It can be argued that the helmet is a fashion downfall of the cycling sport. (That said, never let me catch you riding without one—no matter how old you are or how “safe” the location) . In Tahoe—the riders varied from massive teams to small groups from all around the country. A special shout-out to the riders from Palm Beach and rider #555. Since most people pedaling around the lake were wearing a Team-In-Training jersey—teams dawned adornments on their helmets to help identify teammates within the pack. Some were very creative and some were confusing—like a bad personalized license plate.
Here is a great picture of some Sacramento TnT riders.
There were also some people wearing crazy things on their helmets—the straws would have driven me batty over the course of 100 miles . (White Lycra is another fashion don’t—but this guy is clearly going for a look that is action packed with issues)
Having something bouncing on your helmet as you ride certainly does not add to your personal cool factor but it was a constant reminder that this was a fun ride. It was fun and I appreciate the fact that people took the time to entertain the rest of us. (Not to be overly critical but I think the teams from New York and New Jersey need to hit the creative drawing board again) .
The helmet adornments that I recall include :
Sacramento = Wine Glasses and Blue Diamond Nut Cans
New York = Mesh Santa Hats – which I did not understand or hear the story behind (could have gone with the Apple or Statue of Liberty—but I guess that was too easy)
Wisconsin = Wedge of Cheese
New Orleans = Feathers and Mask
Oklahoma = Tornado with cow and other items caught in the wind (hard to see but very creative)
Silicon Valley CA = Sharks (each team had different shark fins—for example Tiger sharks had spots on their fins, card sharks had face cards on their fins)
Georgia = Peaches
New Jersey =A tomato and a Toilet ( as I understand it, the story was – if you live in Jersey you are flushing your money down the toilet—I think with the costs of real estate in CA—we are not very sympathetic. Again, the obvious would have been a gardening tool or garden metaphor—but if you want a slightly abstract reference, I personally would have gone with a squirt gun as I am a Sopranos fan.)
San Diego = Bouncing Smiley Face Sun
Washington DC = White House
Unknown Region = Empty Beer Cans (let me know who that was if you were out there)
Unknown Region = Sunflowers (let me know who that was if you were out there)
Los Angeles = Disney Characters
Texas = State of Texas Flag (A few had little bushes on their helmet—but the liberals from NorCal took care of them “New Jersey Style” somewhere around mile 13)
Riding is not about being cool—it is about having fun and getting some great exercise. The helmets made it fun and that’s cool. Thanks to those who went out of their way to be creative. (Now take that stuff off and get back to grinding it out up those hills!)
Have a great weekend!
SDL
