It all started 35 years ago when my dentist had a partner who loved Packards. Tom had found one he had to have, a 1937 Dual Cowl Phaeton-sounds romantic, huh-and took a train ride from Albuquerque to Minnesota to get it. Dressed in his overalls, and same shirt for four days, he didn't wish to leave the $50,000 he had in his grocery bag unattended-paper, not plastic, and so was unwashed and unshaved for the entire trip. And when the taxi dropped him off at the owner's house, a rich neighborhood, they wouldn't answer the door. He tried to explain he was the dentist who was to buy the Packard, but they obviously felt no one dressed like him would own a Packard-definitely not from the denim crowd. Only when this man with four days of beard and bib overalls emptied the bag full of cash on the door step did they let him in. Money still talks, and lasting impressions can be more valuable than first ones. So the fuse was lit and a dream of mine was to do the same thing-except to do it on a motorcycle. And for 35 years I waited.
Until last week I started looking, and found four bikes that met my criteria. Must be original, something I couldn't have when new, and within 1000 miles. The 1971 CB750 in Albuquerque was close, nice guy, great mechanic, but missing the 4 into 4 pipes. File as a backup. A 1982 GS1100, close also, pipes again. Then a 1978 GS750E, with only 5000 miles-perfect! And after mentioning to the owner outside Sacramento that bikes that sit can leak, etc, he had it checked out, and the day before I was to leave, called. "Can't sell it to you Mike, there is leak and an engine noise. I could never let you ride it 500 miles like you said." Great guy, Dan, and like the owners of the other three, honorable in all their descriptions, and intentions. So it came down to my original choice, a 1978 GS1000E, in Everett, north of Seattle. After negotiating with the dealer, a consignment bike, we made the deal. It is restored, original, low miles, and everything they said it was, and more. But it broke some of my original rules. One-I had to fly, and I hadn't since 1996. I am not afraid to fly, just that it's boring, and degrading. Two-it was outside my 1000 mile radius, but 1400 miles is no big deal. But fell within my budget. So much for the restrictions of rules.
So leaving early on Friday, I flew to Seattle, where Thad, the sales manager got me at the airport. And sure enough, the wait was worth it. In a world of new Hondas and Suzukis, the GS was a queen, everyone commented on her. And true to their word, the bike got me home safe. Three small problems-speedo cable broke after 108 miles, so I rode 1300 miles without a speedo. An o ring leaks at the tach cable-they all did. And one baffle came loose within the left muffler. But the bike cosmetically is great, I will remove the baffle, and for $15 bucks replace the cable and o ring. OH, and I did the ride in 2 1/2 days instead of four. The bike ran so strong, cruising at 80mph no big deal, including one day of 600 miles, an even bigger no big deal! And comfortably, too. Not to mention all the time I got to spend with God-alone!
You see somewhere between the falsehood of the name it and claim it philosophy, and the "I have to live austere so God will bless me group," lies the truth. Face it-both those philosophies are all about you-not God! God loves to bless his children. It makes Him happy. It is called grace, and you cannot behave more, pray or read your Bible more and get it, or live by the rules and get it. It is a gift, and the Bible reminds us that He loves to give good gifts. And this weekend he did. Did I mention it didn't rain, and was between 75-85 when the sun came up? You see he tells us to seek Him first, then the other things get added. Don't let the world, or anything come between you and God. Then-these things shall follow them that believe. And these things are called blessings. Happiness! And they only come from God. You see I have tried to buy things to make me happy-it don't work! Only Jesus can set you free, and bless you-SO LET HIM! Break all the rules-except to love, and trust God. Watch the blessings flow in ways you never imagined. And let those blessings get you, or keep you closer to God than you have ever been.
It took this 56 year old on a 32 year old bike back to 1978 to realize a dream. But reminded me that God is a God of right now. God will give you the desire of your heart-and when it is Him, watch the blessings flow! And let the ride begin!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
ps-the picture with the sign is in front of Applegate Fellowship-Jon Courson's church in Oregon
