My helmet fitted so well

unfortunately it also fitted in the locker

Dresden was a good skate. My legs were flying until a bump caused me to fall. The back pack slid into my neck and I slid over the tarmac. Slowly I realised that the ground had come quite close to my head; closer than I had thought. Blood flowed from a gaping wound in my head and ran over my face. Unsettled and confused, I faltered to the side of the road. A few girls with tissues rushed over to get the situation under control.

A little scene was replayed in front of my inner eye. It took place just two weeks earlier: I found myself in a well-stocked bicycle shop to buy a helmet. A broad range was on offer. Many different brands, colours and models made the decision very difficult. The helmet was supposed to be vented, light and should well enclose the head, just like a woolly hat. Having tried on several helmets I found the desired object. I gasped at the till when the friendly shop assistant named the price. I shouldn’t act like that, he said and asked, “How important is your own head?” It sounded like a sales slogan, but the genuine truth in it and the well fitting helmet convinced me.

Now I was sitting in the street. But the sensible investment wasn’t where it was supposed to be. It was waiting for the onward journey with the train – in a locker.

I was annoyed. I had fallen on my head, not on the helmet. I have long counted myself as one of those inline skaters who point out the benefits of wearing a helmet.

The helmet would possibly have prevented the laceration in the head. Now a big scar will remain to remind me for a long time. There is no reason at all not to wear a helmet. Excuses such as ‘I don’t skate as fast as you’, ‘I don’t fall (on my head)’ or ‘I’m not going to ruin my hairstyle’ are all absurd.

A pebble blocking a wheel, rough tarmac or an oily film can unbalance even those who roll cautiously. And it doesn’t even have to be your own fault - other skaters, pedestrians or cyclists have to be careless for just one second and here we go…

Some unwillingness might be based on the right fit, the colour or the model. However, given the huge choice of different manufacturers, helmets have become a piece of clothing, which can fit in with our entire outfit.

Besides the head, hands have to be protected in any case. Even the best falling technique requires some use of the hands. And the small bones need back up. ‘By the way’, the shop assistant shouted while I left the shop, ‘After a fall you can return the helmet to the manufacturers. For a small fee they provide a substitute and your most important piece is back on the safe side.’

My helmet hasn’t fallen with me yet; unfortunately.

Credits

Sebastian Baumgartner is a famous inline speedskater, was part of the Salomon Access to Speed video, and runs the excellent Experts in Speed workshops.

Translated by Musculix - with thanks!

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