Way back in June of 2018, I rode almost three weeks and 5000 miles without
riding on a freeway or Interstate. With some interesting destinations along the
way. Ever been to Quanah, Texas, I spent the night there. Named after a famous
Indian chief, 10 miles south of the Oklahoma border. 1000 miles from urban
life. 60 years form today. How about Locust Grove, Oklahoma? Famous for its
Git and Split, a haven for all convenience store regulars, on old 412, the right
road to take, not the newer toll road. The ride north the next morning past
lakes and farms was incredible....with even a Packard museum along the way in a
mostly deserted old town. Lunch with Cycle in Fair Grove, Missouri, chatting
about roads to ride with the local sheriff and his deputies, no problems
parking, and they were right, the roads are great. You may never find Road CC
on any best list of roads, but it has elevation changes, curves, and just enough
straights to get into 4th gear. Too bad it only lasted about 45 minutes....But
located in Central Missouri is Sedalia, a major crossroads, but still a small
town. With everything you need, a Walmart and a Harley dealer. Who despite the
high temp and humidity hosted a bike night, with a live band and over 200 bikes
that night-outside. No one complaining of the heat, but no one interested in
the six total Yamahas and Suzukis on the floor next to the Harleys. It also is
a Yam and Suzi dealer.
Take another great ride up to Quincy, past the Triumph/Yamaha gold cart
dealer, out across the country and never worry about traffic. Seems Central
Missouri is a rider’s paradise, but you didn’t hear it from me. Back roads, low
traffic, cheap gas, when you saw it around $2.60/gallon, you waited knowing it
would be cheaper later, a low of $2.38 throughout Missouri and Oklahoma. With
my next night in Arcola, Illinois, home of Raggedy Ann and Andy, great old two
block downtown, still paved in brick. Just a mile and 75 years from the
interstate. The next day a ride past the Ernie Pyle Memorial Park, riding the
Steve McQueen Memorial Highway, past King Tiger in Bainbridge, Indiana, and it
was time to pick up Theresa in Indy at the airport. First stop Culvers for a
concrete. You know you are back in America when even the Walmarts and
McDonald’s are few and far between. This is America.....was, is, and hopefully
will be for next year’s ride!
Like my ride, there is also a simplicity to the gospel. Like the dinner I
had with three men riding adventure bikes from Brazil, they too loved America
for all it had to offer, one man saving over 40 years to move here and ride,
another a 17 year old son who couldn’t sleep at night, he just wanted to ride.
No religion to their ride, and if you look close, no religion to the gospel.
Which God emphasizes to Jeremiah, when the Jews were overwhelmed with the
world. Knowing Jesus personally goes beyond riches, I traveled light and still
didn’t spend over $150 a day total. The Brazilians packing light and riding
smart. We parked next to motorhomes and SUV’s, guess who had the better travel
stories to tell? Riches may give a man a false sense of power or security, they
may even buy a false sense of respect when they are not. Ecclesiastes warns the
rich man doesn’t sleep at night because he worries about his money. He
obviously never rode the back roads like us.
Even the smartest man cannot know everything. Memorizing the scriptures
does not guarantee the reward of heaven or bring you any closer to Jesus.
Wisdom will always be partial wisdom, for just like riding, there are so many
roads yet to be discovered. Religion is filled with new revelations, I guess
Jesus isn’t enough for them. And they are called wise? And like the bikes we
ride, a bigger engine doesn’t mean a better ride, just like more strength
doesn’t mean more power. Or influence. Pride has a sneaky way of ruining a
great day no matter the road you are on. But Jeremiah is told by God to boast
in him, that they are given the understanding from and of God, readily available
to all, that to exercise wisdom and kindness it must come from the Lord, and
find how God delights in those who seek his righteousness and justice. How cool
to make God happy. You can buy a college degree, but you cannot purchase the
wisdom God offers. Need justice, only in Jesus. Righteousness without rules,
come to Jesus. Want love, joy, peace, patience, goodness and kindness? Only
found in Christ.
Take a side road today from mainstream religion, spend some time on a back
road with Jesus. Forget the legalism, the rote services, the hypocrisy of the
service and the attendees. Get alone with God, let the spirit reveal to you
real riches, real wisdom, and real strength. The time you step away from peer
pressure in religion and choose Jesus, you will find a freedom not taught from a
pulpit. But found out among those who seek God first, then marvel as he adds
everything else. Boast of all the things you have in Christ Jesus, for in him
you have it all. Knowing that you may not know where the road leads, but where
it will end. Whether located in Central Missouri, Eastern Oklahoma, the Texas
Panhandle, or any old Mississippi River town, see it best with Jesus along.
Seeing is believing, those who believe without seeing are blessed. The road and
ride, proof.
Who would ever think a salad form the Hy Vee would be a great dinner? Or a
free dinner of home made chicken soup taste so good? Just leave room for the
concrete....the road and the custard. If that ain’t Godly wisdom I don’t know
what is!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com