blondes, nat Geo, and the truth

You may not realize it, but whether you are sleeping, riding, eating, or just hanging out, you are travelling 1000 mph. That's right. 1000 mph. Didn't know that did you? I learned that recently myself when I watched a Nat Geo documentary of what would happen if the earth stopped spinning. You see the planet earth is in fact spinning at 1000 mph, or 1666 feet per second. No wonder time seems to fly by sometimes. But as it rotates on its own access, it is also orbiting the sun every 365 days or so. At a perfect angle so that we have seasons, tides, distinct land forms, and weather patterns. Just a coincidence? And you say you need proof that God exists?

Watching this secular based show about doomsday, which is a popular theme in the science, entertainment, and fringe religion communities these days, they took the theory of what would happen if the earth stopped spinning. Interesting. Just a 5mph difference would change ocean patterns, and the landscape of the world. And using their example, the slower it got, the longer days would be, and then the longer the nights would be. Snow in Miami, and no rain in Kansas. Canada would become an ocean, while the ocean would become dry land. 180 days of daylight at 130 degrees, then 180 days of night at below zero. All forms of life would be affected, as the earth slowed in its orbit. For sure, something must be in control. Truth be told, it is really a someone.

Which to me showed the true hand of God. So much for the Big Bang theory-something had to exist to bang! Why when God created the heavens and the earth did He make us different? Where is the missing link? If science can prove how perfectly balanced the planet is in the solar system, why can it not believe God created it and holds it in His hands? For if it spins even slower, or faster-catastrophe. If the axis is tilted by 1/2 of a degree, all weather changes. And in some cases makes it uninhabitable! Who else but God could keep all this under control?

Take the Second Law of Thermodynamics for instance. It states that all things are in a constant state of atrophy. The aches in my body proves that everyday. They are not getting better-they are eroding. Just the opposite of what the theory of evolution tells us. And God reinforces it even more-we went from perfect to imperfect when Adam and Eve sinned-not the opposite! Watch as whenever science tries to disclaim God, He is always proven. But with all this evidence, why do some still not believe? What does it take?

It takes someone to pay the admission price. To admit us back into the presence of a loving God. To open the eyes of our heart and not be misled any longer. Simple faith. It takes the Holy Spirit reminding you that you need Jesus. And Jesus showing you He is the only way to the Father-and heaven! It takes just a little faith and no understanding. Yet when proof presents itself, the community at large doubts-because they don't get it. They cannot rationalize a loving God sacrificing His own son so we can be reunited with Him. They don't get it that love is not an emotion, but a person.

That is why when Jesus met Nicodemus in the garden, he told him he must be born again. Physically he was ok. But spiritually he was dead. It took the second birth, of his spirit, to meet the God of Jacob and Abraham. It took a spiritual awakening-it took Jesus! For it is the spirit that will carry into eternity, where new bodies await those of us who believe. I can handle that! The only thing that could take him from doubting in a secret meeting to risking it all to be at Jesus' grave. It took faith. And he did it all without the Internet! No twelve step programs, conferences, book tours, DVD's or weekly meetings. Just like today!

What will it take for you to trust God? All the evidence is there. How low will you go? For Nicodemus, a rich and powerful Pharisee it took being confronted with Jesus. Just like it takes today. Believe in your heart, confess with your mouth and be saved. And He even provides the faith. If He can hold the whole world in His hands, imagine what He can do with your life?

Science has theories, the Bible has facts. In the beginning, God-Elohim, out of nothing created the heavens and the earth... Which do you trust to take you into eternity? At 1000mph it may get here sooner than you think!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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even the pictures are in English

Did you ever stop and wonder how many great Saturdays have been wasted by trying to fix something or add an accessory to your motorcycle by yourself? How frustration took the place of satisfaction, and of riding, when you tried to do it yourself? Only to be reminded by a loved one, "did you read the directions?" You know, that piece of paper you immediately throw out when opening the box. The one with the many languages, and the pictures to guide you if you can't read. If not, you probably are lying. And when you finally did consult the instructions that came with the part, argued even more with them, as you you find there is no way the instructions could be right. And the final insult where in frustration you read the removal instructions, which state "to remove reverse installation procedure." Not getting it that if I had done it right I wouldn't have to remove the part and do it again, and I already know how to remove it incorrectly based on my incorrect installation. Then putting all the pieces back in the box, and taking them to your mechanic, who tells you it is no big deal, give me 30 minutes. Until he takes a look at the parts, and asks "you tried to work on this yourself, didn't you?" The sum total of your frustration is you may have damaged things, you lost a day riding, were embarrassed by the mechanic laughing at your attempts, and be sure that this story will reach the ears of all your friends when they visit him, and your wallet is thinner-all because you tried to do it yourself. But the words you hated to hear most, were echoed by your wife, "did you read the instructions?" For sadly this wasn't your first attempt, and even sadder won't be you last. Which she will remind of next time. So how was your ride last Saturday?

Life can be cruel when you don't follow the instructions. Even crueler when you know how to do something, but don't. That is why God offers grace for salvation, because when put in the hands of men, we don't follow the instructions. We take short cuts, or end up making it worse, before we finally call on Jesus to help us out. Some of the ways we try are to memorize the scriptures-that'll do it. But knowing them and putting them into practice are two different things. More church can be like not reading the first step in the instructions if you show up late. You need to start at the beginning. Bible studies may increase your knowledge and provide fellowship, but can be a poor substitute for what God has for you. Don't even shop your problem around, you will find that opinions will be worse than facts. Simply put-without the spirit guiding you, you just won't get it. You may have knowledge, but sacrifice wisdom. You may know all the laws, but fail to see you can't keep them. And you might just end up with religion, and be bound to something you think is the truth.

God tells us that He writes His laws on our heart. Right there where they should be. Not memorized, or categorized, or filed away-but readily available, so available you don't need to call on them, for they provide the words that even come out of your mouth before you have a chance to think and screw them up. The main word God writes on your heart is love. And since He is love, you are an autographed copy of the book He wrote. It doesn't get much better than that.

Suddenly you remember things as opposed to memorizing them. You have insight from God as opposed to studying various other studies. You know where to go, and find yourself immersed in the gospel, simply by following God's instructions, conveniently written on your heart. Imagine a marriage ruled by laws instead of love. Do you need to memorize how much you love your spouse? Or what to do or not do to please her? That isn't love.

Only Jesus adds the much needed provision of forgiveness, when you do fail. Jesus doesn't remind of your faults, He has forgotten them. He just does the repair so you can get on with life. Which beats sitting in the garage on a nice day frustrated when you should be riding.

So stay in God's owners manual daily. Let Him transfer the contents to your heart. Go riding instead of trying to fix a self inflicted wound. Trust God! If He can save your soul from death and damnation, the rest ought to be easy, right? Seems I read that somewhere in the instructions. Let me see, they were just here. Yup, right where I put them, in the trash, er file. To be used later if needed.

We need Jesus now. Maybe it is time to dump the trash, and trust Him. Stay in the word. Let the author sign your heart with a personal notation just for you. And for the times you misplace what you need to know, He is there 24/7. No recording, no voice mail, and never being put on hold. No appointment necessary.

And enjoy the ride. Safe and secure that all the parts were installed correctly by the creator. Now, what do they mean by simple hand tools? Is a hammer a simple hand tool?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it still is all about the ride

When I left New Jersey to move west in 1975 on my R90S, bike shops were much different. But so were the people who rode motorcycles. With the possible exception of Slegers-Forbes, owned by Malcolm Forbes, bike shops tended to be what we would refer to as mom and pop stores. Family owned, with pop handling service, mom working parts and helping dad with sales, and the kids learning the business from both. Where I lived, the Norton store was in an old house, that sold lawn mowers. Much like the Triumph store we visited seven years ago in Lynchburg, VA. Closed for lunch, when most of us would go there for the K81 Dunlops that they sold. I had to get off work early more than once to get a tire there. BMW was sold at East Coast Cycles-a bicycle shop, with them in the back, and the then new to them Yamaha brand behind them. What a change from the palaces they sell BMW's in today. Honda meant VIP, in a huge store, at least to us-an old supermarket. But they sold so many Hondas they needed the space. Take a look, Honda never referred to themselves as motorcycles. Suzuki was sold with Kawasaki, along with Triumph by Rick's, who soon was to move into a large store-still very small by today's standard. The only Harley store I remember was across from the train station in Plainfield, in a narrow store front that was only wide enough for bikes along the one side, and a path wide enough to walk between them and the long parts counter. It may have been called Pop's, with no name on the window we were never sure. BSA would be gone soon, and Norton in a year, leaving only Triumph to stumble on until John Bloor bought them and resurrected the brand. It was the start of the Japanese revolution, and if you wanted to ride, or at least get there reliably, they were your choice. The bikes were changing, the market was changing, dealers were to change, and so were the riders.

So it was that I didn't realize what a great motorcycle town Albuquerque was to be when I moved there. Bobby J's Yamaha, still in business today. Jake Alcon sold Harleys, once let my friend Brett ride a Sportster, and wondered if he was on drugs as he wheelied it off the lot. Now a mega store, and Jake is no more. Either is Brett, who died in a single bike accident. Honda did well, Kawasaki was becoming the bike of choice due to the Z, and had two dealers, and Motorsport with two stores sold BMW, Suzuki, and Triumph. Joe Turney was still selling Laverdas, but no longer Triumph and BSA. Lastly Henry and Ilsa Rissman sold Moto Guzzi, and were open on Sundays, but still closed on Mondays like all proper stores were. Again, you knew the people, and they knew you. Break a turn signal, they would take one off a new bike for you. Broken down, they had a truck to come get you. And when you were ready to buy, always were willing to make a deal with you. Throw in a free helmet or gloves. You were more than a customer, you rode. You were a fellow rider, and no matter what you rode, after all the harassment died off from riding a Yamguzikawahontri, you all shared the brotherhood of being a biker-the common denominator was motorcycles. It was all about the bikes.

Most of us were brand loyal, but still loved to visit other shops. We learned about the other brands, and shopped for shirts and accessories that our shop may not have. We were all under the common moniker of bikers, we just worshipped via different brands. Just like Christians who share Jesus as our common denominator, but attend different churches. Theresa and I are fortunate that we travel and get around to other churches. Meeting pastors, hearing the gospel from a different perspective, and making new friends. When in Torrance we visit Steve Mays, who always recognizes us and talks motorcycles-he is an old Harley mechanic. Pastor Rob at Calvary Chapel Ramona rides, and through him we were able to minister to Gavin and Lynsay. Skip Heitzig rides a Road King, but also has a CB750 cafe racer. And because we share Jesus as Christians, we are able to fellowship and minister with and to each other, sharing motorcycles. Maybe even changing the way ministry is done because we ride.

Pastors, if you don't have a Saturday night service, come on down and worship with us at Marantha. Get out and see what God is doing in other churches. Be blessed and be a blessing to others. Need prayer, let them pray with you. Be welcomed as a new friend. Jesus didn't stay within the walls of any church-He was out and about. Maybe a good example or a wake up call for you and your flock. Meet other Christians, and enjoy the fellowship. And like those of us who ride, we find we have more in common than we do different. For whether it is the gospel on two wheels, or the gospel of Jesus, you need to take it to the streets. Get out of your Jerusalem, and find your Judea or Samaria may be a 30 minute ride to visit another church. And find that the outer areas will call your name sooner than you think, with blessings abounding when you visit. How you get there is up to you. But you will never know until you get out of your rut and try.

No longer a Honkawsuzyam owner, but a motorcyclist. And no longer a Bappresluthcath, but a Christian. Share the common denominator that God has given you. Whether it be Jesus or riding, do both to His glory. It is still about the ride!

Kick stands up, let the blessings begin!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

mine started witha 350 Honda

I have noticed lately when I go to vintage bike meets that more of us older guys are huddled around the older, smaller 250cc sized bikes. With the common theme being these were our first bikes. The ones we learned to ride on, the ones that we first experienced they joy and freedom of riding on. The ones that took us to places we never knew existed, on roads we still ride today, and that started a love affair with motorcycles that 40-50 years later we still enjoy. Many bikes will have come and gone over those years, but there will never be ones like the first one you owned. It will be the one that all others are judged by, because it will have been your first love. And there is nothing more precious than your first love.

Mine was a new 1972 Honda CB350, bought so I could ride with my friend Bill on his CL77. Once I had ridden such a big bike with 305cc, I had the fever and only the 350 would cure it. No more puny 50 or 125cc dirt bikes-I was out of the dirt and onto the highway-cruising at 80 and flirting with 100mph when able to. Motorcycles from that day forward would surpass girls in importance, until I met my bride years later. I learned more in the six months I owned the 350 and the 6000 miles I put on it than at any previous time in my life. And being a senior in high school, I thought I knew it all, but that Honda would teach me things that no class room could offer, and no text book could explain. It was the entry fee to life, and life suddenly appeared the day I rode away from Ralph's Honda in South Orange on it. I experienced more firsts on my 350 than I would on any other bike to date. It was with mixed emotions I sold it for a 1972 BMW R60/5, but more roads and farther destinations were calling, and the BMW was to take me to them. Maybe not better, but farther. I can still remember the excitement of riding out of the dealer, and on being torn between wanting to show it off to all my friends, or to go riding-friends would have to wait, the road called. What good is a new bike if not ridden? Truly there would never be another bike to me like my first one-and the Honda has forever earned top recognition in my memory files of bikes owned.

I never could imagine anything taking the place of motorcycles in my life until Jesus came into it. I had a new first love, that made me love and enjoy motorcycles and riding even more. I had a new riding partner-Jesus, and He not only loved to ride, but He loved to ride with me. Now I was never alone. Where I had a lifestyle, now I had life to go with it. He put girls, jobs, and even motorcycles in perspective-and whereas at one time girls would accuse me of loving my motorcycle more than them-the bike had less maintenance and was more exciting, now I was glad when they told me Jesus was the most important thing in my life. He gave me a passion for Him, and displayed it in my life via two wheels, in a way only a loving God could. And still does today.

You never forget your first love. Maybe that is why when we get together we share our testimonies and how Jesus first came into our lives. How exciting it was to meet Jesus personally, and how we once hated church and all religion, He had made it personal, and now we enjoyed getting together with other believers and sharing what He has done and is doing in our lives. Sadly for some they have lost their first love-but you can come back, His arms are waiting to accept you again in love. But to those of us whom never left our first love, there are more memories, sweeter memories, and even better ones to come.

There were many better bikes I owned after the 350. They would go faster, stop better, and be more comfortable than it was. But they all would lack the first time experience factor my Honda had. Way beyond the spec sheet, or how fast the speedo said, or how many miles the odometer showed, your first bike is more personal than that. And when we gather together around them, I am amazed how a bunch of crusty old bikers can reminisce so fondly over something so old and so small. First loves will do that to you. In a way all the ones to follow didn't and won't. Maybe the difference between men and boys is no more than the amount of miles on their memory odometer.

Make Jesus your first love today. If you have you know what I mean. If not, start the precious memory file with Him in it today. He makes life worth the living by showing you things through His eyes. He makes you come alive, and see life that you never knew existed. And He takes you into eternal life someday-it doesn't have to ever end. Someday all we will have left is our memories, but those of us who have Jesus will still have it all.

In over 40 years of riding and over 700,000 miles, there has never been anything to compare with my first bike. And after 35 years saved, nothing will ever compare to Jesus.

Many loves will come and go-it is the first love that you will always remember. Sometimes it's ok to travel back to see how far we have really come. They only get me more excited about the future. Only with Jesus are the best times and rides yet to come. These are the good, old days.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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will call

Admittedly we were feeling way cooler than we had a right to as we strolled up to the will call window at Sam Boyd Stadium. I had just signed on as the fastener sponsor for Nelson and Nelson Racing, an off-road racing team with factory backing from Chevrolet. We were about to be elevated to what to us was the big time, and although we felt cool on the outside, inside we knew we were out of our league. So when our turn got to the window, we made sure we told the attendant that the passes were for the Hot Pits, which were by invitation only, so that the others in line by us could see how cool we were, and connected. The Hot Pits got you anywhere you wanted, from the buffet meal with the drivers and race teams, to into the pits where sometimes you may be called upon to hand them a tool, or check something out for them-for me it was usually "Mike just stand over there and try not to break anything." But in I was. So here we were, me and my two sons, inside with the big guys, and we knew who they were, but no one knew who we were.

Fortunately I ran into Rick Johnson, the Rick Johnson of Motocross fame who was one of Nelson's racers and who I knew from SCORE races. He and Jimmie Johnson, the someday NASCAR legend were the Nelson's team, and Jimmie would win the stadium event that night. Sadly the end of the Mickey Thompson series-great racing on a short course, with the fans up close. Rick knew I was new to the series and showed me around, then we ate dinner, while he talked business with the two brothers who started No Fear. I listened and learned a lot that night. Rick again gave me his home phone and insisted I call so we could go riding-he rides the street also, and also fellowship together, he also is a Christian-a request I wish I had honored but never did.

But we were inside, and the people on the other side of the barriers could see us inside, and we felt so cool because we were inside-and they weren't. We were in the pits, we sat in special seats in the grandstands, ate great food, for free, and got to be in the midst of things, and see things that the normal fan would pay big dollars for if they could, but since this was by invitation only, never would. We were in the pits-and they weren't.

When we went to will call, they had to check for our names on the list, and then after checking our ID's gave us passes we wore around our neck, so we could be identified by security, who would then know it was OK for us to be there. Which looked so cool around our neck, the special pass color identified us as privileged. But since they were only good for that race, we would have to repeat this again at the next race. Privileges has its rewards.

Jesus Himself was faced with people who because they followed Him thought they had special privileges, and so took an attitude within the church. Never a good thing with Jesus. They thought that due to their self appointed elevated position in church they should be treated better. Pride is what God calls it, sin is what it is. And Jesus reminded them openly that it was not their acts that gained them entrance to heaven, it was His grace-a gift. He put it out there for them to hear in front of others, lest others be misled. He told them, "do not be impressed because you have power of demons or in prophecy, but rejoice because your names are written in the Book of Life!" All their actions didn't gain them heaven, it was mercy and grace. And once they had repented, and turned to Jesus, then their names were written in the Book of Life. Forever. And unlike the passes we wore around our neck, God puts His mark on our hearts, so that the world should be able to tell we are Christians-His representatives, not by what we wear, not by where we go to church, but by our love. The great commandment He gave us. How else would a God who is love want you to represent Him?

It is ironic how in life we needed special passes to enter the pits. Pit passes. But when we get to Judgment Day, it will take a special pass to stay out of the pit. It is by invitation only, and if you have accepted Jesus' invitation, then your name is right there in the Book of Life! You get to avoid the pit! Hell was made for the devil and his angels, not for man. God gives us a way out. Jesus. The invitation is still open, but only until death. Then it is too late.

Just like at the will call window you will feel way cool being admitted to heaven. Make it a point today to assure your name is in the Book of Life. Trust God. Give it all to Jesus. He is calling you right now. He even knows your name.

And maybe, just maybe, when you get there you will get a seat by the racers. And maybe Rick and I will finally be able to ride together and share the Lord. As cool as it is being in the pits, avoid the pit of hell-accept Jesus' invitation. You will then hear the most beautiful words on that day-from the only way to heaven, Jesus. "Well done , my good and faithful one."

Now that's cool. And the only race I will ever win-the human race!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com

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employee contributions and their retirement plans

It caught my eye sitting at the light, so I had to turn in. Its emptiness made me feel lonely, lonely at first for the business that once was there, and then for the people who used to work there. "It was only a motorcycle shop, no one is going to miss its closing." And on the surface you may be right. But at one time this shop had 30 employees-30 families that once depended on this shop for their income, now they had none. Looking at the once spotless windows, you could see posters from a few years back, when for whatever reason the owners decided to close up, shut down the business, and lock the doors they left behind as a marker of what had been there, and when it ended. But this one business closing had more effects than meets the eye.

I noticed the deli next to it also vacant. The gas station on the corner closed. And where once had been a proud business, with an immaculate storefront, was now a lot full of weeds, filthy windows, and graffiti. Along with the other businesses I remembered. Even the real estate signs were faded-who could possibly want a run down building in a run down neighbor hood like this? And what about the families? Thirty families forced to change their lifestyles. Some who had worked there for their entire lives, where would they go? Who wants to hire someone in their fifties who only knew motorcycle parts? Or sold a line of motorcycles? What about their 401k's and retirement plans? What about their immediate plans for vacations, weddings, and graduations? What about all the loans and the mortgage that accompany life these days? Who will pay them if they are out of work for a long period of time? Yes, changes would definitely have to be made for the future-and they were changes not of a brighter outlook, but one of damage control. Ones that just because a business closed forced them into a lifestyle that they never thought could or would happen to them. Just a motorcycle shop? Maybe there was more to them and their place in the community than just loud pipes. Maybe they will be missed more than anyone ever knew. At least the surrounding businesses were effected, for just like them they closed, too. For there is no isolated closure in the business community, we all are affected by it and changed by it somehow.

Sin is like that, too. Take the man, for example who only took things from work he thought no one would miss. He did it for years, almost became a legend. Then one day he is called into the boss's office and let go. His stealing had gone on too long, and as a manager and employee, was expected to set an example for others. They had only hesitated in their action out of respect, but soon that had faded too, and he was let go.

What was he going to do? He had a mortgage, both cars leased, a son in college, and his daughter's wedding next June. Who would pay for these? How would he pay for his wife's $100 hair styling each month? Their lives would be severely altered-no more Friday nights out, no more trips to the river, and he may have to let some of the toys that filled the garage be repossessed-for he owned nothing, his life was built on credit-which he only had because of his ability to pay, and now that was gone.

"My sin doesn't effect anyone but me," they boast. But fail to see that there is no such thing as an isolated sin. It touches all of your life, and all in it. Consider that before you flirt with the receptionist, and soon end up having lunch with her. Explain that to your wife. It was only an R movie, then an X, and now porn-explain that to your daughter. And it was only taking a few things that no one would miss-but someday the bill comes due, and it always does. It is the payday that no one expected, or planned for. The wages of sin is death. The absence of life. There is no forgiveness, forgetting, or healing in it-it is final. With only one way out-Jesus. He shows mercy via forgiveness, forgets all your sins, and promises you a way out, but it takes repentance, not just saying you are sorry, for who isn't sorry when they get caught. It takes a change of heart, and a turning from sin, to grace. A gift, so don't try to buy it, borrow it, or steal it-you cannot earn it either. And your sin will find you out, if not here, it will on judgment day, where it will be too late. The wages of sin is death-and you will have earned them, and the eternal hell that goes with them. A retirement plan that no one planned on-or for.

Just an isolated sin? Aren't you glad God is not an isolated God? He is available to all who seek Him, and only Jesus is the way to Him, He makes it that simple.

When looking in the windows of the empty shop, amid the dust and dirt I saw a reflection of those who were effected when it closed. Memories left behind, now that meant nothing. Don't let sin be the only thing your life reflects-trust Jesus and let His light shine through the cracks in your life. We do not know what tomorrow brings, today has enough problems of its own. But our actions today will impact tomorrow.

I choose to face life everyday with Jesus. If you see anything else when you look in the mirror, it is temporal. If you see Jesus, it is forever. Just a sin or just a life? Only in trusting God will you ever know how many lives you really touch-let Him touch yours today. It could never happen to me just might without Him.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it's personal-and so is riding...

I always told Theresa that riding was a personal thing, but it took her getting her own motorcycle after riding behind me for 25 years before she understood what I meant. It is different when it is your own, and you choose to ride different roads than you would when a passenger. You see things different-you notice other traffic, road conditions, the temperature, and the skies. The weather plays a bigger part, and where you choose to ride to is important, although the ride will always be the best destination. And there are times you just want to be alone in this private world God has created for you, sometimes a ride with a friend along, and sometimes others. And each type lends itself to a different style of riding. So many roads, and still so little time.

When alone, I choose roads that I like-and sometimes roads that no one else will ride with me on. I take the surface streets up to LA, and ride the old neighborhoods, take in the history, and recognize places I have seen on TV, and will stop and eat at an old drive-in, even though the neighborhood looks tough. I stop in bike shops just to look, and end up meeting new friends. And always leave myself enough time to get back via a convenient freeway. The trip home is always much shorter than the trip going. It is a trip for me, with my decisions for the day being the only limiting factor.

With Theresa on back I can ride similar, but tend to choose places she would like to see, and eat. On the back, time doesn't matter that much, but when she is on her Bonneville, I watch the clock more, knowing that traffic may mean lane splitting. I have to be more considerate of her, and it may alter my ride decisions, not bad, just different. And I love to ride with her. On back, or chasing her on the road, I enjoy having her along.

But riding with friends adds a new dimension to riding. You tend to smooth out your own ideas, and ride for what makes the others comfortable. There is a compromise to satisfy the group, and not to please yourself. It can lead to places you may not have otherwise gone, at speeds you aren't used to-hey I still have three gears left, can we speed up! But there are always times when I see something I would have stopped for, but didn't, considering the group. Making mental notes to return, but it is never the same. Not everyone is happy riding to Idyllwild, and some are so slow you may pass them on the way down-while they are still going up. Some only eat at chain restaurants, and are afraid of a corner taco stand. For some a tank of gas means three weekends of riding, while for us it means three hours. And you lose much of the personal riding that you set off on, hoping that the fellowship when you stop makes up for it. Not my favorite way to ride, so my short list only has a few on it-Joe, Frank, and Stu. Guys I don't have to wait for, babysit, or listen to them complain about the road, the weather, or the food. Guys who if we want to break off on the way home aren't offended, and call when they get home to let us know they made it safe. And look forward to our next ride. Sadly my list got shorter this year when Don Snyder passed, the only road captain I would trust to go across the US of A. But these other guys I would go with anywhere, at anytime. If you only ride in groups to a destination, you may never get to know what I am talking about. But each ride is still special. How many roads have you discovered by following someone else? And then taken others back to?

God is like that, too. He is so personal that I like to spend time alone with Him. I like to meditate on Jesus while riding, and allow God to speak to me uninterrupted. No better place than on a motorcycle to spend with God. No phones, music, or communicators-just you and the creator of the universe sharing time with you-while you ride. But other times when Theresa and I are together we get to share what God is doing in our lives. After church we ride home and then share what we just learned. Getting perspectives and blessings from what God is doing in our lives, or what He just revealed to us. Sometimes over carnitas at a stand none of our friends would dare stop at. A special time because God is with us. Then two can be better than one.

And sometimes we love getting together like we did at the Feast of Trumpets at church. It seems that even in a crowd of thousands, God can still be very personal, but very exciting too as we all sing and praise God together. How a thousand voices can fill the air with excitement and joy-and make the time spent feel like it will never end. But in both riding and fellowship it means taking our eyes off ourselves, and placing them on God.

God will make the times of riding very special. He will show you things that you need for the day, and answer questions you have-a son riding with his Father. God can take you places you never knew existed, and on roads that only He knows about. And one thing about Jesus- He gives you a desire to share Him with others. Maybe that is why bikers understand fellowship and brotherhood so well-they only need Jesus to make it complete. A trinity if you will-you, your motorcycle, and Jesus. Truly good things come in threes!

Your ride today may end different than it started. Flexibility will be a key to enjoying it-trust God. You may start out alone and meet up with friends. Or vice-versa. You may just ride to LA, or use that as a starting point for the next day. Keep it personal. Keep God in your ride. And watch as no matter how big the crowd, the most important relationship that day will be just you and Jesus.

So whether at the Hollister Rally, the Rock Store, or on your favorite road, enjoy the ride spending time with God. Like I told Theresa, it personal. And so is riding...

love with compassion,

Mike

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