I finally lost my virginity today.

I was riding in Central Park at 8:15 this morning. I was traveling thru the SE corner of the park (where the Horse Carriges run). A dog started to walk into the road from the rec. lane, the guy to my left moved to the right, and I also got forced to the right. This would have been fine if not for the groove worn in the road in this area by the Horse Carrige wheels. Sufice to say, I hit the pavement a split second later. It was an ugly crash. I smashed my shoulder, and also got some road rash and bruises for my trouble. I also took a big hit in one other area as well: my head.

To say I smashed my head on the road is an understatement. My head hit at my left temple with amazing force. My helmet absorbed an impact that had the force of 207lbs being slammed to the ground. Despite this crash, my head feels like nothing out of the ordinary happened has happened. I wish the rest of my body felt the same way.

This brings me to my reason for this email. I may not be able to advise athletes of your caliber on how to imporove your PR's in your next event. I can share what I have taken from this experience with you: "Never spend one second on a bicycle without your helmet".

I expect that most of you already know the value of this statement and live by it. This email is not for you.

It is for the 1 or 2 people in every group that will on occasion skip the helmet, despite the fact that they usually wear one and know better.

I hit my head HARD, and I walked away without problem. It is my opinion that if I had not been wearing my helmet today, I would have spent the day in the emergency room instead of celebrating my daughters first birthday.

Please make sure your next crash has the same happy ending that mine had.

If you still are not convinced, I would be happy to show you the helmet. It is quite convincing.

I wish you all safe riding.

Brad "Rudy Project User For Life" Gansberg