In California I rarely think about what I am going to wear when I ride Mama Springer. In a way, riding a Harley Davidson CVO Springer demands that one ride with the right attire. This includes black leather boots over the ankle, a leather jacket (black of course), gloves (you guessed it, black leather), heavy jeans, and a helmet. One must never forget dark sunglasses to help face the Southern California sun and wind. I do not feel any different than I do at any other point during the day. From the reactions of those I meet on the road, I do not think the feeling is mutual.
Much to my surprise, I have come to enjoy returning the smiles of kids that stare or wave. Some parents go along with the exchange. Others seem to be telling their kids not to interact with “bad” people that ride dangerous bikes. In the spirit of honoring the hard work that goes into being a parent, I usually smile, shrug my shoulders and keep on going. On the bike, I am who I am. I honor the Harley code of always respecting mother and country, befriending anyone riding a Harley especially those in distress, and enjoying the ride. There are no false identities needed. Just be who and what you are.
I wonder how far this approach to identity can extend into the rest of my life. Can I be who and what I am – just that without embellishments? What would it take? While it is true that I do not always reach the Harley aspirations, I embrace and reach for the ideals. Am I willing to do this with God? Others?
A writer reminds me that that the opportunity with Divinity is here. “Don’t we take into ourselves the body, the very life, of Christ? Because there is one loaf, our many-ness becomes one-ness—Christ doesn’t become fragmented in us. Rather, we become unified in him.” (1 Corinthians 10.17)
I know what a Harley rider looks like. I want to reach for what a God-believer looks like.
