Joe and I had bought cheapy mountain bikes on layaway back before we got married in 1997. It was so thrilling to actually get my first brand new bike since I was 8 years old. I remember that birthday. I also remember in 7th grade I finally convinced my Dad I needed a new bike that fit me. And a bike for me was critical. I had to bike to band practice, ball practice, friends houses, I was not simply taxied around. I loved my bike. My Grandparents were over and came to Dad's financial rescue. Grandma had a practically brand new bike she'd maybe rode 3 times that I could have. I had my hopes up but I kind of knew what I would be getting. It looked something like this.
My friends used to tease me mercilessly about it. Them in their hip hot pink 12-speeds and what not and me in my cream, blue, and brown 3 speed monster. Oh well, that bike took me all over the place!!! And though it was super fugly, I loved it. And I only cared a little bit what others thought of it.Which leads me to this question? Why am I so stinking worried about what I look like with a helmet on? We make our kids wear helmets. Most kids by the time they are Tommy's age around here no longer wear them. I guess if I want my kids to be ok with them I have to lead by example. So Joe bought us both helmets. I hate it. Ashley looks cute like a little Toadstool from Mario Brothers. I just look like that weird rat from Pinky and the Brain. But seriously who am I really trying to impress anyways? I guess I just feel sheepish as I barely crack 10 mph and don't do any rough terrain. Do I really need a helmet? I made it my little 4 miles and saw many people I knew and even stopped to visit with one person. I didn't get teased about my helmet. In fact it wasn't even mentioned. I suppose like anything it will just take some getting used to. Moral of the story, if I could survive my teen years riding the fugly monster I should definitely not care about a piece of safety head gear as a 32 year old.
But here is a great PSA that makes me feel so much better about my mushroom head. Enjoy!
7 comments:
OMG! You are both too cute! :) Although I do love the Pinky and the Brain comment! Made me giggle! :) Good girl for wearing your helmet! Luke is being obnoxious about wearing his lately, he says, I'm just going down the sidewalk, mom!
Hehe thanks...yeah I used to love that dorky show. Sorry Luke gives you crud about wearing his helmet. It's tough to be the ball buster at times but it's for our kids own good.
You and Ashley look great with your new set of wheels. I wear my helmet when I ride and I hear you - don't go fast enough to cause major damage you think - but it is the other 'guys' we need to worry about. Can't wait to see the whole fam on their bikes this summer.
Both of you look great! I almost want to get Leila a helmet now :-) I guess I need a bike first...
Thanks Julie - One of these days maybe the family will get saucy and we can bike way out to Fairgrove. You can make us lemonade or something before the trek back. And you're right we do need to watch out for the other guy.
Mrs. N - Thanks, but I don't think you should be biking anywhere these days. ;) Maybe next summer you will get a bike with a double trailer.
I think you look great in your helmet!! You're right - it's the best thing for you and the kids - after all they learn from example. Bennett always wears a helmet on his tricycle and if he ever gives me a hard time I have the law to back me up!
Barbara - Is there are law in Canada stating you have to wear bike helmets?? Wow that would be something.
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