We stayed for a week in Old Forge . I had been riding the roads around home while wearing a helmet but didn't see folks wearing them where we stayed but wore mine anyway . I rode to Inlet and back . I was pumping hard coming up a hill and had enough torque on the back wheel that it pulled out and I crashed . My helmet slammed on the pavement and I would have busted my head open if I hadn't been wearing a helmet . I ended up bruising a kidney .
I never wore a helmet as a kid but found it rather hypocritical to have my kids / grand kids wear one and not do it myself . I have a 14 speed bike and always wear the helmet .