[[xr650r] welcome spring - be careful]

[LDHunter]

Eric, Thanks for the reminder. If your message saves even one life or injury it will be a wonderful thing. I'm good friends with several firemen and they are incredulous that anyone would be so stupid as to ride a motorcycle with no helmet. They see so many head trauma situations that would be easily avoided by wearing helmets that it's crazy. Anyone that thinks that helmets don't save lives and even worse brain dead people, has their head firmly buried in the sand and is being terrifically irresponsible. If you don't do it for yourself then do it for your family and friends. ATGATT!!!! $bob$ OK all, I know that spring is here, and everyone has the itch to get out and ride, so I just wanted to remind everyone to WEAR YOUR HELMET and accidents can happen anywhere at any speed. I work as an RN in a Trauma Intensive Care Unit and the increase in head traumas lately, especially motorcycle accidents, is getting unreal. I had a guy today that is going to be a quadraplegic for life due to a 30mph wreck with no helmet (dirtbike). I watched last week as a wife broke down after finding out that her 36 year old husband and father of their 5 month old was brain dead (no helmet - ATV). I see it over and over, accidents that seem minor end up with Natasha Richardson type outcomes. I am guilty of it too, I wash my bike and then give it a quick run in the field by my house to air dry it, or do a quick fix and run up and down the street without a helmet, no more though. The thing we all have in common is that we feel we are good riders and it will never happen to us, especially just a quick jaunt on the bike. We know it is possible, but let's face it, the odds are we will be fine. Try telling that to your family who has to make the decision to take you off life support the day after you had told them you were going to go for a quick spin. Are they prepared to make your funeral arrangements now? I know it is a risk to ride, so just don't take any chances, especially with your head. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]