I have been talking with a friend who quit riding almost 30 years ago and
is getting back into it. For no good reason-there are no good reasons to quit
riding, he now wants back in, and we welcome him. He is taking an MSF course,
getting his license, and now is looking for a used bike to ride. And of course,
he ones he wants are the ones he couldn't afford back then, and as I explain,
you may have left motorcycling, but it carried on without you somehow. And what
was the hot set-up then, is old when you consider how far technology has come
since you abandoned us. Brakes, power, and suspensions will help you become a
better rider, and are welcoming you back, too. You'll wish you never left. And
as I look back over 41 years, with the exception of three months, owning at
least one bike, many an older used bike has come my way.
I have always wanted to buy an older bike, and take the train to get it-out
of state, then ride it home. After an insurance settlement two years ago, I
took some money for myself and set out to live the dream. Setting a radius of
1000 miles, and a budget of $2500, I set out. Only the train part was too
expensive, so I had to fly. Some good choices out there, but you learn to read
between the lines, or listen between them. A CB750 in New Mexico sounded
too good to be true, and when I started asking questions, it was. This 1972 was
also parts from '73, '74, and some other non-Honda parts. Check that off the
list. A 1978 GS750E with low miles looked like the deal, until the owner
called. He was replacing a leaking valve cover gasket, and found a cam lobe
pitted. His conscience wouldn't let him sell it-thanks to him for his honesty.
And a 1981 GS1100, a red one, was the choice, except it had a Kerker, a dent in
the tank, and some other non-stock stuff. I wanted original-good luck.
But a bike I had first looked at was still available.
A 1978 GS1000E, a first year with low miles, just over 20k, and was all stock, except for the shocks, I learned to live with the Progressives he installed. And just north of Seattle, It was over the 1000 mile goal, extra miles to ride a bonus. So making the deal over the phone with the dealer, who assured me it was OK to ride to San Diego, and ran as good as it looked, I flew up, with him getting me at Sea-Tac Airport. After exchanging money for my new old ride, I took off. I had forgotten how the late 70's were cursed with emissions for motorcycles, would it ever warm up. And what about the brakes-would they stop me? But it did have a comfy seat, a helmet hook, and a center stand-remember when those were standard? So as we got used to each other, it was fine. Only one problem crept up, after riding 108 miles, the speedo cable broke, a $12 item replaced when I got home. And it ran flawlessly the rest of the trip. I rode 1400 miles in two days. I had planned on doing it in four, but it ran so good I kept going. Riding at 80-85, on a bike right at home at today's speeds, but sold when 55 was the law. Finally getting a chance to get up and show her stuff. And we both learned much about old bikes, and as the relationship grew, the difference didn't matter, I was riding her, and she was on the road again. I had never left, she had taken a rest period, and was glad to be out getting the exercise.
A 1978 GS1000E, a first year with low miles, just over 20k, and was all stock, except for the shocks, I learned to live with the Progressives he installed. And just north of Seattle, It was over the 1000 mile goal, extra miles to ride a bonus. So making the deal over the phone with the dealer, who assured me it was OK to ride to San Diego, and ran as good as it looked, I flew up, with him getting me at Sea-Tac Airport. After exchanging money for my new old ride, I took off. I had forgotten how the late 70's were cursed with emissions for motorcycles, would it ever warm up. And what about the brakes-would they stop me? But it did have a comfy seat, a helmet hook, and a center stand-remember when those were standard? So as we got used to each other, it was fine. Only one problem crept up, after riding 108 miles, the speedo cable broke, a $12 item replaced when I got home. And it ran flawlessly the rest of the trip. I rode 1400 miles in two days. I had planned on doing it in four, but it ran so good I kept going. Riding at 80-85, on a bike right at home at today's speeds, but sold when 55 was the law. Finally getting a chance to get up and show her stuff. And we both learned much about old bikes, and as the relationship grew, the difference didn't matter, I was riding her, and she was on the road again. I had never left, she had taken a rest period, and was glad to be out getting the exercise.
There is no good reason to turn your back on Christ. And no matter why you
walked out on Him, He never left you, not forsook you. And even though you may
have changed, He hasn't and welcomes you back with open arms, not a threatening
scowl. For just as there are no good reasons to abandon riding, there are no
good reasons to abandon Jesus. So get over all the excuses, and turn to Him
today. You will find that you may have changed, but His love hasn't. That
although your life situations may have changed, that His love, grace, and mercy
for you haven't. and even though at times you felt far away, He was there, just
waiting for you to call out to Him. So no matter what excuse you have, Jesus is
the answer. Welcome back! We've missed you, and can't wait to have you back in
fellowship.
And like my friend, you will wonder while you ever wandered away. For no
matter what you substitute, it isn't the same as the real thing. So I can tell
you with a great deal of authority, that Jesus, my wife, and motorcycles are
where it is at. Nothing else even comes close. You should be riding, and
spending time with God. And where better to talk and listen with Him than while
riding. Do you think maybe when we talk about the freedom of riding that we
really mean the freedom of Christ on two wheels? So whether it has been two
days, two weeks, two years, or 30 years-get your priorities right. It
Jesus-then all other things. You are just one twist of the throttle away from
knowing a freedom that few others enjoy. Let the testimonies begin! If you
never leave, you never have to come back. But if you do, remember there is an
old bike out there waiting to be rescued, and ridden. It all starts with
turning back...to Jesus. Now, why did you quit riding....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com