Really I was just following orders. The bike that Triumph had given me to ride, a new 2011 Sprint GT, had not been released to dealers yet. They had only seen pictures of it, and Triumph riders had only been leaked details via spy shots on the Internet. And I had been told, "take it to Jesse, so he can load it onto the demo truck. Pick up a Street Triple R and then swap it for another GT." Even I could do that, I mean who wouldn't want to ride three brand new 2011 models in one day, after putting 1500 miles on the first GT?
So I pulled into NCY where about 100+ Triumph riders were getting ready for their turn on riding the demos. I had never met Jesse, but figured he would be easy to find. What I didn't expect was the reception. I pulled in on the blue GT, and parked by the trailer. And soon I was surrounded by the riders in wait, who recognized the new model, and wanted a first hand look. Some even asked to sit on it, but thankfully I declined their request. With about 30 riders surrounding me, and asking questions, I was a bit overwhelmed, but felt very cool having this unique bike-and I was riding it! But soon Jesse popped out of the crowd, and told me he needed to get the bike out of there. I helped him make his way through the crowd, and wheel it into the back of the building-away from everyone. He then explained that no one had seen the bike yet, and that other dealers had complained "why didn't they get to see it first?" So no one gets to see new bikes until they all do-together! And I had just broken that rule, unknowingly, and it was kinda fun to watch and also be part of.
It seems a while ago, certain dealers didn't like the fact that Triumph was using a dealer in So Cal to prep the Press Fleet. So Triumph sent them out to a private, non-Triumph shop, and well-let's just say that the love wasn't there that Mickey gives them now. Politics aside, he does a great job with the bikes, and also with the magazine editors. And it reflects in the road test reviews. Just read any recent articles-the press, and in turn riders love the new Triumphs!
Fortunately no one, including me got into trouble. I was just following orders, and now I ask before taking any bikes to the demo trucks. And in fact, the local dealers in So Cal have gotten to know me, as I stop by and let them look at the new models before they have them. At the dame dealer a few years ago, I had a new Tiger, which was not being released for a few months. I stopped in and asked the sales manger if he had any info on it. He told me the bike was too new, and he hadn't seen one. When I asked, "would you like to see one?" his eyes lit up, and soon the whole store was out looking. They had gotten a private show, a pre-release show, and felt honored. They still refer me to the guy who brought the Tiger by that day.
We all like a glimpse of new models, or of what's going to happen in the future. People pay millions for fortune tellers, and horoscope readings. Only to be disappointed when they events don't happen. And whine about the money it cost them. Jesus tells us about the future, and based on his past, we should all listen. The Bible is only 100% accurate when it comes to prophecy, so why don't we seek Him first like we are told? When He foretells of coming world events, like the increase in floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other so-called natural disasters, why don't we listen? And yet as the experts mumble some nonsense far from the truth, we listen to them. I just don't get it. Why aren't we excited like the men who saw the new GT, and recognized it even though they had never seen one before? Why can't we be more like the sales manager who jumped at the chance to see what he had only heard about?
FAITH. Believing the evidence of things not seen. Or trusting God when their is no evidence of Him. But when there is, we still don't? Why? I can get theological, but the answer is we don't listen. The signs are there, the messages, some are over 3000 years old. We had over 300 prophecies fulfilled by Jesus alone, wouldn't that be like road testing a new bike for a million miles?
Again, it takes faith, to please God. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We trust God because He is trustworthy. And everything He says will happen, in His timing. So be patient, for His next step is calling out His church from the earth-the rapture. And since He wants you to be rescued, He wants you saved, and is patient waiting for you to say yes to Him! He takes no joy in the death of anyone-even the sinner! Now that's love.
Jesus may be as new to you as a new model to old riders. But it takes trust, and you cannot trust someone you don't know. The rapture predicted is real. It will happen. The question is will you accept Him now while there is still time? What if what He says is true?
Now it's easy. Don't wait and find out the hard way. New models may come and go, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Forever is along time-make sure you spend it with Him, in Heaven.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com