There are many roads, but there is only one "the ride." There are also many destinations, but only one special place at the end of that ride. For many bikers it is the Pacific Coast Highway-1200 miles of coastline in three states-mostly US 101, but also CA 1 in California. But there is a special 120 mile section that bikers refer to as Highway 1, and this ultimate piece of road is what they mean by the PCH when talking of special roads. Secluded, and once you start it no turning back. This is the stretch of road always in the top 10 rides in the US, called by many the ultimate one. A destination dreamed of by many, with the sentence ending in some day.... Running north from San Luis Obispo, to Carmel, it is some of the most breath taking views of mountains and sea ever created. Weather will be anything from fog to sun to high winds, and always chilly, but never the same for the entire ride. But it is the road that calls you, the legends of the curves, and drops in elevation-the cliffs on one side and the ocean sometimes 1000' below on the other-with no guard rails to spoil the beauty. It is every bikers dream destination, and with that in mind, my friend Rex and I set out to ride it in March of 1982.
Rex had moved from Durango to Prescott, and I would leave Durango and meet him on the way. I was riding my 1981 KZ750, an underestimated ride, as at that time anything not saying Honda on the tank was an other. Rex was on his XS850 Yamaha, a strange 3 cylinder bike with shaft drive-unusual then, and even now. And as we rode up the coast anticipating Highway 1, we were acting like this was our first ride anywhere. We had heard the stories, and knew the legacy, but didn't realize what God had planned for us that trip. Hey, we lived in Durango, we had the Loop, through Silverton and over Red Mountain Pass-we knew good roads. But God knew better. And still does.
As we arrived in Cambria-last chance for 100 miles to get gas, we were told that the road was closed 30 miles north due to a landslide from heavy rains. It was late in the day, and we decided to at least ride what we could that afternoon. Finding the Piedra Blanca Motel still open, about 20 miles north of Cambria, we became its only guests that night. After eating a dinner back in Cambria, we rode through the thick fog and were in for the night. Except that the crashing waves called us to the beach to walk and observe the cliffs and lights from the motel above. Think of the Hound of the Baskervilles with perfect roads and an ocean-then you get the eerily beautiful effect. Then we settled in for the night-and made each other a pledge, that if something ever happened to the other, they would see that the families were taken care of. Little did I know that in less than three weeks I would be distributing Rex's goods, honoring that agreement, as he was to die of an enlarged heart soon after, never able to put his arm out to break his fall as he walked off the softball field. Dead at age 32. But that night we slept well, or at least as well as any kid on Christmas Eve, the anticipation of the next day's ride dancing in our head. For many the road closure would be a bummer, the end to a trip, but to us it meant over 30 miles of perfect road with no cars-so we rode it all morning at speeds no normal rider would, safe in the fact that this gift from God wouldn't last, and we wanted every minute to count. A day where God said "go have fun and ride," and we did, having more fun than should be legal. An answer to a prayer we never would have asked-who in their right mind would/could expect Highway 1 to be closed for your road racing pleasure?
We so often forget that this is the day that the Lord has made, and to rejoice and be glad in it. That day we remembered. Often life interferes with our plans, and life can be overwhelming. But it is to be enjoyed, for no man is promised tomorrow. And rather than have circumstances dictate our lives, we need to let God be God, and live life to the fullest. Whether on the ultimate road, or on the way there, God is always with us, and that makes everyday special. And just as we could have been bummed over not riding to Carmel on the length of Highway 1, God gave two riders the dream of their lives-every time I tell the story I have never met anyone else who had the privilege we did that day. Christmas came in March that year, and I can still taste the salt air and feel the bitter cold unique along that stretch of coast. And the exhilaration of that ride. And of course, it was all about the road, and the one I rode with.
Although I have ridden Highway 1 numerous times, it has never had the same effect as it did that day. In fact, it is almost boring to me. So, I make it a point to always ride it with someone who never has, and watch as they are overwhelmed by its seductive beauty, only made more so when I tell of the ride Rex and I had. "No way," they'll say, "that isn't fair!" Who said life was?
When we started out to ride Highway 1, we didn't know what laid ahead. And to many the NO answer we got on the road conditions would have ruined many a vacation, and a relationship. But God had something better, and still does. No can also mean I have something better for you when God is involved, and my experience has always been He has. So enjoy today, be blessed as Psalm 1 desires us to be, and if the road is closed, experience the detour that takes you where you would not have gone. And brings you closer to a God that you might not know. There are many roads, but very few special rides. And we aren't usually warned about the best ones. Keep your mind and heart open to God, and watch as He provides more and better than your limited mind can imagine. Every ride may not be Highway 1, but any day can be enjoyed in the Lord. And we as Christians should have more fun than anyone-so go and enjoy today! And if you can, do it with someone, so that you have someone to share the memories with. Sadly I have no film of that day, only the file in my 35mm memory, and no Rex to share it with. But I love to remember the trip, and share it with God many times, for although there were only two bikes, there were three riders that day. Don't know how, but Jesus rides, so I never ride alone.
May today be that special day that you realize that, and build precious memories to share with others. As for me and my family-we will ride with the Lord. On the road with Jesus-now that's the ultimate highway 1!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com