Theresa wanted to live in a cabin, in the mountains, so we moved to Vallecito Lake, 27 miles from Durango, at 8300' altitude. It don't get more mountainous than that. And as we learned, the Rockies get a lot of snow, 500" the first winter, but only 300" our second. Meanwhile...I had bought a new 1981 KZ750 from my friend Tom in Salida. Using Don Atencio's truck, I had picked it up in November, and stored it in the basement, which was accessible from the lower level, and there it had sat-all winter! With only 20 miles on it, and the 6 month warranty running out soon, I was concerned the warranty would run out before winter would!
Oh the pain of it all! But the hope of spring kept us going. Too bad it takes so long. But many succumb to the cold, below zero as a high, the snow, and the cabin fever. I couldn't ride, but I at least could go sit on. So I did, with the hope of an early spring keeping me going. And sometime in April, my impatience was rewarded. We had some days in the 50's, then the 60's, and the snow was melting fast. And when it got down to only about two feet deep, I couldn't stand it any more, and decided to dig a path to the street. Simple, you say. Well...we lived about 100' off the street, down a steep hill, you could sled on it, and the only access was an old BLM road that was so bad the ruts were a foot deep. But I could see the street-nothing was going to stop me!
So I was up early, and digging a three foot wide path to the street-and freedom. Which seems easy, until you do it. Essentially you are digging a long, deep rut with two foot walls of snow surrounding you. At noon, I had gone all of 25 feet, and was sore, tired, impatient, and not sure if I would make it. Those were the good things. But I had help, reluctant at first, from my wife, who started digging with me. Now the old saying that a job and a wife have been the ruin of many a biker isn't true of her. I had a good job at Coke, and a great wife who loved to ride. All the encouragement I needed, although a D-8 Cat would be nice. So we finally got to the street, just before dark, and it was time for the bike. The plan was I would ride it up the path we made, which meant it had to start-which it hadn't since November. To our amazement it started right off, and then backed it out-only to find I needed to dig more so I could turn it around. Excitement had interrupted my sense of planning. At this point I was going to get to the street even if it was my last conscious act. So here I finally was-pointed up the hill, bike running, and took off!
Now does the expression "slicker than snot " mean anything to you? If not, you have never encountered Colorado red clay-which is "STS!" And with water running in the ruts from melting snow, and fist sized rocks lining the bottom, it was a hill climb of the first degree! And after a few runs, never made it more than a few feet. Thou shalt not repeat the words from my mouth.
Remember that old saying about the biker and his wife-well this wife came to my rescue-pushing while I tried to hang on, bouncing and twisting up to the street. While mud, rocks, and cold water mixed with snow pelted her. I was so busy on what was ahead of me, I didn't see her getting nailed by all the above, and when I hit pavement, took off for a few miles. I was free! The official start of spring had begun.
With my adrenaline still pumping I returned, and I was shocked to see her. "What happened to you?" And no flowers or candy, well maybe chocolate was going to make this situation better. She was covered with mud, in her hair, her face, her clothes, and when she went to take a shower even found it in her underclothes. Amazing stuff-mud. But the bike was free, the weather was nice, and spring was in the air. Even if it was also all over my wife.
God shows us signs of the seasons, and while we wait patiently for spring to arrive, we still have to endure winter. Some get impatient, wondering if it will ever arrive, struggling through cabin fever, wondering if the promise of spring will ever arrive, then forgetting how bad winter was when it does. As Christians we are patiently awaiting the call from heaven, with the sound of the trumpet to call us home. The rapture, as we call it, has been promised for 2000 years. And while some grow weary, even wondering where is God in this promise, we who remain wait faithfully. For just like the signs of spring, when we see them we know we will be riding soon. Winter will be gone, and our waiting is done.
Today the signs are all around. Watching the news headlines is like seeing scripture come alive. Winter will soon be gone, and spring will be here-expressed in God's love as we all arise to heaven. But we must be patient, as no path digging, or early season snow melting helps it along. Signs won't get you there-only Jesus will. God's timing is perfect, and Jesus is patiently waiting for the sound when we all are gathered with Him.
And unlike my new bike warranty that would expire in time, no matter if the bike was ridden or not, God is faithful, His promise to us never ending. Be patient-endure to the end like we did. And remember you are not alone. God sent me the prefect helper that day-Theresa. And she remains to this day-although that was the last time we ever dug the bike out. We were ready in the future-prepared for what spring promised us. We moved to Southern California.
Get right with God today. Springtime, aka the rapture could happen at any moment. Don't miss any riding time, aka time to share Jesus now. Waiting to dig out the bike will be too late. We are closer today than we have ever been before.
Springtime in the Rockies, all because Theresa had to live in the mountains. And I couldn't wait to get my new bike out. Jesus is coming soon to get us out! Let this lesson be the push you need to rise above your situations and be ready.
MARANATHA! Truly spring is all about love. Just for that, I think I'll go riding. And thank the Lord.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com