Let us Bern one from end to end.
Back in 2001, two days before I started working a new gig, I was up at Sunday River riding my usual early morning Sunday run on White Cap, when things got very fucked up. I was cutting (not carving – White Cap runs were bulletproof that morning) on my front side edge into what I knew to be a low slope.
What I did not know was that the slope had sunk into a wall overnight. I ended falling while crushing and bouncing off the run a good five times before getting enough grip to flatten and pull myself together.
It was easily the worst fall I have taken on a mountain before or since. For as much airtime as I did get bouncing down, I only ended up with some serious bruises to my chest, ribs, and left thigh. I was pretty battered but walked away with nothing more than some healing and a shelved season.
The girl behind me, following my run, was no where near as lucky.
Since then, I have not been back on the mountain without a helmet, but I cannot say the same about riding my bikes in the city. For as bad as that crash was, I got into this crazy habit a few years ago of not riding with a helmet in the city.
I was reminded of how lucky I was to even be on a board or bicycle when my good friend Jimmy got battered terribly this past Fall in Harvard Square by a taxi driver talking on a mobile instead of checking his mirrors. Though his face and mouth took most of the impact, Jimmy in a not so direct way, was also able to walk away and ride again.
For 2009, I plan to do my best to ride again with a helmet – on and off the snow.
Bern Helmets of Massachusetts, has removed all excuses by gifting me this past holiday with one of their “All Season” Watts Helmet. It’s easily the best Christmas gift I received in 2008. The Watts is a great multi-sport helmet. The winter liner and vent cover can be easily removed for the warmer seasons. It is also light enough to cycle in comfortably.
The 8-Track audio system, available for most Bern Helmets, is a great feature for those looking for some music while on the slopes but keep it down or keep your eyes open, people.
When friends ask me if the whole fixed gear bike movement is a fad, I always respond that getting anyone to ride a bicycle is a good thing, as long as their safe first and cool second. If you want to crush it on the streets or slopes, at least toss on some protection. You may end up riding even harder.
