There is a fine line between history and memories for me. For me, memories are what I remember, and anything before that is just history. And watching those who attend the Orange County Vintage Bike Meet the first Sunday of each month, I am finding out I am among the senior group-not quite historic yet, but my memories go back as far as anyone's. I vaguely remember Vellocettes, probably because we had no local dealer, and sad, the two that were there were clean, but very few could relate to them. It seemed most memories were gathered around Triumphs of the sixties, and the Japanese bikes of the seventies. But most seemed to be content in the early eighties. And as I listened, you could tell the story teller's age, and also how precious riding was to him, by his memories, as this was group of mostly men who loved to ride, and loved motorcycles.
It seems we all had a bike that you would fill the oil, and check the gas. I listened to Ray describe running out of gas in 1970, on his 68 Triumph, and how it was the first time he had ever used paper money to fill his 3 1/2 gallon tank, it had never taken a dollar before! I remembered how I felt bad when the pump jockey would come out for 60 cents of gas. Walking by a rather personalized H2 Kawasaki-at least he thought it was pretty, and smelling the two stroke oil among the haze reminded me how good racing castor smelled. And how old girl friends hated it! I guess you if you think the smell of racing castor would make a great cologne you understand. Hearing more ring a ding dings from RD 400's than I had in years, I remembered about lessons I had learned on how fast these little bikes were, and how what two strokes gave up on displacement, they made up in power. Until they died. But mostly the crowd was interested in the Hondas and Kawasakis of the early eighties. And my Suzuki GS1000 was right on the edge. And in some ways stood out, as it is as original as it can be. And when I would tell an admirer that only the tank was repainted, you could tell the sadness, a sorrow that it wasn't all original, so I quit mentioning it. It went from the pretty Suzuki with the painted tank, to the all original GS. Just by never mentioning the tank. You might say, making my own history that day. And among all the Kerker pipes, old leather jackets, old and faded 40 year old t-shirts, and bored girl friends trying to look interested, we all had a good time. And I can't wait to go next month and see new friends I made last week. And listen to the stories they tell, and flood my files with more memories. And maybe even get some history mixed in with those memories. But for now, like on the ride home, my mind is filled with memories of bikes, rides, roads, and all the events that make motorcycles a lifestyle for many of us. And how the memories get older, but the kid who rode back then doesn't. Adults by age only, never in our hearts.
From a historical standpoint it is hard to argue with Jesus. Every religion talks about Him, and even old historians mention Him. From teacher, to rabbi, to carpenter, to devoted son, it seems all religions agree-He did exist. Some even will talk of His death on the cross, although some try to pervert it. But where the line gets drawn, is perhaps best shown when Jesus asked Peter who he said he was. "Thou art the Christ!" Peter answered, and Jesus told him he had answered correctly. But sadly, so many so called Christians, denominational types, and cults deny Him His deity. For being both God and man is what made Him unique. The true son of God who died on the cross for our sins. A fact of history, not of memory.
While home sick one day, a representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society-a Jehovah Witness came to my door. And before the man could give me the literature they pay for, I asked him the same question Jesus asked Peter. And he denied Christ, and started on his cult's diatribe. I told him it is sad he is going to hell, but it is his choice-and God doesn't want him to go, and either do I. And he doesn't have to! Rather than debate, or argue-note to those of you who do, read 2John, I kept insisting he was going to hell without Jesus. Shaking my hand he left, and as I watched, stood with both hands on the hood of his car-thinking. And I hope considering what I had said, as I don't want him to go to hell. That is why Jesus died-and yes, Jesus is deity! He is God! A simple fact, shown in love.
Some know all about Jesus, but only those who believe know Him. It takes faith, just a little, and like the memories yet to be made with new motorcycle friends, Jesus wants to be part of your life. He knows who He is, and wants to know you personally, not just about Him. Whether repainted or in need of paint, He will restore you, and make you a new creature in Him. So when you get together with other new creatures, you all have Him in common. Let the cults have their ideas, you have truth. Only found in Jesus.
Let the memories begin.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com