It would be unfair to blame Art, although he is partly responsible. It
would be unfair to blame Jim, as he too had a part in it. Maybe even Theresa,
as she had jokingly reminded me of how we always have money for motorcycles,
even if we don’t have any money for food. But the truth is, I made the decision
with no influence, and when the deal was too good, jumped at it. It is the new
2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. A what? Royal Enfield, making bikes since
1901, first in Britain, and in India since 1954. Millions of them, like the VW
Beetle, not changing anything, and it showed. Hundred year old technology with
the same manufacturing procedure, not a winning combination, but in 2017 things
changed for the better. New president, new bikes, and a new outlook and
marketing, and now I have one in my garage. All the goodies of the expensive
bikes, ABS, Pirelli tires, 4 valve head, 6 speed tranny, steel brake lines,
Brembo brakes, great engine management, slipper clutch, great paint, black
aluminum rims, and a three year warranty with unlimited miles. Sounds like
me.....and directly imported to the colonies from the factory, where combined
with no middleman and Indian labor, they retail for $5999. For a new bike.
Which reminds me of my Triumph Scrambler and it is very much fun to ride. Even
getting compliments when filling up at 50 mpg. Even the magazines who used to
make fun of them love it. But like I said, it would be unfair to blame Art, but
I’ll let you decide.
My two older Tigers with over 150,000 miles between them needed to be
sold. But no one wants to take a chance on a high mileage bike, even if the
mileage is not high for them. So telling Art, who is my Triumph pusher, he made
me a deal I couldn’t refuse, and I rode one home. And yesterday Jim and his son
picked up the Tiger 955, our old touring bike with over 113,000 miles on it.
Lots of memories went down the street as I heard it for the last time......but
we weren’t done yet.
Over the years I have accumulated enough jackets, gloves, shirts, hats,
boots, and helmets to start a store. Some only worn a few times, some still
like new, and in need of someone who can use them. Mentioning it to Jim, he
said they were starting a used or low priced inventory of these items for those
who are low on cash. He explained how he had sold a high priced Jacket of his
to a guy for $20, and he would buy my stuff. Which I donated instead, maybe
there was a young Mike out there in need of some good stuff and just needed a
chance. So with two bikes gone, and a lot of my clothing inventory thinned out,
many things have changed in my garage. But I still have another closet of
leathers, and a cabinet I am not sure what is in it, last time I looked it had
seven helmets, all but one an Arai. But it is time to clean out and clean up,
and no better way than to honor God by giving to those who are in need, I never
expected an Indian bike would be the catalyst.....
As human beings we like things, lots of them. Which may explain why so
many cars are parked in the street instead of their garage. Overflow, combined
with a reticence to sell, rather to keep or hoard, collect, to just to say I
have more than you. Over the years we have adapted our packing for a trip to
just what is needed, traveling light and enjoying the ride more. Now we are
adapting that to our lives. Funny how a change of heart has affected our
actions and attitudes. Things can pile up quickly and get in our way, I cleaned
off my workbench last night and filled half a trash can. Where did I get all
this junk? I wasn’t even sure what some stuff was. But just as our heart can
affect our actions, our actions can affect our heart. And our relationship with
Jesus.
At one time based on pride, peer pressure, pride, bad teaching,
pride, and pride, I thought I had to be doing something for God all the time, to
be religious. I even knew men I wanted to emulate, but found no joy in trying
to please God by my rules. Or to impress men I really didn’t care for. I
finally decided I just wanted to sit in the back row and listen, and then my
life changed. Without all the clutter, I could hear the spirit directing, and
found a joy I had been missing, being the person Jesus wanted me to be. Maybe
the hardest thing I ever did, be myself, and let God bring about the changes. A
process still ongoing, lot of little steps, and learning to avoid the big ones.
At least to me big, to God, just part of the plan. I will not say I always went
willingly, I had to be urged and sometimes kicking and screaming inside
followed, but God is faithful even when I wasn’t. From our relationship to
giving me a ministry, to allowing me to ride to my heart’s content. Which he
again proved yesterday when the Tiger left for the last time without. Almost
114,000 miles in 48 states with Theresa, the bike I was on when life flighted
for open heart surgery. Just hearing that off road pipe stirred some emotion,
then I caught myself. My life is no longer about things, it is all about Jesus,
and the heart is the best place to keep those memories, just as Jesus designed
it. He has written his word on it, so he is always with us, his spirit
inhabiting but not forcing himself on us. It was my decision to trade the
bikes, I feel a sense of joy and relief, but also the presence of God, knowing
it was his way to show he cared, even down to my garage and what was in it. To
share things I had hoarded, to give and see true blessings, while still
receiving. Only in Jesus.....and he knew about it the whole time! No more
Craigslist, phone calls, bargain hunters, or strangers in my garage. Now if I
can only let him duplicate that in other areas of my life. Key word is let
him....
When there are times we feel we don’t have enough, 2 Corinthians
reminds us he is adequate in all things. We get religious, he wants to get
personal. He can do anything, yet includes me. Last week it was just another
ride until I accepted Art’s offer, and the process began for me. For God it was
always in process, and has brought me a fullness I had forgotten, and to me, now
I am more excited about giving more clothes and cleaning out things others may
need. Remove the clutter, so I can see and hear Jesus better. Lots of changes
in my garage now, from nine to three bikes, from over 400,000 accumulated miles
to under 40,000. Having less and enjoying it more, which leaves more time to
spend with God and give to others. Maybe an afternoon in your own garage or
closet will influence you, but it is up to God to show you. This is how he
worked it out for me.....he’s that personal. And to those of you who are still
bound in religion, where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Only in
Jesus Christ will you experience true fullness of life. Jesus and motorcycles,
it just don’t get any better! And then all things will be added unto us!
By the way, they call the color Ravishing Red....and did I
mention it is way fun to ride! You see, it really wasn’t Art’s fault after
all!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot. com