Browsing idly around the local cycle shop last weekend while my husband was buying a bike, looking particularly at the selection of helmets with visors.
I found a section of women’s helmets, which made me snort. There was even one that was pink! The shop assistant explained to me how they only came in one size, but could be easily adjusted to fit snuggly all over your head, so that your occipital lobes were gently cupped at the back for the utmost protection. I sneered (on the inside), my husband bought his bike, and we headed away.
But of course, human nature being what it is, I’ve been thinking about that helmet all week. I guess I’d quite like my skull base to be gently cosseted. Anyway, today I cycled over there in the rain and bought it.
Interestingly, even though it was a reasonable length ride – 21 km – with a hard seat and zero shock absorption, my bum never got sore. I was riding a bike that I brought up from town yesterday, having been demoted from my daily commute by my purchase of an eye wateringly expensive European ebike last week.
The bike I usually use up here has a comfy padded seat and exemplary shock absorption, and my arse is inevitably in agony after about 15 kms. Obviously it’s a complicated problem, certainly far more so than the gentlemen in bike shops (who invariably ask you whether you wear underpants under your cycling shorts when you ask them about the issue) would have you believe.