"How do you find all these places to go when you travel?" we are often
asked. And the truth is, there is not just one answer. For places to eat, it
could be the food channel. Which when Feasting on Asphalt was on, we got turned
onto Highway 61, part of the Great River Road. It could be Huell Howser,
showing us places in our own state that the trendy and touristy avoid, or better
yet don't know about. Places generally off the beaten track, the less beaten,
the better. Motorcycle touring magazines, popular right now, offer some good
ideas. But soon they too become over run. I remember years ago when Ojai was
not yet a biker destination, then Rider talked it up, and soon it was over run
with bikes. I remember 30 years ago helping my friends from ROAD RIDER magazine
lay out tours in the mountains of southern Colorado. Still my favorite
magazine, these guys, and girls, rode like most of us-small budget, non-touring
bikes, and the road was the destination. How many of us can say that today?
Travel magazines, and anything else that tells about an area is fair game. But
still the best source of info I have found is from other riders. Those that
have been there, ridden the roads, eaten the food, and know where to stay, or
not to stay. And an added bonus comes along with it, fellowship with another
rider. We get to talk with others, and any loneliness fades as we make new
friends, compare notes, and anticipate the next day's ride. We have formed a
relationship, and then it is up to us to find out where it and us go from
there.
It's 1986, and I had a week to travel. I had just bought a leftover 1985
FJ100, and needed to go somewhere. So I chose to ride from New Mexico to
Pennsylvania and back in the 8 days, and surprise my grandparents. I did, and
it was a great ride. Lots of rain, plus one ticket, not bad for 3600 miles in
the first two weeks of ownership. Riding mostly freeways, at 55mph speed
limits, by Indiana I had had it. So as soon as I crossed into Indiana on I-70,
I flagged down an Indiana State Trooper. An old guy, too nice to be a cop, who
when I told him my dilemma, got out his map, and spread it out over the trunk of
his cruiser. He marked some back roads for me, told me of great places to ride,
places to avoid, and places to eat. My whole day changed from boredom, to fun,
just in one meeting. I saw the beauty of Indiana, and travelled roads, saw
towns, and met people I would have missed if I had stayed handcuffed to the
freeway. But his simple gesture made me fall in love with Indiana, and it is
now one of my favorite places to ride. All because of one man, a trooper. Who
insisted I keep his map, which I now keep among my collectibles. Can't remember
his name, or badge number, but I can still see his smiling face. Relationships,
how we forget how important they really are.
Pat Robertson was once told by a man that he met the nicest people when
travelling. Pat responded, "that's because you're a nice guy." And I have
found this to be true. Nice people will attract other nice people. One thing
that touches my heart, is the greeters at our church. Everyone gets greeted
with a smile. With one important extra-if they are talking with another usher,
they stop and greet you first. Welcome you, and make you feel welcome. Sadly,
I have found many churches don't do that. Maybe it's my leather jacket. Or
long hair. Or whatever, but I go places I don't feel welcomed, and can watch as
others aren't either. And I ask myself, if you are a Christian, why would I
want to be like you? I can stay home and be treated rudely. Or go to school,
work, or the grocery store. So my fellow Christians, how are you greeting
people? What part of Jesus do you show strangers? Do you welcome them, or are
you too busy "fellowshipping," aka gossiping with your fellow greeters? Do you
welcome the unlovable, or take a potty break? What part of Jesus is your life
showing me, and others?
We have a sign that says "LIVE IN SUCH A WAY THAT PEOPLE WHO KNOW YOU, BUT
DON'T KNOW GOD, WILL COME TO KNOW HIM BECAUSE OF YOU." The Great Commission.
If that is too hard, maybe it is really your heart that is too hard.
Jesus welcomed us while still strangers, and enemies. The best blessings
come when they are least expected. It is up to you to see them, and them allow
God to bless you when you do. You don't know who you will meet today, but God
does. He has prepared both of you for a blessing. Be more like the old trooper
and get out a map and show concern. Give direction when needed, and take it to
heart. To some that was just an exit on the freeway, but to me it was an
entrance to getting to know Indiana, its roads, people, and the chance to
explore new roads. How many today will see God in you? You never want to know
the others that have been turned way because of your sin. How you plan for a
trip will tell more about that ride than you may wish to know. The best advice
still comes one on one, just like the ultimate relationship with Jesus. So keep
smiling, it's OK to get bugs in your teeth. You never know when you will be
that stranger and need to be advised. Like any old fisherman knows, what you
catch depends on the bait you use. Show love, that trooper next to you may just
be the best travel advice you get that day.
So many roads, so little time. But so much Jesus to go around for
everyone. Where are you going this vacation? Never travel without Jesus.
Still the best friend you will ever have on the road, and the road of life.
Ride on, with a smile! And remember that, even if your next trip is only to
church!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com