Looking at the rear of the Rocket 3 I am currently riding, I noticed the
license plate had some damage. It took me a second, but then I realized-someone
had wheelied this sucker! All 800 pounds of it! What was this guy thinking?
And I want to meet him-he is my new hero! And looking at the feelers on the
foot pegs, after I touched one in a corner, I examined both of them, left side
worn, right side almost gone! And this on a bike with a lot of ground
clearance, this ain’t no floor boarded Harley! My new hero had struck again,
and now I really want to meet him. What magazine throttle junkie had his way
with this R3? And do I have the guts, and the skills to follow in his
footsteps? Or take his line in the next corner? When the bike had first
arrived months ago we were talking how Triumph had taken the restrictors off
this 2300cc behemoth, and how fast it should be-it wasn’t slow before. With
over a 100 ft. lb. of torque at idle, take that V-twin groupies, maxing out at
163, and with 150 hp to back it up, think of a freight train-seamless power,
that is so smooth it is hard to keep below 90, or 100. And with the handling to
match, what was Triumph thinking? If there is no substitute for cubic inches,
they win. Or like their ads state, “when too much isn’t enough.” I will ride
too much again today, and for less than $15,000, you can buy one. If you have
the guts to try...what are you thinking? And you have to ask, what am I
thinking?
Now with ABS, that works without you knowing it, upside down forks, and no
vibration, this sounds like a Gold Wing on steroids, thankfully with no place to
hang a plush animal, but if you did, what would you hang? What animal has the
strength to hold on at that speed? Does it sound like I am having too much
fun? I wonder if the driver’s license shedder is an option? If the cops ever
catch me on this, it is the loser cruiser, the bus, or walking for me.
If...they can catch me...
Self control is the fruit of the spirit, I keep reminding myself. But
compared to trials of 2000 years ago, no apostle ever faced anything like this
best, my wrist is learning that WFO is not the only position. Cruising at 80+
shows only 3000rpm, with a redline of 6500, this sucker would be going 173 mph
if you could hold on, thankfully Triumph thought to put an electrical cut off at
120, but I bet Mick knows how to by-pass it. By the way, this is the same model
that set the record at Bonneville last year...if Bert Munro was alive, do you
think he would ride a Triumph? Think about it, mate. But it does take self
control on more than a fast motorcycle to live life to its fullest. Today I
read that obesity is now a disease. We know the cause, and the cure-both a
choice we make. And proudly I still weighed the same 12 months after surgery
that I did the day I left the hospital. It has taken self control, some self
denial, and a retraining of what I eat, with no complaints. No pizza, In and
Out Double Doubles, no fries, or fast food. And I don’t miss them, don’t even
have a desire any more, but pizza still smells good, but not good enough to
chance another stay in the hospital. So now obesity, like alcoholism, is a
disease. Taking the responsibility from this self induced behavior, and
relieving us from any responsibility. Not our fault, what’s next, cancer? But
I didn’t smoke, it was second hand smoke, again society gives us a waiver from
responsibility. If only we had a strong lobby in congress for speed laws, how
many of my friends would still have their license today...it isn’t my fault,
speed is a disease. Not sure where I caught it, blame Honda, Kawasaki, and
Triumph. Maybe there is something to riding a Harley, no chance of disease.
Blame it on lifestyle, but please, we don’t want no stinkin’ social
disease!
So maybe we should form a run at 100+ mph to Five Guys, sit in the smoking
section, then off for a few beers before we ride home...hoping we make it OK.
Sounds foolish, but we live like that, and treat Jesus like that. “I’m still
alive, don’t be a downer,” we hear, as more reject Christ’s invitation, and end
up in hell. We don’t wish to inflict more laws on you, we offer freedom, isn’t
that why we ride? So Jesus lets it be our choice, and I gladly accept the
offer. Unlike the racer who claim to have seen God when he overshot Turn 2, you
don’t have to go to fast to see Jesus. Wherever you are right now, you can ask
Him into your life, helmet optional. And many who don’t ride can be saved too,
jealous? Another ploy that God used on the Jews, when they rejected Him, the
Jews are special to God, He made salvation open to all, including the gentiles,
who Jews believed were only there to fire the fires of hell. Which made them
jealous, and many are turning to Jesus today. Whatever your excuse, it will
never be good enough. Like winning racers, Christians have testimonies, losers
have excuses.
You may never be overweight, smoke, drink, or indulge in the & Deadly
sins of religion, but we are all born into it, Jesus is the only way out. He
gives us more chances than the cop with the radar gun, is fair judge, unlike
politicians, and is patient so none should perish. What are you waiting for?
What are you thinking? You have heard the story, seen the movie. Now meet the
man, Jesus. You know, He just may be the man who can wheelie the Rocket, but
uses grace and meekness, power under when He rides. The road is the destination
on many trips, but at the end of the road it is nice to arrive safely. Heaven
is calling, will you answer? What are you thinking? Who is your hero, Jesus is
mine, and He really wants you to met Him. In the wind, or in the air...one look
at the rear plate and foot pegs will help you decide.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com