Everybody has their favorite road. For some it is the curves in the mountains. For others the long, monotony of the freeway. Others prefer a regular route, while others can't wait to explore new ventures. Some go it alone, while others must have a group to ride with. But no matter-the fact we ride, always leaves us wanting to do it again, and makes the weekdays between weekends that much longer. And somehow, only two weeks a year to travel them seems way too short.
Whenever the topic comes up of favorite roads, there seems to be roads that are always mentioned. Skyline Drive-Virginia or California? Done both. Highway 1, east or west? Done both. Gotten your kicks on 66? Done all of it except last 20 miles into Chicago. Palomar? Julian? Not interested. For my list of favorite roads are different. some found by talking to other bikers, some by trusting dotted lines on a map, and sometimes getting lost will take you to your next favorite road. So for what it is worth,these are some of my favorites. And if you get a chance, try them. A road is a terrible thing to waste.
Wisconsin State Route 33 runs east to west. Small farm towns, large farms. Mountains, hills, lots of scenery and no people. And huge sweeping curves. Recommended by a biker we met in Red Wing. Not much on the map, but it is when riding it. Stop and eat at a cafe along the way-at the counter if they have one. Note-photo ops abound!
I-79 in West Virginia. Did you say interstate? Yes, this road has curves, hills, valleys, plus all the wonderful attributes that interstates were designed with. High speed curves, lots of lanes, and no traffic. One of the best interstates, and maybe better than I-70 through Glenwood Canyon in Colorado. I rode that one before and after the upgrade. But something about being in West Virginia, gives it a frontier aura to it. Can't describe it, you go find out for yourself.
County Road 501, outside of Durango. We used to live at 14501, which meant I had 15 miles to enjoy it out of Bayfield. Long 100 mph stretches, past ranches, then as you pick up altitude, great curves. At last the two tighter ones past the dam, and then I was home. In the heart of the San Juan National Forest, largest in Colorado. But you could continue around the lake, for another 15 miles, and see the Colorado that used to be before developers took over. Dirt in places, but manageable. And if you fish, bring your rod. Huge trout in Vallecito Lake, but don't run-at 8300' you will get tired fast. So enjoy the ride, for three years this was my daily driver. How good is it? Stopped for an outlaw biker on a bridge to see if he was OK? He was tripping out on the beauty-no drugs needed to get him high. His words. Ride it and see if you can find words for it.
There is a certain joy and peace I find on the road. And you may not realize it, but your life is on a road. And where it leads is important. And some will tell you that it OK to make U-turns, but I find it isn't-at least in life. When riding we would do loops, so as not to retrace our steps, and experience different roads. But some in life are reticent to change. When a storm brews, and relationships change, they wish to go back. Some even say "God allows u-turns." He does, but prefers turning to Him. Lot's wife, made a u-turn, and looked back. And turned to a pillar of salt. And if you really stop and think, those past experiences that brought about a change of roads, are ones you don't wish to repeat. So don't. Galatians tells us to "set our sights on things on high." Follow God. Take the new road, and trust Him that He'll get you through. Don't stick to those old heavily travelled, and worn out roads. Many times we ask for directions, and find out we are back where we started-and still lost and searching. Jesus said "I am the way." Good enough. There may be some boring freeway, but that gives you time to rest, and to really appreciate the curves ahead. Altitude changes, and crossing state lines bring about other changes. But only riding with Jesus, following Him, is the only road to be on. Any other, no matter how much fun, how beautiful, or far away, will only end in death-separated from God.
I know racers who have gone into a corner too fast, and in fright claimed to have seen God. When I ride I see Him in the slow turns, too. In the straights, and even at rest stops. Look around, and see His beauty. Keep your eyes on the road, and see His glory.
Now, I could have mentioned Route 32 out of New Hope. Or Feather River Canyon. Another route 32 will get you there. Or even South 10, east of Albuquerque. Each one a great ride, with great memories to go with it. But I won't. Gotta keep the crowds off of them. For just like Jesus, one on one they are the best.
And if you ask Paul, he would tell you the road to Damascus is his favorite! What's yours? Mine is the one I travel with Jesus on. And when we all ride it, we will all arrive the same place. See you there. All roads lead somewhere, only one leads to heaven.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com