When I first started riding, I was amazed at how all the other riders waved
to me-so I waved back. We didn't know each other, but just the fact that we
rode gave us something in common-a brotherhood. It didn't matter what brand,
what size, or where we were going, we waved. And generally smiled too-in this
age before the Bell Star full face helmet. We were excited to see someone else
like us, and it would carry on until we met the next rider. Even cooler was
when you would stop and see another bike, you didn't have to search for the
rider, somehow we were drawn to each other. One time sticks out in my mind, I
was on my new BMW R60/5, when a grizzled old biker came up. I saw his Harley
parked on the other side of the lot, and he had come over to see me when he saw
mine. He didn't care I didn't ride a Harley, he told me, "man that's the
Cadillac, that must be a great ride. How far have you ridden on it?" And as we
talked all that mattered was we rode. No politics, brand prejudices, or social
prejudices-just motorcycles. Man how some things have changed since 1972! And
it still carries on today-to a greater extent.
Last spring when on a trip with Theresa in our truck, she kept joking how I
would wave to other bikers-it was a reaction, even though I was "cage" bound.
Big surprise, no one waved back. But I still felt connected to them, and like
many search me out when stopped, to tell me they ride, although car bound that
day, we have motorcycles as our common bond. Anything just adds to the
conversation, for us it is all about the bikes. As it should be.
But sadly as our brotherhood grew, BMW people became snobs, as did Harley
riders. As did Triumph riders and anything Japanese. We grew within our
brands, but not within our brotherhood. And we all suffer for it. I find that
us older riders are not as bad, as Spud from Biggs Harley Davidson tells me, "we
have a common disease-motorcycles." So if you see this Triumph/Suzuki/ al brand
rider walking up to you, I am one of us. and I expect that you are too. If
not, I would like to welcome you to the brotherhood. Sport bike rider-I have
one. Vintage bike-is 1978 old enough for you young guys? Current model-I ride
new bikes for Triumph's press fleet. Plus my Bonneville, and my Tiger-years
before Adventure Bikes became desirable. We used to call them dual sports. Now
suddenly I'm trendy. I ride-isn't that cool enough?
I have also been a Christian before it was trendy, and before Christians
rode motorcycles. And my appearance sometimes surprises church folk, t-shirts
and jeans at church? Long hair, and you show up on a motorcycle? You mean you
don't? How do you think I feel-I have to put up with you religious types? And
in doing so see a side of Jesus you don't-loving those stuck under the law,
saved, but not living in the spirit. You see we too have a brotherhood in
Christ, that surpasses anything else. But we can learn from bikers and love and
respect each other despite our differences. I know, love, and ride with
Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans, and with people from Calvary Chapel. And we
ride on Triumphs, Harleys, and Hondas. It don't matter. But while we share
the commonality of motorcycles, we really share the commonality of Jesus-we are
brothers! And I hope it rubs off on the religious types. Next time you feel so
holy, remember it was the "holy" Pharisees that had Jesus arrested. His love
was too much of their rules. You got rules-I have morals. Man made your
rules-God gave me His love and His morals. No I don't want to trade, but I will
share. Will you let me love you, and get loved back, and really show the world
what Christianity is all about. I will still love you without your
permission-respect remains to be earned.
So next time you see a motorcycle, think of me. And then think of Jesus.
Who loves us both. We are family. He is both our Lord and Savior. Standing
closer than a brother. He understands those who ride, and those who don't. But
He understands freedom better than us, with no prejudices. In heaven there will
be no denominational neighborhoods-we will all be neighbors. And no brand
specific shops either. Now if the Lord's prayer tells us "on earth as it is in
heaven," do you think a Harley rider can wave at a Triumph rider? Or a Honda
rider? Who might just be a Baptist? Start showing love today for your fellow
rider by waving back-or waving first. Don't ride, we'll pray for you. And
maybe you can love us back despite the leather and the bugs in our teeth as we
smile because of our freedom in Jesus. And maybe, just maybe help me overcome
my prejudice against those in suits and ties. No matter what you ride, or how
you dress, put Jesus first. And don't forget to say Hi! When we have Jesus in
common, we have everything. Now that's brotherhood!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com