Riding Pants

Riders start out with two or three basic articles of protective gear: the helmet, jacket and gloves. The additional "coverage" comes from shoes or boots and blue jeans, which are considered par for the course.

However, riding pants and boots tend to arrive much farther down the line. They require a much more specific fit, cost a lot more than their non-riding counterparts and may not be used much by a casual rider. These items just aren't justified to many people.

Most non-riders will notice the "spaceman" - a biker with a helmet and a textile jacket. But only another rider will really pay attention to riding pants and boots.

I called up my neighbor today. "Have you looked outside? Isn't it gorgeous!" He agreed to a short ride after work. We just tooled around town, visiting a couple stores he works with. Afterwards, we parted and I headed to a non-remarkable fast food joint, hoping to grab a taste of their "Big Deal."

I pulled in to discover a BMW 1200 GS parked out front. Among my circles, BMW riders are an odd lot, and supposedly the GS riders are the quirkiest.

I came in and ordered my sandwich. The other rider was sitting in a corner, talking on a cell phone. I let him ignore me; It was the polite thing to do. After he hung up, he called across the room, "Hey! What are you riding?" This spurred a friendly conversation that lasted much longer than either of us anticipated. He told me of how his desire to leave cruisers behind led him to the big dual sport, of some of his off-road adventures, and how he lusted after the new KTM's - but was disappointed in the short supply of quality dealers. I shared the story of the older gentleman who traveled all over on his old BMW R-bike, logging hundreds of thousands of miles, yet never had the desire to draw attention to himself by writing a book, posting on the internet or even bragging about it.

Eventually, he pointed out that I was wearing riding pants. I told him, "Might as well be comfortable." I noticed his riding pants and boots as I passed him in the restaurant; we were both decked-out in full riding gear. It gave a certain measure of validity to each of our stories and added to our respect for one-another. We both admitted to our hooligan sides, but we weren't squids. After a while, we both headed our own way, edified by the company of a civilized rider.

We notice the little things that separate or unite us. This time, the riding pants were more important than the ride.

A Balanced Approach

Should I keep riding or sell the bike? This choice bothered me for months. I found my answer where I least expected it.

I could use these excuses to quit:

• Deer. They want to get me.
  
• Money. I spend a lot just to ride.
  
• Time. Riding keeps me from other responsibilities.
  
• Pain. I don't want to die or get injured.
  
• Family. My family should come before riding.
  

Since I'll soon become a father, I have doubts about whether my family can afford my motorcycle addiction. I don't want to take time, money or presence away from my wife and baby because of a personal commitment to wants rather than needs.

People tend to tell me one of two things:

• I should sell the bike and quit riding. I hear this all the time. This knee-jerk reaction really gets old. These people don't care what I do - they just hate motorcycles!
  
• I should keep the bike. They say I deserve to indulge myself occasionally. This approach ignores the fact that I must meet my family's needs before my personal entertainment.
  

I mentioned some of my thoughts to a recently acquired friend.

I said, "I struggle with the thought that riding may have become an idol in my life."

He replied, "It is good that you struggle."

Finally, someone demonstrated genuine insight without passing judgment! He reaffirmed my passion for motorcycles and my commitment to family. For the first time, someone provided a response - not a reaction - to my riding.

When the time comes, I will make the decision - one way or the other - to keep or sell the bike.

In the meantime, I will ride conservatively, enjoy my commute and take smaller rides. After all, a balanced approach will avoid the trappings of judgmental reactions.