command is there to deal with incidents quickly and effectively.

Added to this is the sponsorship and a few freebies and a special sticker you get when you attend. All of this is in addition to the great route, tested in all conditions, great friends, all for free.

Yes, it's public land and you can ride it whenever you want, so it's up to you BUT (even though this might be a bit petty) I personally will not talk to anyone not riding in a helmet on a RB National ride and I would not make them feel welcome as I know they are just being selfish, awkward and a pain in the ass and don't appreciate what people are doing for them.

LGF bought a helmet to come on the rides as he obviously sees all the great work that is done.

It's not a great sacrifice is it?

 

[minor_LEGEND]

Ever since I started MTB'ing seriously I've always worn a lid, my 1st one was pretty naff looking & I felt a plank. But I have to say that when I am spinning out my top gear on a fast descent at over 30mph, I feel 'naked' without a helmet.

Just wear one & you will look like everybody else. (not the muppet without one)

 

[tintin40]

Just wear one & you will look like everybody else. (not the muppet without one)

What's with the helmet mafia & name calling??? :roll:

And

"I personally will not talk to anyone not riding in a helmet "

As 99% of this site are 'web friends' I couldn't give a toss if when out you talked or not.
In 2007 i rode retro meets with out a hat. Nothing has changed. I will still ride with out a hat. If the people i ride with choose to wear then thats fine with me (most do)

 

[MikeD]

Nothing has changed.

Clearly it has

 

[MiniNinjaRob]

Just wear one & you will look like everybody else. (not the muppet without one)

What's with the helmet mafia & name calling??? :roll:

And

"I personally will not talk to anyone not riding in a helmet "

As 99% of this site are 'web friends' I couldn't give a toss if when out you talked or not.
In 2007 i rode retro meets with out a hat. Nothing has changed. I will still ride with out a hat. If the people i ride with choose to wear then thats fine with me (most do)

I'm perfectly happy for anyone not to wear a helmet whenever they want to, but to try and join in an organised ride where you know in advance there is a requirement to wear one (for very valid reasons as stated by Drystonepaul), yet still wanting to enjoy the benefits of such a ride, is awkward and selfish for no real reason other than trying to make yourself look clever.

I understand when people who put in a lot of time of effort with no financial gain organising things give it all up. It must be so frustrating trying to help people out to have a great time when there is a minority who have a "look at me, I'm right and sod you all" attitude who make it difficult for them.

 

[Jussa]

Interesting thread and some interesting views, Personally i agree in the 'Helmet' ruling for organised events, and even endorse it for when riding solo out on the trails/road, my reasons for this are as follows;

Having spent 7 years working with the Ambulance service, and volunteering my services to assist with First Aid cover at Mountain Mayhem & Sleepless in the Saddle i am confident that despite having a observed and treated a steady flow of bike related injuries, the amount of head injuries sustained by helmet wearing riders has been extremely minimal. This is a direct result in the protection offered by the wearing of a suitable helmet. Agreed some injuries cannot be avoided even with helmet protection, but after treating a casualty who launched himself over the handlebars and presented me with a helmet in two halves, he was confident that had his head taken the impact he would be probably be spending a lot of time in Addenbrookes Hospital being treated with the potential of a future impaired by permanent damage. I must add that these injuries are not even 'High Speed' impacts. I can only imagine the only reasons for not wearing a Helmet are that its a vanity issue, or uncool inlooks, or that someone feels restricted of claustrophobic or just doesn’t like something being attached to their head, needless to say waering a helmet is a small price to pay for reducing the permanent damage sustained from an injury to the head.

Stay safe Retrobikers.

 

[MikeD]

You won't have encountered many non-helmetted riders at Mayhem or Sleepless

I'm pro-choice when it comes to helmets -- I choose to wear one (usually), I don't think people should generally be made to wear them. But if the conditions of entry of a race, event or organised ride say you need to, that's fine -- anyone who chooses not to wear a helmet can choose not to attend

 

[velomaniac]

If you have a cheap head wear a cheap helmet. No ones heads worthless so no one should ride without a helmet. Arguably everyones head is expensive so best wear the best you can afford..............after saying that I'd better upgrade my helmet or downgrade my head :shock:

 

[Unclejack]

i wouldn't worry about people riding without helmets, as I usually find that the people riding without helmets on their heads these days are adequately protected by the huge knob they have there instead...