For a young 22 year it was the hardest week of non-riding of his life, my
life. I had heard the call of the open road, and answered by leaving New Jersey
at age 21 on my BMW R90S and settling in Albuquerque. Where I went to work for
Motorsport, selling BMW’s, along with Triumphs and Suzukis. Now what my dream
job of working in the motorcycle industry was different than reality, for
instead of being out riding where I wanted to be, I was stuck in a showroom 5
1/2 days a week, with only Sunday and Wednesday afternoon off where Gerald and I
would ride our trials bikes. So many riders came by, telling of places they had
been, roads they had travelled, and rides they were planning, and I was going
crazy. I missed the road, at my young age I had ridden more miles and places
than most who came by, but that wasn’t enough. I was hooked, I wanted more, but
the reality of life was infringing, and one week in 1976, the 4th of July week
when we would celebrate 200 years of the US of A, things were rough.
Albuquerque had managed to secure the race for the 4th, on the mile oval at the
State Fairgrounds, and I worked right across the street from the main entrance.
It seemed every one of thousands of fans who can to see the race rode, and
stopped in. I was within spitting distance of getting in, but still on the
outside. I would attend the race that day, but that hunger and desire to be on
the road was driven or ridden to the sense of urgency, almost lustful, I needed
to ride, and I needed to ride now.....but here I was, standing in the showroom
watching all the bikes go by.
The race was great, I got to see Kenny Roberts who under new AMA rules rode
an inferior bike, Gary Scott another #1 plate would win the race, and a young
Jay Springsteen, all 19 years old would win the championship that year. But the
race is what I remember most, and the lessons Kenny taught us that day. So
underpowered he was passed by 5-6 others down the straight, at speeds of over
120 mph, on dirt with no front brakes. But in the corners, took a higher line
than the others, made his own groove and would pass them all. And for 25 laps
we all cheered him on, even if we were rooting for another racer, it was a rush
to see him ride. He didn’t win that day, Gary Scott finished first, he was
second, and Springer third, but to many us he won the race on strategy and guts
alone. A lesson of what a superior rider can do on an inferior bike. More than
brute power, another bike a TZ750 was so fast and wicked he claimed “they don’t
pay me enough to ride that thing,” he won by riding smarter than the others, and
using every skill he had to win. He didn’t lose that day, he wasn’t beaten, if
only a few more laps he might have pulled it off. But the main event was only
25, and he finished second, but earned a place in my heart and the hearts of all
who attended as the racer to beat.
We are told all of lives to work hard, that it never hurt anyone. I know
too many who don’t want to find out, and are lazy, beaten by the competition,
which can be themselves. Losers make excuses, winners get the trophy, and the
girl. But a lesson taught me long ago was to work smart, to use what you are
given to the max, and while others worked hard, you worked smart. Kenny rode
smart that day, and his career showed it, do we work smart? Do we use the gifts
God has given us to be blessed and bless others? How about a young teen named
David, who when out matched by a 9 foot tall giant with six fingers on each
hand, used what God had given him, he fought smart, and he won. Throughout the
Bible we see many who are outmanned, out numbered, and seemingly outwitted, but
God provided the victory. From Gideon, to Noah, to Jeremiah, to Paul, each had
a battle to fight, and without the spirit to guide them stood a good chance of
losing. Where it could have meant their lives. We forget that when God
promises us victory, we will win, but we still need to show up and fight. And
we may get injured, it may seem hopeless, but we will win. Even to the point of
the cross, where Good Friday seemed like the darkest day for the disciples, only
to see in his death, then his burial, and then his resurrection the victory was
won. And the gospel went forward.
“Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit,” says the Lord of hosts, the
Lord of armies. No matter how tough you are, there is always someone tougher.
No matter how rich, someone always richer. And no matter how smart, always
someone smarter. And no matter how fast, someone faster. It isn’t about size,
but or the power it represents, it is all about Jesus. A lesson we must learn
if we are to grow in the spirit, and see all the blessings God has for us. “If
God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans asks, yet many try to outwit God,
to take his place, to deny the deity of Jesus, to follow a cult and end up in
hell. The gospel is free, you come as you are, and he makes you into a person.
We used to tell people “Jesus doesn’t make people into freaks, he makes freaks
into people.” So when we are asked to give our bodies as a living sacrifice to
God, he knows what we are, he loves us that way, but won’t leave us that
way.
Yet some stand in the window watching and wondering, never leaving the
building. The bikers, the chances, the blessings all go by, and they wonder
where is God? Who is plainly seen by those seeking him, and being led by him.
The tense of giving our bodies is a one time event, like being born again. Yet
how many live in fear about losing their salvation, never knowing the peace
Jesus provides? Look around, the same ones go forward every week, when they
could be out and making a difference. When I look at this body of mine with all
the scars, worth about $20 for the chemicals in it, I marvel at how God wants
me, but was willing to give him a chance. No matter of hard work could get me
into heaven, without Jesus it is impossible, so why do you fight when it is a
free gift? What part of free don’t you understand?
That day Kenny put on as show, even though the rules were against him. He
could have made excuses, but chose not too. Real racers race to the end, which
is scriptural, as we all race the race to the end to win. On that last lap, an
engine could seize, a crash could occur, or a leader could run out of gas. Ask
Robby Gordon about that, with 5 laps to go at Indy he ran out of fuel...the
spirit never runs dry. And God gives you what you need, when you need it.
Better than any factory ride or sponsorship, he is in it for the long haul. Are
you?
Our 200th anniversary of freedom in the US of A was celebrated by all. We
have much to thank God for, as he shed his grace on thee, and me. The chance to
watch or to compete, to attend or be absent. True love, true freedom demands a
choice, it cannot be legislated. Too many window shop, Jesus asks you to
participate. To get out and attend the race. To get into life and get dirty,
smell the racing castor and compete. To enjoy the victory he has won for us and
share it with others. That day Kenny Roberts made me a believer in him, and a
lifelong fan. Just a year before I had made a commitment to Jesus, and became
an eternal fan. He made me a believer, and when the white flag goes out for my
last lap, I know where I will finish when the checkered flag is waved. Maybe
not first, but I will finish, and in heaven. And no longer standing in the
showroom watching all the bikes ride by, I will be on one. Riding and being
blessed. Out in the world, not of it. Funny how we are made of the dirt of the
earth, and all races start there. And on one 4th of July, we let freedom ring.
Attend the race, fill the stands, and stand up and cheer in the spirit. It is
called worship, and we who know Jesus have plenty to celebrate. Let’s the ride
begin....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com