When meeting new people for the first time, we tend to want to impress
them, or to sell ourselves to them. When I see guys with Triumph shirts we will
visit, and compare bikes owned. Or ridden now. When on the road it is common
to compare trip notes with someone we have never met, trusting them to be
accurate in their assessments of the road. We take them to be honest, but
foolishly think that they know of what they talk sometimes. I have a friend,
who shall remain nameless, who will have an older model of new bike, but acts
like it is brand new. His wife tells him when and where and on what he can
ride-and she doesn't! When talking with him he gives the impression he owns the
latest and greatest, until his ignorance gives him away. And along with it his
credibility. All his experience comes from magazines or listening to others,
he's never been there. True, he may own a Gold Wing, but even I know they have
changed in the past 30 years!
And so it is when asking advice from fellow travelers. When someone who
rides 500-600 mile days says it is no big deal, the one who only does 200-300
will think it is. Riding at 70mph, then taking 30 minutes for gas will quickly
ruin your speed average, riding at 80mph and taking 10 minutes for gas will
greatly increase it. Ride and live consistently. You need to ask qualifying
questions to make sure you both know what the relative terms you speak of are.
Recently a man called me wanting to go riding to Julian for the day, about an 80
mile round trip. For the day? When I told him I ride 200 miles for lunch, he
realized I meant riding, he meant visiting. Say what you mean, on that ride
both of us would have been miserable.
So I still rather ride alone. For some reason when riding in groups, it is
felt to ride at the slowest rider's pace. In other words, the rest of you don't
enjoy your ride to facilitate the slow one. Then we are told we are rude if we
don't. I say, this is where we will be stopping, ride your own ride, we will
meet you there. And we all ride safer and have more fun. If they don't show up
for awhile, I remember Jesus going back for the one lost sheep in 99, riders are
no different. A quick rider's meeting, with info and questions asked can avoid
a lot of problems later. Maybe that is why no one wants to be a road
captain-they end up baby sitting!
So listen to what others say before you go riding with them. Do the
math-if I am comfortable at 70, and you at 68, in an hour we will be two miles
apart! And both unhappy, neither one enjoying the ride, which is why we ride.
Having our joy robbed by not using the sense of common we have been given.
When we ride we speak from the viewpoint of the ride. And when Christians
talk, we talk from the viewpoint of the Holy Spirit. I am horrified by so many
non-Christians who misrepresent the Bible, are smarter than God, and whose pride
is leading them to destruction, they just don't get it. Who think that by going
to church that makes them a Christian, and gives them insight to all the things
of God. In 1John, John makes it clear when he states, "the one who is in you is
greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world, and speak from
the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and
whoever knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God doesn't listen to
us." A simple way to identify whether a person is saved or not.
I find Christians love to talk about Jesus. Just as bikers love bikes, we
love Jesus. And He loves us back, even more. We have overcome the world, and
now have insight those who are not saved don't have. Did you know that the
littlest child who knows Jesus is smarter than the brightest man with a PhD and
denies Him? It is God who grants knowledge, and wisdom when we need it. Just
quoting God doesn't make you smarter, but knowing Him does. And with it He
gives us His love, He loved us first and sent Jesus to save us.
Funny, but with all the texting, cell phones, e-mails, and other forms of
communication, many talk, but few listen. Set a new pace today, and listen to
what is being said to you. God deals with facts, not polls or opinions-they
won't get you to heaven. Test the spirit of the one you meet while riding,
before you take his advice. Seek God, and then obey. You just might find the
ride more fun, more challenging, and more adventurous than ever before. And
more satisfying. I have nothing against a ride to Julian, other than it is
boring. Let's try a road we have not taken, and both learn. And if Christians,
let's trust God with our decisions. Just using the insight He gives you can
make a boring day more exciting, or a long day shorter. Know your audience, and
if it includes Jesus, you are on the right road.
Every day is a new road or a new ride. Ride with Jesus and make it fun.
For what good is fun if you don't enjoy it? And if anyone should have fun it is
Christians. We are going to heaven! Wanna ride along?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com