Theresa and I went up to the monthly Orange County Vintage Bike Club meet in Huntington Beach yesterday. This time there were over 100 vintage bikes, many of which I can remember from when they were new, and I wasn't as old. From an old mini-bike, seems we all had a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower ride somewhere in our life, according to the large group around it, to the winning bike, a stunning 1954 BSA, we all had real good time. And listening to two hours of bench racing, well it all felt good. From BSA to Gilera to Honda to Triumph-seems we all were there for one thing-enjoy a good time with motorcycles as the main event.
We had fun as we saw two old Kawasakis-an original owner Z-1 and a '76 KZ900, explaining as our old Z-1, a 1975 was the last true Z, at least to the officienadoes. We visited with guys on /5 BMW's, like I had had, even surprising a so-called expert on the 1973 short or long wheelbase models. And a 1970 CB 350 Honda reminded of my first street bike, and although mine was a 1972, and gold, we both laughed at how we used to travel on such a small bike. Perhaps we were both smaller then, too. Remember when a small bike meant big fun? To apply my own words to Norma Desmond's reaction to the movies-"riding is big, it is the riders who got small." I talked with ex-Motorcyclist editor Mitch Boehm about our GS1000 Suzukis, and got a free copy of his own new magazine, Moto Retro Illustrated. Check it out at Motoretroillustrated.com and tell him another GS Suzuki rider sent you. And plan on a long conversation-listening to him that is.
And since the day was all about bikes, it meant many new Bonnevilles, an occasional Harley-how many of you Harley guys remember the Sprint? and many bikes from the 70-80's. Also a guy from American Honda brought a new bike not available in the states-a CB1100-a standard we used to call them. I noticed the MC DIST plates, like on the press bikes I ride, and he let me sit on it. While we talked, this man holding his purse dog, had been berating Honda, saying they made lousy bikes, and their marketing stunk-for if they had imported this model it would sell well. They don't have any models that anyone wants, etc... I had caught the tail end of the conversation, and when Mr. Honda had enough let this pseudo-half a sissy, holding his purse dog have it. Bravo! A poser, who may ride if his wife would let him, but first would have to put down his dog. Hey-we all ride! And we never found out what he did ride. Or if.
Maybe he should meet friends of mine like Spud at Biggs HD. Who although if cut would bleed orange and black, always takes time to check out any Triumph press bikes I bring by-his addiction is motorcycles. And why Pastor Fred, on whatever he is currently riding, always insists I take it for a ride. Maybe he should talk to David, who let me ride his KTM Duke around the block in 40 degree weather with no jacket-only took me a 35 minute ride to get a chill that day. Or although I favor Triumphs, I have two Suzukis and a Honda with my four Triumphs in the garage, with my wife's Mustang. Maybe he should talk to Herm at ECC, who after riding my Street Triple informed his wife of a new budget which included one. Ask Ray whose license plate frame says "It's great to B KING," mounted on his B King. Stu on his Gold Wing with a trailer, and many other brands known to have been parked at my house-the common denominator-WE RIDE! Honda even wrote a song about us, "I wanna ride, I wanna ride..." so we do, without purse dogs. For real bikers don't have a purse dog.
Did I mention that Jesus hates religion? After dying on the cross for all, seems men have divided his followers into denominations. Catholics can't take communion with non-Catholics, unless you are Fr. Al, who believes when Jesus says "do this in remembrance of me," He means Me-Jesus. Everybody. Not just who your cowardly rules say. That when travelling there are so many types of Baptist churches, with only one thing in common-they don't get along with each other. And I wince when two Christians meet, and then they ask what does your church believe. What would Jesus do? My answer-"you have to ask?" It seems Mr. I wanna be a Biker Purse dog is alive and well, sadly in many churches. We know more about our differences, than allowing the Spirit to unite us in truth. Jesus and... we hear. And I can see why Jesus threw the money changers out of the chapel-they didn't belong. And like my friend at Honda did, stood up and corrected this big mouth. Just like we need to do about the Lord-but in love. Quote the word in love, put on the love of Jesus, and watch as the devil and his followers leave. They can go and start another cult like the Mormons or Jehovah Witness, or take the things that fit their lifestyle and start another denomination. There are always other purse dog owners willing to join, until you don't agree with them.
I once asked a bunch of riders, mostly Harley and posers-you could tell by the clean leathers, and even cleaner, low mileaged bikes. "If only 250cc two strokes were allowed tomorrow, would you still ride?" Without fail, they all said "NO!" Except for one guy, who said he would, and would still sneak out on his old bike whenever he could. I like that-a rebel to the end. Why can't we love like that?
Be a rebel for Jesus today. Rise above denominations and doctrinal differences. Unite with Jesus in the spirit. And watch as the blessings flow. Keep your politics and purse dogs at home-all they do is bring division. And feel free to park your Honda next to my Triumph, next to a Harley. At a Suzuki dealer. Biker unity. The true brotherhood of bikers setting an example for others-whether they ride or not.
And if it works for bikers, can you imagine what it would do for the church? Something to do in remembrance of who? In a perfect world we would all ride...with Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com