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But I certainly would not use a stupid argument like this to try to convince anyone not to wear a helmet. In fact, I might suggest that if this theory held any water, then the same could be said for wearing leather chaps, armored jackets, gloves, eye protection or even motorcycle boots. If wearing protective gear gives a rider a sense of invulnerability, then it stands to reason that we should mandate that all riders henceforth only be allowed to operate their machines buck naked. That way, non of us would ever takle any unnecessary risks, right Back around 1970 I attended one of my first-ever motorcycle rallies in Denver, CO. There, sitting at a picnic table with a bunch of veteran riders who had just learned I was a rookie, I received my initial stock of motorcycling wisdom. I’m sure they all meant well as they spent the afternoon educating me on the following” 1. Avoid using the front brake whenever possible/ In a panic situation it will only cause you to be thrown over the handlebars and into traffic. 2. Buy fingerless gloves. Otherwise you won’t be able to “Feel” the bike’s controls. 3. If the law allows, don’t wear a helmet. Where it is a law, get one of those little skull caps. A regular helmet will take away your peripheral vision, so you can’t see cars coming from the side, and in Warm weather, it will cause your brain to overheat. 4. Pull the baffles out of your mufflers. If your bike is too quiet car drivers won’t hear you coming and will run you down. 5. In almost any kind of emergency situation, you are better off to ‘lay the bike down’ and bail out, than you are to try to brake or swerve. 6. To keep from overheating (which will cause you to lose your concentration, when riding in the heat, wear only a T-shirt, and maybe even shorts. 7. When going around alow speed turn, drag your feet so you can “catch” the bike if it starts to fall over. Same for when starting out or coming to a stop. 8. Having a couple of beers before a ride will help you stay “loose.” in the event of an accident, your injuries will be less severe, because you won[‘t tense up. I’m sure there was more, but that is all I remember these days. I suppose I’m lucky to have survived the 10 years or so it took me to slowly unlearn all those bits of “wisdom:. And in this day, I often feel a bit sorry for some riders I see acturally following some of these practices, knowing that the truth is that this is what they were taught by their peers, and they probably just haven’t had the opportunity or occsasion to learn anything different yet. A month or two ago, on this very page, I wrote about my concerns with the state of rider training in this country. I still stand behind what I said, and still believe that our rider education programs could be a lot better than what they are. But because of what I wrote, some people seemed to think that I was somehow opposed to rider training. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth and if it helps counteract some of this traditional lore that is still being passed down from old rider to new (which I’m sure still happens). Then it’s worth its weight in gold. But I also think that those of us who have been lucky enough to learn just how stupid these old theories are have an obligation to pass it along to those who are, as yet, unenlightened. But we need to do it in a non-condescending way (certainly not the way I just have, with “hot button” terms like “stupid theories 1”), so that they will listen and not just storm away in anger. I’ve had to learn that lesson myself, the hard way. One last thing, For those of you who believe differently, or think some of those “stupid theories” actually have merit-all I ask is that you remember that this column is my opinion and mine alone. Don’t blame the editors or owners of this magazine for it, but feel free to attack me, personally, if you feel so inclined. I’m use to it! Taken from Neil Pifer Motorcycle Consumer News Rider Educator September 2006 Chapter Y November 2008 |