Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Oct 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Lidless - Have you ever ridden?

I was reading James May's column where he mentions he's never ridden without a helmet and I realised neither have I, well apart from manoeuvring the bike into the garage when it's been left outside, but that hardly counts.

So without wanting to stir up a hornets' nest about whether one should or shouldn't, I'm just wondering for those that have - what's it like? I know, trying to descirbe it's going to be interesting. And for those that haven't is it one of those things that, like me, sits in the back of your mind going "you should try it one day".
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
I rode around some of the US without a lid in the late 80's - at least in those states where it was legal to do so. It was pretty cool and certainly added to the experience - blasting through a desert with the wind in your hair and only a pair of shades....

However, looking back I can see what a totally idiotic decision it was and wouldn't even consider doing it now....we were lucky that the one spill my brother had was in a state where it is law to wear one - otherwise he would be dead now.

Having had a pretty bad accident myself, that one should always wear a helmet is a total no-brainer really.

SW
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Oct 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Yes, logically it's a no brainer, but emptionally there's still that niggling thought, but maybe that's just me?
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 114
Put me helmet on the rear rack..
to ride part of the Dasht-E-Kavir in Iran,
just me the sun, sand and the sound of
me moto..... oh and the odd ipod tune :-)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Oct 2008
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
In my younger (and Harley cruiser) days yeah i did the helmetless thing (did the beenie-lid thing too). Below 50mph i knew why my dog always has his head out the window. It was a great feeling (up to about 50mph, then it got uncomfortable). If you feel connected to the world with a lid on multipy it by 10 to guess the level of conection.. there is no "the world though a visor" feeling. (This may be the same for an open face... but that is a diffent story, which i dont know about). I really did enjoy it and boy did i feel "cool" but then i was 20 and I thought the world revolved around how cool I was.. I still sometimes miss it. I like you still think about it.. but being a 1st responder i know why I dont do it ..

It is nice,, and if you are thinking about doing it.. i suggest a empty beach.. where you cant really go all that fast, and if you do come acropper you hit soft sand (which will hopefully not act like sandpaper), but most importanly there is no way of an other vehical/person/dog being involved.
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Langholm,Scotland,UK.
Posts: 155
Rode lidless in India, lovely





Trophymick
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 391
Thumbs up

Around the temples at Angkor Wat for me - early morning; low orangey sun through the heavy foliage; heavy smells of Cambodian breakfast; heat and humidity sounding a warning but not yet arrived; just 25mph and the sound of a happy twin burbling on through. That was good that.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 15
I ride lidless off road a lot... on trails, fire roads,,,,,,,,,, Stupid? yeah Dangerous? Certainly.. but FUN? HELL YES!

PS, If you are stupid enough like me, to ride lidless off road, then you only have your own sorry stupid self to blame when you get hurt......like this..



Would I ride Lidless again?............ I still do!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Oct 2008
butchdiamond's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NFA
Posts: 126
I've always been of the opinion that as long as people know the risks, helmet laws are a bit over the top. It's just you're own life you're risking. Don't get me wrong, helmets are a good idea, and I wear mine 98% of the time. But free climbing is bloody dangerous too, but you're not forced to wear a harness. And free diving, free falling, climbing a tree, crossing the road... the list could go on. Life can be dangerous. If the only life at risk is your own, then the decision should be your own.

Some people say that these foolish folk are a drain on the nations medical system. But then they don't complain when some "hero" tries to paddle from one continent to another and needs rescuing by helicopter at great expense.

Be safe, be sensible, but if you want to ride without a lid then I don't think anyone has the right to tell you not to.
__________________
BD.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Western, Kentucky
Posts: 56
I have to admit I'm often guilty of riding lidless myself. And yes I know it's dangerous, I have a brother who is about 90% blind and his face is disfigured due to an ATV accident that happened in his front yard from not wearing a lid.

Like Xander said, I know why the dog sticks his head out the window, it feels wonderful.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Salisbury UK
Posts: 248
Used to years ago, before the law changed. There were many who argued against them, saying you are less aware of what's around you - less peripheral vision. I have to admit, I agreed. It felt very strange (and muffled) wearing one. Bought a car instead.
__________________
I've a feeling I'm not in Kansas anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 13 Oct 2008
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
WOW!!! Yeah I see what everyone means, lock me up now officer I'm guilty as charged. Mind you I wasn't on the road. What a blast, I'd thought it would be like cycling down a long hill, but it wasn't really, there's the noise for a start and other things that I can't put my finger on. Maybe even the danger gives that little extra thrill.

Now of course don't do this at home kids, and I'll still be sticking my head in the plastic padded bucket at all times.

But I'm glad I tried it.

Now, onto wheelie-ing.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Oct 2008
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Lidless .
At least here is one BMW rider who is not wearing an 1800 dollar clown suit .


YouTube - naked biker
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Oct 2008
albert crutcher's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
Dodger

Thats you isn,t it Dodger!!!
Al theturtleshead
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 Oct 2008
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Nah ,my dad always warned me about putting my sausage too close to a toaster.

Anyways if twas me there would be no blurry bits --I,d be proud to show off my purple helmet .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
swiss reg bike in EU to be ridden by UK citizen back home dafyddcoh Trip Paperwork 1 4 Sep 2008 11:22

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:03.