220 horsepower is what the old 5.0 Mustangs used to have, enough to spin
tires and be voted best bang for the buck. Now imagine that much power in a
motorcycle.....and I can tell you what it is really like. While swapping bikes
at Triumph, I was offered a ride on a Carpenter head Rocket 3, which Mickey had
just built. A stock R3 has 150 hp and 165 lb.ft. of torque, and a 6500 rpm
redline. This one dynoed that morning at 220 hp, 185 lb. ft. of torque, and
redlined at 9000! Sitting there idling like a NASCAR racer, I eased the clutch
out and held on, a great deal of uncertainty of what was to happen. I had read
its twin did the 1/4 mile in 8.99 seconds @155 mph, I said a prayer and left for
home.
Amazingly it can be ridden like a normal bike by exercising a great deal of
throttle control, and at the first light, less than a mile from the shop came
the first test. Mr. Loud Pipes Save Lives pulled up next to me, gunned his
motor and looked at me wanting to race. I revved the R3, then shut it down,
when the light turned green, he putt putted away slowly, never glancing at me,
son that’s power, that’s intimidation. A few minutes later on the 22, the
traffic was light, and I couldn’t understand why they were going so slow, I was
passing everyone. One quick look at the speedo told me why, I was doing 110 mph
and didn’t know it. I backed out of it, and had a safe if not intimidating ride
the rest of the day. I had been warned it will burn rubber in the first three
gears, which I found out by accident, and only in fourth was it safe to open up
the throttle full, and still hang on, almost. I was getting off the I-5 in
Oceanside, and merging onto the 78 I opened it up, and had the thrill of my
life. I was in second, and it almost ripped my arms from their sockets.
Remember the old muscle cars how they squatted and the rear end shook when
burning rubber, now imagine that on two wheels. Somehow I backed out of it, hit
third, duplicated it again, and somehow made it home. They say riding a
motorcycle is almost as good as sex, now I know why we refer to bikes as
she...
The thrill of uncertainty had been fulfilled in a way I was not prepared
for. Thankfully God was, as in that blink of an eye I never had time to pray.
We tend to approach people and act or react to them as we see them. Should work
for motorcycles too. In my life I always tried to treat older ones as if they
were my parents, men and women as if they were my sister or brother, and younger
ones as my kids. It made good business sense, later I was to learn that Paul
instructed Timothy long before I knew too. And I find that it affects how I
look at God, and my relationship with him. Too often we compare God to
something earthly or physical, and try to mold him into it. We get upset and
forget how Jesus suffered for our sin, and that while we were yet sinners died
for us. We forget that meekness is power under control, and if not used
properly, like on an R3, it can end in disaster. Along with self control, the
last listed fruit of the spirit, which is manifest in our decisions, we are
better at saying sorry than asking for directions. We think we know it all,
only to find out like a man I know who is known as The Bible Man, he thinks he
has all the answers, he just hasn’t heard all the questions. But when we see
our children, wife, or parents in the others who offend, we should think
differently.
The advisary knows which is weak, and our weaknesses, and goes after them.
My weakness that day and for the week I had the R3 was twisting the throttle.
Just how fast could it go, how long could I hang on, how much power was under my
control and when did it not. Taking it back the next week, I wanted one more
rush, so accelerated, but not WFO, onto the freeway. Cruising at 125 mph in
third gear I saw 8000 rpm on the tach. With 1000 more rpm to redline and two
gears left after that. But I had learned something in the meantime about
meekness, and the thrill of uncertainty. They are both concepts, but both under
my control, my decision, and a choice I make. The last time I saw the bike, It
had been to a magazine, and a sign that said STUPID FAST was hanging on it.
Things happen quicker at 125 than at 60, and high speed is for the track. And
how much I twist the throttle of life affects other people. Paul was trying to
assure Timothy in his new position as pastor to not think of himself as better,
but a short lesson in humbling rather than being humiliated. A lesson in how to
treat others, a take on the golden rule, and hopefully others will react back in
kind. It is our choice to say “good Lord it’s morning,” or “good morning
Lord.” We are to have the attitude of Christ, being a servant, and serving as
needed, when needed. Just the opposite of seeking revenge....
If we view Jesus and approach him with openness and honesty we will see a
side of him religion misses. If we come humble and seeking, he will answer.
His fruit in us the proof of our relationship with him. But for the times we
open the throttle too much, he offers forgiveness, and mercy, and the ability to
carry on. Before we get waved off the track. Or still have a license to ride.
God has instilled in us a sense of thrill, of adventure, of going further. When
he guides us in that sense, we know we will be more than satisfied. After all
it is not the power, but the spirit that changes lives, for like the Harley
rider found out, there is always someone out there who has more. Be certain in
Christ, there is power and there is power. His is power to forgive and grant
eternal life. Choose him and hang on for the ride of your life. A 1/4 mile at
a time.....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com.