So I get this e-mail from Cycle World magazine, telling me I have been
chosen from subscribers to participate in a riding event. Their 2011 Cruiser of
the Year, the Ducati Diavel, will be available for us to ride, and then comment
on. Even free cappuccino at the end, and of course the Ducati umbrella girls.
Yawn. My ride was at noon, so arriving a bit early, I visited with Tonia, who
coordinates these events for Cycle World, and did an excellent job. Note-she is
between husbands, and taking riding lessons this week. After about ten minutes
of the obligatory Ducati propaganda, and listening to one of the CW editors,
Mark Cernicky, it was evident there was to much talk and not enough throttle-so
off we went.
Now the group was of ten riders, of various age, experience, and skill.
But looking at the helmet rack full of Arais and Shoeis, this should be a good
group. Greg, from Ducati, laid out a great ride through the hills of Rancho
Santa Fe, no freeways, and we definitely didn't ride the speed limits. I saw 100
once before Cernicky passed me. We rode out own ride, with Greg and two others
leading from within the pack. I, as I always do in groups, stayed in the back,
with Cernicky. They had introduced him as crazy, my kind of guy, and whenever
the photo shoot needed a wheelie, stoppie, or sideways shot-that was him.
Now the Diavel has a 165hp potential, via electronic power control. And
you could tell some were having trouble finding it-it was activated via the the
turn signal cancelling button. On a bike that was designed for the trendy
crowd, the styling was questionable-particularly the ugliest rear end to a
motorcycle I have ever seen. Hey Ducati, with the power this thing has, can you
give the rest of us a break, make it more attractive for the rest of us, it's
the part we will see the most of? The seat was so small, and edge shaped, after
five minutes I was looking for a stop sign so I could stop and change
positions. I started the ride a tenor, ended a soprano. But the bike was fast,
and the brakes exceptional. Poor instruments, and there again the
styling-another oops on where do we put the license plate, no passenger seat,
and vibration below 4500rpm, I was disappointed. I expected more of the bike
than it could offer. But then again, I ride a lot. Even the Ducati tech man
agreed with me, we both prefer radios with on/off and volume knobs only-anything
else we get too confused. At a standstill. At a 100-oops!
But the ride was great, and fun. And Cernicky, well he is crazy. Fun
crazy. A few times he would go past me, then slam on the brakes-hard. A few
wheelies away from a stop-fun. But in one 90 degree left turn, marked 15mph, he
went sliding past me, on the outside, flat track style. When I later asked him
if he was bored, he said, "a little." But all in all a great ride.
Now we had ten identical bikes, ten riders, the same road, but all at
different levels. We had the Harley guy in our group. Obviously overwhelmed.
Rode most of the way with a turn signal on. Just an old bucket helmet, and his
leather was a few sizes too small. Or was he too big? And anytime a curve
appeared, the brake lights went on. He was also the only rider to get off the
course, not following directions. So between him and Cernicky, we had both ends
of the riding spectrum. One under control, who appeared crazy, one out of
control who was crazy. Depending on your brand orientation, you make the
call.
Jesus taught us in the parable of the seeds, about the same seed hitting
different kind of soil. Some grew and died out. Some never even saw the light
of day. Some grew and then stayed at a certain height. But some grew, tall and
strong, and then spread it seeds elsewhere. And when I look around in church I
see all these seeds in my friends. Some want everything Jesus has to offer,
some just never grow. Some want more, and are willing to work for it, some
avoid ministry every chance. Some dress the look, others follow God. And that is
what I saw when riding in this group. Some had the leathers, some the skills.
For some 80mph was too fast, for some they never should have been allowed to
leave the lot. But it seemed we were each comfortable at our skill levels. I
wanted all I could get out of the Diavel that day-and I pretty much did. But I
also want all the blessing I can get from God. And He wants to provide-but He
must lead the ride. We all ride at our own pace, God will give more to those
who desire it. Who devote more of their life to Him, and to those who wish to
serve Him-without reservation. They are called blessings.
How you ride is up to you. But please note your ride will affect others.
Get lost-Jesus went back for the one in 99. Too slow-you miss the blessings.
Undecided-you miss the ride. And just saying no, you miss heaven. Ride your
own ride in Jesus. Use all the skills He has blessed you with, and enjoy the
blessings that go with it. For just like we all rode the same bikes and roads
yesterday, we all got something different out of it. I had a great time. And I
know why.
How is your ride? Are you enjoying it? Twist the throttle Jesus has given
you today, and live up to your potential. Not everyone rides with the turn
signals on, and never turns. Or crosses it up like Cernicky. But enjoy the
ride of your life with Jesus. And you just might find you are beating the
Diavel(the devil) at his own game. Jesus and motorcycles-it just don't get any
better. I know-I've been there, and never left. Wanna ride along?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com