GOD’S PPE

Atalaya Castle ...in Murrells Inlet, SC Article by Nicole CGW

Monthly Devotional

HELMET LAWS SUCK! But then apparently so does PROPER FOOTWEAR!

What am I talking about you ask?

Almost every time I participate in motorcycle events or large group rides, I see the same things. Folks wearing tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, and no helmet. While I realize we have the right to choose what we wear while riding, and I am happy our state has very relaxed helmet laws, we should not have to legislate common sense. Having ridden motorcycles for the better part of 49 years, I have been involved in or seen my share of accidents. Almost weekly someone is calling me or posting on my social media page about a biker being involved in a wreck. Folks run off the road, are hit by other vehicles, or they are involved in some other situation that makes them go down. I have been to countless accident scenes where the rider could have been in much better shape if he/she would have been dressed in the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Currently, I have not one, not two, but three friends who are recovering because of three separate motorcycle accidents. While they have various injuries from broken bones to road rash, none of the three would be here today had they not been wearing a good DOT approved full face helmet. In 2015 a full-face helmet, thick jacket, heavy jeans, and boots kept me from being seriously injured when a guy chose to run a stop sign in front of me. Along with a good helmet, proper clothing is more than just a great idea. I realize shorts are cooler on hot days but sliding down the road on your bare legs is not. Tank tops may look great as you show off your summertime bod, but road rash all over your upper body is a high price to pay in the name of looking cute. While I love flip flops, it’s too late to wish for a pair of heavy boots when you hit one of those little yellow road reflectors with your bare toe and tear all the meat from it.

There is an old saying among those of us who enjoy motorcycles, “dress for the slide, not for the ride.” No one plans to go down on their bike while tooling along on a Sunday ride, but it does happen. This lifestyle that we have chosen is supposed be fun, but it can also be very dangerous. On that note, we may be dressed head to toe and physically prepared for anything, but not prepared spiritually. We may have the $400 helmet, a half a cow’s worth of leather riding gear, and still not be completely prepared for what life throws our way. This world we live in can be tough. On or off our motorcycles, we face daily struggles that can derail our lives without a moment’s notice. People all over the place are suffering from disease, addiction, broken relationships, joblessness, and a host of other issues. We need to be ready for whatever comes against us, and there is only one place to look for that kind of protection… We have to keep our focus on God!

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Remember, while riding, your PPE is important, but God’s PPE is a must!

Shine that light!

Ride on and stay safe, Dennis Reynolds

Mideast Regional Elder

Bikers for Christ M/M

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Please note Biker Kid Page will resume after the May issue 164/ MB Spring Rally. ~Thanks, Nicole CGW, Editor-in-Chief

Be sure to meet Travis Darken, owner of the newly opened Target Motorsports Columbia, where they specialize in ride in/ride out services. They also provide other services by appointment. They can even transport your bike for you. Chances are if you need it they can do it. You may schedule an appointment on their website, or via telephone. Travis has over 12 years of experience and is new to Columbia and conveniently located near the Barnyard of West Columbia. Target Motorsports Columbia works on all types of bikes: Suzuki, Kawasaki, Indian, Can Am, Polaris, Slingshot, Yamaha, Ducati, Aprilia, Harley Davidson, and Honda to name a few.