It is an old traveling proverb that if you want to lose a friend, take a trip with him. And sad to say, riding with some in group rides, this old adage is true. It seems some lesser riders feel the burden to make everyone as bad a rider as them, and go out of their way to prove it. But I am thankful that this proverb, like many others has a bright side. Let me explain.
Theresa and I rode our first Torches Across America in 2005. With Don as road captain, and his brother Link as tail gunner, we rode in a group of from 10-12 people from Oceanside to Stroudsburg, PA, over 3200 miles in a week. With minimal problems. Which set us up for the grand finale, riding into Ground Zero. And as the core group, we had travelled the greatest distance, we were put near the front of the pack, an honor indeed. Along with 3200 other bikers-patriots who had come to honor those killed on 9-11. Bikers from many states, who had travelled many miles, to end up at Brooklyn Harley-Davidson, and a final ceremony and lunch. More than we had ever anticipated.
We rode the 30 miles from Stroudsburg to Tramontin Harley, in Hope, NJ that morning, and were greeted by thousands of bikes, and bikers. No club differences, brand competition, or ethnic or social divisions here-we are all Americans, and rode as such that day. Staging in the parking lot, and also across the street, 3200 bikes take up a lot of space, we took off at around 11am for Brooklyn, via Ground Zero. We would go through the Holland Tunnel, then the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, then to our meeting point. Did I mention the ride was over 80 miles of freeway? And to put it in perspective, I needed gas, and when I got back on I-80, I passed 13 miles of motorcycles to resume my position! Their road crew had done such a great job, that we had no accidents, didn't lose anyone, and they kept traffic moving-from 60-80 mph. Overpasses were filled with Americans waving flags, hook and ladder units extended with 50" flags, and everywhere you looked-American flags. Riding somewhere between tears and a huge smile, our hearts pounding with pride and joy of being an American, we came to a split in the highway, and wouldn't you know it, the leader went the wrong way-the sign said Brooklyn, we should have taken the one to the tunnel, which led to a 45 minute delay outside the Holland Tunnel. Seems the Port Authority had shut it down for us, and when we didn't arrive, opened it up again. Then had to close it, while 13 miles of bikes and bikers parked on the road leading into it. Which turned into a party of its own, as cars entering from another direction had to wait too. Soon we were talking with them, singing Frank Sinatra songs with a cabbie, and meeting people we might not have met. I think everyone was happy except for the police, we thought this was part of the plan, they knew it wasn't.
Then finally through the tunnel, past Ground Zero, with a salute, then into the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, and onto Brooklyn HD. Where for miles bikes were parked, and fire engines and other first responder units lined the road. The food-incredible. Whereas we had been fed a steady diet of hamburgers and hot dogs on the trip-Theresa was reminded that God provided her this manna, this food was Italian, subs, pizza, and of course hamburgers and tube steaks. All free and delicious! Meeting and talking with numerous firemen, some who had lost friends and brothers, exchanging, pictures, hugs, and tears-a time no words can adequately define. Thanks to all who donated, participated, helped, and were there. A truly memorable ending to a great trip. And it was bittersweet leaving our friends, who we grew to love and respect. Riding together had bonded us into a family of sorts, and from Michelle, who took her first motorcycle trip to honor her brother David Weiss-killed from Rescue One, to Joe, Rudy, Kip, and all the others-we still keep in touch. Long distance friends in more than one sense of the word.
They say God is a God of miracles, and even the hardest hard core doubter had his heart changed. Just looking at the numbers helped put it in perspective. 3200 bikes travelling over 80 miles equaled over 250,000 miles-without an accident! In one afternoon! People rallying together for a common cause-with no mishaps-amazing! And how about feeding 3200 people for free! Volunteers donating time, money, and goods-all for a common goal. And all the bike groups riding in from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California-amazing! To honor innocent victims, many of us who never met them-but Americans just the same. A unity of the heart-which continues on this weekend, from Tramontin Harley in Hope. If you are anywhere close-join it! At least pray for it, and them, as they go to honor and love on those killed and their surviving family members.
And for me it will always be special. I had contacted a state coordinator for CMA, who now distributes Bibles, and they have a biker blessing and prayer time before the ride. All from a vision God put on my heart-3200 miles and 3200 bikers ago. God can overcome any distance, can you let Him overcome the distance between you and Him? Don't let it take a disaster, just an open heart to meet Him. And realize that as we celebrate the heroes of 9-11, our still greater hero, Jesus Christ is alive, and there with you. Providing manna, gas, friends, and a personal guidance along the way.
If only Moses had bikers with Him, makes you wonder how the Israelites would have done? Don't wander like them-Jesus does group rides, and individual rides too. Join Him in one today-an honor I hope you enjoy today!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com
