40 years ago when I started riding motorcycle touring was much simpler. It still took the three components that it does today-the road, the rider, and the motorcycle, but it seems today that this trinity has become distorted. Somehow it has lost its way, become misunderstood, and redefined, but not necessarily improved. As I recall the guys I rode with, none of us had windshields. But our cars did. Here's a note for you Gold Wing riders, neither did the first Wings! They too were motorcycles at one time. We rode anything from a Mach III, to a CB450, a Honda 750, and my R90S. Size didn't matter-riding did. And we went everywhere, and anywhere, with only time and finances the determining or more precisely the limiting factors. Sadly some things don't ever change. But as I look at today's modern touring bikes, so called sport tourers that weigh 700 pounds, and$25,000+ rides, I think we may have confused motorcycles with cars. Some have crossed over, and not realized it. Your rides are more car like than motorcycle like. Wait a minute, does the B in BMW stand for Buick? Think about it, and be honest. Gold Wingers, you are also included here. As are anyone who rides a motorcycle that weighs over 500 pounds!
Buicks have windshields, floorboards, stereos, cruise control, suspension controls, reverse, trunks, trailer towing packages, cup holders, and even little dolls perched on the back? Sound familiar? Does your ride have armrests, backrests, air vents, and air bags? Can you still throw a leg over your seat, or is the rider's backrest in the way? How many ways does your seat adjust? Does your GPS mount interfere with your cup holders? Is it possible that you are really driving a Buick, and someone told you it was a motorcycle? Do you spend more money on chrome than motels? Are you more interested in the handling while pulling a trailer than scraping pegs? Which scrape far too easily because of all the weight? Does your Honda Civic get better gas mileage, and have all the same amenities?
How far have we really fallen from bungeeing a pack on the back and riding off into the sunset? And how many times has your GPS gotten you lost, whereas before you and your friends would have map stops? And talk over maps, wondering where that twisty line went, and finding a great road, instead of looking at a 3x5 screen-at 60mph? Telling you what the map company thinks is a great road. While wearing your safety course patch? Someone, or something has perverted the holy trinity of touring-we have met the enemy and it is us! By adding more, we have actually ended up with less! Only less time and money to do it stay the same.
The best description of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is from a Keith Green song. "Thank you oh my Father, for giving us your Son, and leaving your Spirit here until the work is done." Simple, too the point, and without unneeded baggage. Very few ever just set out to find God, and if they did ended up in a cult or on drugs-living a lie. It took the Holy Spirit to urge you and tell you that you need Jesus. In a loving and caring way-the Spirit directs, but since He is a gentleman, never forces Himself upon you. He points you to Jesus. Who is the only way to the Father. Not a multiple choice test to confuse you, just a simple yes or no question. He saves you from the world of sin, and then you have access to God, the Father. The Creator, and it is one on one. Personal, intimate, and wonderful. But some denominations have tried to add to it, taking away the simplicity of the gospel, and many who think they are Christians because they joined a church, signed a card, or were baptized as a child have been led astray. Jesus refers to it as religion. And was not a fan of it-in fact they hated Him. They have neglected the urgings of the Spirit, ignored Jesus, and missed the Father. And just like owning a Gold Wing doesn't make you a touring rider, going to church doesn't mean you are saved. You need the rider-you, to get on the bike, and head out on the road. You need to participate. Any one of the three is ok by them self, but only an incomplete equation. It takes the Trinity! No Jesus, you miss God. You need the Trinity! A mystery only revealed to you in the Spirit! By a God who loves you so much He sent His son to die for you.
Tired of reading about all the great places to ride-do it. Tired of riding the same roads-get off the highway. Tired of the same old religion-try Jesus. That urging is proof of the Holy Spirit desiring you to know God. And whether on my 450 pound Bonneville, or your half ton Ultra Glide, they only serve their primary function when ridden.
Lose the weight of religion, shed the pounds of chrome, and go for a simple ride with God. Enjoy leaning in corners you only thought sport bike riders could enjoy. Turn off the radio and listen to life. Do you really need a weather report to tell you its raining? Ditch the windshield, and feel the wind in your face. No communicators, spend time with God. And watch as the religion you have bought into fades away and the reason you started riding in the first place returns-because it was FUN!
And get back to Jesus. True, He rides all types of bikes. But the secret is having Him aboard the one you are on. Jesus, motorcycles, and the road. A trinity few ever explore, but for those who do see God in a whole, new, and refreshing way.
Buicks? We don't need no stinkin' Buicks! Maybe there is a reason we refer to cars as cages. As for me and my house-we ride! Motorcycles! I hope yours does too-with Jesus!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com