I get rude comments from certain people when I tell Harley jokes. But never when I tell Triumph jokes, or even Honda jokes. And they don't hurt my feelings when I hear them about my own bike, if it's funny, it's funny! And I have been accused of being jealous of Harley owners, and only being able to afford riding Triumphs. For their knowledge, I am down to four of them. No, not so I always have one that runs. And if you really cared, why not buy we one? I have been accused of not living the lifestyle-hey buddy, I ride mine. when you have ridden 50,000 miles a year for the past four years, tell me about your trailer queen and where it's been. 20 grand and 20 miles still don't make you a biker. OK you win, your FICA score is higher. Get out and ride!
You see I have the same addiction that my friend Spud at Biggs HD has, we both love motorcycles. And I have a standing invite anytime I want, to ride any bike they have on the floor! And I haven't because I feel bad for not going in to buy one. I am not afraid to ride one, another myth exposed, and for some strange reason, these Harley people like us. Maybe they are the ones you should vilify! When we walk in, we are joked about as "Oh no, the Triumph people are here-shut the doors-keep them away from our real bikes." And we all laugh! And when I take Stu on his Wing, he gets it too! Although we all know Gold Wing riders deserve it. For we all love to ride. Hey-we are even the token Triumph owners in Black Sheep-Harley Davidsons for Christ! Don't tell Marty! And are blessed to minister with them, and we love to. You see true love covers a multitude of sins. Even brand prejudice. And yesterday, on an incredible day of blessings from God, He brought a Harley into my life-no I haven't spent any money I don't have, my Triumph signs are still intact, although I can still fit two more bikes in the garage. I rode Pastor Z.'s 2010 Dyna Street Bob. He made me get my helmet, and told me, "this runs like a Harley is supposed to." Not sure what that was to mean, but I got on it, and got on it! And he was right. With just a pipe and air cleaner, and the right download, this thing ran-fast. Not just for a Harley-but for a motorcycle. It had apes-which aren't me, and at 90mph on a side street, they made me feel uncomfortable. And when I got back, nothing had fallen off, it stopped when I put on the brakes, although I had to use the kill button to turn it off-couldn't find the key, dumb rookie. Must have been the Triumph racing jacket I was wearing. So take note, I think sooner than later, Spud may have a new demo rider.
So, before you think I've lost it, or have finally gone over to the other side, I haven't. Your Harley pride of the bar and shield are safe from my throttle twisting hands. You will continue to hear my bad jokes, and I will still tolerate yours.
So there. I even noticed the sun came up in the east again today, so your world is safe! And to prove it, on the traveling Viet Nam wall, Harley riders loved my Bonneville. And we talked riding, and how fast it is, and those who saw me ride Fred's bike were a bit enamored-how fast was it really one guy asked? His friend answered for me before I could-too fast for you! And we all laughed. When one Harley rider asked to borrow an adjustable wrench, I asked standard or metric? For a second he paused, and then laughed with us when he got it. the wrenches adjustable stupid! If I have hurt any wrenchophiles, I apologize. If you know me, in these hands no tools are safe with me. And I felt safe leaving my keys in my bike. No one from that group was going to steal my fast Bonneville! Or was it they didn't want oil to leak on their pretty leathers? Or couldn't find the key?
While doing hospital visitations last night, we took Gavin with us. On March 18th, they told his wife he had 5% chance of living, and would be a vegetable if he did. As we went to visit Conrad, another brain accident victim, with Gavin, the nurses were ecstatic over his healing! Miracle! Tears, hugs, and encouragement to them-from Gavin. And when he went in to see Conrad, reached out his hand with Theresa and prayed. And in the middle of this group, told via hand motions how much he loved his wife, Lynsay. Her tears said it all.
But while waiting for the elevator, we encountered two women in the waiting area. Talking to them, we got to pray for her husband Richard, and when I went in to pray for him, Gavin wanted to go with me. And put his hand out when we did, just like he gripped one lady's arm in the hallway when we prayed there! Voluntarily-because he wanted to!
You never know when God is going to bless you. In hallways, rooms, or even on the street. Step out of your church world today, and step into God's world. Meet some other people that Jesus died for. Ride a Harley-no egos were damaged during the test ride. Offer to pray when you encounter someone hurting in your path. Be patient and let God heal, He just invites me along for the ride. So I go. And take the ride of your life in Jesus.
Oh by the way, Gavin rides a Triumph. Just couldn't let that pass. I guess you really are what you ride!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
