When bench racing we often talk of the rides and the roads we’ve taken, but
very little about the men who rode them. But three men of motorcycling go far
beyond the road, having gone places most fear to tread, no matter what they
ride. In a world that tells us size matters, I often refer to a man I met in
1974 working at an A&W root beer stand in Ft. Lauderdale. He loved to ride,
and actually was a touring rider despite his very small size. But he didn’t let
that stop him, his ride of choice was a Honda CB175 with a Windjammer fairing.
He had been all over the US of A, and this summer was planning on beating the
Florida heat by riding his Honda to Alaska, again. But maybe size does really
matter, the size of the heart more important than the size of the bike....
Most people will identify Mert Lawwill as a former AMA #1 plate holder and
star of On Any Sunday. But how many know he designs and builds prosthetic arms
for bikers who don’t have one? Working out of the same garage from the movie,
he converted it into a design studio, and has put many riders back in the
saddle, when they should have retired from riding. His trophies show him as a
racer, but his work tells us more about the man than the movie ever did. Once
again the man outweighing the road, but never the rider.....
But maybe the most hard core rider I ever met was in Albuquerque, an Indian
who rode a circa 1969 Bonneville. Shifting on the right, no electric leg, many
would have sought a better and more modern ride, but for him it was perfect. He
had no left leg, no one ever asked why, it never seemed to matter. But he rode
that old Bonneville everywhere, kick starting it, then putting his one crutch in
a scabbard on the left side he made for it. He was able to start and shift his
Bonne, without any assistance, only missing rear braking, but skillful enough to
use the 70% of the braking the front provided, and using his gears to maneuver.
No handicapped parking for him, he parked where he could, waited in line at
parts like the rest of us, and loved to ride. I must admit the first few times
I saw him start his bike I was amazed, but he made it seem as normal as us using
the electric leg to start ours. That was over 40 years ago, and if still
riding, that old Triumph must have over half a million miles on it, you see, in
1975 the Federal government made left foot shifting mandatory so anyone could
ride, except him. His always fired off on the first or second kick, took him
everywhere he needed to go on the res where most roads were dirt with potholes,
and had a life long relationship with riding on that one bike. He might have
appeared handicapped to the world around him, but never to himself or us, just a
guy who loved to ride. And adapted himself to the situation. Just like all of
us would.....right?
Seven years ago when I almost died from a heart condition, God saved me and
I am a true miracle. I have the papers and the scar to prove it. But I had a
big decision to make, was I a victim, should I retreat and feel sorry for
myself, maybe even blame God, or should I choose to be a victor, and brag on
Jesus, and tell of the miracle he did in my life? I never thought of myself as
a victim, and always knew the whole situation was all about Jesus, and in the
adversity got to know him better. Even more personal than I ever imagined. In
a world where many live their life of motorcycling by reading about it in
magazines, I chose to ride and experience it first hand. Nowhere near a hero
like the above mentioned men, but yet a choice I made on my own. Today I see
people who come to Christ, yet deny the power of the holy spirit that led them
to him. Relying on Bible teaching, church attendance, and fellowship with other
believers, they often miss out on the personal side of Jesus he offers. Bound
by doctrine, I often think of a man I used to go to church with, who thought I
may be satanic because my motorcycle had Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires, Red
Devil Race tires. Seems he thought I was a bad witness riding them, when asked
did he eat devils food cake, or like deviled eggs, he left me alone. Note-I
love Drake’s Devil Dogs. He probably would tell you sinners went to heck, so
legalistic was he. How sad to be bound by religious teachings and never enjoy
life. Every once in awhile I run into someone I knew from that fellowship, who
think I have fallen away because I don’t go there any more. When asked “where
have you been?’ I just reply “Out living what you are still learning about.”
And never a motorcycle in sight.....
So get out and live, let there be no bounds or restrictions of Jesus in
your life. Enjoy life knowing we are not going to heck/hell, that no matter the
situation, Jesus has everything in his control, for our benefit. We are
overcomers in Christ, funny how I too often relate to men outside the church who
have overcome obstacles. Legally I am handicapped and can have a blue card to
park anywhere, but don’t. I will walk because some really need the space I
would take up. In my mind I am a victor in Christ who saved me and who still
guides my steps everyday, even when I am not paying attention. He is always
with me, and I rather brag on him than anything else. It is not the test but
how we handle the test that shows our true character, that ought to scare a few
of us. But we are more than the bikes we ride, or the tires we ride on. God
has given us life to be lived, with everything heaven has to offer here on
earth. If you are what you ride, the one legged Indian was a Triumph. Step
over your handicaps and prejudices today, experience Jesus first hand. So you
can tell the stories of how he changed your life. Live what Jesus teaches, go
beyond religion and denominational boundaries, be guided by his spirit and let
his life shine through you.
And be like the guy on his three wheeled handicapped scooter the other day
in a restaurant, parked inside. I asked him if it was OK if I rode my Tiger in,
and he said “sure, I’ll make room for you, no problem.” Just another guy who
rode, I guess he doesn’t know he’s handicapped....or there’s my friend Joe with
a Castrol sticker on his wooden leg....oh what fun it is to ride!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com