I had my first fall on my mountain bike yesterday. I was riding with my husband and did not gear down quick enough as I went up a hill and around a curve. I lost my momentum and off I went. I had the sense about me to let go of my precious bike. Thank God I landed in a ditch that was full of leaves. As my head popped back and struck a rock my first thought was thank heavens I am wearing a helmet. I have a rather bad bruise to my rib and to my leg and a pump knot on my head. My helmet? It had a ding. I am here to tell you I will never ride without it. Got to go ride.