All roads are not created equal. And all riders are not created equal
either. Some roads are six lanes wide like I-15 by my house, yet the old road
395, that parallels it is only two. And what feels fast on the 2 laner is
really slow on the freeway, so different roads to different riders will bring
out different attitudes in them. Last weekend all the news was the heat wave
going to hit Tuesday, 90 degree weather in April-yes. Take off the leathers,
and let’s ride. But Saturday was in the high 50’s, so it was jacket over
sweatshirt in layers. And as we rode to our weekend destination for lunch for
our fix at Miguel’s, we took the freeway-we were hungry. And since I hadn’t
exercised the tires on my GS1000, I pulled the cover off and rode it. Chasing
Theresa on her Bonneville at 85mph to Murrieta. An easy ride for what was once
the premier sport bike 36 years ago, the current GSXR 1000’s grandfather, today
82 horsepower is nothing compared to 600’s that make 128, but fast it was, and
still can be ridden fast-on the right road. A great meal, and the back roads
home, where it actually felt pretty good at 65mph, which would have been 10 over
the legal limit when it was new. A relaxed ride, and with the promise of 80
degrees on Sunday, church was on Saturday night, and left us with all day Sunday
to play, or rest while we rode. Enjoying the Sabbath by keeping it holy, on two
wheels.
It was only to be 80 that day, but felt tropical compared to the day
before. So heading out in only a t-shirt, my kind of riding clothes, we had a
Greek lunch, and kept the calories down after the huge chicken burrito for lunch
the day before. Gotta look good in my t-shirts. But as we got closer to the
beach. I put on my sweatshirt, why be uncomfortable if you don’t have to.
Parking in Carlsbad along the beach, it was beautiful. Clear skies, not a lot
of people yet, and the dolphins were out. And watching them jump and play made
the day seem all worth it. We had parked by a bench and were enjoying the view
when a woman approached us, after staring at Theresa’s Bonneville. She had
grown up around bikes, and was getting her license, and was considering one.
She loved the color, and had many questions. The Bonne being the star here,
while the GS sat patient. Later another man stopped by and kept walking around
and looking at the Bonneville, something we are used to. I have never met
anyone who having owned an old Triumph didn’t have great memories, stories, and
a longing for another. Stories of it wouldn’t run at night, it left me
stranded, and things vibrated off, but I miss that bike, I loved it. I wish I
had another....And so the legacy of Triumph goes, it seems most of my generation
rode one, when the bike would run, and now approaching retirement age, wish they
had another. When they run. But memories can be a strange riding partner, as
next to her Bonneville, sat the GS1000. A historically significant bike, the
first one to run in the 11’s in the quarter, and one of the first Superbikes, in
fact a champion with Wes Cooley and other fast shoes on it. But with no
comparison to today’s super bikes, and with no fairing it was the standard of
the day-just not today. Yet it stood ignored, with all memories dedicated to
Triumph. Maybe the way it should be, but at 36 she still runs fast, how many 36
year old Triumphs can say the same. Different memories from different times,
different bikes on different roads. Choose your weapon and ride.
But like I said, the old GS runs great, and has only 27,000 miles on it. I
have red lined it in fourth, 120mph, so approaching our exit, I gave her one
last blast, up to 110, then exited. Fast for any bike, but too fast,almost for
me and mine. Suddenly I was reminded of how far brakes have advanced in 36
years, last week it was radial Brembo’s on a Speed Triple R, today, grab all you
can, step hard on the rear, and downshift-stopping with plenty of distance to
spare, just with more excitement. And when Theresa pulled up next to me and
smiled, she had no idea of my e-ticket stop....and so we wait until next
weekend, riding and waiting for our next chance to ride, but for Sunday it was
all about the riding.
And Theresa’s Bonneville. Now I love it when someone in a car
pulls up next to her at a light, and then sees it’s a girl. The whole
conversation changes. I marvel at when she is asked “how fast will it go, how
may cc’s?” and “what year,” she holds her own. And when telling of our long
rides, and her being a buddy seat sitter in 48 states, it makes me proud. And
blessed, that God has given me the girl of my dreams. She rides! And she loves
Jesus! And she loves me, beats whatever is second to me. But she didn’t always
ride her own bike, it has been almost 10 years now she got her license, and her
first Bonneville. I say her first, because on her first ride alone, she got
hit. From behind in a multicar accident. Bonne totaled, she was fine. And she
got on her latest one, and rode again. It wasn’t her fault, and urged on by me
and our two sons-we all ride, she did again, and does today. One bad experience
wasn’t going to end her riding career. Or put an end to our riding together, on
one bike or two. It is less than two weeks until Easter, and the
CEO’s-Christmas and Easter only will be out on Easter Sunday. And we welcome
you all to church, and hope you are blessed. But I see a common theme among
many, and when talking one on one, find many, me included have had a bad time at
church. So we quit going, and many have quit altogether. Someone cut them off,
was rude, or didn’t treat them as special as they thought they should be
treated, and they quit. Reluctantly gong two times a year, under threat, and
hating every minute of it. But they are confusing the church with God, and have
an attitude towards God like they do to the church. When it is really a person,
not God, that put them off. What if Theresa had quit riding after being hit, it
wasn’t her fault, did that make all motorcycles dangerous? NO! So she got back
on, and rides today. And so should you if you have given up. Don’t give up on
God, Jesus loves you and welcomes you back. Maybe try another church, maybe
change your attitude to the church. Stop by and see what you have been
missing.
Interested in world events, no better textbook than the Bible to
bring you up to date, some prophesies thousands of years old. Family problems,
bored at work, maybe you are out of work, stop by for encouragement. Sickness,
or questions about what life is all about, Jesus is the answer. Come and see,
the invitation is there, but don’t wait for a holiday. Surprise us and yourself
and stop by. Ask questions, meet the pastor. Consider yourself invited, now
come! You will find that just as all riders and roads are not created equal, so
no two testimonies will be the same. Make your own. Don’t be like the man who
quit riding because he got old, and found he got old because he quit riding.
Old time saints looking to come back, bring it on. Your life may not be a
cruise up the freeway, you may need time on the back roads. God is there, to
ride at your speed. 36 year old brakes-get out and exercise them. Get out and
bless someone by just getting out.
Be confident in Christ. Recognize Him. Just as many remember
the Bonneville, it was the Suzuki that made history. Come along for the ride of
your life. Only found in Jesus. At any speed, on any road, He is with you.
Harleys, He cruises with you, and on a Ninja He rides the curves, knee out and
dragging-He rides! If you do, give Him a chance. Some are riding, while some
are still waiting. I rather ride, what are you waiting for?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com