[jhynesrockmtn]

Jeff,

So sorry to hear this. I know you've mentioned in other threads having gone through this with a few other riding buddies. RIP to your friend.

There was a thread I was reading on PNWriders.com yesterday about a guy killed in Redmond over the weekend wearing one of those thin "skull cap" helmets. Strap broke and he died of head trauma.

I don't understand the no helmet mentality either. I'm a fairly new rider as you know. I've just told myself if I don't have the patience to put all the gear on every time including overpants, full face helmet, etc. I won't ride. It is a pain on an 80 degree day but that's the deal I've made with myself.

I'm the same way on a bicycle. I've broken two bike helmets in falls. They've saved me from worse injuries than I sustained. My broken bones healed. A broken head often does not.

Hopefully others will learn from this tragedy.