The truest words spoken. Think about it, you are standing there in a jersey and tight shorts (possibly with shaved legs). You are wearing shoes that make you walk like a duck and gloves with no fingers...probably also some swoopy sunglasses. Out of the context of actually riding your bike, you look rediculous whether you have a helmet on or not. That said, a helmet is part of the uniform...the mushroom look is par for the course. Everyone who wears one looks that way, you just need to accept that this is how you look on a bike and love it. The only people making fun of you are non-riders who are probably far less fit, and the fat around their stomaches is making them look foolish.

Saying that...the first thing I always do when I get off the bike (rest stops on long rides included) is remove my helmet.