Specialized Saved Brian

 

There is no doubt in our minds that the Specialized helmet Brian was wearing saved his life. When I was in school in the 1980’s (Hey no math here!) the other children made fun of me because I wore a helmet when I rode my bike. The middle schoolers were mean, nothing has changed, they messed with my bike undid my wheels quick releases etc… the teasing was relentless ”You don’t ride fast enough to need that.” I always wore it every time because I knew better. I was a bike racer they were not. Back then helmets were not worn by any kids or adults unless you were a racer. These kids didn’t know that I lived on Coronado hills and that I obtained speed wobble at perhaps 50-60MPH on my bike before the stop sign at the bottom of the hill. Looking back I would have died helmet or not crashing at that speed but I was a kid I knew no better. It was not until the responsibility of kids of my own that my self preservation paranoia would kick in. That part in your mind that goes “not safe, not safe, not safe” when thinking about doing stupid things. 

Brian’s helmet after the crash was cracked all the way through in 7 different places from the impact of his crash. It was bloodied, dented, the colorful plastic cover cracked in many placed shattered in some places it was compressed in others. It picked up grass and dirt from the ditch in which he landed at least 5-8 feet from where he was riding. Brian has red marks that match the foam on the inside on his scalp. Brian does not have mobility in his arms and legs yet, what he does still have is his mind and his life. Although he is not walking yet we believe he will, the surgeon believes he will. His brilliant, logical, analytical mind, his memories of his long life were protected by Specialized and an unbreakable habit of wearing a helmet… every time…. Every. Single. Time. Period. When we walk in the room he knows us, can talk to us, and we can talk to him. This is a gift so when I say Every single time. I mean EVERY SINGLE TIME! Wear it! 

Also  his torso does not have road rash because Brian wore an undershirt … Every time. 

Kudos to Specialized and their life saving helmet. We are forever grateful.