Pittsburgh Rides: Put on your boots
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This is what not to wear on your feet while riding a motorcycle.
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I used to stoke arguments just for sport, even though I knew that I would never change my opponent's mind. This sport was forever changed when I met my Plano, Texas, brother for a trip to Deals Gap, N.C., and the marvelous roads of the Smoky Mountains. We were to meet at Meriwether Lewis' Grave on the Natchez Trace Parkway, 20 miles farther for one of us.
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We traveled east to a Southern restaurant that could have been on location for a movie based on a Faulkner tale. Location was the south side of Fayetteville, Tenn.'s town square. The counter and six tables occupied the front half of the eatery while the rear had three pool tables waiting for the evening crew to rack 'em up.
My brother is a 20-plus-year Texas Republican and I am a lifelong Allegheny County Democrat, and after 10 minutes we decided that we could never agree on politics. Brother loves Bush and I despise him.
That night I placed two other topics into this no-talk spot. Helmets vs. bareheaded riding is the first. Regarding helmets, brother and I share the same beliefs. From our road trip from Oklahoma City to Pittsburgh when we were 17 and we were starting college at Duquesne University in 1967, lids are a must.
Others have just as strong beliefs against head protection as my brother holds about Republican policies, and who am I to change their minds?
Harley/Cruiser riders and I agree on the freedom and rush provided by riding the two-wheeled machine, and we also agree with the foot protection provided by heavy lace-on boots. These boots will stay on the feet and protect ankles and toes when, if ever, a rider finds himself separated from his bike and sliding down the blacktop after reality collides with the rider's rosy plans.
First Published November 4, 2010 12:00 am
