California's central coast is one of my favorite places to ride, or anything else for that matter. For me the 250 mile stretch of land between Santa Barbara and Hollister is one of beauty, great roads, and great places to eat. Combine that with small towns, that still have charm, ocean vistas, mountains, and the breadbasket of California, the San Joaquin Valley, and you have an incredibly diverse area. Like none other our great USA has to offer. But it is also an area of great contradictions, as we will see.
Leaving Paso Robles on any summer day, you know the temps will hit 100 that afternoon. Driving over the 46 west you can either take the highway, and enjoy the curves, or take Santa Rosa Creek Road, and enjoy the vistas, and farm country-adding another hour to you ride to Cambria. Many times we have set off, packing jackets on 100 degree days, because you don't know what awaits you once you cross over the pass. We have been in Cambria on the fourth of July in 50 degree weather, only to come back where it is over 100 in Paso! And the fog will be so thick that you cannot see the Morro rock, or even the ocean. Within only 30 miles you visit two different seasons, and unsurpassed beauty.
Leaving Santa Barbara with its Mediterranean climate you can go over San Marcos Pass, and there again pick up 30 degrees of heat in 10 miles. Take the old farm roads that have been paved and graded perfectly for motorcycles since wine has become king, and enjoy the rides. Roads that once were for trucks and wagons, now are perfectly paved for the wine testers-and bikers. I am sure we were not included in the planning, but these roads are great biker roads. From Foxen Canyon Road, to Santa Maria-then pick up Corbett Canyon Road in Arroyo Grande, then after San Luis Obispo take the small country roads, some with no other names than the ranches they go to, and enjoy a much slower, yet challenging pace. For those adventurous, take Indian Valley Road out of San Miguel, and then CA 25 to Hollister-over 100 miles with no gas or McDonalds-just you, the road, your ride, and God. Anybody up for a ride?
But riding to the coast reminds me of my relationship with God. The sun/son is always there, no matter the cloud cover, sometimes it takes faith to carry on when you can't see it. You don't know when, if ever it will break through, but you know that just above the clouds is the sun-and warmth. God is like that-sometimes the days are sunny, and you bask in His presence-and others are cloudy-but He is always there. And always shows Himself just when needed-based on His time, not ours. It is a faith ride that keeps us going, knowing that the other side can be clear and warm, even though we are cold and wet. It is the absence of sight, feeling, and presence of God that builds our faith, and gives us great reasons to be thankful even though we can't sense Him-we know He is there.
And from the top of the mountain, you can look west and see the ocean, or east and the golden hills. And the small roads that criss cross the area. Yet while riding we cannot see what's around the corner. Yet we take them leaned over, knee dragging, and exiting building speed-and adrenalin. The faith we have based on making it before, so why not now. And God seeing all the roads, and what is ahead-guiding us by His spirit from above-if we let Him. Truly the best roads are travelled with Him. We ride by faith, not by sight.
Today your day may not be starting out the best. You may have clouds where there once was sun. You have cold, when warmth is needed. You are about to travel a familiar road, yet somehow the old landmarks don't look the same. This is the time to trust God-to ride on no matter the obstacle. For the same God that has allowed them into your life, has also given you the way through them. Some of my best days riding have started cold and wet, yet when ending in the sun you can forget the trip through the rain. God allows us to get through-and when we can't, and sin, allows u-turns to get us back to Him. We ride by faith, not by sight.
So let your walk reflect this also. Things not going your way-remember it is the rain and fog that makes things green. Rough road-slow down and enjoy the beauty you may have missed at higher speeds. And if the road is clear-enjoy the day God has given you. Meditate on Him while riding-wave to other bikes, stop and take a few pictures, and grab a bite to eat. Be brave and breakfast at Cowgirl Cafe-then set off without a map just following the road-and maybe take one you haven't before. Step out in faith with a God who demands faith to be pleased, and watch as a cloudy day can turn into the best day in weeks.
So many roads and so little time. God also sees so many souls, and so little time. Let the evangelist in you take you places you have never been, on roads not yet ridden, on a motorcycle as your companion. Ride by faith, and enjoy the sights not seen other words. See God's handiwork, dress in layers, and spend time with God while being able to ride. What you make of today is how you use the gifts God has given you. Have one that makes you want to send postcards of blessings to all your friends.
And next time, invite them along-it's called fellowship. Better enjoyed with friends who ride-so let's ride, in faith and all day long.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com