Calling helmet deniers: Geraint alive and well
Comments
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Descents? Why pick just descents. Although it's a lesser figure, about 5-6 were dying on ascents as well per GT. In fact, in one anomalous year, -7 riders completed one of the Grand Tours due to dying.
You are quite right, of course.
And one statistic above (or alongside) all others seems to correlate very closely with the observed outcomes of the importance of other data: The sharp-witted will have been aware that the occasions when Lance Armstrong didn't win the TdF feel almost exactly between the pre-helmet and the post-helmet era.
Coincidence? You may choose to see it as one.
And let's remember, Lance didn't win the Tour more times than any other rider of his era didn't win it.
So helmets, on descents, climbs and 'so-called' flat stages seem to crop up time and again as significant vehicles of change in the chaos that we call competitive sport. I wish I'd been wearing one when a wasp attack made me fall from a ladder. My ribs are still sore - and I rather suspect that one is cracked.
None of which would have happened in my day.0 -
I had a wasp trapped in my helmet once. Wouldn't have happened if I were Jewish.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
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Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
I usually wear a helmet, partly to appease my wife, and partly to prevent any minor bumps and scrapes, should I take a tumble. I'm fully aware it will have no effect against the #50 into town, as it grinds me into the kerb.
Also, I wasn't wearing it the other evening, and suffered a nasty facial injury. An errant piece of molten pizza cheese burnt my bottom lip, now I have an irritating scab. It really hurts, I may be scarred, I'll always wonder if a helmet would've prevented this
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I will remember this post and the OP's timely reminder the next time I am hurtling down an alpine pass in a stage of the Tour de France without my helmet
Er, why do you have to be doing a TDF stage? Or even an Alpine pass, or even hurtling down anywhere?
Its really very simple.
Your head sharply hitting a hard surface with a helmet on hurts less.
Decide whether you might hit your head sharply on a hard surface at any given time during any specific activity.
Choose whether or not to wear a helmet at such times.0 -
Not to mention those who pulled out with post traumatic stress.Descents? Why pick just descents. Although it's a lesser figure, about 5-6 were dying on ascents as well per GT. In fact, in one anomalous year, -7 riders completed one of the Grand Tours due to dying.
I am surprised anyone was left to win.The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.Veronese68 wrote:PB is the most sensible person on here.0 -
Just got back from a weekend in Belgium where I had my first 'proper' unplanned and unexpected dismount.
Riding on Pave hit a section under trees which was mossy, slippy and wet from previous rain that hadn't yet dried under the tree covered area. Very quickly the ride went from uncomfortable :!: to something akin to riding across an ice rink with damn great square lumps in. Bike slid out from under me whereupon I landed heavily doing the expected damage to a knee and landing directly on my rib cage upon two strategically placed stones that were dislodged and raised. I expect a few on here have suffered cracked ribs and will understand just how I feel at the moment.
However the point of my reply is to tell you that I also 'bounced' my head heavily on the stone floor as well. I was, and always do, wear a helmet so luckily escaped with a headache from the 'bounce' as opposed to something I expect could and almost certainly would have been a lot worse had I not been wearing one.
I was not going overly quickly and certainly wasn't racing.
I have no intention of preaching to anybody re helmet use. Particularly not anybody who is unconcerned about causing their nearest and dearest the 'chore' of possibly nursing and pushing them about in a chair for the rest of your life or any number of tragic options around that theme. What you are prepared to risk upon yourself and others is entirely your own business. But I know exactly where I stand on the subject of wearing a cycle helmet.0 -
Does sound a tad preachy mind
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LOL. Sorry, that wasn't my intention.Does sound a tad preachy mind
And please don't make me laugh
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Very good point. Assuming the same thought process is applied to walking, stairs, DIY, crossing a road, getting out of bed, etc. I reckon the chances of banging your head walking down an icy garden path are higher than on the average ride to the shops, but I've never seen anyone wearing a crash helmet to walk down their garden path.Decide whether you might hit your head sharply on a hard surface at any given time during any specific activity.
Choose whether or not to wear a helmet at such times.0 -
Very good point. Assuming the same thought process is applied to walking, stairs, DIY, crossing a road, getting out of bed, etc. I reckon the chances of banging your head walking down an icy garden path are higher than on the average ride to the shops, but I've never seen anyone wearing a crash helmet to walk down their garden path.Decide whether you might hit your head sharply on a hard surface at any given time during any specific activity.
Choose whether or not to wear a helmet at such times.
Falling from a slip when walking, you are actually more likely to bang your knees, hips, elbows, forearms, hands, shoulders, ribs or back than to your head. Its not that it cant happen, but generally your instincts to protect your head/face and the likelihood that you crumple mean that its not the most likely outcome.
Falling from a bike is much more random and much more likely to impact your upper body/head.0 -
Geraint Thomas wrote:I took a good clout to the head and then went about eight feet down a steep embankment. I was pretty fortunate because a bush stopped me falling too far.
So I'm never riding a bike without a bush*, seems that was the only thing that saved him.
*I assume he means of the hedge variety and not a personal hygiene choicewww.conjunctivitis.com - a site for sore eyes0 -
Saw the Geraint crash last night and couldn't help but think about my friend who crashed less than 2 weeks ago during a race, suffered a brain haemorrhage and spinal injury and is now facing over 12 months of neuro rehabilitation when he wakes from his current condition of a medically induced coma. Thankfully G was not as seriously injured but my friend was and is now paying an enormous price.
Each crash is different, but doctors have told the family that if he hadn't been wearing a helmet they are in no doubt he would not be here now. To all those who say that a helmet does not make a difference good luck to you - may I suggest you ensure your family are aware of the stupidity of your decision so that they understand the selfishness of your choice when they are left having to pick up the pieces.
Your friend may have been saved by his helmet or he may not have been, you, him and the doctors can't know that. If all the people claiming that a helmet saved a life in an incident are correct then why aren't non-helmeted riders dropping like flies? It's clear bullshit to make claims like you do so stop it.
Moreover if you are that concerned about risk taking you wouldn't race - there have been fatalities in uk road races recently and they were all wearing helmets - that does ot make racers selfish it makes them people who want to be free to choose how they live and accept doing that carries some inherent risk.
As for G, yes I'm sure he is glad he was wearing a helmet but given it was still in one piece it's unlikely the blow would have caused him serious injury if he hadn't been wearing one. I'm sure he'd have had a headache though so it's saved him that.[Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]0 -
I guess it has been at least 2-3 weeks, people must be bored.
My view on helmets is much the same as my view on seat belts. Personally I wear one every time. I honestly don't mind much what other people chose to do, equally I hope the legistalators have more important things to focus on.0 -
Yes but the law doesn't dictate that you wear a helmet.Advocate of disc brakes.0
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Yes but the law doesn't dictate that you wear a helmet.
Yep, I was trying to say that I really hope it stays that way0 -
Doing higher risk activities? take appropriate protective measures.
I hope everyone can agree on that. however, perceptions of what constitutes a higher risk activity or appropriate protective measures..
Just be glad you aren't in the army with a 2kg lump of unventilated plastic on your noggin. It's not even bulletproof 0 -
Perhaps everyone at the beach should be wearing life jackets - after all, it is even MORE dangerous than riding a bike apparently!0
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Yes but the law doesn't dictate that you wear a helmet.
Very good argument for a nanny state. :P0 -
I will take back all my earlier posts as they are irrelevant.
I have re-read the thread title and found out that the thread does not apply to me.
I am fairly certain that helmets do in fact, exist.The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.Veronese68 wrote:PB is the most sensible person on here.0 -
I'm always banging my head in the shed. At least I do when wearing a helmet. Therefore I am more likely to avoid an impact if not wearing one. Compulsory neck braces for car occupants I say.0
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I will take back all my earlier posts as they are irrelevant.
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Descending at speed is dangerous (in my view) - so I wear a helmet when road riding or out on the MTB. However popping to the shops or riding along a towpath with the family is not dangerous so I tend to leave the helmet at home and enjoy a sweat-free bonce for a few hours.Despite whacking the side of his head off a telegraph pole, he rode on just fine.
http://www.itv.com/tourdefrance/watch-again-geraint-thomas-crashes-into-telegraph-pole
Try that without a helmet, especially the fragile temple area, makes your eyes water at the thought of it. Concussion? Brain damage? Death?
None of the above, according to the helmet denying crew, bike helmets are useless.
They'll tell us he just glanced it very, very gently, just like grazing a marshmallow, and a helmet would have made no difference, ha ha!You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.0 -
No. +3.I will take back all my earlier posts as they are irrelevant.
+1
I predicted 6 pages.The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.Veronese68 wrote:PB is the most sensible person on here.0 -
You are of course, 100% correct.Falling from a slip when walking, you are actually more likely to bang your knees, hips, elbows, forearms, hands, shoulders, ribs or back than to your head. Its not that it cant happen, but generally your instincts to protect your head/face and the likelihood that you crumple mean that its not the most likely outcome.
Falling from a bike is much more random and much more likely to impact your upper body/head.
Cyclists never use their instincts to try and save themselves.
They save the NHS a fortune by never putting their arm out to protect themselves which would break their collar bones instead.The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.Veronese68 wrote:PB is the most sensible person on here.0 -
You are of course, 100% correct.Falling from a slip when walking, you are actually more likely to bang your knees, hips, elbows, forearms, hands, shoulders, ribs or back than to your head. Its not that it cant happen, but generally your instincts to protect your head/face and the likelihood that you crumple mean that its not the most likely outcome.
Falling from a bike is much more random and much more likely to impact your upper body/head.
Cyclists never use their instincts to try and save themselves.
They save the NHS a fortune by never putting their arm out to protect themselves which would break their collar bones instead.
But in the OP'S example that was not the case and do you think his helmet provided protection in the OP's first post in this thread?0 -
Ah! So we are moving away from generalisations and purely discussing one single event?But in the OP'S example that was not the case and do you think his helmet provided protection in the OP's first post in this thread?
It that case, exlcude me. And yourself. It did not involve us, we were not there and the video is inconclusive.
It could be argued that he spun round and took the brunt of the impact with his left shoulder. His head followed through and the helmet hit the post. If he was not wearing a helmet the extra clearance may have resulted in no head collision.
But do please carry on.The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.Veronese68 wrote:PB is the most sensible person on here.0 -
Ah! So we are moving away from generalisations and purely discussing one single event?But in the OP'S example that was not the case and do you think his helmet provided protection in the OP's first post in this thread?
It that case, exlcude me. And yourself. It did not involve us, we were not there and the video is inconclusive.
It could be argued that he spun round and took the brunt of the impact with his left shoulder. His head followed through and the helmet hit the post. If he was not wearing a helmet the extra clearance may have resulted in no head collision.
But do please carry on.
I guessed that would be the type of answer you would give which is why i asked the question.
In truth peoples natural reactions will stop alot of head injuries from happening. The problem is in some circumstances natural reactions will not help you. I have seen friends crash into the ground and other stationary objects with their cycling helmets taking the brunt of the impact. In one case head first into the road causing their helmet to crack in half. They ended up with shoulder and neck strain but without the helmet it is likely the impact on them and their family would have been very serious. That is the real point, if you feel the risk and cost justify wearing a helmet. Coming from mountain biking and also doing alot of miles on the road it is not a risk i want to take.0 -
Ah! So we are moving away from generalisations and purely discussing one single event?But in the OP'S example that was not the case and do you think his helmet provided protection in the OP's first post in this thread?
It that case, exlcude me. And yourself. It did not involve us, we were not there and the video is inconclusive.
It could be argued that he spun round and took the brunt of the impact with his left shoulder. His head followed through and the helmet hit the post. If he was not wearing a helmet the extra clearance may have resulted in no head collision.
But do please carry on.
I guessed that would be the type of answer you would give which is why i asked the question.
In truth peoples natural reactions will stop alot of head injuries from happening. The problem is in some circumstances natural reactions will not help you. I have seen friends crash into the ground and other stationary objects with their cycling helmets taking the brunt of the impact. In one case head first into the road causing their helmet to crack in half. They ended up with shoulder and neck strain but without the helmet it is likely the impact on them and their family would have been very serious. That is the real point, if you feel the risk and cost justify wearing a helmet. Coming from mountain biking and also doing alot of miles on the road it is not a risk i want to take.
How do you know that the natural reaction of a helmet wearer wasn't to land exactly how they did because they had a helmet on?My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
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You are of course, 100% correct.Falling from a slip when walking, you are actually more likely to bang your knees, hips, elbows, forearms, hands, shoulders, ribs or back than to your head. Its not that it cant happen, but generally your instincts to protect your head/face and the likelihood that you crumple mean that its not the most likely outcome.
Falling from a bike is much more random and much more likely to impact your upper body/head.
Cyclists never use their instincts to try and save themselves.
They save the NHS a fortune by never putting their arm out to protect themselves which would break their collar bones instead.
Falling from a bike is more likely to involve a pivoting action, with more force felt by the uppper body/head and with your body kept from crumpling because of the bike between your legs, which you may also be clipped onto.0 -
Ah! So we are moving away from generalisations and purely discussing one single event?But in the OP'S example that was not the case and do you think his helmet provided protection in the OP's first post in this thread?
It that case, exlcude me. And yourself. It did not involve us, we were not there and the video is inconclusive.
It could be argued that he spun round and took the brunt of the impact with his left shoulder. His head followed through and the helmet hit the post. If he was not wearing a helmet the extra clearance may have resulted in no head collision.
But do please carry on.
I guessed that would be the type of answer you would give which is why i asked the question.
In truth peoples natural reactions will stop alot of head injuries from happening. The problem is in some circumstances natural reactions will not help you. I have seen friends crash into the ground and other stationary objects with their cycling helmets taking the brunt of the impact. In one case head first into the road causing their helmet to crack in half. They ended up with shoulder and neck strain but without the helmet it is likely the impact on them and their family would have been very serious. That is the real point, if you feel the risk and cost justify wearing a helmet. Coming from mountain biking and also doing alot of miles on the road it is not a risk i want to take.
How do you know that the natural reaction of a helmet wearer wasn't to land exactly how they did because they had a helmet on?
In this case the speed they went down at was very fast and they had no time to react at all. They just crumpled head first into the road, it was unnerving to see. Wearing a helmet for me does not influence how i ride it is just an insurance policy to protect my head if the worst happens. In two decades of mountain biking i have had various glancing blows including from branches which could have been worse but no full on head impacts so far. You only have to be unlucky once.0
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