the no bang theory

Self preservation is the basest of all human instincts. And it seems that it is hard to turn on the TV anymore without some channel having a show on about the end of the world. 2012, cannibalistic Mayans, Hopis, or Nostradamus and his nebulous predictions seem to be news of the day. Even some will quote the Bible, but just as another version of the end of days. But one show caught my eye, secularly based, it showed five reasons the world as we know it will cease to be. And gave valid proof-which was easy, because the things they cited are already here. Except for one, which they downplayed, but is here and maybe they don't want you to know it.

This group predicted that within 30 years computers will have the ability to reason like a human. They already do, and let me use your car, or motorcycle as an example. When you turn the key, you are not turning on the ignition, but activating a control unit. Based on sensory input, it will either start, or if it sees potential danger-the sensors don't meet certain criteria, it won't. Radios, AC units, and even power seats all work off the same type of system. Even transmissions are adaptive, learning how you drive, and even learning shift points from your driving habits. And you need to be careful not to diagnose symptoms, as if the control unit senses engine problems, it can keep your car in a lower gear, and take away the gas pedal, allowing you to limp home without further damage to your car. You think your trans is bad, but it is only a symptom, of the car doing what it is trained to do. Just like your reasoning, it takes criteria and makes a decision-keep itself alive.

Built into the starting system, are even safeties you may not realize. Before computers, if the battery was low, no crank-no start. Now a battery can read good, but the car still won't start. It hasn't met the threshold that the computer is programmed for, so you won't start. Battery good-still a no start.

And sadly, you can run out of fuel, before you run out of fuel, due to control unit settings, and the input they gathered. Which I was reminded of the other day. I ran out of gas, while I still had gas in the tank. Even did the Steve McQueen move like in the Great Escape, removed the cap, shook the tank, heard it sloshing, but no start. The trip computer even told me the tank was 9/10's full, with 193 miles till empty. But here I sat, until roadside came and poured in gas. Then like magic it started right up!

Which brings up the question-when are you really out of gas? When is your battery really no good? How do I know if I am doing the right thing? And is the world really going to end?

At death, your world will end. For all of us. But for those who believe, we will change, and in 1/240,000 of a second-the twinkling of an eye, we will be in heaven. If you have rejected Jesus, in the same time frame, you will be in hell. No reset button, or booting of your life. No more last chance to choose again, for you have been given those opportunities, but chosen to say no, or worse-wait. Both are a no, and end in death-true death. But for those who know Jesus, we begin true life-in eternity. No more computers, no more running out of gas when you are told your tank is full, and no limp home modes to get you home-you are home!

Read Revelation if you want to know the future-and be blessed. The only book that promises a blessing just for reading it. Let the others have their theories and fantasies, you have the truth. While they seek something, you have someone. And you can have it right now, does that sound like something you want?

Trust God, accept Jesus into your heart. No more worries about the future, and He also takes care of today, too. No more shows about what might be, the truth of the Bible far surpasses anything any science fiction author can dream. And either way, you are going to be part of it. It's like knowing who is going to win the Super Bowl. And knowing where to place your bet. Now you know the future, where are you going to place yours?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

we should have seen it coming

SDG&E announced yesterday that they are raising their rates due to lower income last year. Seems all the mail, e-mail, and TV ads to conserve energy are working, and they are selling less electricity. So now that you have conserved, you will have to pay more. Your bill will go up, your usage down, and we should have seen it coming.

We also have only X amount of water coming into So Cal. Whether it goes to one million, or ten million homes, the amount is finite. So again we are told to conserve, only to be rewarded with larger bills. When you don't have more to sell, you raise the price on the commodity, and quantity you do have. And again, we should have seen it coming.

I am told it still costs $3-4 to take each barrel of oil out of the ground. Yet prices are rising again, and they are projected into the $5 range. And the auto makers are glad, they can sell you more cars advertised to get higher mpg, and sales should go up. Advertise them cheap, but by the time you get all the options you have on your larger car, it will cost more. Add in the payment if your old car is paid off, and again, we should have seen it coming.

It's like the woman who told me her gas bills went down when she bought a smaller SUV. It cost her less to fill up. When I mentioned her new tank was about 2/3 the size of her old one, she looked confused. She only understood price per tank, and didn't realize she bought gas more often. But to her value system, it cost less. And sadly there is no defense against people like her. And I wish I hadn't seen her coming.

And it is no better when grocery shopping. Since Costco and Wal-Mart have shown you can get the same items for much less, the chains have installed Club Pricing. And you must join their club to get the discounts. And I love on the bottom it always says how much you saved, by joining the club. What it really says is how much they are overcharging the poor schmuck who doesn't belong to their club. And I found a way to save even more-I don't shop there. I saw that one coming!

Church to most people is a weekly, social event, that they feel forced or compelled to attend. It has little or nothing to do with God to them, so they seek the most comfortable church to attend they can. Usually liberal, where they don't feel threatened from the pulpit to deal with sin in their life, don't want to get to know Jesus, and grumble when they open their wallets to give. But they've met the criteria of a nagging wife, or a guilty conscience, or whatever, and they are there. And sadly, they think this is what Christianity is all about. Going to a church building, not realizing the people are the church. And being more concerned about what the outside looks like than what is said inside. They have little concern for their next meal, only wondering what it will be, and how soon they can get out to get it. And little concern for the poor. Yes, a friend or two may be unemployed, but that is a recession. When they become out of work, then it is a depression. And then reach out to credit cards, then social programs, instead of the church. Pride keeps them out, and the whole family suffers, as lifestyles change, but their relationship with God won't. They have been sold a bill of goods about God, and when the prosperity movement tells them they are great because they are rich-a lie, then they feel the opposite when poor. This is when as Christians, we need to come aside these misled people, and love them through the situation. No sermons on their lifestyle, or riches that have gone away-show them love. Care, with compassion, and stand with them. And if they won't go to church-go to them! Visit them, send food, and by showing love, will say more than a 100 sermons on missions, prosperity, or other religious mantras the church has embraced. When they see how much you care, they will care more about what you say. Love covers a multitude of sins, and blessed is the man who turns one from their sin. Don't be like the world, be like Jesus, and show love.

And you know what, it will bless you too. And bring you closer to God. For you see, the world gives out their abundance, where as true believers give out of their heart, and will even sacrifice for others. You will never find the righteous begging food, or their children going hungry. Just one simple act, can change the hard heart. And as a Christian, the world should see us coming-in love.

If your faith wavers today, be assured that the tribulation or trials you are in, were warned about by Jesus. So that should confirm your faith. A work to confirm His words. But so are the blessings, and if you know Jesus, they are here today-you should have seen them coming. And He is coming for His church soon-don't be among the ones who are left behind and say "I should have seen His coming!" No shortage of water at his well, gas at his station, or power at his outlet. And-he hopes to see you coming-to Him-soon!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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the case of the missing air

Weather in the 80's! Dry, gentle winds. And a new bike, a new 2011 Thunderbird Storm, specially air freighted from England just a few days before to ride, and a three day weekend to ride it on, with my wife. Yes, January in Southern Cal is definitely the place to be. So, we took full advantage of it, and rode up to LA, and spent the night with Christopher and Reagan. Great service at Steve Mays, and then to Griffith Park, and the observatory. One of my favorite places in LA, and somehow despite LA trying to outpace California in going bankrupt, admission is still free-just like it has been since 1935. Looking out one way you can see downtown, with Beverly Hills to the right, then the Hollywood sign even farther to your right. Priceless views all, but it is still the observatory that draws me. And every time I walk the steps, and walk around the roof areas, I am reminded of the fight scene in Rebel Without a Cause. And somehow can see James Dean and Natalie Wood, and the other rebels-with no cause.

But waking up the next morning, I had a rear flat tire. So calling the roadside service, the guy came and put air into the tire, and I was to be OK for five hours, he said. Which made me wonder, how did he know? I had told him it went flat overnight, since I had parked it at about 5pm. So we took off, with Theresa confidant I would make it home OK. And was glad when I did. And talking with her, I asked her how did the man know when the tire would go flat again-five hours, she said. But the man didn't know when it had gone flat. Had it lost air just 20 minutes before I noticed it, or 20 minutes after I had left it for the night? How long had it been losing air? You see without knowing the answer to these questions, there is no way he could know. He was theorizing, with no evidence to base it on. He only had one fact, the tire was flat. But what happened between parking, and then finding it flat, he had no idea what had transpired. In her eyes, he suddenly went from hero to zero-and that is a fact.

In the basement area of the observatory, is a long, curved hallway, with an exhibit case running the whole length of it-hundreds of feet long. And in it, is a timeline, representing the big bang theory. While upstairs, there are displays proving time, distance, and even colors of the universe, this is strictly a theory, but presented as fact. They even told what they believed had banged, and over billions of years how life developed. And suddenly, even the facts they presented upstairs, were in question. The whole thing was theory. No one was there,a and the facts were nebulous. And worst of all, they didn't even tell where the things that went bang had originated. This was science fiction at its height, and how many leave believing it to be truth-when it isn't. But these people, who believe, have amazing faith, for it takes faith to believe a lie, when the Bible's opening words tell us the truth, "in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Dropping human life to a low level, for when man arrived they claim we were descended from fish or worms. No wonder some live like they mired in filth-they are only acting like they believe their ancestry demands of them.

And none of it can be proven. They call it a theory, God calls it a lie. So ask questions, demand answers. The tow truck driver meant well to me, but he didn't know. But I left secure in the fact I would check it out along the way. I was hoping he would be right, but still wanted to check the fact of how much air the tire would lose. When someone tells you something about God, and it is not quoted from scripture-doubt it. Check it in scripture, and make God prove it. No theory will get you to heaven, o only the fact of Jesus Christ. God deals in fact, the world deals in theory,a and what better place to display theory than Hollyweird. Sadly, no matter how much talent and technology they put into their presentation, it pales when you compare it with the truth, and God.

Settle for nothing less then the truth. Trust God to get you home-I did and He did. But I also trust Him to get me to my heavenly home, and someday He will. That's a fact! I know. And being safe and secure in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is always better than hoping. You can have your ideas, I will have my facts. Got them from the person who was there at the beginning, and even before that. If He can create a universe for you, imagine what He can do for you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

desserts is stressed spelled backwards

Here I was, laying in Dr. Martz's, aka Smiley's, office, with a long needle stuck in the back of my leg. I had noticed a lump on the back of my left knee, and when it got so big it effected my walking, I finally told my parents and off to Smiley we went. "The longer it takes to come out is good," he said. "When the fluid is thick it means no tumor." Good words, but could you please hurry it up a little, I hate needles and this thing hurts!

Turned out I had a Baker cyst, the synovial fluid that should be lubricating my knee wasn't and had formed a cyst. So surgery was the answer, and surgery it was. And after a few days in the hospital, it was back to school, on crutches. Now crutches are the last thing a sophomore in high school needs-they aren't cool, and having been on them in first and second grade, they kept you from doing a lot of things-things that were important like playing. So it was off to school, obeying Smiley's orders-at least at first. Then after finding I could take the pain of putting weight on it, I did. And then I began to walk on it way too soon. I'm cool. What did the doctor know, and hey I was in a hurry to get my life back.

Well... I prolonged the healing. And finally had the stitches removed and went back to gym class-my favorite class. And then it happened. We were playing war, and I got hit in the back of my left knee-and the incision opened up. All six inches of it! You could see all the things the skin had covered going on inside. So hobbling to the nurses office, conveniently located at the far end of the school, I held my knee together with one hand, and leaned against the lockers with the other. It was resewn, and finally healed-but no more gym for me. And I am left with this ugly, Colloid scar, which is still sensitive today. I guess the doctor did know more than me after all. And I wish I had waited-sooner.

I have always thought that farmers were the most patient men on earth. They plant the seed, then have to wait. Sure, they water and fertilize, but they cannot do anything about the seed-it is up to God to make it grow. It is a hidden work,which they cannot see, so they must trust. So, it is work by planting, wait for seed to grow, then harvest. All when it is time, and you cannot take the procedure out of turn. You must plant for it to grow, and it must grow before you can harvest.

Prayer is like that. You give your problem to God, but have to wait for the answer to take place. And rather than be patient and let God work, we get stressed. And cause other problems. Both inside and outside the initial problem. If the farmer harvests too soon, the crop is doomed, and answers to prayer are like that too. We don't know the plan God has for our situation, and after about 15 minutes of patience, start to coach Him. And then get impatient. "God, you don't understand, I've waited 15 minutes. How much longer can I endure?" Maybe talk to a mother, for 9 months she carried a child. Too early-disaster. Too late, more problems. But at just the right time-it's a beautiful new birth. And God works that way too in the answers to your prayers.

The answer may seem too long, prolonged, or even where did God go. But be patient. The seed you can't see is growing. And it will produce a wonderful crop, if you let go and let God. How long-can't tell you. For what, same answer. I do know this, God has everything in control, and you can too if you just trust and obey-the correct thing to do.

Walking in Henry's, a young girl came up to me before I could keep going and wanted me to sample some anti-stress drink. I told her I had no stress-at least until she approached me, and she looked amazed. "Why?" "I give my problems to Jesus, and He handles them," I said. After a moment of silence, she said, "I do too, but then I take them back."

No matter what your prayer is, God has heard, and even before you asked, was answering. Let God be God, you ask and He will answer. And be like Paul, who when complaining about a pain in his side, was told by Jesus, "my grace is sufficient, and my strength is made perfect in your weakness." Better said than I could. Your ship won't sink when He is aboard, the storm will pass, and though a tough time may ensue enduring the answer-He is the answer!

Give it to Jesus, and let Him keep it. His burden light, and His yoke is easy. He will take your stress and turn it into dessert, but only after enjoying the healing meal He has prepared. The meal He is preparing may take time, He is just making it that much better, and personal for you.

All things must pass. So pass the time with Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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boutiques? we don't need no stinking boutiques!

Coming home from picking up the latest press bike to ride, a 2011 New Speedmaster, I stopped at Triumph of Newport Beach. Now, Newport Beach, among other things, boasts the largest Mercedes Benz dealership in the US of A. Lotsa money in Orange County. But I wasn't prepared for what I was going to see. Or experience. It seems that marketing departments of some companies, think we rather visit boutiques, rather than dealerships, or shops. And I got first hand a glimpse into the future, and found out something very scary-I don't fit. Pulling up to a pristine building, shared with Ducati, I walked in the front door. Ducati on left, and Triumph on the right. And was greeted by a nice guy, standing behind a kiosk, watching his flat screen. He was pleasant enough, and after telling him I needed to use the bathroom, I walked around. In a showroom, that looked like the show displays. Track lighting, big murals of sanitary people sitting on on sanitary bikes. And as I walked around, I noticed the signs on the bikes-"Please don't sit on motorcycles without assistance." And I wondered, if their customers needed help to sit on them when they were parked, should they be riding? What does that say about their customers? But as I continued to walk around, I also noticed many of the bikes were from Orange County Motorsport, who had shut its doors last summer. Very clean, and sanitary. Just like the bathroom, which also had flowers in a vase. And as I continued to walk around, looking at t-shirts, I noted that the cheapest ones were around $40. And a sweatshirt I liked was over $80. No way would I ever think of sweating in a shirt that expensive. But they did have their own logo shirts for $30-such a deal. I also noticed something else-no parts department. Their were other accessory kiosks, but no parts counter. With no parts men. And suddenly, I felt like I was in the wrong place.

Talking with the man behind the kiosk, like I said he was very nice and polite. But not friendly, not like the guys I am used to, who talk bikes. Looking at his haircut, and neatly trimmed beard, I couldn't see him with a helmet, although he knew all about the latest Arai designs. And he had on loafers-I don't know any bikers who ride in loafers! So we started to talk, and where I had ridden 20 different bikes last year, and was on my third 2011 this year, this guy knew all the specs on the bikes, and all about riding. And when I recognized his words as coming from the same magazines I had just read, I realized this guy had no experience other than reading about someone else's. I had ridden-he had read. He knew all about bikes, he just didn't know them. Which I should have seen coming, as he is the first shop I had ever been to when I brought in a new model, not yet released to the dealers, that showed no interest. Must not have read about it yet. And even though I had my $800 Arai, my expensive Triumph racing leather, and my new Triumph boots, I was a stranger. I had crossed over into the land of designer motorcycle shops-boutiques, it was like visiting the mall, and I detest malls. And all at once a whole old generation of bikers, like me, was being forced out.

Whereas shops used to have old donuts, in greasy cardboard boxes, and stale, black coffee, now they had lattes. No bike magazines in the bathroom, of any kind! No parts guys to show you the latest stuff. And you can't even sit on the bikes! And the whole time, this guy never left his kiosk, or turned away from his screen. Service? The door was shut. And it made me realize why I see the new type of riders I meet so often.

They are designer riders. If their wife lets them, they can have one. Maybe take it out and ride for lattes on Saturday. Wear expensive leathers, buy all the options that they saw on their i-pad, and rather than bench race about bikes and roads, talk about sushi restaurants, and their stock portfolio. Posers. These guys aren't bikers, and these stores aren't even biker friendly. As I looked at the Steve McQueen designer t-shirt, I wonder what Steve would have thought. What kind of half a sissy would wear a women's styled shirt? Brando even rode his own bike in the Wild One, Johnny, would you guys go out scramblin' and stop here? Would Lee Marvin even ride by without expressing his opinion via a hand gesture? He doesn't mean he thinks they are #1. Can you imagine the furor if Bud Ekins lit up one of his Gailiouses? Bud once told Leno he could only come into his shop if he emptied the trash-no celluloid heroes there. Where have all the men gone? And what has happened to our shops?

Old bikers and old shops, never thought I would be one, or miss old shops. Some might say, you're not changing with the times, and there may be some truth there. Change for change sake isn't always right. Or good. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is consistent, you know what to expect, and that is good. He has been there, done that, and even has the t-shirt to prove it. Maybe that is why I get so upset when some so-called Christian spews forth lies based on Oprah, LDS, or Jehovah Witnesses. The Progressive church, taking truth, twisting it, and steering you away from Christ. You don't have to miss by much, just miss. This spirit of anti-Christ, the Bible calls it, is alive and well, and doing harm to Christians and non-Christians alike. The we are all brothers lie-read John 1. There are many ways to heaven-read John3. I can be good and get there-read Ephesians 2. Or there is no heaven at all-the biggest lie of all. Combine that with Jesus was not God, deny His deity, and you have a generation raised on lies, or other men's writings, not the word. Heading to hell. Making up truth as they go-did you know there have been over 4000 changes in the Book of Mormon? How's that for reliability? But their buildings, like cycle boutiques, are clean and modern.

And just like motorcycle boutiques, they live by a set of rules and laws, and advise others, ask us-we have all the answers. They deny that God's grace is sufficient. Woe to them.

Give me a church like the old bike shops. Worn a little from the traffic. Older saints who guide the younger. Young people, the next generation, being raised up to carry on the gospel. Seats for sitting, altars for praying, and Bibles for reading. And we'll close when the last person leaves. Don't make my relationship with God impersonal, or based on man-I want the real thing.

And that is why I probably won't go back to the store in Newport. I ride from the heart, not from Rider, or Cycle World. And I want to experience motorcycling first hand. And the same goes for Jesus-give me the Bible first, then commentaries. I want all that He has for me, and a place to work out of. To meet with others and share Jesus. To fellowship, and then go out and tell others. I even have a name for it-church!

The truth is out there. Guys still ride, and people still seek Jesus. If you are looking for a trend-try salvation. And go for the ride of your life. We'll even let you sit on the bikes!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the only Bible some will ever read

He was known as the Yankee Clipper, not for his sailing, or his hair cutting abilities, but for the graceful way he played baseball. Playing center field for the Yankees as no one had before, he was also to hit in 56 straight games in 1941, on his way to the Hall of Fame. He was Joe DiMaggio, Joltin' Joe, and to many a hero. During an afternoon game, where the Yankees were winning big, Joe hit a meaningless ball to short, but ran full speed, as if the game depended on it. When back in the dugout, and questioned why he ran so hard, he replied, "because there may be someone in the stands who had never seen Joe DiMaggio play before." So whether from a prideful, or from a professional viewpoint, he gave it his all.

At Pac Bell Park, Theresa and I had scalped some tickets. Barry Bonds, was on his way to rewriting records for his hitting, and the place was full that afternoon. But I will always remember the game, as this is when I lost complete respect for Bonds. On two occasions, he dogged balls hit to him in left field, both times allowing the hitter to get an extra base. And lazily throwing the ball back both times. And on another made a half-hearted attempt, and when the ball went by, watched as the center fielder retrieved it, although Barry was still closer. Stats may get him into the Hall of Fame, but never in my heart. Joltin Joe' he ain't.

And I remember watching Willie Mays as a Met, at the end of his career. His legs tired, he couldn't get to fly ball he usually easily would have, but still gave chase, giving it his all, for he was Willie Mays, and still played the game as it ought to be played. Sadly, his Godson, Barry must have missed the game that day, for he never got the lesson.

Jesus tells us we will be witnesses to the whole world. A witness, not go out witnessing. And it bothers me that some can turn on the Christianity, and go witnessing, but in their lives as commanded are a lousy witness. A witness can only tell what he knows, and if you don't know Jesus, you are a lousy witness, and probably an even lousier person to go witnessing. You see, someone is always watching, and our reactions are more important than our actions. They watch as you react to cancer, job loss,or the death of a loved one. And then wonder why your message is different when you go witnessing. People notice when you don't walk your talk. Hypocrites, the world calls them, and it is sad, for the joy of the Lord isn't in those who are not an effective witness in their daily lives. And someone is always watching, you just don't realize it.

Jesus reminds us, in the Lord's prayer, on earth as it is in heaven. And how God is always in control. Job is the perfect example, for he reacted from the heart-good or bad, and not based on the situation. He knew God was the same, and looked to Him. Do you truly love the Lord, does He live in your heart, reflected in your daily life, or do you only go witnessing? I believe people in heaven will come up to me, and say "I heard you ministering to people. Sharing Jesus by your actions. And then your words. When you thought no one was looking. But I was, and you planted a seed that day, that led to my accepting Christ." And then I can hear the words, "well done my good and faithful son."

Do you wish to hear them? Live your life like every day counted. Each conversation, and each situation. Run out meaningless ground balls, and take the attitude that someone watching may never have heard about the love of Christ. Or seen His love in action. Let your life be a witness, and never come to a point where you have to go witnessing.

Joe, Willie, and Barry had the talent. And all three will make it to the Hall of Fame. But Barry didn't have the heart. Works don't cut it here, and won't get you to heaven either. Be the witness God calls you to be, and encourage others. Your whole theatre may only be one person, who watches how you react in your adversity. How Jesus is real in your life, not only your words. How the word comes alive in your life.

On earth as it is in heaven. No need to wait to tap into the treasure God has for you. And others will see them, they are called the Fruit of the Spirit, and want them also. Let Jesus be the something different about you. Encourage others by your actions, reacting in the spirit-God's. You never know who is watching, but be assured of one thing-your heavenly Father always is.

Going out witnessing? Don't let that be the legacy of your witness for Christ. You may be surprised what people really say and know about your walk. Maybe that is why God warns in Proverbs, don't listen at the wall to what your neighbor says, you may not like what you hear. Quit witnessing, and be a witness, trust God. And let them hear about the love of Christ-from your lips and your actions.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

man v. road

Everybody has their favorite road. For some it is the curves in the mountains. For others the long, monotony of the freeway. Others prefer a regular route, while others can't wait to explore new ventures. Some go it alone, while others must have a group to ride with. But no matter-the fact we ride, always leaves us wanting to do it again, and makes the weekdays between weekends that much longer. And somehow, only two weeks a year to travel them seems way too short.

Whenever the topic comes up of favorite roads, there seems to be roads that are always mentioned. Skyline Drive-Virginia or California? Done both. Highway 1, east or west? Done both. Gotten your kicks on 66? Done all of it except last 20 miles into Chicago. Palomar? Julian? Not interested. For my list of favorite roads are different. some found by talking to other bikers, some by trusting dotted lines on a map, and sometimes getting lost will take you to your next favorite road. So for what it is worth,these are some of my favorites. And if you get a chance, try them. A road is a terrible thing to waste.

Wisconsin State Route 33 runs east to west. Small farm towns, large farms. Mountains, hills, lots of scenery and no people. And huge sweeping curves. Recommended by a biker we met in Red Wing. Not much on the map, but it is when riding it. Stop and eat at a cafe along the way-at the counter if they have one. Note-photo ops abound!

I-79 in West Virginia. Did you say interstate? Yes, this road has curves, hills, valleys, plus all the wonderful attributes that interstates were designed with. High speed curves, lots of lanes, and no traffic. One of the best interstates, and maybe better than I-70 through Glenwood Canyon in Colorado. I rode that one before and after the upgrade. But something about being in West Virginia, gives it a frontier aura to it. Can't describe it, you go find out for yourself.

County Road 501, outside of Durango. We used to live at 14501, which meant I had 15 miles to enjoy it out of Bayfield. Long 100 mph stretches, past ranches, then as you pick up altitude, great curves. At last the two tighter ones past the dam, and then I was home. In the heart of the San Juan National Forest, largest in Colorado. But you could continue around the lake, for another 15 miles, and see the Colorado that used to be before developers took over. Dirt in places, but manageable. And if you fish, bring your rod. Huge trout in Vallecito Lake, but don't run-at 8300' you will get tired fast. So enjoy the ride, for three years this was my daily driver. How good is it? Stopped for an outlaw biker on a bridge to see if he was OK? He was tripping out on the beauty-no drugs needed to get him high. His words. Ride it and see if you can find words for it.

There is a certain joy and peace I find on the road. And you may not realize it, but your life is on a road. And where it leads is important. And some will tell you that it OK to make U-turns, but I find it isn't-at least in life. When riding we would do loops, so as not to retrace our steps, and experience different roads. But some in life are reticent to change. When a storm brews, and relationships change, they wish to go back. Some even say "God allows u-turns." He does, but prefers turning to Him. Lot's wife, made a u-turn, and looked back. And turned to a pillar of salt. And if you really stop and think, those past experiences that brought about a change of roads, are ones you don't wish to repeat. So don't. Galatians tells us to "set our sights on things on high." Follow God. Take the new road, and trust Him that He'll get you through. Don't stick to those old heavily travelled, and worn out roads. Many times we ask for directions, and find out we are back where we started-and still lost and searching. Jesus said "I am the way." Good enough. There may be some boring freeway, but that gives you time to rest, and to really appreciate the curves ahead. Altitude changes, and crossing state lines bring about other changes. But only riding with Jesus, following Him, is the only road to be on. Any other, no matter how much fun, how beautiful, or far away, will only end in death-separated from God.

I know racers who have gone into a corner too fast, and in fright claimed to have seen God. When I ride I see Him in the slow turns, too. In the straights, and even at rest stops. Look around, and see His beauty. Keep your eyes on the road, and see His glory.

Now, I could have mentioned Route 32 out of New Hope. Or Feather River Canyon. Another route 32 will get you there. Or even South 10, east of Albuquerque. Each one a great ride, with great memories to go with it. But I won't. Gotta keep the crowds off of them. For just like Jesus, one on one they are the best.

And if you ask Paul, he would tell you the road to Damascus is his favorite! What's yours? Mine is the one I travel with Jesus on. And when we all ride it, we will all arrive the same place. See you there. All roads lead somewhere, only one leads to heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com