Suppose you gave a party-and everybody came? That was the reaction to the
2013 Hollister Rally, being rejuvenated this year. After a short few year
hiatus, due to politics, it is back, and seemingly better than ever. Reports
state over 150,000 bikers attended, and from the bikes parked on San Benito St.
on Friday, a good thing was happening. But Saturday was overwhelming, with
bikes parked four deep filling up a twenty block area. The sidewalks filled
with people, beer gardens flush, and everyone having a good time-as expected.
Only 50 arrests were recorded over the four day period, try that one in any city
of 150,000-and you can see why the city wanted the bikers back. We all came for
a good time and it was had. And a different crowd was present, the world of
motorcycling changing since 2007, the last official rally. It used to be about
Harley Davidsons and those living the life style, but with many sport bikes,
scooters, Ruckuses, or is it Rucki, the streets were filled. A younger crowd,
as so many that had been there originally in 1947 are gone, as are so many who
attended the 50th in 1997. The old school bikers, call them just school, have
dwindled in number, with a new generation coming in, a generation more
interested in the being seen rather than the scene. There were many who knew
why there were there, some who wondered why they were there, and some just
wondering where they were. But a good time was had by all, and the two day
rally seemed to go on for a week.
But it is the people you meet that make it valuable to me.
Having my picture taken with the roller derby girls to show to Nathan and the
boys at BA-MOTO, and watching their exhibition. On the same area earlier a
group of kids in wheelchairs had been playing soccer, and then later biker
games. Finally met Scootergypsie, thanks for all the prayers. On Saturday we
met a man Ruben, aka the Rubenator, while sitting on a bench watching, I love
old downs that have benches, and he told of his accident, he was hit so hard on
his bike that he had a stroke, but came back any way, walking with a cane. He
belonged to a club with no rules, no dues, and no meetings, you want to go for a
ride, meet here at this time and we’re off. My kind of club. Visiting later
with a local lady, not a biker, who turned us on to the best breakfast burrito
in town, many kids in strollers, old men with canes, and families were seen
among those who rode in. CMA did a great job tirelessly handling cruising on
San Benito Street, explaining the lack of police-budget dropped by 2/3 because
of a reasonable number of cops. It was nice to see a ministry out amongst the
people, so many times they stay within their booths. Good job guys-and gals.
Over 150 different patch holding clubs were reported, and all got along just
fine. The stores all did a booming business-we go to spend money, and t-shirts
were only $15. And ones from older rallies such as Daytona and Laconia were
only $5, didn’t make, haven’t done it, but you can still have the shirt.
But having Theresa there with me always makes it special. Any
trip any day with her is. And we were celebrating reflecting on last summer, no
Hollister in our lives, just celebrating the fact I was alive. While in Cardiac
Critical Care, watching fireworks on TV. Not a thought of riding, I was barely
alive, that was enough of a ride. So being back in Hollister was the perfect
way to celebrate. Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-it just don’t get any better.
Even with no shirt to show for it.
But back in Hollister, while San Benito St. was bustling, just a few miles
north at Corbin’s, the rally was going too. Mike Corbin who has been making
seats since the sixties, I’ve ahd 4, was a great influence when moving his
factory to Hollister years ago, and a driving force behind the rally. While
there I visited with Steve Schapiro, our attorney, also the founder of the BAD
Ride, Bikers Against Diabetes, saw Mike, and many guys who are the biker
community. Been around for a while, call them school, they are the real thing.
No bling or lifestyle, they are what it is all about, and riding is the biggest
influence in their lives. Many depending on it for an income. But while there,
I saw Sonny Barger, the Hells Angel’s Hells Angel, getting a new seat on his
Victory. Yes-his Victory. Seems his whole chapter in Cave Creek rides them.
He was hanging out, and had a few pictures taken, so I approached one of his
club, and asked if it was cool to have my picture taken with him. “Sure, he
loves it. Hey, Chief, how about a picture with this guy?” And as I walked
over, he gave me a hug, and we had our picture taken. I asked him how he liked
his Victory, and he replied, holding his finger over the hole in his throat, “I
love it, I never liked Harleys. But they were the only bike available to
ride.” Wearing my Triumph shirt, I asked him how he lied the new Triumphs?
“Not American.” I then told him we have the same disease, and he looked at me
quizzically. “Motorcycles.” He smiled, and started talking of bikes, and how
he had never ridden a new Triumph, but heard good things about them. They were
fast. Glad they had made a comeback. And he kept talking, from two different
cultures, one an outlaw, and me a bigger outlaw to many-a Christian! Just two
old guys who ride, me hard of hearing and bending over to hear his raspy voice.
We shook hands and parted, it was Dick’s turn for photos. Call us school, Sonny
is in his 70’s, Dick about to retire in his 60’s, and I am the kid at 59. So
many miles and memories-that is why we come to Hollister. And it is always
Sonny in Hollister.
Suppose God gave an invitation to a party? Would you go? A party like
none ever known on earth. Would you go? Do you realize that that is exactly
what He did when He sent Jesus? He has invited us into His home, heaven, and
someday we will all be united there. Jesus is the RSVP-the only way in. And
the party is already started, anytime someone gets saved, the party continues,
until some day we will all be there-all those who have decided to follow Jesus.
For those who don’t accept the invite, it is hell, which is no party. Don’t
believe otherwise. Take the time today to accept His invite, so you can be
there at the party, a true celebration. You don’t want to miss it! We don’t
know the time or the date of the party, we are told to be ready-it could be any
time, even Jesus doesn’t know the date! Don’t fall for the lies of some who
claim to know-they can’t and don’t. But you can accept the invite and be there,
just ask Jesus into your heart. My prayer is for Sonny and the other Hells
Angels to come to Him, but it is their decision, just like it is yours. It may
be Sonny in Hollister, I am glad I will be with the Son in heaven. Will I see
you there?
Next year’s Hollister Rally is July 4,5,6. I already have my motel
reservations. And will be there unless I am at the real party in heaven. Where
will you be? We all were born with a common disease-sin, and only Jesus can
remove it. Come and celebrate with others His miracles, and party forever. So
many blessings and memories, that can only be shared in heaven. OH, and no
police presence needed. That ought to make it worthwhile to many of us. As
always, Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-it just don’t get any better. Only 354
days till Hollister...suppose they had given a party and nobody came? Don’t
miss out on God’s invite-respond today!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com