Up until I started to ride, I was always involved with sports. And from it I learned a lot about teamwork, and depending on the team to win, although there always was one guy who stood out above the rest talent wise. But when I started riding, I learned about brotherhood, and developing real friendships based on honor and respect-and also how fast they could ride. Saturdays were always something special, as you were up early, usually after staying up late because you had no work the next day, would meet some friends, and ride for awhile, then have breakfast. Then take off riding, usually with no plan, and stopped and ate along the way, as you ventured into new found territories, even though sometimes you never went 50 miles from home. Back roads you would never take in a car became favorable, and meeting other bikeriders would be a time to talk about roads, bikes, and great places to eat. And this was a very good thing-as long as it didn't rain, which it did a lot-remember I was in New Jersey!
And when it did, it changed all your plans, along with your attitude. You slept in late. The same guys you rode with weren't as much fun off of their bikes, so you called your girl friend. And after talking her out of spending the day shopping with her girl friends, the two of you hung out together. Maybe lunch, it was usually late by the time you convinced her, and then you went shopping. Or really cruising-the bike shops. Which if she liked to ride was OK, but if she didn't reminded you of your promise to take her to the mall-which you would eventually, under duress. Attention mall owners-if you want to attract more men-add a bike shop! Might also bring in a better class of people! But bike shops-notice they were called shops and not dealers then, were smaller and more intimate. They were shops, as the shop usually was the busiest place and best place to hang out. VIP Honda in Plainfield used to be in an old food stand, then moved into an old grocery store-becoming the Giant VIP Honda, and lost some of its charm, which was in short supply anyway. East Coast Cycles-as in bicycles sold BMW and Yamaha. Just go past the bikes to the real bikes, and there they were. And while you sat on the latest BMWs, the new ones with the chrome tanks-remember the toaster tanks, your girl friend could look at other things in between bugging you to leave.
Later would be Rick's Cycle, where Triumphs were king, and you could touch the bikes-and dream of being a TT racer, or building a chopper-Harleys were not choppers, but bobbers back then. And stare in awe of a Kawasaki Mach III, who could actually turn a 1/4 mile in 12 seconds-how could anyone even hang on! And while the shop guys flirted with your girl, which by this time she didn't seem to mind, you rode many places in your mind-just waiting until the road dried. And after dropping your girl off, so you could pick her up later for your date, when her friends asked how her day was, the answer was much different than the one you gave. She endured, but so did you in a way, because you rather be riding. Well, there was always tomorrow.
I am blessed to say my wife rides, and even cruises bike shops with me. It wasn't always this way, as many times it was I'll sit in the car and read while you go in and look. But a funny thing has happened, as we rode more, she decided to get her own bike, and ride, too. And bike shops became interesting, and now she cruises them without me sometimes. Her bike has become very personal, and she is always looking for ways to ride more or know more about it-and the places to ride! Husbands-take note. Encourage your wife in her relationship with God. Don't let her ride on your coattails, but encourage her to be in a Bible study, to get involved at church, and meet other Christian ladies. Have her own relationship, not sharing yours, but her very own. And watch as yours grows too, but also how your marriage matures and you both learn to love each other more. And if you are blessed like us, you even get to minister together-on motorcycles. You see, there are so many women involved in the biking community that need Jesus, men cannot do it, we need our wives. They have the special insight to minister to their own sex, and it is a true blessing to see my wife share, pray, and love on others. Like I tell anyone who will listen, and some who won't-Jesus, my wife, and motorcycles-it just don't get any better!
And it has been a great thing for our marriage, and our kids. And on Saturdays, we meet with friends, or sometimes just the two of us, and have breakfast and ride. And if it's late, spend the night, and find a local church the next day. The motorcycling community understands brotherhood, combine that with Jesus, and add your wife, and you have the perfect riding conditions.
That is if it doesn't rain-then the two of you can cruise the bike shops....Cars can be so boring!
Men-your best friend and ministry partner just might be sleeping next to you every night, and you don't know it! Pray, and watch as God transforms both your lives as you grow in Him-individually and together. And if you are really cool-go ride a motorcycle. To church, and other places. Don't worry about who to minister to, they are everywhere.
And watch out for bikes too-we are everywhere too!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com