I did a really stupid thing

[sfa]

I could totally see that happening to me--anything that is out of the normal routine (and preparing for an icy, dark, slushy commute would count) could make me forget something so basic that I don't normally even think about it.

Good for you for commuting in this mess, though! My route is far too dangerous still (most of the roads I commute on have only one and a half lanes plowed for two way traffic, and still has packed snow and ice over a lot of that) so I wouldn't even dream of trying it! In the city it seems to make sense, though--biking would be faster than the snarled up traffic I've been hearing about.

[pfunk12]

Before they heard the full story, my co-workers all asked, "So when did it dawn on you that you weren't wearing your helmet?" Uh...when I got here and went to take it off. And yes, when I went to unclip it and couldn't feel the strap, I immediately put my hands on my head to see if I was wearing it but forgot to attach it to my head! Okay, since I survived and I'm over my shock, I can now laugh at myself.

And SFA...my thoughts exactly. I realize that cycling in this mess isn't for everyone but I already thought that if any motorists give me a hard time, I'm going to shout out that I am one less car on the road .

I am preparing myself for a very interesting evening commute. When I left my building yesterday afternoon in my car, I drove up the street and there was a huge pile of snow in the middle of the street. And it's a major street in Washington, D.C.! And if I look out my building, there is a street across the way that isn't even plowed yet. And the sidewalks aren't shoveled either. This is the way that my co-workers have to walk from the metro to get to work. It is insane.

[Pedal Wench]

I've come close when I've started a ride with something else on my head - buff or beanie. I've gotten in the habit of doing a three-point check when I start out - helmet, glasses, gloves.

[pfunk12]

I've gotten in the habit of doing a three-point check when I start out - helmet, glasses, gloves. Two are inconvenient, one could be deadly.

You're absolutely right. I will be doing that checklist from now on. I put my balaclava on...put my glasses on over that...put all the lights on...said goodbye to my daughter and went out the door. Because the balaclava was snug on my head, I think I just assumed that I was wearing a helmet. I was so angry at myself when I realized what I had done. But you're right, lph...never again!

[OakLeaf]

helmet, glasses, gloves. Two are inconvenient, one could be deadly.

Getting something in your eye at speed could be more than "inconvenient"... I rank helmet only slightly above eye protection (if at all), since lack of eye protection can cause you to wreck, helmet and gloves only save you after you've wrecked.

But yeah, pfunk - good for you for riding, glad you made it okay and glad you have a helmet to borrow for tonight!

[Pedal Wench]

Getting something in your eye at speed could be more than "inconvenient"... I rank helmet only slightly above eye protection (if at all), since lack of eye protection can cause you to wreck, helmet and gloves only save you after you've wrecked.

But yeah, pfunk - good for you for riding, glad you made it okay and glad you have a helmet to borrow for tonight!

I'll actually go back and edit that. You're right, and I should know it. I got something in my eye on a ride, scratched my cornea, and still had to get back to my car, 39 miles away. It was one of the worst and scariest rides I've ever done. (To say nothing of the 2-mile drive to the ER with one eye swollen shut and the other tearing so badly it wasn't staying open either!)

[ClockworkOrange]

Well, pfunk, utmost respect to you for riding at all.

Just pleased you did not come off your bike.

But wasn't your head cold, or did you have a hat on?

I wish I had the nerve to ride in conditions like you, nah, I'm not going to tell you off, I'm the opposite, when it is nice and hot, occasionally I have forgotten to put on my helmet.

Clock

[pfunk12]

Well, pfunk, utmost respect to you for riding at all.

Just pleased you did not come off your bike.

But wasn't your head cold, or did you have a hat on?

I wish I had the nerve to ride in conditions like you, nah, I'm not going to tell you off, I'm the opposite, when it is nice and hot, occasionally I have forgotten to put on my helmet.

Clock

Thanks for your support ! I was wearing a balaclava and I think because I hadn't worn it in about 2 weeks, it felt warm and snug.

[TsPoet]

I once road to work, the entire way thinking that I needed to buckle my seat belt. I was laughing at myself for my odd fascination with a seat belt on a bike - the whole way, I couldn't get the seat belt thought out of my head.
When I went to take off my helmet - no helmet.
I'm thinking my subconscious mind was trying to tell me something, but I wasn't hearing it correctly.