I was about to realize a long time dream of mine, picking up a motorcycle
in a distant location, and the riding it home. But what bike, and from where?
With spring in full bloom in California, but frost still hanging on north of
here, it limited my choices, which would eventually include Washington state,
one not on my original radar. Giving me about a 1500 mile radius from So Cal,
and a four day ride back. From Albuquerque to Denver to Seattle, I looked. But
which bike? I finally narrowed it down to two, from several bikes from the
seventies. A Suzuki GS1000, or a Kawasaki Z-1. And both must be as original as
possible. Simple right...until I remembered the first thing we did was add a
pipe and low bars. But I held fast to my dream, and found a 1978 GS100E, the
upgraded model, outside of Seattle at a dealer. With only 20,000 miles, and
restored using original parts, it was a garage find, and didn’t need much.
Talking with the parts manager he told me he was pleasantly surprised by all the
parts available, down to the handlebars with the Suzuki part number stamped on
them. So after being picked up at the airport, and doing the paperwork, seems
Washington gives up nothing in stupid forms to California, I was off. Full on
choke, sunny day, into the traffic jam from Seattle to Tacoma. Not in my plan,
nor was the speedo cable breaking soon afterwards, but knowing 4000 rpm was 64
mph, 80 was easy 5000 rpm figure and once out of the area, I cruised comfortably
a that speed. And ready for bed my first night out in Albany, Oregon.
Now a lot can go wrong with a 42 year old bike, especially ridden by a 56
year old body, but ride it I did, with the 400 miles of freeway riding I had
planned passing so quick, I kept going and going and going. Finally doing the
ride in two days, over 1400 miles and three states, about the same time frame I
travelled on my new bikes. Along the way I stopped at dealers who all admired
my bike, questioned the timing on my ride, but all who would jump at the chance
if available. At one Suzuki dealer I checked on the cable and he said they were
available, and wanted to order it for me. Seems the plans I had made for an old
bike and rider changed, as I did more in two days than I had planned on in
four. Arriving home with my new prize, and ready to go riding it that weekend.
Lots of places to show it off still. With one old bike show thrown in to share
the memories, and after five years, another change in plans. It was up for
sale, riding it only 2000 miles a year didn’t seem fair, but I wasn’t going to
just sell it, and God sent the right person and the next owner left with the
same smile on his face I did 10,000 miles ago. I had realized my dream, and now
it was someone else’s turn. Somehow I had the same joy in selling it that I had
in buying and riding it. But the new of the old would eventually wear out, and
somewhere is the new owner telling his stories about it. Which is the way it
should be.....
Jesus tells us he has come to give us life and to the fullest. Not many
can say they have had a full life, but a life full of something. I was able to
get the fullest out of my Suzuki, and to enjoy it to the fullest. Sometimes we
forget that God loves to bless us with things, but not so they become the point
of worship. That is reserved exclusively for him. We sometimes get so involved
with our plans that we neglect God’s for our life and miss out on the
blessings. Some get so religious they rather brag on their humility than enjoy
the blessings. Like my decision to change my riding plans, we need to make
changes as we go, for situations change, and what once sounded like a good idea
can change. While some fall into the trap of he who dies with the most toys
dies, neglecting he still dies, when given things from God, he also gives a
heart along with an attitude, mind, soul, and a strength that worships him. The
gifts God gives go way beyond salvation, but without Jesus we will not see who
the giver truly is. Without Jesus things are just things, until we put them in
the proper perspective. It can come down to the simplest things of the day,
that when offered to him in thanks are enjoyed more. Maybe better put by my
friend Frank, who once explained the joy of the Lord to me in a different way.
When God gives you the desire of your heart, he will fulfill it, and when he is
the desire, you see the blessings everyday. He gave me the desire for the old
bike and ride, then found the perfect bike for me.
Which allowed me to not only receive his blessings, but to pass them on and
see the next owner blessed as well. In giving God was honored, and in passing
it on, I was blessed, giving all the glory to God. Now some may say “it’s just
a bike, or just a ride.” These same ones may also say “he’s just a god,” or
deny him altogether. It is when you know him personally the blessings grow.
All done outside of the four walls, with no advice or guidance offered, just two
friends who like to ride, Jesus and me. You see he is our friend, our savior,
and my Lord. Also an encouragement in my times of need, and my provider.
Missing out on blessings, maybe you are missing out on Jesus. Overwhelmed by
things, ask him for advice. Burdened by legalistic Christians trying to rob
your joy, keep them in prayer. And off the road, to many potholes already out
there to ruin your ride. It not the things that go into us that matter, but
rather the things that come out of us. If you think this tale is about me and
an old Suzuki, you missed the point. It is a testimony of Jesus in my life.
May all your rides end up like mine, and may all your friends and desires pale
next to Jesus. The thief, whether in religion or on the street comes to steal,
even to steal our relationship with Jesus. But he came to give us a full life,
to him that is holy. As in whole, lacking nothing. Not sure of your course,
maybe a change in riding plans is in order, and I have this friend of mine known
for his plans. Ask and you shall receive, I did and I rode. In the abundance
of Jesus Christ. All thanks be to him, who gives abundantly.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com