"Pray for us," I asked. "We are going on a four day road trip. And we are going in the car." Now a four day road trip is sort of a mini trip for us, no big deal. But the words, "going in the car," gave it special meaning. Unlike most people who only drive their cars, and then take an occasional trip on two wheels, we are just the opposite. We travel by motorcycle, so going in the car was to be a real novelty for us. And to add to the novelty, it was supposed to rain for four days, so at least good riding weather would not be wasted by being in the car. And of course, the usually unreliable weatherman was inaccurate, and we only had one day of rain. But it was unusually cold for So Cal, and with high speed winds, so it wasn't a total loss, and we were glad to be in the car. It was like God was rewarding us for taking the car by giving us bad weather so we didn't miss the bike. But I still did. I still waved to other bikes from the car. Old habits die hard.
And since I drive so little, it is always interesting to drive with me. Andrew won't, he says I drive like I ride a motorcycle. And I probably do, I just have a little problem lane splitting with the Mustang, but I learn patience and listen to music, something I don't do while riding. So all in all, we had a great four days of driving, including beautiful weather for being in a car-even turned the heater on a couple of times, and after four days without handlebars, I was ready for a motorcycle again.
Now we particularly love the Central Coast of California. The whole world seems nicer once you get above Santa Barbara, and with the golden hills on one side, and the blue Pacific on the other side, make the ride one that travel magazines for years have tried to express in word and picture, but must be travelled to fully enjoy. As we have travelled these roads very often, we decided to take some back roads we hadn't used in years. Visit some other small towns, before the trendy wine sippers take them over altogether. And sadly, they are getting fewer and farrer between. Los Olivos, once a small farming town, now is wine tasting central for Los Angelinos, with rooms at Fess Parker's Inn going for over $400 a night. Small towns like Orcutt and Guadalupe are evening showing signs of concession to tourists, as once quaint small towns now cater to those on weekends, and force the locals to go elsewhere. Surprised-not really, disappointed-yes, but still some of the prettiest scenery in-between that you can ever see. But like most real road trips, it is about the roads, and where once we travelled 45 mph on two lane roads, through canyons and valleys, now we travelled four lane highways at 70mph-maybe it is true that LA is a great big freeway, and now includes anything within a 200 mile radius. Central Coast-see it while you can, and can afford it.
Listening to a George Harrison song, the words "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there," describes a perfect ride for us. Follow roads to see where they go, and like Woody says, "as long as you have gas you aren't lost." Follow an old road through the country, and watch the farmers at work. And wave back at them, as they wave first at you. Sit in a small cafe for lunch-at the counter if it has one, and listen to the locals comment on world events, and see how much we really do have in common. Eat some veggies-fresh from the farm, and see how they taste funny compared to so-called fresh from weeks of refrigeration in some mega-warehouse. Eat a hamburger, not preformed, but made by hand, and bigger than the bun it comes on. And like us, since the water in So Cal tastes like a pool, drink the local water-it's free and refreshing.
But what about the mud on the floor? Sorry, ranchers don't remove their shoes to eat. But what about the prices, they seem high. Sorry, ranchers don't get small portions-they need the nourishment. So when the platter, instead of the plate comes full, and fresh, don't worry about getting your money's worth. Clean the platter as a compliment to the cook-not chef, if you can, and you'll see why real cowboys eat with their hats on-so they can pull them down when done, and take a short nap. BURP! Ahh, much better.
Many don't realize it, but Jesus spent most of His ministry on the road. Taking back roads, going to where the people were, and sitting at the counter when he could. Not to draw attention to Himself, but just to fit in-you see He loves people, and likes to hang with them. Being God, He always knew where He was headed, but also being a man, liked to visit new places, and try new things-He was adventurous. And I can very easily see Him riding a motorcycle. Even when the weatherman predicted rain and wind. He would just command them to stop. He could and does still the waves in our lives today. Food-never far from a good place to eat as long as He was around, from a small meal to eating with 5000, He still knows the best places to eat.
But the difference of travelling with Jesus is He knows the roads you are on. He knows where to detour, where to make time, and when to just slow down and enjoy the ride. He also knows that the best destination is heaven, and encourages you to go there with Him, never forcing His way upon you. And like the perfect tour guide, He gives you the choices, and let's you make the choice-rejoicing when you choose Him and His ways-and feeling sorrow, but still loving you when you reject Him. He waves to you-even if you don't wave back, and even if you are in a car. And spending time with Him, and marveling at His creation, just make the ride that much better. And when we meet other Christians who enjoy spending time with Him, well the Bible calls it church-wherever two or more are gathered in His name. Fellowshipping, sharing testimonies, and learning of new places to ride, eat, and ride. You see we all are passing through, but it only those who ride with Jesus who will pass on to heaven. No other way to get there, and not just any road will get you there.
Do you know where you are going? Jesus does, and wants to be your tour guide for life. Riding more and enjoying it less-let Him lead. Get off the highway of life, and onto a highway of life. Trust Him and go places you never knew existed. And if you must-take the car.
Those of us who ride know of the freedom only riding can express. But those of us riding with Jesus know true freedom, words cannot describe it. So, for four days we took the car, and saw a side of Jesus we hadn't experienced in a while. But still couldn't wait to ride again-that's a freedom I never want to miss!
Get outta town. Pick a road that you've never ridden on. Eat a meal you wouldn't if at home, and spend time with someone who you haven't spent time with in a while. Freedom in the spirit-and on a road that I may not know where it goes-but that I know where it ends up. Take a road trip of the heart today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
