Riding home west through Tennessee we came upon an interesting situation, a
sign on I-40 warned of the right lane closing in 30 miles. But all the traffic
was merging into the left lane now, causing a traffic jam. Not wishing to be
part of the jam, we proceeded to ride in the right lane for 30 miles, until it
closed and we were forced to merge into the left one. But along the way cars
were honking, some showing love with a finger, and others shaking their heads in
our irreverent action. Maybe we were not observing a certain road courtesy, or
maybe Tennessee drivers just obey signs better, but I thought it was weird.
Until we encountered it again, same state, same I-40, and same westerly
direction. and we got the same response when we failed to merge left for 30
miles. Maybe a question on their driver’s test, “when you see a sign telling
lane ends in 30 miles you A-proceed, B-slow down, C-roll down window and cuss at
non-conforming riders, or D-pull over immediately causing traffic jam.” And the
correct answer is D. And not only was it bad enough that cars and trucks of all
sizes were merging left some 30 miles too soon, there were some motorcycles
included. Includes motorcycles also? Anyway my passing grade that day was to
pass, and a hearty thank you to Tennessee drivers for giving me a lane all to
myself.
The Blue Ridge Highway is a must ride road. Gorgeous sights, great curves,
limited access, and all held hostage by a 45 mph speed limit. Which so many SUV
tourists interpret as 25 mph, with no regards for anyone else. Passing is
prohibited, but many of us do, it is hard to pass up such a great series of
curves, for over 400 miles. Early one Sunday morning on the Sprint ST we
stopped at an overlook, to take a picture. There we met another man with a blue
Sprint, just like our red one. He was excited to see another, and he had North
Carolina plates on it. He was a local, “his back yard” as he explained, and we
could follow him for over 100 miles. He was out for a Sunday morning ride
before the Winnebagos and SUV’s took over, and so we followed him, using his
lines. Passing numerous cars, and also a few motorcycles along the way. Not
riding unsafely, or without courtesy, he got off, we both waved, and kept going
at a similar pace. Only to be shocked when coming upon a group of riders from a
certain club. Who wouldn’t give way to our passing, truly establishing
ownership of what was their road. Now cars full of parents under the influence
of kids would move over, kids waving, and fathers wishing they were us, but our
own kind, other motorcyclists out for their crowd ride took umbrage with us. So
much for the brotherhood of bikers, and riding your own ride.
If you have never ridden the Ortega Highway you should at least once. The
first road in California the CHP put radar on, with the new construction a few
years back, it is great. But also a commuter road for those living inland and
working on the coast. So traffic can be heavy at certain times, fortunately I
can ride during the week. But on one Saturday morning when construction was
going on, we had to wait with a group of Gold Wing riders. Nice folks, we
visited, talked different bikes, and joked about their plush animals. We were
about fifth in line, the road opened and we took off. Now some parts are marked
are marked 55, some 25, and we proceeded to follow. The Gold Wings ahead of us
sped up to 55, no matter the speed limit and stayed there. They were pretty
agile in the corners, as skilled riders will be, but never went over 55.
Finally fed up with third gear, and second, we passed, they waved,and we met
them later at a gas station on the coast. Jokingly I inquired about their 55
mph cruise speed, saying “can’t you hear your radio above it?” To which one
answered quite honestly, “No.” Which made me wonder, would a more powerful
stereo allow higher speeds? How would that work on Tennessee freeways when they
merge, and how would that effect my riding on the BRP? All three roads had
situations where passing was required, but each one had a built in punishment
from fellow bike riders. I was quick to give myself a passing grade of A+, but
to the locals, or tourists, or stereo bound Wing nuts, I got an F. I still tell
others, and advise riding your own ride. But doesn’t that work both ways, can I
ride mine too?
Call it religion of the road, and maybe learned in some churches. You must
obey the local rules, the denominational legalism, or you will not be welcomed.
And in many cases, if you don’t follow their by laws, you aren’t saved. At
least in their eyes. And over the years I have visited many churches and felt
welcomed. While a stranger in others, and looking for an escape. One such
Sunday we were invited by a new member in the club to attend his church. He was
a little too weird for me, but we went along. Before the service we mingled,
they were nice enough, then the service started. The pastor referred to the
instruments on the stage, and that no one would play them, so as to not draw
attention to themselves. And then they cranked up the music to distortion, ear
splitting volume,and began to hop. Bringing attention to themselves. Then a
few ladies laid down tablecloths up front after the music, and members in the
audience were called out and up front. About 12 lined up, facing the crowd, and
the pastor went to each one, and pushed them backwards, landing on the cloths.
One young kid stood out, and I went up to him. I told him not to be scared,
this was not scriptural, and he wanted to talk to me. And then I felt some big
hands on my shoulders, one huge white man telling me “go back, leave the stage
now.” Telling them I just felt compassion for this kid, and even bigger black
guy told me “you don’t get it, you aren’t welcomed here.” And so I left the
stage, others with me, and we sat outside waiting for the others in our group
with us to come out. For an hour and a half, many questioning the lack of Jesus
present, and almost a cult like atmosphere. I would later be chided for my
leaving, but this was not of God, but of a different spirit. But one thing was
mentioned to me, the kid I went up to see, when pushed did not fall. He
resisted, he knew what was happening was wrong. And stood his ground. To the
congregation of not wanting to bring attention to themselves, he resisted,
bringing attention to himself. Much talk was devoted to the events afterward,
some felt I was rude, just follow the rules, one idiot told me I was
unteachable, and a heretic. And maybe not saved. Just because I showed
compassion. And was right in discerning evil in the service.
Like the road captains who rode at one speed, condemning anyone else, I had
been condemned, by fellow Christians. Judgmental I was told. Which brought up
some questions. Why is it only people caught in sin object and accuse others of
being judgmental? Aren’t we to be as wise as scorpions but gentle as lambs?
Aren’t we to have a discerning spirit? Jesus never went along with the crowd,
they went along with him. He was holy, it is us that need to change, not him.
And not religion changing us. It is the spirit that gives insight, guidance,and
God provides the growth. And as far as being critical, another deception
pointed out when you discern, I replied “I am not judging you, I am describing
you.” I rather receive a passing grade from God than from man. And in that
sense I am a rebel among rebels, for to be a born again Christian you must rebel
against sin, and turn to Jesus. Yes we will all have a personal testimony, and
be individuals in Christ, the key here is in Christ. Loving and living outside
the four walls of the church and religious rules. Legalism will control you,and
keep you from the spirit, I prefer to ride and live in the spirit. I want all I
can get from my God, the love and forgiveness I need daily, not a set of rules
to live by. I wish to be under the spirit’s control, my choice to make, rather
than some man’s idea of decorum. And it is ironic that the fruit of spirit has
no laws against it. So why do you have rules against me? And my freedom? So
how you live your life is a witness of God in it, or God not in it. Either way
it shows where you are with Jesus.
I choose to live free in Christ, to ride my own ride with him. Let him
lead, I’ll follow. But some lesser believers who don’t have the freedom I do
will cause trouble, my freedom they cannot control. Don’t be bound by laws and
legalism, trust Jesus and find true freedom in the spirit. Funny how these same
clubs that talk of the freedom of the road make so many rules of how to ride
it. Don’t let it happen to your ride, or your God. Ride your own ride, and
when you ride with Jesus you can hear the music above 55, a lane opens up for
you to follow, and you meet others along the way while touring, who will guide
you. Passing grades provided by a loving God, if it works on the road, imagine
what it can do in church? Maybe that’s why I rather be riding my motorcycle
thinking about God than sitting in church thinking about riding. Mt wave is
friendly and uses all five fingers. I hope you can wave back in love the same
way. If not, see you in church....did I tell you the one about the lady in the
SUV who cut me off....and her one finger wave. And sat in front of me in
church? Maybe she was just describing me, and I was #1 to her. You think so?
Funny how God puts some people in your way. Aren’t you glad Jesus is the
way?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com