My latest ride is a 2013 Triumph Trophy SE, the big one. It is the deluxe
touring model, with electronic suspension, TES to electronically adjust for
passengers and bags, an electric windshield, ABS, traction control, heated grips
and a sound system with USB and 3 power outlets. All standard, wrapped around a
great Triumph Triple motor, lots of power. It still has two wheels, and is
fast-very fast. And I have enjoyed riding it, no one else has one! Yet. But
it has a radio, and I refuse to listen to it! Especially while riding! And
having tried it once, on the 22 heading over to BA Moto, I must say I don't get
it. Why would you want to hear anything but the beautiful music that the engine
makes? And for those thick of head about helmets effecting your hearing, you
are right, and wrong. They do effect your hearing, as when the face shield is
shut on my Arai the music could be heard better without outside interference.
But I was still on a motorcycle, and after about 30 seconds at 90 mph, I still
prefer the sound of the triple making power. Keep the radio, the active
suspension, and the windshield-I wanna ride a motorcycle!
I am known for my dislike of windshields on motorcycles. And this one
being adjustable, I can raise or lower it to get rid of the buffeting. Sorta
like rolling up the windows in a sedan, the buffeting goes away. So I have been
riding with it in the lowest position, and it isn't too bad. For a windshield.
Overall I must say I like the bike, but would I buy one? No, I prefer my
Bonneville, or a Speed Triple, more bike in a lesser bike package. But for the
next 1500 miles I will suffer on...I just had to ride a Trophy, and now can say
I have.
When Rex and I rode to California in 1982, I met him in Prescott. All we
could think of was warm weather and riding Hiway 1, so I put put together a set
of earphones attached to a pre-walkman cassette player. Trying to listen to the
Beach Boys to get me even more psyched only lasted a short while-I missed the
road. And sang just as well in my head, where the best songs are kept anyway,
without electronic enhancement. And the roads were great, the weather as
expected, and I ended up throwing my sound disaster away. I didn't get it then,
and I still don't get it now. If you must have a radio, take the Buick!
Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick, if you just have to have music? And
most of my motorcycle radio stories over the years are not good ones. Who wants
to sit at a light next to a too loud song pouring out of a motorcycle? Too many
complain about our loud exhausts,lets not help them along with our bad taste in
music, too. Free Bird sounded good the first coupla times, but over and over,
there has got to be as side 2. Or and eject button. Even off/on or volume
would be welcomed. Sadly one time at Biker Church, a man who called himself a
pastor, was sitting with his radio blaring-way distorted. A man stopped to see
what Biker Church was all about, and when this pastor wouldn't even turn down
his music so we could talk, they both rode away. Oh yeah, that's a church I
want to attend. And please, I know all that are called Pastor are not like
him. Keep the song in your helmet, and don't interrupt the music in mine!
But it takes different strokes for different folks, so we must endure some
more than others. God had this problem with the Israelites leading them to the
Promised Land. They didn't listen, turned their backs on Him, and hated the
food, at one point willing to go back to Egypt and be in slavery over
manna-which means what is it? Rather than endure the promises, they rebelled,
and so God kept the whole generation our of the Promised Land, including Moses.
Only two men would see this Land, Caleb and Joshua, because when sent as spies,
along with others, they all saw the same giants, but these two men believed that
God could slay them. Trusting God, He allowed them in-the next generation.
They all had heard the voice of God, but only some-these two obeyed it. And
gained entry. No cruise control, freeway off ramps, or fast food. And no sound
system to drown out the voice of God.
But it doesn't take loud volume to miss God, or to not hear His voice. His
voice is discernable throughout the background of urban sounds, and even over
the loudest radio. It is distinct and can be recognized from a Harley, or an
old BSA, or even an inline 4. And many do hear it, and even some obey it. But
some hear it as just another noise, and try to cancel it out. Turn up the
music, remove the baffles from the pipes. Sometimes it is so quiet His voice is
the only thing heard, yet some can't stand it. Since God has never left you, it
only makes sense He is on a motorcycle with you. He is among the loud music and
pipes, and yes, still loves you. If only we had like Jesus said "an ear to hear
Him."
Maybe the sounds of the road intrigue you, they do me. They welcome me,
and put me in a safe and secure situation. But I still hear the voice of God
when riding, and I know it. I have even been rightly accused of obedience,
sometimes, and welcome hearing from Him. And you know what, He loves to hear
from you. So become part of a conversation with Him, and watch as you grow in
Him. And as you get to know Him better, you trust Him more, and the blessings
increase. True, He knows the best roads, but you have to listen. Did you know
that after 40 years of wondering in the desert, the Jews were only 11 days
walking distance from the Promised Land? Or about 45 minutes by Ninja? Are we
that close, yet missing it altogether?
Tune into Jesus, today. Before you leave the house. Turn off the TV,
radio, and even your teaching tapes. Sit and invite God into your morning, and
watch as the best songs you ever have heard appear in your heart, with no sound
system except the Holy Spirit. As the day takes on a different attitude when
spending time with God. And how even a short ride seems to take longer not due
to traffic, but because you don't want it to end, so you take the long way. On
better roads. Just you and God and the beautiful music you make with Him.
Today I am going riding, with no radio, and the windshield down. The
suspension set on sport, cruise off. Arai on, and tuned into the Holy Spirit.
The 2013 Triumph Trophy, at dealers soon. Jesus Christ-available to all and
each right now. Why wait? Who needs assists from man when you can have it all
with God?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biekr.blogspot.com