I’ve been riding pretty well on my bike. Trying to take on new routes in South Reno and near Truckee. I wanted to take a moment to let you know…. helmets are so cool, but they can be so humiliating when worn wrong.
As a fairly wobbly rider, I’ll admit I’ve taken a few falls. No biggie, I just laugh it off and get right back up. Some cyclists may feel embarrassed but I think I’ve done it enough that I’ve mastered the “shake it off” process. Lets just say, I can fool you into thinking I meant to do that.
But of course, with any fall – you are risking major injuries. That’s why the helmet is the precious piece of clothing that is REQUIRED when cycling. I have a good friend who will never ride with anyone who’s not wearing a helmet because she is a nurse in the ER. She has seen so many head injuries, concussions, even paralysis that could’ve all been prevented with a helmet.
On a recent ride up Highway 89, I did what I usually do… hopped on, with a cheesy grin I rode. I waved at fellow cyclists whooshing by, and overall I just felt so grateful to be able to enjoy this sport. I was also pretty proud of conquering the drills that Coach Julie Young had me do. She wanted me to sprint every 5 minutes and work on increasing my rpm’s (rotations per minute… yes, I had to ask).
So I felt pretty cool when I was done… could I be a “real” cyclist now? I was pretty confident I was getting there… until I caught my reflection in the mirror.
If you look at the pictures below you will see the shark-look that I was sporting. Yes, I put my helmet on backwards. Yes, it was an accident. And yes, I had it on wrong the entire 2 hours I was riding through Truckee. A funny cone was protruding out of my head the whole time and I had no idea! None of the wooshing-by cyclists told me and no driver pointed to my head to let me know I looked like a fool. At least my dome was protected, but I’m thinking a helmet works best when its facing the correct way.
Registration is open! 
You’re so cool Neda. Hope you go places with your cycling. I somewhat joined the Reno cycling guys that go around Aircenter st near the airport every Thursday. Just starting though and still need more discipline
to practice regularly. I bought myself a Specialized Tarmac to get the encouragement to train. See you one of this days on the road. BTW, I also fell and scratch my left knee deep when I was learning to use the
pedal clips..Enjoy.
Neda, your head attire is very au courant. I’m wearing my helmet backwards from now on so I can look as chic as you when I ride.