I subscribe to a classic motorcycle magazine that advises "ride 'em, don't
hide 'em." I like that, as I have always believed that. To a certain extent.
Let me explain. The main purpose of a motorcycle is to provide transportation,
it needs to be ridden to be functional. And as a victim of MMD, Multiple
Motorcycle Disorder, I try to exercise all my bikes on a regular basis. Some
moods take me back to the 1978 Suzuki GS1000e, when other moods call for the
Bonneville. Yet other times I just gotta get it on with the Street
Triple-something about the front wheel coming up that still excites me. Add
into that two up on the Tiger, and the various press bikes I ride, and I rather
ride than hide, 'em. Different moods for the same road, and each time the road
is ridden on a different bike it can be like the first time. Entrance speeds,
exit speed, and leaning way far too over in the curves makes it more exciting.
And when I encounter someone who rides for the economy of it, as in "I get
75mpg," I think they miss the point. If it is a matter of economics, car pool,
use their car. Ride your bicycle, even better mpg. They want to reduce our way
of life to a common sense argument. What they fail to realize is the freedom in
riding, and also the fun.
How many of you who commute in a car take a longer way home, just for the
ride? Or to spend more time in the car? Those of us who ride do. And even get
home sooner than you do, fully relaxed, and with a smile instead of a frown on
our face. When asked "how was traffic," we reply we took the alternate way
home. Do you know how many mpg you get at idle while stopped in traffic?
Anything more than zero is wrong. Yet we get treated like second hand citizens,
by a crowd who professes to know and care, but doesn't understand, and could
care less. Ride for fun? You mean, I have to hang up my cell phone while
riding? No way...
Fun is only good if it is enjoyed. Maybe that is why you never see a
motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist's office. Therapy-we got it.
Peace of mind, ok with me. Economy-you already spent too much on your car. The
ride? Aha, remember it is all about the ride. The bikes, the people, and the
roads. Great times even when nothing is going on. Fun can be had at 35mph on
the right bike, or at 125 on another. And this year we are seeing the
reemergence of small bikes. 250-500cc, which when I started riding were big,
but now are small compared to 1400cc Ninjas, 103 cubic inch Harleys, and 1200cc
BMW off road bikes. But with the size and power, they must be ridden harder to
reach their limit, something not needed on a smaller ride. And like riding my
Bonne, I am much more rider than it is bike-I can ride it to its limit, knowing
I am safely within my own. And still having fun.
Now if fun is only good if you enjoy it, why aren't Christians having the
most fun? We have Jesus, all our needs met, eternal life promised, and security
in Him on earth. So why worry? Yet so many do, and when listening to a mother
fuss over her son needing a car, she asked me, "don't you have kids? As if
that makes it ok to worry. Yes, I do, and get very concerned at times, then go
right to God. I let Him handle it before I do and I screw it up. I explained
that to her, and added, "if their was anything in worrying for me, I would
highly recommend it." And I would, but there isn't, so I won't. So go riding.
For just like I subscribe to "ride 'em, don't hide 'em," I feel the same way
about Jesus. Take Him with you everywhere, not just on Sundays to church.
Don't hide your faith, but let it show in your life, giving style to your life.
Don't look at all the negative things, the rules, or the laws religion places on
you, enjoy the fun of knowing Jesus and riding and living in the spirit.
But how will I know if it's ok to have fun? God gave us a conscience,
you'll know. Just look for the flashing lights, you'll know. And just like you
will know which motorcycle is right for you, after 100 yards are you smiling?
You'll know. I have ridden many bikes that perform, but weren't fun. Also some
that my friends make sport of me on, some Harley friends call my Bonneville a
moped, until the first throttle is twisted, and the first corner encountered.
Too bad they can't see the smile inside my Arai. I'm having fun, at half the
price, and twice the bike.
Like riding, Jesus is personal. So spend some time with Him today, get to
know Him. Loosen up and enjoy the day with Him. St. Augustine once said
"accept Jesus and enjoy life." I like that. Don't get bogged down with
religion, but enjoy the freedom of the ride with Jesus. See more, do more,
enjoy more. "Let the good times roll." He calls them blessings,
happinesses.
Hey that last one just might make a great ad for motorcycling! All roads
lead to a destination, only those of us who ride and know Jesus enjoy the
everyday ride-and finally to heaven. Ride with Him today before fun becomes
illegal. Have you ever heard of any law that added fun to life?
love with compassion, and a smile,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com