I always enjoy a good read and the International Journal of Motorcycle Studies or the IJMS always delivers. The Spring issue has an excellent article regarding helmets and gear written by Wendy Moon. The article is entitled, “Riding Half-Naked (Or The Conversion of a Safety Nazi)”.
Wendy had previously had long heated discussions with her non-helmet riding friend, Revvv, but was soon to discover another world of riding. Revvv, was from a “free state” and chose not to wear a helmet, because for him it represented freedom. “No one has the right to tell me what to do,” he espoused. Wendy, not usually a pillion rider, rides her own Harley Sportster, in her home town of LA. But flying to El Paso she found herself unable to pack her helmet. On this trip she would be riding as a pillion, or rear seat rider. She asked Revvv to bring her a helmet when he picked her up from the airport, but the helmet was huge and it was as detrimental as not wearing one. So, she went without, for the first time ever.
Her riding adventure with Revvv led her to a new understanding of “freedom” and thoughts she never thought she would entertain. Please read the article for yourselves. It’s well written and entertaining.
Wendy recently passed away (no, not from riding without a helmet!) Her memorial at IJMS is here. A frequent feature writer for Motorcycle Consumer News, her voice will be missed. Enjoy Riding Half-Naked, a previously unpublished work.
RIP Wendy and kudos on a many nicely written pieces. I enjoyed this article but I’ll continue riding in my full-face helmet!