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Ol’ Leather
By Wally W. |
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This is a brief story about my old brown leather
motorcycle jacket. I bought it over 25 years
ago when I lived in Chicago. I found it at a
clearance sale at the local Honda dealer. It
is the top of the line “Vanson” – one
of the best motorcycle jackets made. I paid under
$100.00 for it. About 20 years ago, I had a tailor
insert some inside pockets. They are really deep “map” pockets.
I had the zipper replaced about 8 years ago.
Other than that, the jacket is original. I’ve
always kept the leather oiled with mink oil to
keep it from drying out but it still has that
weathered look.
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I haven’t been wearing it for
the last few years – it must have shrunk! Really, I gained some weight
and I couldn’t get it on. It just stayed hanging in the closet waiting
for me. Recently I lost some weight (and inches around my middle) so now my old
friend fits again. |
Sitting here looking at it, it looks
a little tired. The once shiny leather has about a million
cracks in it. The rich brown color is now a mixture
of dull brown and tan with a few dark spots where
stains have set in. It has an unusual shape from
stretching around me for all those years. The
arms are naturally bent in. It looks like it
wants to hug itself.
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We’ve seen a lot of motorcycle riding
together. It’s kept me warm and dry on
countless occasions and will again for many
years to come.
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I can’t
describe the feeling I get when I wear it. I just want to
travel. I never want to stop. I want to ride
to the mountains or the coast. It is like a
second skin. It feels great!
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I’m 62 now and have a few good riding
years left and I know that this jacket will
be there for all those years. When I finally
hang up my leathers for good, I’ll probably
donate this jacket back to Vanson so it can
go back home. |
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Would
you like us to post your picture
in your Vanson Garment?
Email
them to Kevin
along with a photographers credit, a website link you might want to promote,
and a statement allowing us to use your likeness on
this website. |
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Vanson
Leather inc. 951 Broadway Fall River, MA. 02724
Directions
[508]678-2000 fax [508]677-6773 Contact
Us |
| Copyright © 1997-2004 Vanson Leathers, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means without the prior
written permission of Vanson Leathers, Inc. Information
on this web site regarding styles, features and colors
was correct at the time of development. Every precaution
has been taken to ensure the information on the web
site is correct. Vanson Leathers assumes no responsibility
should any styles, features and colors change from
the specifications shown here. No material contained
herein may be used without the explicit written permission
of Vanson Leathers, Inc. Created, photographed, designed
and developed in the United States of America.
Last updated
01/10/2006
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