"You'd Look Hotter . . ."

One of the greatest stickers to grace the top tubes of bicycles around the country reads simply, “You’d look hotter in a helmet.” To realize the truthfulness of this statement, just think about how seriously "hot" a bike helmet, all by itself, really is: so smooth, so strong and firm, and O so curvy!

Really though, after the bike itself, a helmet should be the most important thing to a cyclist. Whether you’re mountain biking, road riding, touring, commuting, jumping, running from campus cops after dropping walls and staircases, or simply out for a cruise, helmets should be top priority.

As a kid, I remember going to Cub Scout day camp, where every year they terrified us with stories, movies, and pictures of other kids who were in bike wrecks, or who had been hit by cars, and who weren’t wearing helmets. These stories – and their horrifically tragic endings of brain damage, paralysis, and death – definitely served their purpose. Helmets have already saved my life twice!

According to the most recent data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (released in 2010 and reporting on data gathered in 2008), there were 52,000 cyclists injured in traffic accidents that year. 716 of them died. Colorado suffered 12 cyclist fatalities that same year. Despite these numbers, however, it is reported that less than half of all cyclists regularly wear a helmet. The numbers aren’t adding up – it makes no sense to not wear a helmet.

I know that back in the days of backwards adjustable baseball hats and really awesome jean jackets, helmets just weren’t cool. But come on, neither is the ER, so put on that beautiful helmet, strap it up, and pedal, knowing that you really do "look hotter in a helmet!"

- Here’s a guide to getting the best fitting helmet you can:

http://www.bhsi.org/fit.htm

- Some helmet-related stats:

http://www.bhsi.org/stats.htm

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pubs/811156.pdf

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/health-safety/helmets/whos-wearing-a-helmet/helmets-whos-wearing-a-helmet.htm

- And the people who brought you the “hotter in a helmet” slogan:

http://safetyissexy.blogspot.com/

Go, Speed Racer, Go

Have your morning commutes become drag races? If you’re like me, the trails resemble a place for high gear competition. You may be familiar with the impromptu races I speak of, but if not, listen up. Townie races happen whenever and wherever, they’re about personal pride and dominion of the trails. Yet these battles have guidelines, safety still takes precedence; so don’t let competition blind your best judgment.

The first rule to any race is that both parties wish to compete. Nothing’s worse than someone riding your tail for miles. If you don’t want to accept the nod, gesture for the person to pass. Don’t tease the other rider. When you’re not in the mood, don’t false accelerate or quick start at stop lights, this only perpetuates an uneventful/one-sided race.

As well, recognize the environment. If the trail is crowded, call off the dogs. Live to race another day, running into grandpa on a recumbent won’t boost you’re stats; it only raises Medicare taxes. Also, take note of the weather and lighting conditions. Rain=Pain; don’t be silly, save it for the sunshine. You can race at night, but be sure you have lights, and no, your flip phone doesn’t count as a front light.

Townie racer would rather endure lactic acid fermentation and a heat stroke than hear “on your left.” Once you give the nod, it's on. A helpful tip; let the other rider lead the race, they’ll think they got it, then drop it to third and make your getaway.

Finally, leave your ego at the door. So what, you beat a roadie on a mountain bike, that doesn’t mean I want to hear about it all week. The townie race happens on the trail; don’t relive the glory in your living room. Good luck and Godspeed.