It’s over and in the history books for the ages, and the
aged-the Hollister Independence Day Rally is over. Spread over three days this
year, we again attended, and enjoyed it all. But something was missing this
year, maybe an intangible, or even evident to many who attended, over 150,000.
To me the most glaring omission was the lack of old time bikers. The guys who
we remembered and looked up to when we first started riding. Guys who talked
tough and were tough, who rode because they liked to, not because they were
forced to. Or wanted to look trendy. No money in the early days, many of them
and us rode bikes that needed more work than we did, but we rode, and the
brotherhood was formed. And this year many were absent. As the biker clubs
formed after WWII, those men are now in their 80’s or 90’s, too old to ride, but
not to old to remember. And as I looked around, I wondered how many in
attendance really know about the birthplace of the American biker? Or about
Hollister, Wino Willie, The Wild One, or even care. As I saw bike after bike of
yuppies with bling, 32” front wheels, and shiny leathers, clean boots or even
sandals. They were there. Maybe the test ride on the 2014 Indian explained it
best, over $26,000 for a new bike, and inside Branscombe Richmond in a blue
blazer stomping for Indian. While just 20 feet away was Sonny Barger, leathers
and colors. Who owns a new Indian, and we talked about the mods he was doing to
it, I bet no sound system other than pipes for Sonny. Yet this new
motorcyclist, not quite a biker, as they don’t live the ride, just emulate it on
weekends, or as their wives allow, is all about the image. Being seen on a new
Indian, or on a Jap imitation. Thinking Triumph is made by Honda, and with more
BMW snobs than Harley snobs, and more other than Harley snobs, we aren’t the
same. Maybe the signs are there, no one stops for a biker on the side of the
road anymore. It is cell phones and AAA to their rescue. And with the
Hollywood influence, bikers used to influence Hollywood, remember The Wild One?
Now Sons of Anarchy has spawned many biker clubs, gotta have your own club and
colors, but where is the brotherhood? And while eating lunch and watching those
watching the Wild One for the first time, how many know that was based on
Hollister? And was the reason for the revival in 1997? So to those who were
the true rebels, who rode because they wanted the freedom, and the brotherhood,
who showed us honor and respect, we remember. And we remember how it was, and
how it still is...
Stopping in Paso Robles, we ate a Quiznos with a Ninja 300
parked out front. Turned out it was owned by the young guy making the
sandwiches, and he loved to ride. His friends in cars didn’t get it, but he
did. Even his name Harley made him want to own one some day, but he loved to
ride. He gets it...and even if I could explain it, you still have to get it. We
speak and live a brotherhood, and you are welcome, leave your preconceived ideas
at home with your bling, purse dog and cell. We ride, the road is our friend,
and those who ride our brothers. Maybe it was further explained at Hollister at
the BMW display, where a young woman was manning, or was it womanning the
booth. How could BMW fit in with the biker crowd? And as I explained BMW snobs
being worse then Harley snobs, being worse than anything but Harley or BMW sobs,
she got it. It is from the heart, and from that heart stems a rebellion, a
desire to not be satisfied with the status quo who all wear black, shiny bikes.
Who all look the same seeking to be individuals. Many are called, few are
bikers.
True rebels, those who think different, who ask questions, and
aren’t afraid to act on what others think. Happens in the biker world everyday,
but also in the church. Marin Luther, fed up with religion that was killing
him, sought God. And found the truth, turning against the established church,
and following Jesus. Can’t be more rebellious than that. Chuck Smith and
Calvary Chapel, reaching out to hippies and bikers, and others who might get the
carpet dirty. Inviting and welcoming them, in one action showing more of the
gospel than many crusades ever did. Showing love, compassion, and in truth.
Respect and brotherhood...if only the church today could get what we bikers
know, how it would change things. But it takes Jesus, the original rebel, to
show the way. To be the leader. Jesus, who showed forgiveness to those who
would not forgive, who hung out with biker types, and listened. Telling them
the truth, and then showing it. Going against organized religion and the
Pharisees, He showed them a better way, the only way. He would hang with the
1%’er, and also with the yuppies. He was no snob, whatever you rode was OK,
just so you ride. And He wants you to be part of the ride that He is, the
salvation of man. The reason He came, to reunite us with God. No club rules,
no colors, jut freedom in the spirit. He would be the old guy who looked tough,
but spoke gently. He would wave and stop to help. And in the crowd of
Hollister that day He would stand out. And draw others to Himself.
He would be the ultimate influence, the ultimate rebel among
rebels. Forgiving and loving, showing respect, He is the brotherhood we
desire. He isn’t about test rides, or images, or lifestyles-He is life itself,
and welcomes you as you are. He would be the intangible missing from your life,
the old guys telling the stories of how it used to be, and telling of how it
will be. He would encourage brotherhood among the brands, and not preach
denominations. He is love....and all that love is.
Sadly many are called, but few are chosen. It is their choice, yes to
Jesus, or yes to death. Leaving the choice up to us. Join the ranks of the
truly rebellious today, get saved. Know the freedom that only Christ can
offer. go beyond colors, brands, denominations, and clubs. Join the family of
God, become one with Christ. Stop dreaming, stop wondering, and trust Jesus.
The ride of your life lies ahead...maybe those old bikers knew more than we give
them credit for. But Jesus got it right from the start. Let today be that
start, or restart of your life in Christ. Live and then leave a legacy for
others to look upon. Let I remember when be your daily memory, know the truth
and be set free. Be a rebel! Jesus was, what are you waiting for? Many are
called....are you one of the few?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com