The bumper sticker read “Those of you who think you know everything upsets
those of us who do.” To which I say amen, quietly of course where no one can
hear me, for I have found that the more I learn, the more I don’t know. And I
have real life experiences to prove it. Years ago BH wanted to race from 60 to
top speed with his CB750, with some engine work, against my R90S. I smoked him,
but against Bouke and his Yoshimura Z-1, too many times I chased his tail lights
until they disappeared. A lesson for both of us. When Chuck got back into
riding, he bought a Heritage Soft Tail, bragging to me how fast and smooth it
was. Until he rode my Sprint RS, and told me that now he understood why I can
ride faster than him. I don’t know any real biker who has never gone 100 mph,
but I have gone 100 miles in one hour. Twice. Fast, but yet when Mickey told
me about riding back to the shop from Havasu in 2 1/2 hours, that’s 300 miles,
and that he averaged 120, I believed him. I know the bike, having put thousands
on the same Sprint GT as him, I know the roads, and I know Mick. He didn’t set
the cruise at 120, there are places 80 is fast, and places 155 begs for more.
120 was just an average ride that day.
I was so impressed with the Street Triple when it came out, I bought one.
Fast, light, quick, and with great handling, I can see why the magazines love
it. Then the next year the R model came out, better in all ways, if only I had
waited a year. For you see, no matter how many roads you ride, you always find
new ones to excite and invite you. No matter how fast you have been, there is
always the legendary 150 mph Sportster out there, and no matter how many bikes
you have ridden, they keep coming out with new and improved ones each year.
What’s a biker to do? Simple advice dictates, let’s ride! And to you who think
you have ridden every road, or every bike, who think you have gone fast, or far,
it upsets those of us who have ridden more roads, more bikes, gone faster and
farther. And so we invite you along for the ride. Follow us to more rides than
you ever thought possible, and then have others follow you. If they can keep up
with you, but then can you keep up with us? Lately the blank expression from
those who ride is when they ask where we went on Easter Break. Central
California, and they think Bakersfield and Fresno-you may yawn now. But I
mention Exeter, and the expression is one of huh? We found it on a trip from
Springville-now I got ‘em. Maybe. But when I mention the Carrizo Plain, to
many if it ain’t I-5 they’re lost. And dirt roads ain’t I-5, although some in
LA may have you thinking the opposite. So to those of you who have ridden
everywhere, have you ridden the Snake? And tell me, what roads can you
introduce me to? I’ll do my best to keep up, I’m not Mickey fast anymore.
The gospel and its simplicity continues to amaze me. While others seek
more meaning from life, I tend to seek more of the one who gives life. Better
roads, more curves, and more excitement, with just enough straight and narrow to
make me want more of the Lord. But how do you find this road, this God, how
will you know? Did you know that before you became a Christian God went out
seeking you? His Holy Spirit was with you were in bars, in jail, and in
trouble. At speeds faster than the cops caught you at, He was hanging onto you,
not for the ride, but to give you the ride of your life. He was following you,
daily reminding you of your need for a Savior, for Jesus. And then a remarkable
thing happened, you decided to follow Jesus. And the ride of life just got
better. Maybe not smoother, but now you had a real suspension to handle the
curves and bumps. You had a seat that could go for miles, and a God who
wouldn’t ride too fast you couldn’t keep up, or one that went off and left you.
He doesn’t putz along so that you look for ways to get off and lose Him. But
there are times that we ride off and leave Him. Aren’t you glad that Jesus
never leaves you, or forsakes you? On an unknown road, He knows the way home.
Detour! He knows an escape route. Bored, He will give you excitement, and hot
and tired, He will provide rest. You never travel alone with Jesus. The
important thing is you let Him lead, that you follow. Or to put it simple
enough for a bumper sticker, “when you were lost He followed you, when you are
saved you follow Him.” The gospel in 14 words. More time for riding.
You may never ride as fast as Mickey, or as far as me. You may be faster
and have more endurance. But remember who to follow, Jesus. Those of you who
think you know everything, wise up, get to know Jesus who does. And is happy to
enlighten you, maybe even change you. Make you a better rider, take you farther
than you have gone, and on better bikes. Follow Him, He not only knows the way,
He is the way! But you will never know until you invite Him along. Start the
ride with Him today. You may even find the Carrizo Plain, the Snake, Highway 33
in Wisconsin, Route 32 in Pennsylvania, and CA 166. Or the back way from
Springville to Exeter. Great roads, and like great roads and rides, they must
be shared. Not all roads lead to familiar places, but they all lead somewhere.
Sometimes the road is the best destination, to people and places you find along
the way. Who you follow is your decision. The road you take is up to you. The
best roads and rides never happen by accident, neither is meeting Christ. He
has been waiting for you patiently-why waste time arguing when you could be
riding? With Him! The more I get to know Jesus, the more I want to know Him.
Increase your average ride today. The God I serve is way above average.
Consider this an invitation along for the ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com.