Nice people up at Simi Valley Cycles, so when out riding this weekend, and Theresa needed her tires checked, we stopped in. They immediately got to checking them, and while we were waiting some of the guys in the shop saw what I was riding, a 2012 Speed Triple R, not available to the dealers for at least another month. And one guy was real suspicious of how did I get one? So while his friends were ragging on him for not having the latest info-seems he was the sales manager, I showed him the Motorcycle Distributor plates from Georgia, and he felt better knowing it was a press bike. But after they all gave their opinions, and asking how did it handle, etc, we all left friends. and even without riding it, the talk that night would be what they saw that morning, a gift of a bike not yet here, but on its way-and now they really wanted one even more. Didn't even ask to sit on it-just the fact that they saw one was enough to keep the conversation alive for the next few days.
Which is a fun thing I get to do, riding so many Press Bikes for Triumph. But I was really glad the fast shoes in the shop didn't come out, and ask "is it faster? Does it handle better? Can you tell a difference in the brakes?" You see it has over $7000 of race suspension and brakes on it, which may be nice on a track-my tracks consist mostly of freeways to get to the curves. But I can tell you this-it handles incredible, and yes, the brakes should be the standard for all bikes! I'll leave the race track for guys like Mickey, Ray, and Curtis to sort out-for me this is 1000 miles of bliss. Every once in a while it is fun to be special-or at least be on a bike that is!
When I ride a bike that is better than I am, I have to remind myself to ride my own ride, always good advice, no matter the bike, the road, or the rider. I haven't got in over my head too many times, but it is nice to have a bike under you that can forgive your moments of talent indiscretion. But mostly I ride my own ride, faster than some, slower than most, but I rather have fun than try to impress some squid and end up in a ditch. While some guys I know look for that extra tenth of a second per lap, I rather ride an extra 50 miles that day. Each within our own little riding world. We call it fun, and when we each try to invade each other's world, we lose the fun. Most people I know think 100 mile trip is way too much. We ride 150 miles for lunch. I have friends who will spend all day at a track dialing in their suspension, I rather go places. But I get it, so I wish them well, support their efforts by encouraging them, and we each trade stories via bench racing-motorcycles being our common denominator. And it gives me the chance to meet other guys who ride, and meet nice shops like in Simi Valley. Not every ride is a race-so I don't ride as if it is.
Too often if it rains the last 20 miles of a great day, or we get a flat on the last lap, that is all we remember and take home with us. We neglect to remember the laps at full speed, or the hills and valleys on twisty roads that earlier we thought would never end. We take exception to anything that ruins our perfect day, and steals our fun. and can go from thanking God, to wondering what He was thinking when we got the flat, or the rains came. Ministry came be like that. But the lesson of Ezekiel is best remembered. God told Him what to say, and what to do, and who to say it to. Tell the Israelites, a stubborn people, and do not be afraid to tell them the truth-punishment is coming for their rebellion. But He warns Zeke not to be like them-do as I tell you and all will be ok. God's OK, not ours, a big difference. For like a ride, there will be rough roads, bad weather, dumb drivers in cars, and other obstacles to avoid. Not all who hear your message will turn to God, in fact they may turn against you! Jesus did not come to unite the flocks, but to separate the goats from the sheep-it is not your job to change a heart, just deliver the message! In other words, just obey what God gives you. Don't go Jonah on Him! For His will shall be done, and the best way to enjoy it is to obey. Rough road-slow down and enjoy the sights, or take a side road that God offers-avoid possible danger! Rain-it will pass, just never fast enough for me. But in sharing remember that someone is always watching, and the words meant for your audience may be heard by another. Only in heaven will we know-but rest assured God does. And somehow this all works out for our benefit.
Theresa needed air, the shop got to see the S3R. We got to visit, and both of us had needs met. Keep the gospel, the good news of Jesus the same despite the situation, knowing God is in control. More people come to God on bad days than on sunny ones. For it is in our bad times we seek Him more. But don't let that be a reason to not praise Him on the sunny ones! Praise Him in all, for it all works to our good. Trust God!
It is the truth that sets us free! Speak in and live it in love. Do not be afraid because your bike is slower, and older than you are. Ride your own ride! Along with Jesus! God will deal with the rebellious, no reason to let them upset your ride. You see the Sales Manager was vindicated after he saw the bike, his facts were right. Even if his co-workers still ride him. So speak the truth. What did you see today? It just may depend whose eyes you see it through. And who you are riding with. Stay the course God has given you, don't lose your vision. When trusting God you never have to make a U-turn. Something you never want to do on a race track! Serving God is fun-don't miss out!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com