Tuesday, February 12, 2013

ride your own biography





While watching this fourth grade prodigy play classical music on the piano, I was amazed and impressed by it. Her little hands moved so smoothly, yet so fast. She said she practices 2-3 hours each day, and it shows. But to her it may just be a labor of love, rather than “you need to practice your piano. We spent a lot of money on those lessons.” Ever hear that one growing up, or saying it now? But again it appeared to be a labor of love, and I was impressed. More than anything because I have no musical skill, and I get very impressed with those who can do things I wish I could. I was also impressed by her small hands, I never heard of a concerto written for small hands, although on an old Burke’s Law they caught the killer because he had written one for his oversized hands, and his killer was caught because he couldn’t play it, his hands were so small. So rather than write his own, he killed the composer. I guess that makes for a better mystery. And as her hands get bigger she will get better, and hopefully write her own compositions. So much for TV drama.
For years we have been telling people to “ride your own ride.” We all have different skills, and when placed on different bikes will ride different. The old adage about “a good rider on a bad bike is better than a bad rider on a good bike” is true. I have ridden with ape hangers, clubmans, clip-ons, and been comfortable. I have drug foot pegs and floorboards. And had guys ride away from me when I was on a better bike. I didn’t want to kill them, just learn from them. So it is when we talk about rides we’ve taken, it can make a difference on what bike you choose to do it on. I have ridden coast to coast on my old Sprint ST in less than 70 hours. Pretty good I think. I have done 1000 mile days on bikes set up for it.
Then along comes my friend Nathan, founder, president, and all around good guy, of BA-Moto, a group of young guys who ride hard and fast on old school bikes like Bonnevilles. He recently made it into an ad for Triumph called Ride your own biography. Cool title. But he did it by riding his Scrambler to Alaska and back in 10 days-over 4400 miles! No big deal on a Wing, but on a Scrambler, with 50 horsepower, I was impressed. And they camped, except for Hyder in Alaska. Now that impresses me, and while my almost 900 mile day on my Bonneville was impressive, he showed true guts, courage, and a bit of crazy in doing this. Also the bike has over 75,000 miles on it. Still crazy? How far and how many miles do you ride? Just a ride for him, as he has also ridden 1000 mile days on it too. Maybe just like the little girl piano prodigy he is just practicing for his next ride. And he loves it...
When the average rider only rides 6000 miles per year, my 8-11,000 mile trips must seem unbelievable, or a fabrication. But they aren’t, I have done so many, they are just another long ride. “Thank you sir, can I have another?” And whereas we ride 150 miles for a meal, some get tired going 5 miles. I guess we are both riding our own biographies. But when the road calls, you need to answer the call. Too some it is a hardship, my least favorite people are those who complain “I would never do that,” and wonder why we never call them. Or decline when they want to go for a ride. I get the excuses-kids, money, wife who won’t ride, sadly those are choices you made. Don’t divorce her, don’t trade in the kids, and budget some money. Take her out to lunch on a short ride without the kids. Could be the invitation she is just waiting for. And with Valentine’s Day almost here, could be that riding together is the closest she has has hugged you in months. So no excuses...I can’t hear them in my helmet anyway. If her seat is uncomfortable, or you ride too fast for her, try another seat, maybe another bike. Could be the chance to move up you’ve been waiting for. Again too fast on the wrong bike, could be just right if she is comfortable. Ride your biographies together. She could be your next prodigy in waiting, for you just another ride, for her a giant step of faith. Remember your first ride, if you weren’t scared how come you wet your pants? You started out as someone else’s prodigy-the next one to ride. And look at you now.
I am not sure how many centuries prodigies have been around, but it seems each person has someone they aspire to be, or look up to. Then along comes Jesus. Teaching in the temple at age 12, then working as a finishing carpenter until age 30, then ministry for 3 1/2 years. Riding His won biography. Yet I wonder, age age 12 did anyone consider Him to be a prodigy? Who else was ever mentioned that could do what He did? Did He ever attend Bible studies, VBS, or Sunday School? Can you see Him not wanting to go to the temple because a game was on TV? Or it was nice weather to go riding? No, He loved spending time with His Father, and teaching about Him, sharing both of their biographies. He fished, He catered, He healed, He wrote, and He did whatever needed to be done. And enjoyed doing it..he just called it love. A true prodigy, but how many would consider Him one? How many would you consider one of His prodigies? We are always better doing things we enjoy, and it shows. A labor of love. For some we have a passion to ride. For some to play golf-it keeps them off our roads. Some play tennis, some scrapbook, and some watch TV. But how many of us are riding our own biographies based on Jesus? How many want to hang out with Him, and read/study His word? How many hide under the covers on Sunday morning-it never worked for me. So let Jesus give you the desire of your heart, like is promised. Then He will fulfill the desire He has given you. Some bake, and some eat for Jesus. Some teach, some baby sit. Some need to be babysat. Ask Him, and then ask Him to bless your passion. Some of the best Bible teachers I ever heard were full on heathens at one time, until Jesus changed their life. Be true to the passion, be true to the calling Jesus has given you, don’t try to argue with Him. He wins every time, and you don’t have to be a loser.
So next time someone accuses you of riding too fast, maybe they ride too slow. Too far, maybe just not enough. You are inviting me to church? And you want me to go? Consider the fact, why would I want to be like you? If miserable, where is your joy? Too many rules, where is your freedom? Now be the one that Jesus wants you to be, a true ambassador of Christ. Live your passion.
We are all prodigies at one time or another. Become a prodigy of Jesus. Ride your biography with him, and enjoy the ride. Practice, it tends to make perfect. Maybe that week off riding is just what you need to spend with the Lord. All trips begin with the first mile, make it a labor of love. So, was Jesus ever a prodigy? Spend time with Him and find out...the answer might amaze you. As for me and my family..,we ride, therefore we aren’t here. Life may not be a vacation, but you can live it like one. Just don’t make any excuses to Nathan about riding.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com