The ads sold us. We wanted to meet the nicest people. We wanted to have the good times roll. We wanted the freedom of the road. We even wanted to Solo Suzuki, whatever that meant. So we called a friend, and off we went to the local cycle shop. Where all the beautiful bikes we saw in the ads were calling our name. The paint was brighter, chrome shinier than we could ever imagine, and the seat was calling our name. So we decided to sit on the bike of our dreams-and then a salesman showed up. "No sitting on the bikes," he said, and our dream died. But you continued to show interest, and he finally did you a favor, his words, and let you sit on one. While others less endowed stood in awe and watched you racing down the road in your mind, you were riding and they weren't-at least in your dreams. And you just had to have this bike. And so with all the courage you had, you asked, "can I take it for a test ride?" And as the salesman pointed to a huge sign NO TEST RIDES!, he explained, "not my rule kid, I'd let you, it's the boss you know." And with the dream shattered, and money in your pocket, you went on to another shop.
This shop was different. He let you sit on the bike. He answered your questions. and when he found out you knew how to ride, and were a friend of a friend of a guy he sold a bike to, he asked did you have a license and if you wanted to ride it around the back lot. In shock, you think you said yes, and you must have as the paperwork for this two minute tour would take ten minutes. But you would be riding! And because of that test ride, you would buy your bike there that day-and your next several bikes. And so would your friends. All because of a test ride!
Theresa and I rolled into Albuquerque and stopped at PJ's Triumph. I had never met PJ, and looking at a bobber Bonneville, asked if I could sit on it. Cool. Could I ride it? "You got a helmet?" he asked, and soon I was down the road. No paperwork, no hoping I could ride, he saw my California tags on the Tiger, and told me later if I could ride from California, I should be able to handle this bike. And we began a relationship where whenever I go through town, I stop, and spend money. All because of a test ride. On a bike that he knew I wouldn't buy. He loved riding, and so do I. That was enough, and better than any rules. Besides, I had left Theresa as a security deposit-no way I wouldn't come back for her!
But as my rides got longer, and bikes bigger, I needed longer test rides. And I still met with resistance after many years and 100's of thousands of miles. And then the new Triumph ads caught my eye. And Triumph needed people to get out to ride their new bikes, to see how good they really were. So they offered group rides, which turned into demo rides, which turned into track days, and now adventure tours. They understand that the ads only get you into the shop, the salesman only answers questions, but it takes time with the bike to form a relationship. And one that will last for years to come. Based on word of mouth, still the most effective advertising. And right now their sales are soaring, while the Japanese bikes sit on the showroom floor gathering dust. For years. Like the pretty girl who doesn't have a date, no one asked them for a ride. And test rides sell bikes. Yes it can be expensive, so you qualify the rider first. And some get refused, because they should. You need a license, for instance. Would you just let anyone ride you new bike? But the invite is there, if you take it!
I was told recently of a man who denied church to his kids because of all the bad times he had when he was a kid. He didn't want to put them through it, and I can agree-to a point. The world so often confuses the church with God, and so do many Christians. And sadly, the church has a lousy history in many areas. Contrast that with God, whose reputation, history, and love are much different. Jesus even upset the Pharisees because He was anti-religion, but pro-God. And when they tried to cross him up by rules and legalism, He showed them love, and quoted the scripture correctly, and in context. And in His love, he showed freedom from religion. He met the nicest people who wouldn't be allowed in "their" church, and the good times rolled! Freedom from religion, not freedom found in it. Love and grace, via mercy, showing people He met that He cared about them, and when He showed them love, they would respond in love. Except the Pharisees, who decided to have Him killed. Can't have all this lovin' going on, bad for business. But it was good for the soul.
Show a little respect to those who don't know God today. Who had a bad experience with the man who wouldn't let them in their shop, unless he played by their rules. Offer to spend time with them, answering questions. And remember these two things. One-they wouldn't be asking if the spirit wasn't guiding. God is choosing you in that moment to offer a test ride of Jesus. So just answer the questions, in love. And two-Jesus taught in the church, but ministered outside it. Just inviting a person to church is a cop out. Spend time with them now. And invite them on a test ride later. I don't know anyone who hasn't had a bad time in church. But when confronted with Jesus, well that's different. So offer a test ride first, you'll know when to ask. And watch as the Holy Spirit guides them to Jesus, who shows them God in a personal, intimate way. And you get to ride along! All because you let the spirit do His job, and you did yours.
Test rides happen every day of the week. Keep the track days for Sunday. That first day of a short test ride may be all the person needs to see God's love. Don't let him be scared away by the religious types pointing out all their faults. Jesus saves-not us! So enjoy the ride, I hope you have many test rides with friends you have yet to meet. But don't let a few questions stand between God's love and a test ride. Religion is the place of no test rides-you must buy in, become worthy, then you can ride your own bike-after buying it. Jesus says come unto me, and I will give you rest. Hang out, ask questions. Take a ride if you want. It's His bike, so take the ride. It's free, all you do is say yes to Him.
You will have met the nicest person, have a life of freedom, and you will have met the rock, and have your name on the roll! Let the good times roll-with Jesus!
So, you wanna take a ride? Only by riding with Him will all your questions be answered. Don't let religion get between you and Jesus! And hang on for the ride of your life!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com