Machka 

My bicycle is just fine ... I think the handlebar tape is a little scuffed but that's it. I broke his fall!!

aMull

Glad you're alright machka

Frunkin

I have a strict one concussion per helmet rule
It never fails me

PartyPat

It's a no brainer, I can't believe their are people out there that would ride without one!

ViperZ

Good to hear you are OK Machka!

Anbaric Cog

Dear Machka. Glad you are ok.

I had a similar but less dramatic crash this year when I hit some unexpected black ice (in Central California?) suddenly I was on the ground. I was so worried about my hip and wrist that I did realize I'd hit my head until I realized the helmet was cracked and the visor was broken off. It was so quick, I had the thought, "I'm going down," then I was down, no time to do any of the things I know to do.

I still get the creeps when I go around that corner.

Keep your long distance exploits going. You are an inspiration

a.c.

-VELOCITY-

After I flipped over with my bike, and landed right on my head, and I saw that the helmet cracked, but nothing happened to me, I made a vow to never go out again without one.

Tequila Joe

I'm glad your alright and hope you heal up quickly.

patentcad

That is how they work. Glad it worked for you that time Machka.

I crashed in Germany on a solo ride in 2005 and regained consciousness in the ER. My face essentially planted on my left side @ 20+ mph (a detonating hub put my wheel out, I have no memory of the crash but was able to ascertain the cause by inspecting the gear later). Concussion, nasty road rash on my face, black eye and bruising - but surprisingly I felt fine and was riding two days later.

I am reasonably sure that wearing a helmet = inconsequential minor injuries. Not wearing a helmet? Brain damage or death.

I don't leave home without it. Intentionally that is. The amazing thing about helmets is that once a year or so I'm out riding when I realize I don't have my Giro on my head - because I forgot to put the thing on. But it's not like I notice it's not there until I try to put my glasses upside down in the top of my helmet - and there's no helmet there. In other words bicycle helmets aren't like motorcycle helmets. Motorcycle helmets (and I always wear those on my motorized bike) are like refrigerators on your head. Cycling helmets? You don't even realize it's on.

I don't crash often. But if you ride it's not IF you'll crash but when. And if you bounce your noggin off the tarmac you'd better have a helmet or else.

Good thread Machka, thank you.

Machka 

It's funny how certain portions of accidents are a complete blank. I feel like my triceps in my left arm were pulled/strained badly and my left shoulder is quite sore, but I have absolutely no memory whatsoever what my left arm was doing during the crash. I can't figure out what I did to my triceps and shoulder.

Three days later I was back on the bicycle again ... but I think it was a bit too soon to go for a 400K. I'm taking it pretty easy now.

zippy_one

I wear a helmet for a number of reasons such as:

- one day when i was riding my bmx at the age of about 10, something happened (dunno what) and i woke up at home with concussion. was not wearing a helmet at that time.
- i have an area of permanent calcification in my face from where i did a faceplant as a result of a skateboarding accident (again, too cool to wear a helmet on a skateboard ramp but feel the injury could have been reduced if i did).
- i tend to ride on public roads, where (for some reason, I don't know why) Internal Combustion hobbyists insist on practising their hobby with no regard for human life.

blacksquid

My wife and I always made sure that my sons wore helmets whenever they went out on their bikes. Good thing too as my oldest son went down a steep hill a little too fast and hit the speed bump at the bottom of the hill. He went a$$ over elbows over the handlebars and smacked his head on the pavement. The helmet was cracked clear through but his head was intact. He thought he was going to die and got a nice ride to the hospital but was thankfully Ok.

We always wear helmets whenever we go out for a ride.

Nice thread!