Tuesday, November 27, 2012

cool, but warm







It's starting to get cold here in So Cal, so cold that day riding is in the 70's, and gets to the 40's at night. Jacket weather with a sweatshirt underneath-remember all of us seasoned riders know to dress in layers, and time for the winter gloves to come out, and on. But only at night. Years ago I started wearing deerskin gloves while riding, no matter the time of year, and now feel naked without gloves on while riding. We were told by the old timers then that gloves could protect you when you had to touch a warm engine, and keep the 100 octane off your hands when tickling the carbs. Plus they are comfortable, so I still wear them today. Shorties, cut off at the wrist, with full fingers for all you too stylish to have your fingers covered so your skull rings don't show. And I wear out a pair of gloves a year from all the riding, seems just when they get really comfortable they are too stretched and don't fit right anymore.
But over the years I have accumulated gloves, and one pair of snow mobile mittens in my riding wardrobe. I have deerskin gauntlets for cooler weather, no lining needed, and even three pairs of cold weather gloves when it gets below freezing. Gloves for every occasion, or at least for every climate I may encounter. Function way before form as I have no nylon, plastic, or non-animal skin gloves, except if you don't count naugha as a proper hide. I'm comfortable, and even warm on cool nights, and prefer to be riding rather than in a car with the heat blasting on me. I'm addicted, and I know it-get over it!
Now for all you safety driven riders, I don't wear a jacket when it is hot, I love riding in t-shirts and jeans. Just like McQueen did, but for cold nights I can dress like Brando in my leather. Or James Dean, still cool, but warm. Years ago a friend had a Belstaff riding jacket, the old English type that weighed 100 pounds, smelled like the swamp, and you used to melt candles to keep the rain out. But it worked, and today they are over $500 new, this is probably the only used item never to buy-one whiff and you'll know why. But a few weeks ago I made a concession to style, and bought a Tour master Rincon that has the looks and feel, and the protection it states, for less than $100. It fits, it's light compared to any of my five leathers, it's warm, and I look cool. OK, I hope I do. But it works, and now I have even another choice to make when the weather gets cool. After any years of riding in New Jersey, Colorado, and New Mexico winters, I still don't wear long johns, and refuse to be seen in chaps. I know, "they keep the cold out," my wife says, but the Rowdy Yates style never sat well with me, no pun intended. If you are going to wear leather, wear leather. With the exception of the posers who wear them all year round, or the girls who almost wear them at biker rallies. I'm talking guys who ride here, not the so-called lifestyle types. You all know who you are, if not, ask one of us. And with my Arai, I am ready for any weather, any road, at any time of year. Just a matter of which bike I ride today, let's see , Bonneville or Tiger? When did riding become so difficult?
Years ago there was a popular poster with Jesus on it, quoting someone other than Him stating, "let them wear their hair as long as they want." Good advice, as I will never join the shaved head/future man looking agenda until a comb over is obscene, so I wear my hair to my shoulders. Keeps my neck warm in winter too. It's that he never said it. But too many people are turned off, or on by religious things and quotes attributed to God, when He never said them. You would think with all that He does have to say it would be easier to quote than misquote. So when I see some squeaky clean, no hair out of place guy carrying a shiny, leather Bible cover, I get scared. I don't find these types out there, or in scripture. Guys in suits, skinny ties, and white shirts, too cultish. I find no dress code for godliness that Jesus spoke of. Dress comfortably, even in a suit and tie if that works for you. Even though it creeps some of us out. All Bibles look new once, break in the new one quick, a worn out Bible tells of a life that isn't. Be more aware of what is on the inside rather than the packaging of it. Be yourself, a full time job for me, and let Jesus shine through you, not despite you. When it is hot, He keeps is cool. When cold, He is warm.
I tell visitors to church when asking for our pastor, just look for someone helping someone and that is probably him. If you believe, your life should reflect what you believe. Your lifestyle will have life, not just trendy clothes. For God looks on the heart and not the outer man. A good lesson in figuring out just who you are in church with, or riding next to. It is getting tougher to tell us older riders as the full face helmets keep the bugs out of teeth, and even younger guys with shaved heads look older. Ask around, you can tell those who ride. Don't be misled by a pretty bike and a shiny leather. Or don't be misled by some guys carrying a book that isn't the Bible, but has the name of Jesus on it. Those of us who ride know who we are, and those who belong to Jesus Christ know who we are. Better yet, He knows, and that makes all the difference.
Jesus knows and is the real thing. No posers in heaven, although they may occupy some churches, and pulpits. Get to know God, and don't stray from Him. Stick with what you know, and you will stick with who you know. The signs remind us that Jesus is the reason for the season, but no matter the weather, Jesus is truly a man for all seasons. He just knows how to dress for it. Do you? To be ready in any situation. Dressing in layers, the most important part being what is inside. Or really who. Who is inside those shiny leathers is more important than what covers them. For out of the heart...Jesus Christ, cool, and always comfortable. Are you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com