We stopped at a rest stop north of Oceanside on our way home yesterday and
a well worn Triumph Explorer parked next to me. The rider was in full on riding
suit for the 100 degree weather, I was hot in t shirt, I can only imagine his
heat and pain. While he was getting a drink, I walked around his bike to see
where he was from, California plate, with personalized message, “RYDZFAR” and
his plate frame stating he rode Iron Butts. It was definitely set up for these
hard core mile junkies, and when we talked his words emphasized it. While he
had bags, GPS, auxiliary lights, and a custom seat, I looked at the 1050 Tiger I
was on, and reflected on our two different riding styles. I have done 1000
miles days, coast to coast in under 70 hours and was set up like I was now for a
long weekend. With Theresa on the back. And I wondered if anyone outside of
the Iron Butt guys could appreciate his ride, and his riding. Or if he even got
it. Was it fun riding against the clock like some interstate commuter? His
bike was filthy, needed some love, but he looked the same. I wondered if the
loneliness of riding long distances alone had done him in? He seemed more
interested in himself than me, I was at least hoping a fellow Triumph rider
would talk about Triumphs. But he was set on a destination, and this stop was
probably preplanned as was the time allowed to stop. Then off for more miles,
all by the clock. His ride had become an obsession, I hope I never ride that
way. I have come close, but I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else
any more. I have done the fast, the quick, and the long. Now I just want to
ride, no set destinations or time limits, just time zones. I want to enjoy the
ride, but I can relate as at one time I had goals to reach, rides to prove
myself, and friends to impress. Now I just want to ride...
And when the ride is the thing, you enjoy it differently than if in some
competition, even if it only with yourself. Riding is very personal, different
to everyone, some cruise, some tour, some are speed junkies, some carry plush
animals, some ride alone. Some need an American V-twin, some need an inline 4.
Some need all the accessories, some travel light. And in myself I find a bit of
each, personalized after many years of riding. And still looking forward to
the next ride, and enjoying the one I am on. I was planning our next trip while
lane splitting in LA yesterday, riding the hills above Sonora. Farm roads, less
travelled, curves, no traffic, and scraping pegs, with no schedule. Stopping
along the way when we see something, or grabbing a Tootsie Roll just to visit.
I have found a different freedom in riding than my “RYDZFAR” friend, memories of
people, roads, meals, other bikes, and not based on a timeline, but on a life
line.
But I can appreciate minutes with another biker when riding alone. Making
the conversation count, as I want get back in the saddle. A destination awaits,
and the moment is not it. Until later I realized it was. So I have changed my
riding time tables to adjust. 300 mile days instead of 500 mile days, sleeping
in, never riding in the dark, and seeing more along the way. Watching sunsets
instead of riding into them, but knowing if I had to I can still do 500-600
miles. But now time doesn’t dictate the ride, I dictate it. And at the San
Luis Obispo old bike meet we attended, I see many who get it like I do. An
older crowd, mostly men, who rode before Jap bikes took over. Who rode,
wrenched, and spent extra time with their machines. It was personal to them,
not just a form of transportation. Bikes that had been loved and maintained,
and memories many don’t have any more. MY “RYDZFAR” friend would never fit in,
he spent too much time riding never knowing it was about the road and machine,
not the clock and the road. He missed out on bench racing while he was riding,
his GPS his companion. His bike showed little affection offered to it, and
would be replaced when it prematurely wore out. I saw in him the loneliness of
the long distance rider, and how without a motorcyclist, they are just
motorcycles. It takes people and roads to build memories, he had the road, but
not the people. If his bike could talk, I wonder what it would have to say?
How many 15 minute bench racing sessions with other riders like himself? How
many nights of too little sleep, finding himself exhausted, but not tired,
spurred on by the next days marathon. Races to a destination, then start all
over again. Seeing America, but never seeing Americans. I have been both
types, and my rides reflect it. But I will always be a motorcyclist, just
waiting for the next road to ride. No time, no distance requirements, isn’t
that the oppression we seek to escape from when we ride? Rules and
regulations....forget about them and let’s ride. Lunch one time zone, dinner
another, but at our pace. With no one to impress, only to please ourselves.
It’s time we lived that way off of our bikes too.
A friend of mine is busy raising his family, and very involved at church.
He attends Sunday, men’s fellowship Tuesday, one night out for a college Bible
class, Wednesday night service, Saturday morning men’s breakfast, and little
time with his family. And he is getting burnt out, his family suffers, and yet
he succumbs to the church’s demands on how to be a better Christian. I have
been there, and like riding each relationship with Jesus is personal. As is
each ride. It is when the external pressures interfere with the ride we stop
enjoying it. Jesus never espoused such a life style, he gave us freedom in the
spirit. No rules but grace to live up to, or better yet in. We all have hidden
sins, and willful ones that we hide, but God sees them and has us deal with
them. Our decision once they are pointed out, and he does it confidentially so
as not to hurt us, but to correct us and point us in the way we should go. If
your activities are more important than God, if your family suffers because of
the draw of the church, be warned. Many have succumbed to what is expected of
them, only to miss out on God’s plan for them. Seek him first as he desires us
to do, then follow him and enjoy life. Yet many suffer over the burden of
requirements that are not God imposed. That is religion, found anywhere two or
more gather, even riders. But Jesus tells us whenever two or three gather he is
among them, and we can enjoy the freedom he has.
He wants us to be confident in him, not ourselves. Or our church,
motorcycle or checkbook. Or line of credit. Self confidence is presumption and
based on us. If we do not depend on God it is sin, and sin harms our faith.
Whatever is not of faith is sin. So let us realize that without Christ we
cannot do anything, and our life is just one long ride between appointments.
Burning miles, tanks of gas, and never having true fellowship with God. So ask
God to help you with your schedule, you priorities, your next ride, and with
your family. See them as he does, and watch as your life changes. Your wife
needs you, now not later. You will find yourself under God’s influence rather
than a church imposed schedule, and be a better church person. Led by the
spirit, not the invitations in the bulletin. When Jesus is first, everything is
second. And you enjoy the relationship with him more, because he is the riding
force behind it. So what drives you?
If not Jesus, stop now and reconsider. Write down all things important to
you as they come to mind. Then ask God to prioritize them for you. Suddenly
you have more time, more rides,and more Jesus. All benefit from your choice to
follow the spirit. Just ask your wife and kids. They probably already
know...have you been listening? Listen to the spirit, backed up by the word.
Live life in Christ, not by the accomplishments. Let him expose the weaknesses
and deal with them. And start enjoying the ride of your life more. Riding more
and enjoying it less? Jesus is the answer. Tired of riding alone? Take him
along. Too much schedule and not enough time? Let him be your guide. Miss
your family, abide in the vine of Jesus Christ. Where you find life,
forgiveness, and love. And time to share it with those you love. It all starts
with Jesus, just a lesson he reminded me of at a rest stop. A rest stop! I
wonder, no couldn’t be a coincidence could it?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com