I made the big switch in 1972 to motorcycle owner. But still was a rider,
always was, always will be. Today when we are out we meet many who come up to
us and will say “I own a motorcycle,” only to find it is hidden somewhere in the
garage, with half of the tank of gas they bought last spring. It seems that
there is a big difference between owners and riders, even Harley’s own HOG group
Is Harley Owners Group, which may explain the multitude of late model Harleys
with low miles for sale. They bought, they posed, they sold, never really
becoming a part of us, they were always apart from us. In May of the year I
bought my first Honda CB350, motorcycles were motorcycles, and the fact you rode
was more important that what you rode. Today we have baggers, cruisers, sport
bikes, café racers, adventure bikes, Harleys, Ducatis, and BMW’s. Like
religion, each group having their own take on motorcycles, segregating
themselves, elitist, an owner, but maybe not a rider. And they come from all
levels of society, doctors and lawyers, to 1%ers, all motorcyclists, just not
all riders. Even my last visit with Sonny Barger, we talked of how great
Triumph new bikes were, how fast Kawasakis were, and the immergence of BMW. But
he will only ride American made bikes, hates Harleys, don’t get him going on
them, was riding an Indian bagger, but really loved his Victory they didn’t make
anymore. The face of riding for many, he never will allow himself the joy of
horsepower, handling, and comfort. But being the rebel he is, any bets on late
night races on a café racer.....owner and rider, a rare breed.
The old saying “$20,000 and 20 miles don’t make you a biker,” is still true
today. When we are in Pennsylvania and they see our Cali plates, riders come up
and ask “did you ride it here?” Also heard in Northern California, when we say
we are from San Diego. But the difference between owner and rider goes deep, as
we can define our years by what we rode and where. We have a common disease
called motorcycles, and tell Harley jokes, Triumph jokes, and make fun of the
plush animals on Gold Wings. Our leathers are worn and faded, but our memories
aren’t, and we look forward to each next ride with anticipation, the road can be
the journey and also the destination, not just the next HOG free lunch or an
owners meeting. We are a diverse group, a unique minority in the world today,
any guesses on what our plans are based on every weekend? Or after I am done
writing this? Some own, some ride, if you find yourself waving to bikes when in
a car, you get it.....
In the beginning it was just God and Adam, the perfect relationship. Then
came Eve, they sinned and were separated from God. He offered his love via many
ways, laws and legalism, commandments, showing them how to live in a fallen
world. But the beginning of religion began, choosing what rules and how to
apply them, each group building barriers between them and others, each claiming
the better way, but mostly missing God. Sometimes altogether. And then he sent
Jesus to reunite us with himself, the law couldn’t and people wouldn’t, so Jesus
became the way. Again each group embracing a part or distancing themselves from
one, ending up with what scripture calls a form of godliness, but without the
fullness of Jesus Christ. Each clinging to a partial gospel, never enjoying the
fullness in the spirit. Like motorcycle owners, they may be part of a religion,
adhere to its rules, but never ride what they have. “I go to church, I am a
Catholic, I am a Baptist,” while the true rebels embrace Jesus Christ first.
Some are religious, some are Christians, some believe, some attend. Some look
the part, while those that have become a part have stopped looking. Seems we
all have the intrinsic desire to belong, to be loved and forgiven, yet will jump
at the first chance to belong. Twenty years in church and $20,000 given does
not make a Christian, only knowing Jesus does. With an interesting phenomena we
see more and more of lately. Many of us older saints have quit going to church,
it has changed politically, socially, and even drifted away from Jesus,
unknowingly and knowingly. With many confused thinking the church is Jesus, the
church doesn’t save, only Jesus does. But all who are saved are part of his
church, we both own and ride, still rebels in religion. Choosing Jesus above
all else......
Years ago when Ronald Reagan was asked why he left the Democratic party, he
answered, “I didn’t leave them, they left me.” Have you signed up for Jesus and
settled for less? Bought a touring bike that never leaves town? Own all the
riding gear but never wear it, or wear it and have become a poser? Maybe when
we find that riding is an affair of the heart, our riding habits change. Same
with Jesus, our your prayers rote? Do you tithe miserably because your church
says to? Or do you meditate on God all day, does he fill your thoughts? Does
he influence your actions and emotions? Do you seek him first, or the things of
him? Maybe it is time to start riding your relationship with Jesus, kick stand
up, and away in the spirit. Turn to Jesus today and don’t try to get it all at
once, each ride is different, and each road too. Maybe the blind man who was
given his sight said it best, without any religious overtones, no church talk,
but basic. After he met Jesus, his answer was “Once I was Blind, but now I can
see.” No study could ever replace his relationship with Jesus. He had met the
Lord, and his life changed.
And so I pray for Sonny, to know Jesus, and to take a ride on one of my
bikes, which I have offered and he refused. He has the same opportunity we
have, don’t let brand order or denomination rob you from all the fullness Jesus
has to offer. Some own, some ride. Some are owned, others are driven. Jesus
allows us to make the choice, love and life, religion or death. In Christ we
find true freedom, you can be part of the group or part of his family. Even
when in a car I still wave.....I am a part of us, just not wanting to be apart
from us. Owners and riders.....which are you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com