I read once where those of us who ride in So Cal are the most fickle, even
trading bikes year after year for 1/10th of a second improvement in its 1/4 mile
time. Rides we could never duplicate ourselves, yet we were taken in by the
glowing prose of the road test editor. And some years ago even Motor Trend
admitted about tying their Car of the Year winner to those who advertise
heavily, it is not at all wrong for us to be suspicious of the media-written or
visual. So many of us, especially when younger, were attracted by pretty
faces-remember the Norton girl, but where are the bikes now, lost heavily in
depreciation, to gain what only a trained rider would notice, and only if they
went from old bike to new. So coming across an article in Cycle Guide-RIP, from
30 years ago, I was reminded how gullible we can be. The editor had addressed
the issue of accusations made about writing sweetheart articles about bikes for
the manufacturers, just to get or maintain ad revenue. Doesn’t seem too far
fetched, does it? But he addressed the issue professionally, realistically, but
also truthfully. At least the issues he mentioned.
I know from first hand that bikes sent to magazines are set to proper
settings, I ride many of them. But in the hands of some editors, I have seen
the bike treated worse than a work truck, with as much respect shown as a low
end rental car. Abused is the key word, but never admitted to. If it survives
them, it should survive anything. It’s just like a NASCAR motor designed to go
only 500 miles, be careful after that. Just in case the new prospective new
owner rides 10/10ths. I know few who do, 6/10ths would be pushing it for most
of us. Bikes that gain praise when tested on the track, can fail miserably on
the street. Suspensions can be too harsh, riding position for everyday, and
only fools ride all the time at red line on their daily commute. But that same
bike when tested under street conditions, can fail in a racer’s hands. Too
soft, no midrange power, seat too hard. The same bike under different
conditions can be a best buy, or a nightmare. Not the editor’s fault, read the
article on how it was tested. It’s all there.
But yet many complain about the bike, especially when it is under warranty
still. Specious complaints abound, and in California, with its liberal consumer
protection laws, it can be eligible for buyback if in the shop for more than 30
days-no matter the problems. Don’t you think Joe Consumer knows this? And I
know it happens with cars, and I now see it with motorcycles. Can’t afford it,
too fast, only gets 40mpg instead of 45, too expensive to afford, my wife won’t
ride on it, and pick your excuse. And of course, the magazine wrote the article
to sell bikes for the manufacturer, so they are at fault too. No personal
liability involved, we all read the same stories, the same ads, and in some
cases bought at the same store. So how can one be so wrong, and another so
right?
Some only hear, and only hear what they want. But some take it to heart.
We have become a group of those who only read headlines, text messages in
cryptic codes, or sound bytes. We don’t listen, and I am not sure we want to.
We watch as reporters lob softball questions to dishonest politicians, and then
accept less than truthful answers. We only hear what we want to hear, but take
very little to heart. So it was 2000 years ago, with the 7 sons of Sceva.
Brothers who heard about the miracles of Jesus, the healings, demon possessions,
and others things He healed. Wishing to be part of the trend, but not knowing
Jesus or anything about Him, they did know of a man who was demon possessed.
And approached him, using what they had heard. But when trying to cast the
demons out, the demons attacked them, but not before insulting them even more.
“We know Jesus,” they screamed, “and we have heard of the apostle Paul. But who
are you nothings? We have never heard of you!” And sent them away bleeding,
beaten, and naked-running for their lives. All based on what they thought they
had heard, never taking it heart. Never knowing the saving grace of Jesus.
They suffered physical, emotional, social, and spiritual pain needlessly. Their
focus was on themselves, and what it could do for them. They thought themselves
to be righteous, in their own eyes, because of their actions. But it takes a
commitment to Jesus, a changing of the heart, not just an attitude adjustment of
what is good for me. They trusted their own limited understanding, and didn’t
trust God. So close, yet so far. And so needlessly wrong.
Get to know God. Read His word. Pray, which is a conversation, a
dialogue not a monologue, where both speak, then both listen. If only the Sceva
boys had listened. They found fame, but were infamous, and their story is so
important that God includes it in the Bible, Acts 19. So before you sign on the
bottom line for your new ride, ask questions. Take a test ride. Read the
articles, not just for what you want them to say. And most of all pray before
you make the decision. It may be true that a bad day riding is better than a
good day at work, but the right decision can make each ride the best-only
wanting you to ride more and farther. A good day at the track can be painful to
your buns riding home.
It is like that with Jesus. Testimonies are important, but get to know the
man who wrote the Bible, not just about Him. Spend time with Him and get to
know of His love, mercy, and grace firsthand. It is a lifelong marathon we
race, but at a 1/4 mile at a time. And if some guys named Sceva advertise a
bike for sale, just say no thanks. And go on to the next one. What you read
may not be what you get. Or want. Just like the same bike is great on the
track and lousy on the street, don’t base your relationship with Jesus based on
a bad church experience. Jesus had them too. Get out and feel the wind in your
face, and get to know Jesus personally. Ask the tough questions, no sweetheart
reviews here. On the track, the street, church, home, or work, ask Jesus. If
only the Scevas had been smart enough to ask. You see, inquiring minds still
want to know. Inquiring minds find out.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com