"It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is...planning his trip for this summer!" As always, in the winter time, when you wish to be riding and can't, the best thing to do is to study up for your summer rides. It's time to bring out the atlases, reread the articles about places you want to go, tune into the Travel Channel and Food Network, and figure out what necessities you will do without so you can make the trip. After all, there are certain priorities to be had, and riding should be near the top. The list of honey-do's will always be there, so what if it's grown by a couple pages-we 've got places to go, people to meet-and food to eat!
Whenever you go from coast to coast, there is always the problem of Texas. Too big to go around, and sometimes too big to cross, what do are you going to do with it? I used to fret, but after much study, and riding through it, have the solution-deal with it! And enjoy the ride!
A few years back Theresa and I decided to visit San Antonio, where I was born. My dad was in the Air Force, at Fort Sam, and although I only spent a few months there, whenever I go to Texas I feel at home. Can't tell you why, nothing tangible, but I do. After spending a night in Vicksburg, MS, where the humidity was over 100%, you couldn't see the Mississippi for the haze, the stifling heat of Texas was welcome. Almost. After arriving in New Braunfels, we were going to spend the next day at Schlitterbahn, this awesome water park, but too many people forced a change of plans. Think of 10 pounds of sand in a five pound bag. And no food on the property forced us back to town. Where the first restaurant we saw was Johnny Carino's. When we finally got seated, Rocky, the general manager, came up and visited with us. He had seen us pull in on our Sprint ST, and since he rode, wanted to visit. So we did, turns out he had a CBR1000, and knew the Hill Country well. After a fun and lengthy visit while we ate, he offered to take the next day off, and take us riding. We hated to, but had to say no, I think we actually hurt his feelings, and he needed us as an excuse to take off and ride. We had 1500 miles to cover in the next two days, but did I take his advice on some roads leaving the area. But the surprise of the meal was when receiving the check-he had discounted the bill by 50%, and the dessert was free! And yes, the next time we get to the area, we will call him. Only on a motorcycle do you meet other bikers, and appreciate the brotherhood of those of us who ride. Rocky-I will always remember your kindness when I think of Texas. Call us up when you come west.
We refer to Texas as the Lone Star State, but we can also think of Jesus as a Lone Star among men. He didn't act religious, as did the Pharisees at the time, and even cheesed them off by eating with tax collectors-big time scumbags in his time, prostitutes, all kinds of dregs, and probably bikers if there were any. And He sat right there among them-much to the dismay of the so-called righteous. Right with them in the beer soaked, smelly confines of the room. Maybe among the gamblers and drug dealers of His day. And when they accused Him of eating with the vilest sinners, He agreed they were. And that is why He was with them-the sick need a doctor, and only those who will seek treatment will get it. Ever try to share with someone who thinks they have everything? Can you fix something that ain't broke? Don't try. No one seeks God on their own, so He goes to them. And they find love, and respect from Him. And just like we made a friend with Rocky, Jesus left the table with respect for, and of those He was with. And they found that His love was stronger than any prejudices they may have had-and that He was different from what the Pharisees claimed. Just like Texas, when you get to know Him, a whole new world opens up.
Try a different trip this year-go where you have never been. Ditch the old "visit the relatives," and try new roads, meet new people, and eat different meals. Try some Tex-Mex, eat a real sub sandwich, and eat a Concrete if you are by Ted Drewes Custard Stand. Ask God to guide you, and see a world through His eyes, and without prejudice. Spend time with Him while riding, and find that He still knows the best places to ride and eat-and has time to do it with you.
And next time Jesus comes up in conversation, you can say you really know Him, not the lies and religious prejudices you were told. Tell that person, "I was there, I know Him!" Remember that a witness can only tell what he knows or has seen, so see all you can. Know Jesus!
And start the diet now, a whole trip of 3000 calorie meals awaits you! And if it rains....at least it's warm!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com