What features did you like?
Fit, Functionality, Quality, Style
“Smith helmets have always just fit me really well, which is why I continue to buy them again and again. More than just their helmets, Smith products are detail oriented and robust to the point they I know they will take a beating and keep performing.”
“I have only had the helmet a month, but I’m pleased with it. The helmet is lightweight and has great ventilation. I found it to be slightly smaller than my other helmets.”
What features did you like?
Color, Fit, Functionality, Quality, Style
“So I crashed. I was having great ride. I was riding with 3 friends. We started around 5:30 pm . Even that it was a bit late in the day, there was plenty of light and time to finish the ride before dark. I was feeling confident, features felt easy and I was riding well between my limits.
Half way down the trail, we stoped to check the drop and rollercoaster. I went first, no problem. The other 2 guys decided to walk, but the third decided to go for it. She clear the drop, but came a bit too fast onto the roller coaster. She crashed hard at the bottom of the steep ramp and broke her collarbone. F**K!
We stopped, assessed the situation, and when she was ready, we decided that the best option will be to walk down the mountain to the trailhead. We did not have a first aid kit or headlamps. One guy will walk with the injured rider and me and the other guy will push the bikes. Still some distance to go the the bottom. Moving the bikes was slow and light was starting to run out. I thought it could be faster if I ride a bike for a bit , walk back, and ride the other bike. I do a couple of shuttles. It’s easier but not much faster. the injured rider looks pale and we are afraid she might go into shock. I get back on my bike to ride another section. A few meters down the trail, I crash! I miss a wooden ramp and go OTB from the top. It’s a drop. I realized at the last second that I was fucked. I crashed hard. Head first from 7-8 ft above the ground. I hit the ground hard. I see stars. Lots of stars. I scream in pain F**K!!!
I do not lose consciousness, I can talk. I try no to move much. Can I wiggle my toes? Yes. Can I wiggle my fingers? Yes but it hurts. I feel pain in my back, on my neck, on my shoulder, on my arm. I hear people coming. I yell “Stop, rider down!” They cannot see me before they commit to the ramp. Fortunately is my buddy. He looks worried.
I scoot myself off the trail and sit on the dirt. I can move. I take off my helmet. It’s dented and cracked. I breath it out for a few minutes, still checking that I can move everything. My buddy ask me a few questions to make sure that I do not have a head injury. I pass with flying colors.
I can stand up. I can walk. I can move my hands. I can talk. Im in pain. Maybe is not the smartest decision to walk by myself after such a crash, but I know my way out and have enough adrenaline rush to make it to the car. I have my phone and there’s other riders going by.
Takes me about 20 min to make it to the car. My buddy arrives. I sit at the back and he drives me to emergency.
I get check in without ID and 10 min later I’m laying out in a stretcher waiting to be seeing by a doctor.
So, what happened? How did I crash in a feature that I’ve rode dozens of times without incident?
Short answer. I did not have my head on the trail. When you ride a trail you are anticipating what’s coming. I was not. I was thinking about everything that was happening around me except the riding. I paid the price. It does not matter how many times have you ride a trail. They are still difficult trails that require your full attention. I’m extremely lucky that I got out of there with a couple broken ribs, a fracture C7 and some sprains and bruises. If everything goes well, I should be recovered in 6 to 8 weeks. It could had been much, much worse.
A couple ofd things: Thanks god for helmets I can certainly say that it save my life! Smith Forefront MIPS
And a big shutout to our health care system. I was in emergency for close to 24hrs. They did 2 ultrasound, 2 CT scans, 2 Xray sessions and 1 MRI. I can wait to see you guys again…just kidding!”
