Four days ago, while cycling through Portugal, I took a spill in Lisbon. I'm not really sure why I went down. All I can remember is that I was riding along rather slowly and suddenly my helmeted head struck the pavement. I'll never forget the loud sound it made. I'm sure the helmet saved me from a serious head injury if not death. All I wound up with were some bruised ribs that made me cut my tour short a few days later. I'm now more convinced than ever that helmets are life savers. I encourage everyone to wear one, whether it "cramps your style" or not.