Tuesday, February 8, 2011

the Steve McQueen of bicycles



Mine was colored green-Flamboyant Green they called it. A bright, lime green, unlike any color ever seen a bike before. And it had no fenders, 20" wheels, and a seat termed a banana seat-long, white and way cool. But the rear tire, a slick-like on drag racing cars told you this bike was serious fun. It was called the Sting Ray, and it was made by Schwinn. Back in the sixties when adding chrome, or headlights, baskets, racks, or streamers was cool, this bike was stripped down to nothing. The first bicycle Bobber if you will, and it reeked of cool. Even the name Sting Ray said cool-for any red blooded American boy knew about the Corvette Sting Ray-and even though your dad would never own one, you could have your own Sting Ray!
But they weren't cheap, at $49.95 they were $10 more than the basic Typhoon, a lot of money in the time of nickel candy, 12 cent comics and 25 cent Mad magazines. But I had one, and so did my sister-hers was purple with a white basket, with the not so cool name of Fair Lady, but still a Sting Ray. I think. And thanks to my Grandma, I was probably the coolest guy to ever ride one out of Scotch Plains Cycle Center. And when my parents finally relented and let me ride it home-all 4 miles across Scotch Plains via Fanwood, I hurried, but went real slow past the group of kids my age-for I had a Sting Ray! And they didn't! When my friends would ask "could they have a ride," I had the power of no. But soon Scottie, Bruce, and Barry would have a short ride, and tell everyone how cool it was-making you even cooler, at least until they had their own. And we all did, but many weren't Sting Rays, but look-a-likes, but my Flamboyant Green Sting Ray was the coolest.
And we would do some customizing, mine even had a tiger striped, velour seat, that molted the first time I got it wet. And like Harley does today, Schwinn took the basic bike, and added 2, 3, and 5 speed shifters-even had a Fastback model with a huge shifter right on the crossbar. Springer front ends, Schwinn had them, too. And as they got heavy, expensive, and a custom styling exercise, they never quite captured the coolness of the original. And in the back of my mind, I wonder did Willie G. get his initial styling impressions from the Sting Ray? Was he really a closet Sting Ray kid at heart? But for me, it started me on the path of lighter, simpler machines. If it don't need it, don't add it. A Bobber mentality, but built for action. Maybe that is why I ride a Street Triple, and am nuts over the new Speed Triple. Built for action, and able to compensate for my lack of ability via superb brakes and handling. With an attitude of let's see what I can do. And just sitting one one made you cool. And it all started 46 years ago with my Sting Ray.
And maybe that is why I am so taken by the gospel. It is simple, but built for performance. It is all about Jesus, with nothing added. No fenders to add weight, a cool seat for sitting on and spending time with Him, and a slick-for doing your skids and putting more power to the ground when you need it. No rules-you have freedom! So God made the gospel simple so we could all get it. Just Jesus, keeping the main thing the only thing. No Jesus and performing for salvation. No gotta be baptized and join our church to be saved. No hoping you would make it, but blessed assurance, based on faith. Simply put, believe in your heart that Jesus is God, and rent, and be saved. Confess with your mouth, you just can't keep Him inside. For like my first Sting Ray ride, you have to show Him off-in love of course. And like riding my new bike home, no break in miles needed, no waiting to be accepted. You are in the moment you accept Him. And if your church, pastor, denomination, or cult has a problem with that, refer them to Ephesians 2:8-10. For salvation, like my Sting Ray, is a gift. I could never earn that bike, but I sure could accept it as a gift. And both that Sting Ray, and Jesus live in my heart today. But only Jesus saves.
Bikes will come and go out of your life. Don't let Jesus go the same way. Trends may come and go, but He is the same-the perfect model from the beginning. All you need, and nothing you don't. Perfection, and like my Sting Ray, love with a slick. Just for getting the love to the road you know.
There would be other bikes, then girls, then motorcycles to fight for my attention. But next to Jesus, they always come in second. And second place is not first loser when Jesus is first in your life. Seek Him first, and let Him add all things to your life. Just make mine Flamboyant Green, but please-no tiger seat!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com