The Importance of Protective Gear
Yes, another article about mountain
bike safety. But is there anything at ALL that is more important than your
safety?
Probably the biggest reason people don't wear helmets is that they think
helmets look dorky. OK! So does the goalie's gear in hockey, or a deep-sea
diver's outfit. But these people realize that how they look isn't as important
as taking into consideration what they are doing and being as safe as possible.
Safety First! People also think helmets won't protect much in a serious
crash. Well, no. But you aren't supposed to have a serious crash! Seat belts
won't help much in a serious crash either. But then again, most folks don't
go out driving every day looking to be in a serious crash. A serious mountain
bike crash doesn't happen very often. I've never seen one. The point of
a helmet is to provide protection in the minor accidents that are likely
to happen on a mountain bike. And if you are learning new skills and techniques,
you're bound to be happy you are wearing a helmet. Admittedly, at my level
of skill, when I do wreck I am always aware that I am about to wreck and
I control the fall. A helmet doesn't do much because I don't hit my head.
But what if I fail to control my accident? I'm not perfect! I WEAR
A HELMET!
Anyway, a helmet has other uses. When riding in the woods I frequently go through trails with branches hanging too low. I could take a hand off the handlebar and risk hitting some unknown obstacle just ahead with only one hand on the bar. I prefer to duck my head into the branch and let the helmet knock the branch aside. (Small branches obviously. Anything my helmet can't handle I have to duck under anyway.) I always have both hands on the bar and I am watching the trail.
Here is a clip of me jumping a small fallen tree and hitting my helmet on a low branch. I suppose I could have taken the fallen tree with a different slower method, but why? I am wearing a helmet. No problem.
Also, helmets protect your head from protracted exposure to direct sunlight. And most helmets these days have a visor or can be fitted with one to help protect your eyes from direct sunlight. What more can you ask?
*Did I mention most organized riding parks require helmets?
Gloves are only logical to use. They keep a good grip on the handlebar
at all times whether sweat, rain or snow. Most gloves have a sponge like
material on the back of the thumb so you can wipe the sweat off your brow,
and since the gloves get a lot of wind blowing over them, it dries fast.
Having a padded palm takes a huge amount of pounding out of your hands and
wrists. You won't believe the difference a good glove makes. Finally, if
you DO take a spill, gloves will protect the most vulnerable parts of your
hands (there are a lot of nerves in your palms) from damage. There just
isn't a reason to not wear gloves.
So! Wear protective gear. I have never regretted it, and I have certainly benefited from it. Parents!! Teach your kids to wear protective gear by making a good example by wearing it yourself. Otherwise NOT wearing protective gear will become a sign of being an adult, and kids will NOT wear protective gear just to prove they are 'big'.
By the way, it really does NOT look dorky to wear a helmet. Today's helmets are actually cool looking and cool to wear on the head.
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