#matesleatherweekend

[mybigboots]

This is what I do, people. Light ‘em up and let ‘em burn, and look f*cking badass as I do it. It’s all about the company you keep, and the fun you have with them. 

[mybigboots]

Smoky goodness. 

[mybigboots]

Did you miss me? Just got home from a weekend in Provincetown. Mates Leathet Weekend, that is, where we celebrated my Daddy's birthday and of course showed off our gear. It would be a crime not to let the leather boys and leather masters see these gorgeous Embossy boots in action. Public service, man.

[mybigboots]

Well, well. We are a handsome looking bunch. With our current Mr. New England Leather, Roberto Cuero, his husband and his friend, at Mates Leather Weekend, on Uniform and Cigar Night, in our BLUF gear. Handsome indeed. 

[mybigboots]

Mates Leather Weekend is on the way. The last time this event was officially held was two years ago, before the pandemic shut us all down. It’s back this year, and tonight it begins. I will be there tomorrow (damn work schedule) and all weekend, and then crawl home, injured and sore, with memories and peeling the mask off my face. But before the future, let’s look to the past - Mates Leather Weekend 2019. 

[mybigboots]

Mates Leather Weekend XXIV

Mates Leather Weekend, held every fall at the end of September in Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is on the way. In just a few days, Daddy Robby and I, as well as other members of our Leather Family, The House of Fryer, will be assembled to take in the sights, the fun, and the f*cks. We will look down from our perch above Commercial Street with cigars in mouths and drinks in hand and leer down at the leathermen going by. Then we'll go have fun.

Last year a pesky pandemic upended everything. Titles years, annual contests, fundraisers, major events in major cities. Lives were lost, families were torn apart, and selfish f*cks made things worse - but now here we are. Little by little, and with minor adjustments here and there, our events are coming back. Last year, MLW was not held due to most of the bars and restaurants being closed, venues barred from large gatherings, and of course people just being too afraid/sensible for large gatherings. I hosted a very small gathering in PTown, with all of us sitting very far apart and just strolling the streets in gear, called Mini-Mates. It was our way of place-holding the event which brought so many leather brothers together, brought us to the edge of the country and made us feel at home thanks to the man who bravely throws it and hosts us all year after year, Rick Conley. Well, this year, we have the event back.... somewhat.

Proof of vaccination required, masks encouraged and in some places required. Some of the more intimate venues have been ordered not to hold parts of the yearly events, so new venues have been sought out. No opening buffet, but we will still have the closing BBQ. There will be fewer people attending, I know this. There will be fewer vendors at the market, and here I am fresh out of the hospital and now wondering how this life change will affect my weekend.

This is my first event since the hospital and my first event overall since the pandemic quarantines lifted, this is a time for me to see how it all feels. I will have mask on and try to keep my distance. I will figure it out as I go. But I will go.

I am a leatherman. I am a Fryer. I am Boggy Effing Fryer, the Cape Cod Boot Boy, and don't you forget it. I haven't, and after being sick for almost four months and hiding in my house for over a year before that, I am ready to see who is out there, to see my geared brothers again. Maybe I'll compete in the contest this year, I have dropped a sh*t ton of weight and look great.

I am going back, guys. I will be careful and cautious, I will try to make good decisions (ha!), and I will remember that I am not the same person I used to be. But I am going.

You in? Want more details? Follow the link below. https://www.matesleatherweekend.com/