Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Why Do They Ride Without Helmets?!? (Part 4 of 5)




I know people that will ride a bike 160 MPH on a public street who can't stand that other riders will ride a bike at any speed without a helmet. I've always found this as the most interesting contradiction, but until recently couldn't tell either group (which don't understand the other by the way) why each does what they do.

The simple answer goes back to why most all of us ride, which is....because it is dangerous!

The 160 MPH rider feels safe in the helmet and gear, so to get closer to the thrill they must go faster. The helmet-less rider feels safer riding slower, so they ride without as much gear and no helmet to feel the thrill. (Is either really safe?) And then, we have the rider that needs to ride without a helmet, without gear, helmet, at 160 MPH and even added risk to truly get a rush.

These folks are essentially the same, they simply have different thrill thresholds, thus the difference in choices. You can look at most all riders and you'll see this logic holds true. Of course you'll need to set aside what you feel is responsible for your life or you'll constantly disagree with their choices. (Just as they don't understand your choices...)

I still shake my head when I see a guy on a bike with a helmet, shorts and a T-shirt. Not because I think they should have gear, but because I wonder why they bothered with the helmet.

Ultimately however I'll never say a thing to them, because they don't affect my physical or mental condition.

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