Went for a nice ride today, a 15-miler I do quite often. Halfway through, where I always stop to look at the scenery and drink some water, I suddenly noticed I was developing a headache. I never get headaches, unless it's maybe once a year after having too much wine at a party. This was a doozy: It felt like someone was splitting my skull with an axe. It got sharper and sharper and worse and worse by the minute. I told my riding companion, I don't feel well; I've gotta get back. We were halfway there when I thought I was going to throw up. Geeze, I thought, is this the brain tumor coming on? The stroke? Can I make it back at all?

I was almost dizzy with pain when we got back to the car. I hopped off the bike, and ripped off my helmet. In about ten seconds all the pain and discomfort was completely gone! I've been wearing this helmet for about 3-4 years. I think I was squeezing off some huge artery to my head, or something. Wow. I couldn't believe how fast this thing came on, and how fast it left. I'm going to look at this helmet and adjust the straps and re-evaluate. Maybe I need a new one. Glad I didn't black out on the bike!