Many a long time love affair with riding began when we were too young to
ride on the streets yet, legally, so we rode dirt bikes. And as we approached
legal age, we converted them to street legal by adding lights. For the
fortunate few who had money or cool parents, they had Enduros. A 90/10 mix of
dirt/street, they had lights that ran off a magneto, and a horn and brake
lights, just enough to be legal. And as where the knobby tires helped in the
dirt, we shook going down the road with them, our 90/10 dirt to street ratio
being reversed as we rode mostly on the street now. And as we got older, the
bike makers came up with Dual sport bikes, which we used to call Enduros. Now
with batteries-soon to be 12 volt, lights, horn, headlights, and some bigger
ones even an electric starter, we were still riding a 90/10 ratio of street to
dirt, but the Dual sports were 80/20 street/dirt. Progress was catching up to
the way we rode. Then in 1980 BMW came out with the GS model, dirt/street in
German. Take a touring bike, add long travel, soft suspension, and off we
went. And soon other European makers followed, with my first Tiger from Triumph
in 2006. Our primary touring bike since then, it has seen over 80,000 miles in
48 states in its 80/20 street ratio. Smooth and fast, and comfortable, those of
us who ride them know what we have-the comfort of a Gold Wing without the extra
350 pounds, and the power of a sport bike with handling to match. Now termed
Adventure bikes, they are still my preferred way to tour, so when Mickey called
saying he had a 2013 Tiger Explorer XC, which coincided with Easter break, I was
off. Actually he had two, and for 16 days I rode over 2500 miles on them, over
1500 with Theresa aboard, 1300 miles in the last four days. But with our
destination of Exeter and the hills of Central California, we decided to ride
the Carrizo Plain, which has dirt trails. Should be fun..
On a bike that can go from 0-100 in 7.1 seconds, we cruised 80-100 many
times. Hard to keep under 90. How far we have come from the dirt, as we had
traction control, ABS, cruise control, shaft drive, and ride by wire throttle.
All at over 45mpg, so we were off. And day 3 had us on the Carrizo Plain, which
usually is covered in color from spring flowers, but was still too early this
year. As we rode on Soda Lake Road, the pavement ended, and for almost 40 miles
we rode in the dirt-two up. Forgetting how after rain the dirt forms
washboards, and ruts, but the Tiger was up to it-more than me. We stayed
45-70mph most of the time, and no wash boards could induce tank slapping.
Amazing, and when we hit 166 to get to Santa Maria, we encountered the first
Adventure on it. The only gas station in New Cuyama had closed, the sign said
next services 54 miles-my miles to empty said 36. OOPS, but setting the cruise
at 61mph, gas mileage rose, another function of the trip computer, and the only
adventure came when we ran out of gas 100 feet from the station, going 21 miles
after the miles to empty light went to zero. 16 days, 2500 miles, 50 on dirt,
and that was the only adventure, that lasted 100 feet-a trip to remember.
So much for those who think the bike is too heavy for the dirt roads we
were on-maybe if they got out and rode one rather than quoting a road test
editor who rides 10/10ths they would better kow of what they talked. As for me
and my wife...we ride,because when the road ends, the ride doesn’t have
to.
Many a long time Christian has fallen prey to certain religious
ways, or to religion itself. Based on denominational beliefs, they may not
believe in healings, the rapture, miracles, and some even deny the deity of
Jesus Christ. And of late it seems a great many follow the study to find
yourself approved theory. Following teachings rather than God. Basing it more
on study, and trying to please God and influence friends, than on finding
themselves approved by God. Many times it stems from pride, and when they ask
“are you in the word,” so as to brag how much more than you they are, I now
answer “is the word in you?” Which surprises many, sadly. They read the word,
but neglect to know the man Jesus Christ, who since the beginning is the word,
was the word, and will be the word. So is the word in you? Or are you just
living based on research and other’s opinions? Readily identified by having all
the car radio buttons set to KWVE, or carrying extra study books to church, they
thrive on the experience, but don’t ever get to know Jesus. They start as
enduros, 90/10 approach to God, their 90, His 10, then proceed to be a dual
purpose Christian, maybe 80/20 them to God. But it is only when they become the
Adventure bike, and let God lead, then follow, that they get to know Him. They
get to know Him first hand, trust more, see more miracles, and live a full life
in Jesus. But it takes getting out on the road to do it, not reading about it.
Their relationship can go much further than just reading and studying, God wants
us to participate, to be in the game. On the road, with Him. And they find
that Jesus doesn’t get off when the road gets dirty, or bumpy, but rides
along-He never leaves us. And just like you need shocks for the bumps, we need
Him for the bumps in life. And He is also there on smooth roads, and in the
curves. Making a way for us, all we have to do is follow?
Feel adventurous? Trust Jesus today. See where the road He
leads you on goes. It may be rough, or even through the Valley of the Shadow of
Death-but He is with you. Use all the tools available to you in Him, take your
church Jesus onto the street, for others to see. His words can light the path
for you, and be a light to your feet-just the other side of the handlebars. Go
further and farther, and when the pavement ends, don’t back off. Many a great
ride has ended because the road got rough, when around the next bend it was
smooth again. Enduro comes from endurance-our lives are not a sprint, but a
marathon. Dual purpose means all conditions, not specializing in one. But
Adventure-that is where the gospel comes alive, where we see all of Jesus. For
like Him, we travel dirt roads. But the roads in heaven are made of gold.
Smooth pavement. It takes getting through life to get there and enjoy them.
Studying to find yourself approved? By whom? Jesus loves you as you are, help
the rest of us love you too. I hear that was one of His commandments for us.
So do that in remembrance of Him, every time you ride. Or meet someone who
knows all about it but never has. Know the author of life, as well as the
book. Life is an adventure, and doesn’t end when the road does... it just takes
on a more special meaning with Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com