A Message From ECMTB's Favorite Pro

East Coast Mountain Biking's favorite pro rider, Ryan Leech keeps an eye on our forums and the East Coast riding scene in general. He noted the the fierce conflict associated with wearing a helmet while riding and sent us a letter. Ryan rides for Norco, and we were treated with a few demo rides in the Maritimes last year. I had the chance to meet Ryan at Savage's Bike Shop in Fredericton and I can't say enough about the man. He spent time with every person who came for an autograph, and put on an A1 show to boot. Here is what he had to say, after admitting that it the helmet issue is a tricky one, but one he cares a lot about.

It sounds like Halifax stepped up to provide an amazing skatepark, I'm sure athletes of all ages and styles have been making great use of the facility. I have visited many skateparks all over the world, and there are two things that are universal; first the use of helmets are sporadic, typically skaters are least likely to wear a lid, bmx'ers occasionally wear helmets, and mountain bikers are the most likely. The second common element at most skateparks is a history of head injuries, that is the unfortunate truth, and it could happen to you,
the choice is ultimately yours, but it's not easy sometimes...

Pick up any skateboard magazine, it's very rare to see a pro wear a helmet; bmx magazines, they sometimes wear a lid; mountain bike magazines, almost always wearing helmets (although among many street style mtbers, they are starting to choose skin and hair); notice a pattern at the park? There is a direct correlation between the habit of a pro and the habit therefore adopted by the amateur.

If you happen to be a pro reading this, please know that you have a huge responsibility to your admirers; your choice to wear a helmet may determine the fate of some kid; sorry to be so blunt, but I believe that is the truth. Don't underestimate your influence.

I have taken some nasty crashes over the last 15 years of riding mountain bikes. I can honestly claim that my helmet has saved my career many times over, that goes for my brains too, and even life. If you're an amateur, especially a young one, it can be so tough to go against the grain, and the consequences are often hard to grasp. I urge you to be brave, and listen to your heart when the choice comes to grab the helmet or leave it at home, ultimately you know the right thing to do.

There is nothing better than sessioning a line, or working a trick, then finally nailing it perfectly. So go out and play, play hard, and play for the rest of your life.

Ryan

One should know that Ryan's e-mail signature reads 'Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.' We all have to do our part in all aspects of life, making the right decisions on our bikes or everywhere else in life. Thanks so much for the letter Ryan, we look forward to seeing you on the good side of the country again soon!

Posted by O9man at July 8, 2008 11:38 PM

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