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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 8 Oct 2008
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Lidless - Have you ever ridden?
I was reading James May's column where he mentions he's never ridden without a helmet and I realised neither have I, well apart from manoeuvring the bike into the garage when it's been left outside, but that hardly counts.

So without wanting to stir up a hornets' nest about whether one should or shouldn't, I'm just wondering for those that have - what's it like? I know, trying to descirbe it's going to be interesting. And for those that haven't is it one of those things that, like me, sits in the back of your mind going "you should try it one day".
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Old 8 Oct 2008
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I rode around some of the US without a lid in the late 80's - at least in those states where it was legal to do so. It was pretty cool and certainly added to the experience - blasting through a desert with the wind in your hair and only a pair of shades....

However, looking back I can see what a totally idiotic decision it was and wouldn't even consider doing it now....we were lucky that the one spill my brother had was in a state where it is law to wear one - otherwise he would be dead now.

Having had a pretty bad accident myself, that one should always wear a helmet is a total no-brainer really.

SW
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Old 8 Oct 2008
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Yes, logically it's a no brainer, but emptionally there's still that niggling thought, but maybe that's just me?
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Old 8 Oct 2008
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Put me helmet on the rear rack..
to ride part of the Dasht-E-Kavir in Iran,
just me the sun, sand and the sound of
me moto..... oh and the odd ipod tune :-)
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Old 8 Oct 2008
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In my younger (and Harley cruiser) days yeah i did the helmetless thing (did the beenie-lid thing too). Below 50mph i knew why my dog always has his head out the window. It was a great feeling (up to about 50mph, then it got uncomfortable). If you feel connected to the world with a lid on multipy it by 10 to guess the level of conection.. there is no "the world though a visor" feeling. (This may be the same for an open face... but that is a diffent story, which i dont know about). I really did enjoy it and boy did i feel "cool" but then i was 20 and I thought the world revolved around how cool I was.. I still sometimes miss it. I like you still think about it.. but being a 1st responder i know why I dont do it ..

It is nice,, and if you are thinking about doing it.. i suggest a empty beach.. where you cant really go all that fast, and if you do come acropper you hit soft sand (which will hopefully not act like sandpaper), but most importanly there is no way of an other vehical/person/dog being involved.
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Old 8 Oct 2008
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Rode lidless in India, lovely





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Old 8 Oct 2008
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Around the temples at Angkor Wat for me - early morning; low orangey sun through the heavy foliage; heavy smells of Cambodian breakfast; heat and humidity sounding a warning but not yet arrived; just 25mph and the sound of a happy twin burbling on through. That was good that.
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Old 10 Oct 2008
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I ride lidless off road a lot... on trails, fire roads,,,,,,,,,, Stupid? yeah Dangerous? Certainly.. but FUN? HELL YES!

PS, If you are stupid enough like me, to ride lidless off road, then you only have your own sorry stupid self to blame when you get hurt......like this..



Would I ride Lidless again?............ I still do!
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Old 10 Oct 2008
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I've always been of the opinion that as long as people know the risks, helmet laws are a bit over the top. It's just you're own life you're risking. Don't get me wrong, helmets are a good idea, and I wear mine 98% of the time. But free climbing is bloody dangerous too, but you're not forced to wear a harness. And free diving, free falling, climbing a tree, crossing the road... the list could go on. Life can be dangerous. If the only life at risk is your own, then the decision should be your own.

Some people say that these foolish folk are a drain on the nations medical system. But then they don't complain when some "hero" tries to paddle from one continent to another and needs rescuing by helicopter at great expense.

Be safe, be sensible, but if you want to ride without a lid then I don't think anyone has the right to tell you not to.
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Old 11 Oct 2008
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I have to admit I'm often guilty of riding lidless myself. And yes I know it's dangerous, I have a brother who is about 90% blind and his face is disfigured due to an ATV accident that happened in his front yard from not wearing a lid.

Like Xander said, I know why the dog sticks his head out the window, it feels wonderful.
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Old 13 Oct 2008
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Used to years ago, before the law changed. There were many who argued against them, saying you are less aware of what's around you - less peripheral vision. I have to admit, I agreed. It felt very strange (and muffled) wearing one. Bought a car instead.
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Old 13 Oct 2008
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WOW!!! Yeah I see what everyone means, lock me up now officer I'm guilty as charged. Mind you I wasn't on the road. What a blast, I'd thought it would be like cycling down a long hill, but it wasn't really, there's the noise for a start and other things that I can't put my finger on. Maybe even the danger gives that little extra thrill.

Now of course don't do this at home kids, and I'll still be sticking my head in the plastic padded bucket at all times.

But I'm glad I tried it.

Now, onto wheelie-ing.
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Old 13 Oct 2008
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Lidless .
At least here is one BMW rider who is not wearing an 1800 dollar clown suit .


YouTube - naked biker
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Old 13 Oct 2008
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Old 13 Oct 2008
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Nah ,my dad always warned me about putting my sausage too close to a toaster.

Anyways if twas me there would be no blurry bits --I,d be proud to show off my purple helmet .
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