Originally Posted by gringorio
.... However, I notice that there seems to be a growing trend to go helmet less on training rides and most of the riders I observe without them appear to appear to be skilled cyclists.....
If I cared about what others think about me, I would live far away in a suburban home and would commute by car at rush hour. I would drive to the gym -- maybe -- and do some exercise. Well, I don't, but have rather chosen a different lifestyle.
I'd say the same for you. Take YOUR decision based on what you think, not on what others do.
That being said, cycling is a fairly safe activity. There are more hazards associated with racing (mass starts, people too close to eachother, drafting...) that with regular cyling. But there also are hazards associated with training, especially when it comes to "cutting corners", riding fast downhills, etc. When I ride through these, I go relatively slowly; someone who trains doesn't.
Regards,