It has been said that "I didn't quit riding because I got old, but I got old because I quit riding." Maybe that is why I always feel so young, the freedom of riding will do that to you. And yesterday I met two men who reminded me of that. I was crossing through an intersection, when I spotted a black motorcycle stopped for the red light. As I started pumping gas, I noticed the same guy next to me. "Hey, man, can I ask you some questions about your bike?" Nodding yes, he pulled over and waited. He was serious, but so was the Speed Triple R I was on. He went on to explain he had just gotten back into riding after being out for many years. And had no desire for cars anymore. He felt younger, had more energy, but needed more power than his CBR250 could provide on the highway. I let him sit on the S3R, and his smile was contagious. He had read about the bike, and wanted one-but had never seen one. After about 20 minutes of severe questioning-I've had lesser interrogations by a date's father, we parted, and he will call me. He can't wait to get a Street Triple, same weight as his, twice the power. But he kept emphasizing how he enjoyed riding again, felt younger, and how his attitude was much better. He was taking the long way home, and getting there in less time than the short way in his car. And wasn't tired when he arrived. The one complaint he had was his non-riding friends told him it was dangerous, trying to rob his fun. I told him we know that to be an unpleasant part of our lifestyle, but would rather die doing something we enjoyed than sitting on a sofa vegetating. Like his friends. Another huge smile showed agreement.
The other man was in front of me ordering his tube steak combo at Costco. When he saw my Triumph sweatshirt, he asked about the S3R. he just bought a new Tiger XC, and retired. And was enjoying riding, with all the time to do it. He and a friend were riding to Alaska this summer for 4 weeks, and then he was going to ride to Sturgis. He couldn't believe all the fun he was having, and places he had only read or dreamed about were on his itinerary of places to ride. He knew all the specs, had read the magazines, and knew all about riding. Now he was going to experience it first hand-and as he went on like a kid, I just listened. And enjoyed. And thought, "this guy is me!" He gets it! All the while his lunch partner listened, looking forward to his retirement of staying home with his wife. Guess which guy has life? And was looking forward to retiring more? No boredom or honey do's here-the road called, and there are so many roads, and only so little time. Let's ride!
Which made me think about another man I met at church. He has an old Meriden Triumph, and his wife will only let him ride it occasionally. Meeting her, I asked if she rode, and told me how dangerous they were. Where was Theresa when I needed her? So I asked what she did, and she told me she was in the medical field. "Great, so am I!" and as her attention piqued, I told her I was a patient. And watched as that same attention waned. But piqued again when I said I was glad to meet her, because I had a medical question.
"Is it safe for me to go to bed tonight?" I asked. "I have had four friends in 2 months die in their sleep, and didn't realize sleep was so dangerous." The husband smiled, as she grabbed his arm, and without answering walked off. He seemed like such a nice guy-just lousy taste in women. I'm glad I ride, that my wife rides, and that I will sleep soundly tonight-knowing I am not married to her! I could see this guy riding off and sending her a postcard from the road with no return address-for he wasn't going to return. I'd even buy the first stamp!
Fun is perhaps the common theme in riding. You enjoy a freedom of sights and sounds, of smells and feelings you don't in a car. Or can't. For cars isolate you from the world. And many have become like this in their walk with Christ. Just living out their days until heaven calls. Church, church, church, then repeat. But Jesus promises life more abundantly. Life worth the living. Life that when lived in the spirit is exciting! Yet when offered this, act like the woman in the medical field-she only sees the casualties. Not knowing she is one herself. My choice is to be as close to God as possible, to see all the action. To be part of as many blessings as possible, and walk with God-in His spirit! And to the "only go to church type," it appears too dangerous, too much adventure. Leave the fun to someone younger-I'm too old. But really the only safe place to be is where God wants you. So get out your pew, and leave your PU behind. Ask God to lead you, then let Him. So many blessings await those who choose to FOLLOW God, not just put in time. Like the man who was retired, or just got back into riding, they both looked forward to tomorrow. They had a reason to live, and a life to live. A hope and a future. Do you? Did you know that is one of God's promises for you?
Trust God today. Ask Him to allow you to do something for the first time-again. Then repeat. I was able to share the Lord with two men because I listened, we talked, and became friends. And as we agreed on riding, I was able to share how exciting Jesus is-just like riding. Left them thinking, now it is up to God to change their hearts.
Just two men who ride. Two men who enjoy life more because of it. Two men who when asked will tell you that riding is keeping them young. And will agree, that they wouldn't get old if they kept riding, but would get old if they quit. So get everything out of life God has for you. And ask yourself one question-why would anyone want to be like me? Jesus brings life and joy, and if you don't have it, are you enjoying being you? Get out and ride, at least get out! Spread the gospel through your life. And as God adds life to your style, remember no one has a testimony about sitting on a couch. Just two men, who get more out of life than some Christians, just because they ride-and won't ever get old.
Is it possible that the road to the fountain of youth begins on two wheels? I do know the way to life is Jesus. What good is fun if you don't enjoy it?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com