Although Theresa and I like to travel alone, we are really traveling
together. Add another rider on another bike, and suddenly the pace changes.
You only go as fast as the slower rider, and when she rides her Bonneville, we
have certain agreements. I let her lead, she has come a long way from never
riding on freeways, to never going 55, to cruising along at 80-85. Which she
will deny to any officer of the law. She has also learned to lane split, and
very rarely do we get separated, and if we do, we have a destination to meet
at. Like when the curves attack, and I just have to go faster, I wait at the
end for her, and the times of waiting are getting smaller, she rides faster now,
I haven’t slowed down. I have full confidence in her riding skills, and her
judgment, unlike too many others who shall remain nameless, so as to preserve
their integrity, you make your own decisions after riding with them. But one
group always comes to mind, one that if given the chance would ride with again,
Don and Linc from Portland, and with the passing of Don, I only have memories,
and no more expectations. On any ride it is good to know where you are going,
and when riding across the US of A in 7 days, communication is vital. So each
night we would discuss the prearranged route, we had ceremonies to attend each
night, and plan a speed to ride at, based on the roads. If too slow, you knew
the destination, if too fast, same thing. But we all stayed together, working
it out. Also fuel stops were based on the smallest tank, and no unnecessary
fuel stops were taken, with some exceptions. Older bladders need emptying more
often, call them a pit stop. And with Linc following up, no one wandered off,
got lost, or dragged behind. We all made it, safely, happily, and would do it
again. Consider this an invitation.
Now for an unexpected pit stop, or call this a refueling of the body. We
were outside Cuba, Missouri that is, and the signs pointing to Steak and Shake
were too tempting, so we pulled in. Now with 12 of us ranging in age from late
twenties to early 70’s, we were a group to behold. But age meant nothing to us,
as although some were older, none were old, and let the milkshakes begin. Now
if you have never had a milkshake at Steak and Shake, when the sign
appears-STOP! You can diet tomorrow, or like we did once, have a yogurt shake,
saving 60 calories. But you have to indulge, which is what we all did. And as
any group of kids does, we got loud-we were having fun. And when I asked the
waitress for some hats like they wear, she thought it was a good idea, and gave
us each one. Which only meant one thing-pictures! And so all of us immature
milkshake drinkers went out, and had a woman take our picture, 12 times, one for
each camera that was lined up at the curb. At first she was wondering what she
had gotten into, but soon joined in the fun. Our meal of milkshakes complete,
photo op fulfilled, and new friend made, we were off again. A time I will never
forget, if I can ever find the pictures, they need no words to describe the
fun. Why should fun or milkshakes be wasted on the young? And we were only
half way to Ground Zero...
I heard a pastor tell once that many hands make light work. Trying to do a
job alone, even if it only takes one, company is welcome, as long as it isn’t
another advisor. Just meeting fellow riders at a rest stop can provide all the
company needed to compare notes. And as Theresa can attest to, when the fuel
light comes on, and you don’t obey it, you have someone to wait with you for
help. Just like Jesus sent out His disciples, in pairs. Your mind can wander
on long trips, and having someone to talk to helps. They see things you missed,
can help push you if you break down, and provide first aid if needed. They can
help you keep a level head, and also share great things of the Lord-I have found
no problem in talking to myself on long trips alone, but when the non-existent
other voice answers, then argues, I pull over. Even if no Steak or Shake is in
sight.
And on cold nights I cannot over emphasize the benefits of not being
alone. So Jesus has given us wives and friends to travel with, but He has also
given us the Holy Spirit-so we are never alone. Knowing you need to pray, but
not sure of how or what? Ask the spirit to intercede, and then a simple amen
seals it. For where two or more are present so is Jesus, and who could be a
better prayer partner than the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity? It
is like God praying for you, and with you at the same time. You can’t go
wrong! So maybe there is hope for those who ride alone, and prefer a crowd of
one to a crowd of many. But when more help is needed, God provides the hands to
do the work. But take heed of His warning, the harvest is plentiful, but the
workers few. And before you get testy, and waste time worrying and grumbling
about the lack of help-remember with more work comes more blessings. For you.
All the ones that could have been shared are all yours. And a good nights sleep
included. So you can ride more the next day.
God wants to bless you, but sometimes it takes work to complete the
project. God knew beforehand who would show up, and you are never alone. Many
hands may make light work, but in His hands you find joy and peace. Which
leaves more time to ride, more time for milkshakes, but more importantly more
time with God. Which is never a bad thing. Share a ride or a milkshake with
Him today. Bring along a friend, I’ll bring Theresa. One condition-order your
own. Maybe share a sip or two. But like the blessing God has for you, they are
only better when shared with others. Riding alone or even in a crowd, you are
never lonely. Make mine a strawberry cheesecake shake, I’ll drink to
that!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com