Yes, there was a time when helmets were not required in California. I think this picture was from 1979. I wanted to be cool, and helmets were just not cool back then. The protective gear that was available for road riding was few and poor. Oh how it is soooo much better now!
I have hit the ground many times, and am very lucky to still be here. Luckily I had a helmet on during all but one crash, and it was a slow embarrassing one. Ok, I’ll tell you. I was washing my S2 Kawasaki 350, and when I was done I wanted to blow off the excess water by riding it down my block and back. I put Armor All on my tires too! I rode down my block slowly, and when I went to turn around I was on my ass! I had put Armor All too high on my tires so there was no traction when I turned! Luckily I was not hurt at all since I was in shorts, tennis shoes and a t-shirt. Just a Dumb Ass!
Riding gear now a days is phenomenal! Comfortable, readily available, provides incredible protection and….well, not really inexpensive but well worth it.
For those of you that lived and rode through my era, good on you for still being here. For those newer riders, I have to say gear up or else! I know that protective gear can be uncomfortable at times. If you add up the pain, suffering and damage that a fall can cause then you will easily realize that wearing proper gear works!
