My friend Dave's e-mail reminded us that it is only seven weeks until spring in Pennsylvania. And while they suffer with record snow and single digit temperatures, I am spending the days riding, and nights planning next summer's ride. And with the brochures coming in daily that I ordered during last month's rain, I am ready now. But a continuing phenomena bothers me. And that is the places I have been, when they are displayed in the brochures, seem much different than the places I remember. Was I really there, or am i in a dream? For instance, riding through Kayenta on the Navajo Reservation, the world's largest ghetto, is described as a breathtaking road, with the Burger King being the restaurant of choice due to its historic artifacts. And I don't think they mean their burgers. Due to Photoshop, and the ability to stretch the truth-propaganda, it almost sounds attractive, until you get there, and wish you hadn't.
Same goes for Atlantic City and views of the Boardwalk. Sadly two blocks away it is drugs and prostitution, and crime. Pictures of serene beaches in So Cal fail to show the sewage that Tijuana dumps into the ocean only miles away. Custer sounded good until you get there, and find his last stand more appealing. And with the advent of Scenic Routes, you are open to your own interpretation. And it seems the state boards of tourism propaganda machine is working overtime, as until you get there, you are blindly operating on blind faith. Fortunately web sites like Tripadvisor.com let some real life experiences influence, but usually they are only reported by the best and the vengeful. So bring lots of money, riding gear, and a map of back roads and let's ride.
My sadness even extends to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville. Once a very serene and private memorial, if you have been there you feel as though you are on holy ground, today is turning into a mega million dollar project, that doesn't reflect the truth or the heroes who died on the plane that morning. See it now, while dodging D-8 Cats before it is really too late. But life goes on, and there are still many places that tell the truth, and don't need to be exploited for visitors to come.
The book of Jude, written by Jesus's half brother, appropriately named Jude, warns of such wolves who lie to get their point across. Taking the truth of Jesus, and rewriting it to meet their own warped criteria, they lead people astray, if even by not much. If you miss the last ferry by one minute, you still missed it, and the liars that seek to keep people from the truth are out there. "It sounds good, or Jesus wouldn't want you to be unhappy, He wants you all to be rich," type lies come out of them. And while mainstream denominations roles are deteriorating, they look for trendy and inventive ways to get people in-when the answer is in the Bible they misquote. God builds the church, and if He doesn't they labor in vain. But they try, like the Chamber of Commerce using a Photoshop type of religion, making it Jesus appear as something He isn't. Beware!
A few years ago the Dragon was the ride to make back east. Over 300 curves in 11 miles, it was sportbike Nirvana. But today, photographers even line the route, willing to sell pictures of you when you crashed, or making the overcrowded road more dangerous than it is. I will not tell you where the Snake is for I do not wish to be a part of it turning into the sideshow the Dragon has become. There are still so many roads, and so little time. Don't let your relationship with Jesus become a statistic, or a destination with a t-shirt to show for it. Know Him personally, and He will make the road you are on the most interesting one, and lined with truth.
And somehow He can even make the winter months of not riding attractive. I told you He could do miracles-I hope my friend Dave can wait the seven weeks!
Not sure about Jesus? Ask someone who knows Him. Get some first hand experience. There is even a book written about Him-a best seller! But no matter what-make the trip with Him! For even the toughest road with Him will get you there-without Him, well you just might end up missing the ferry at Lake Powell and dining al fresco at Burger King in Kayenta. Have it your way-I hope it is His way!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com