My t-shirt with the Rocket III on it says "size matters." And if you want to have the largest production motorcycle, then this Triumph is the way to go. At 2300 cc,or 125 cubic inches, it is definitely the way to go-size wise. But the rest of us live/ride in a world where fun dictates how, where, when, and what we ride. And of course how. And for anyone who rides, they will tell you that it is the fun factor, along with a certain amount of cool found no where else, is why we ride. Harley even prints shirts stating "if I have to explain, you wouldn't understand." True-for explaining fun, freedom, and the joy of riding is wasting words, when you could be twisting a throttle. And whether it is going for the hole shot, cow trailing with your friends, a Saturday morning cruise, or riding into the next state by dinner time, motorcycling provides the ultimate escape route. For some-there's therapy, for the rest of us, we ride.
For some of us it started with a mini-bike, with a Tecumseh or Briggs and Stratton lawnmower motor attached. But as the market grew, the manufacturers caught on, and started making mini motorcycles-a reduced version, just like dad's only their size. And one of the best father/ son relationship tools ever invented, brought many a family together. And still does today. At the Elsinore Grand Prix this last weekend, we were reminded of this, as the 50cc mini class went off-kids who might not be able to balance a bike, were out racing with others, going over hills, and racing like the big guys. A true family event, as dad was the mechanic and coach-mom took care of food and the gear, and the other brothers and sisters helped out while waiting for their race to start. A fun drug free day for all-the drug of choice having two wheels. Not wondering who your kid was hanging out with, but knowing who, what, where, and why. Not a guarantee they will not go out and try things on their own, but a great deterrent-and fun!
I am fortunate my whole family rides. Christopher's first ride was a 50cc Y-Zinger ATV. He used to do donuts on it at five years old, and raced up and down our alley. Great for learning hand/eye coordination, it turned into a life long love of riding, as for many years his only form of transportation was a motorcycle. And his Street Triple is sitting here today. I enjoy the rides with him, and we can stop and visit and comment on things seen on the ride-things you would never talk about in a car with the A/C on and the radio blasting. Theresa rides, too. Has her own Bonneville, and has ridden over 40,000 miles in five years. No trailer queen here, she rides to San Francisco, and has no problem doing 85mph. And when we take trips together, she leads-until the turns, then we meet at the end. Boys wanna have fun too, but she can also show where she has scraped her pegs. And it is always fun when she gets to talk with other women who wished their husbands would ride with them-or let them get their own. And like the reporter in Oklahoma City who interviewed me on Torches-she said the marriage counselor advised her to ride with her husband, and their marriage would be better. "And it is!" she gushed. And so is mine/ours!
My other son Andrew is the dirt rider, tells me the street is dangerous. So why is he the one who calls me from the hospital after crashing in the dirt? Last weekend I got to see him race at Elsinore, finished 14 of 45 teams, his team member probably cost him a few spots. But more than the competition, it was fun. Riding with your friends, the sounds of the four strokes, and the smell of racing castor. And you see husbands/wives, girlfriend/boyfriend, fathers and sons all together. No age barrier here-motorcycles are fun at any age. And just like the Honda ad says, " I wanna ride, I wanna ride..." And so we do.
One of the first institutions God created was the family. And despite the evil one's attempts to redefine and destroy families today, God still honors families who pray together. Who fellowship together, and who seek Him first. And even though it is common for motorcycles to race on Sunday, many Christian organizations have sprung up to provide support at races. They do chapel services, cruise the pits, pray for the racers, and are an intricate part of racing. For what racer waiting for the flag to drop doesn't pray to someone. Or something. But just like the mom or dad supporting their kids, those who minister at race tracks do it quietly and behind the scenes. Success not being measured on who gets saved, but just by being there. Someone who rides, and talks the language-just without the %^&$#&* included. And many ministries and organizations have sprung up to minister to anyone from 1%er outlaws to Grand Prix racers and all in between. For we all have in common the love of riding, it's just those of us who have Jesus see it from an eternal perspective. And riding since I have been saved has only gotten better.
Watching the sun rise at Daytona, or watching it set at Willow, you see the glory of God. Hanging on in a berm with 65hp of dirt bike between you and the dirt, you feel the awesome power of God. Sweating in 110 degrees, or shivering when it freezes, you see a side of God many never see. The smells, sights, sounds, and tastes are all better on a bike-and the best with God along. Looking for a family function, that's fun. Ride. And watch as you can sit and talk to God with your kids-and they'll listen. Point out the wonders of him, and they will have proof of His existance. And watch as they become part of a brotherhood, and see how the family of God can also be part of a motorcycling family. True brotherhood begins with Jesus, it doesn't end there. Families who pray together stay together. And those who ride together stay together, also.
And yes, we understand it can be dangerous. It is a sad but true part of riding But God knows our days are numbered, so why not enjoy them-get the most from life. Jesus and riding! It doesn't get any better!
Until heaven....but you gotta have Jesus to get there. Make sure the ride of your life has a name-one above all names-Jesus! Kawasaki may let the good times roll, and you can meet the nicest people on a Honda. But only Jesus can make your ride through life the ride of your life. Twist a throttle with Him today-on the street or in the dirt-if I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. For just a little faith, like a little throttle, gets your ride going.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com