Saying Goodbye To A Helmet
Post crash, one of the hardest things for me is saying goodbye to a helmet. You see, for me, throwing away an old helmet is like saying goodbye to an old friend. It sounds strange, but there's something intensely personal about a helmet, almost moreso than any other piece of kit. Sure, someone will point out your bibs are more personal, and they may well be from a physical standpoint. But from a mental standpoint, I think the helmet is your closest confidant.
Think about it: it protects your most valuable asset (your brain) and it has an inherently intimate contact with your body in the process of doing that job. Nothing in cycling is worse than the feel of a poorly fitting helmet, which can dig into your head, pinch your skin, chafe or flop around. Finding the perfect fit, the perfect colour, the perfect shape are a time-consuming process that leads many to purchase several of the same helmet to ensure a steady supply of them.
But spending a little time with your helmet can change it from a piece of kit to a trusted friend.