Daytona Speed Week is almost here, next week in fact. And to the many who live where winter is a season that only lasts 6 months, it is a cause for celebration, and a time to pack up the bike in your van, and head south to Florida. It used to be about the racing, with the 200 being the showcase event, but in recent years it has turned into a full on rally, and depending who you talk with the number of people attending is 500,000! More than the population of Albuquerque, or even Wyoming! That is one heck of a lot of bikers-and bikes! And after 5 long months of winter and no riding, the adrenaline flows, the bikes are de-winterized, and so are the riders-and they head south! Finally, the wait is over.
In 1974 on my first hiatus from the Garden State, I lived in Ft. Lauderdale, and went to Speed Week. Just a short trip, 2 days, but I remember all the bikes and the smell of castor and excitement that filled the air. If you rode, the high got you. If you didn't, either you were dead, or caught the fever, if not the disease. And for those who attend faithfully every year, it is a time of old friends, traditions, a ride on the beach, and a sure sign that spring is coming-at least in Florida.
And the most popular route south is the I-95 corridor, that when not being used to escape the wintry northeast, is usually a road to avoid. But on our first trip south in 1974, it wasn't completed yet, and so we spent most of our time on US 1, and also US 301. Two lane roads, and in cities sometimes 4 laners, as they call them in the country. And the 1300 mile ride would take 3-4 days, even if the weather was nice. Not at all like today where you can get on and only get off to get gas and food, then back on again, set the cruise control, and nap. Back then it took patience, a strong clutch hand, and a wide eyed willingness to persevere to Daytona, knowing that great weather was just around the next traffic jam. And the farther south, the better the weather-by day. But some of the coldest nights happen in Florida in winter. A biting cold that leather can't keep out, along with fog and sometimes frost that make you think that maybe you brought NJ with you. But the days more than make up for it.
Going through Georgia from Atlanta to Savannah last summer, I came across a new section of US 1. By-passed when I-95 was built. A section that I remember them building 40 years ago, and I remembered how the smells of the paper factories, and of endless miles of praline stands lined this two lane exodus road. Crowded, with all of us the same dream-warm weather, but some of us the promise of a new life, or at least Daytona! But that road last summer looked nothing like I expected-it was 4 lane, wide, smooth, and mostly empty. Only the old signs and old buildings left to decay in the sun reminded me of a ride back then. And as I tried to explain it to Theresa, you could tell as she looked a vacant highway, she had no idea of what the trip was like back then. Only the photos in my memory bank are left to remind me. Maybe it was the 100 degree heat, or the emptiness of the road, or the questioning of a 40 year memory, but I seemed to be the one out of place here. But yet, the pictures are still so fresh in my mind.
Would I want to go back to that time? We need to ask ourselves that question sometimes. As we get older, and the body doesn't heal as well, as the 401k turns into a 201k, and as the dreams we once had have turned to a survival script, were we really better off back then? Would I really like to relive 40 years ago-but by today's rules? And by knowing what is behind me, does that comfort me as to what is ahead? Or are some memories better off left where they happened, with only today's memories to look forward to, some day?
Christians who study the Bible are not surprised by today's headlines. The season of the rapture is upon us. A time that we will be rescued out of here by Jesus is upon us. No freaky religious people predicting the date, but we are told we will know the season. And that season is here. Just like we looked forward to Daytona and a rescue from the winter of Jersey, we look forward to being taken out to heaven soon. But some signs are distressing, and we take an attitude that because we are God's that we shouldn't have to endure this season. And I talk with many whiners, who doubt God, although they freely use His name at church. Truth is, tough times are a sign-so be glad, we are that much closer. Wars, and rumors of wars, sound familiar? Pestilence, disease-take a look at Africa. Economic turmoil, gas expensive, and food following it-just one trip to the pump will confirm that. Families breaking down, or being redefined, in 1960 only 2% of children born in the US of A were out of wedlock, now it is 44%! More evidence? As we hear about church vs. state, and man vs. God, we also see the time when the largest revival in history will take place-and we are there! That road to heaven goes right through you-2 or 4 lane, north or south, east or west, so get on it and go!
Jesus is coming. Whether you believe or not, He is coming. The signs are there, His people are telling you, so what is keeping you? Are you stuck in traffic on US 1, or cruising on I-95? No matter, God knows where you are, and has you there for a purpose. Bike Week is only a temporary destination, then we go back home. Heaven is a one way trip-we won't want to go back! We are finally home! So live your life accordingly!
And if the road you are on is rough, you are probably on the right road. God will see you through, so stay the course. The most blessings belong to those who persevere-just ask those who made the trip south many years ago. And make sure to tell those you meet about the road ahead, and where it leads. Jesus saves! Are you saved? Soon the wait will be over.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthw25biker.blogspot.com