Raymond Lowey, perhaps the premier industrial designer of the
20th century, had a sign on his desk reading “WEIGHT IS THE ENEMY.” At that
time he had designed such iconic items as the Coca Cola bottle, and Studebaker
was hoping he could add some style to their automobile line. In an era when
things were mast of cast iron, no real plastics available readily, and
aerodynamics were still for aeroplanes, he was forward thinking in his approach,
reduce weight, put less stress on components, and it will take less horsepower.
Or in the case of more horsepower with less weight, it would mean greater
acceleration, and better fuel economy. 70 years ago things just not important,
but today billions have been spent trying to get that last 1/10 of mpg, or mph.
Computers have helped, they can control engine functions, but cannot aid in
weight reduction. Lighter, more expensive materials, plastics, and alloys have
helped the cause, but if you are overweight to start, the weight cutting can be
more costly than just designing it correct in the first place.
Reading a September, 1975 Road Test magazine, I was interested
in a test of a Jensen Healey, an English sports car, the top went down marking
it as a real sports car. Not sporty as badges on anything from mini-vans to
plain Jane four door sedans advertise. But a real sports car, with some
interesting specs. 0-60 in 8.3 seconds, OK today, quick 40 years ago. Gas
mileage in the 27+ range, all from a 2-seater, with wind in your face, and the
sound of the exhaust providing the music. But the kicker was it only weighed
2200 pounds! Or about the same as two Gold Wings! Now true the Wing has a
better stereo and cupholders, is much quieter, and costs much more-even in 2013
dollars. But we are comparing cars to bikes! And some British sports cars
weighed less, like the Austin Healey Sprite of my friend Joe, that we used to
put on his front porch, sideways so he couldn’t drive it off, by only four of
us. I have even seen Gold Wings with mechanical assists for getting them on the
side stand, maybe that is why they ride in groups, in case one falls, it takes
all the Wing’s horses, and all the Wing’s men to pick up Humpty Honda again.
Lowey was right, weight is the enemy.
It is for adults to. Having lost 40 pounds in my open heart
surgery diet, one I don’t recommend, I feel so much better. Ask Ken and Marcia,
both losing 40+ pounds. Bikerjim losing the same. And suddenly we see the
problem-us. But the solution is also the same-us. We can control our intake,
sometimes painfully-pizza still smells good, and I hold my breath past In and
Out, but I feel so much better. And my body is healthier. And it adds to my
good looks. LOL. Now I am not about to tell you what to eat, but healthy is a
good thing. It may not add years to your life, sorry surveys, you ain’t God,
but it can add life to your years. And just as less weight on the bike effects
handling, it also effects your knees, ankles, and the rest of your body. If you
are brave, or old enough, look back 40 years and see how good you looked. The
Disco clothes fit tighter as they should, and you fit better in your
leathers-and didn’t mind being seen with the top down, on your car. You wanted
others to see how good you looked, as opposed to wearing expanders on your vest,
and spandex in your jeans. The mirror didn’t shrink, and you didn’t either.
Now that I have cheered you up...
God has given us this wonderful thing called choice. We can say
yes to anything, like sin, or no to the same. He refers to it in Galatians 5 as
fruit of the spirit. The last one listed-self control. and the hardest, but
maybe most rewarding, as it is your choice, you can either accept full credit or
full blame. For it is by the choices we make that reflect the glory of God in
or lives. A few years back Dr. Nick lost over 250 pounds, and when I saw him in
church, he greeted me, and I said “Hi Dr. Nick.” Not because I recognized him,
I didn’t, but knew his voice. Also I had seen him on the news about his weight
loss, or there is no way I would have known him. He looked great! Now he knows
how I knew. Foreknowledge. And God offers us the same thing. Found in the
Bible, with instructions and encouragement...but it is your choice.
You can put lipstick on a pig, but he is still a pig, you can
build horsepower in an engine, but will sacrifice economy. Things that weigh
more are less efficient. I was glad when plastic two liters came along, lifting
glass 32 oz. bottles all day was tiring. So consider your weight today. and
don’t delay. There is a difference between waiting and delaying. Waiting is
looking for the right time God prepares, delaying is putting it off. Not
obeying God, when it is for your own best benefit. Those that wait upon the
Lord, shall renew their strength...those that weight upon the Lord delay. It
could be you are sports car in a mini-van body. Carrying weight you don’t
need. Can you see your toes? Maybe the hardest test of all? But do you see
Jesus? Do you want to? It is your choice, self control. Now don’t you feel
better?
I think I’ll finish off the Oreos just to celebrate. Only
kidding, I think I’ll slip into the jeans I haven’t worn inyears, throw a leg
over my Street Triple, and take a ride. But not past the In and Out. Please
Lord, lead me not into temptation. Wait or weight, god is waiting on you. Your
choice, self control. Only you can decide. Some ride are required to ride a
treadmill, I rather ride my motorcycle. So many decisions, so little time. But
only one Jesus. Make Him your decision today. Don’t wait, remove the weight
today. You can have a shape like a Coke bottle, rather than indulging in one.
And no, you aren’t too short for your weight.
Remember trying to shift in platform shoes? Maybe the only way
to add inches and not weight. But are they hard to shift with....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com