you meet the nicest people at second service

It's springtime, when a young man's fancy turns to love... and all men's fancy turns to motorcycles. And after a long winter, the first warm days, and fresh smells remind us that the wait hopefully was worth it. And as we anticipate riding again, reflect on the stories and ads we read all winter to fend off the blues. With that, let's reflect on the spring of 1972, and see why this was a particularly exciting time to be in love.

The Brits were down to Triumph and Norton. BSA, once the best selling bike in the world, had merged with Triumph, and when the Rocket 3 failed to sell, bet their future on Triumph and the Trident. Essentially a 500 Daytona engine and a half, they were fast, handled great, but were expensive-more than $400 more than the competition. And with the right hand shift, put many a Jap bike rider on edge, or over the handlebars when they stabbed what they thought to be the rear brake, and found the shifter. Ask the driver of the car whose trunk I landed on, it also wasn't good for PR. Your other choice was Norton, and if you had the guts, went with a Commando with the Combat motor. Shifting one up, the rest down, again adding excitement, as if their bikes weren't exciting enough. And fast!

BMW was in the third year of their redesigned line, featuring 500-600-750cc bikes, engine displacement the only difference, and the performance that goes with it. And new this year were chrome panels on the gas tank, earning it the title of Toaster-not affectionately either. Add shaft drive, an unusual opposed twin motor, and keyless starting-you stuck a rod or anything else in the hole on the headlight and it would start. But with shaft drive, the Cadillac of bikes-when Cadillac meant something. British what? No Bavarian-poser.

But this was the era, a golden era of Japanese bikes, as the big four were bursting with ideas, styling and performance. Honda was still the king, with its CB750, 4 cylinders, disc brake, electric start, and handling-things only found on a racer just few years ago, all for under $1600-the bike that broke the Trident's heart. Kawasaki was fielding triples-the Mach I 500cc, fastest thing on two wheels, until its big brother, the 750cc Mach IV came along. Both were three cylinder, 2 strokes-ring a ding ding! Fast, noisy, with no handling at all, but from 0-100 gave you the thrill of your life. And at $995 for the Mach III, you could be riding the quickest bike for less money! The Wildman had one-get yours now before they are gone. And soon they would be, as two strokes were going away, and next year Kawasaki would turn the motorcycle world on its ear with the Z-1! 903cc's! But you have to wait till next year.

Suzuki also had a three cylinder 750, but it was water cooled, the first mass produced bike to do so. And also was a 2-stroke. With its finless motor, radiator, and low rumble-not quite a ring a ding ding, it was fast, smooth, and comfortable. And advertised as a touring bike, no less. The aptly named Water Buffalo would last until 1976, when Suzuki also set the motorcycle world on its ear with a new 4-stroke 750, which was almost as fast as the original Z-1! What an exciting time! And lastly Yamaha fielded a 650cc twin, a copy of a BSA/ Triumph. That would go onto fame in flat track racing, and today has a collector appeal of its own. And finally AMF/Harley Davidson-yup, you read it right. coming off a year where they sold out of the first factory custom, the Sportster was still their fast bike-and for the real men in the group it came kick start only if you so desired. But for the true biker, the 74 was the way to go. Don't know that model? Hint-74 cubic inches, or 1200cc. Biggest, most macho ride you could own! From the company that sells bowling balls and diving gear. But-they would be back. And check out what a used Harley 74 is worth today-your $2000 investment in that would be better than gold-and more fun! Yes, after a long winter, anyone with less than $2000 could explore any of their pent up dreams. Maybe they should rewrite the old saying-we know what we really looked for come spring-then and now.

1972 was also a year in which the Jesus Movement was still gathering speed. Starting in the late 60's, as God's response to the hippie/free love movement, it found a following all over the country, but particularly in Costa Mesa, California, where Chuck Smith, a pastor for 17 years in a mainline denomination, followed God's calling instead of a denomination's, and took over Calvary Chapel. Taking God's advice, and teaching through the Bible, verse by verse, thousands of hippies, bikers, and other outcasts found the true love of Jesus Christ. And at a time when the Viet Nam War was tearing the US apart, Jesus was bring them together via His holy spirit. A new found freedom was found in Jesus, where no drugs, or even motorcycles could take you. Long hair-ok. No suits or ties-come as you are. Music-well the hymns are ok, but a whole generation started to worship Jesus using their music-more personal, and above all-NO RULES! Follow Jesus, using the Bible, and watch as your heart changed. And your old bad habits went away. And hearts did, and where mainline churches were in decline, the Jesus movement filled churches-Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa still runs three Sunday morning services of 3000+! Bob Dylan had sung "The times they are a changin'" but it was really hearts that were. And that same Jesus is still available today-right now in fact! Bummed out, confused? Jesus is the answer. Lonely-you'll never have a better friend. Freaky? He'll transform your heart, and your life. You see long before the toy, or the movie-Jesus was and is the original transformer. Even talks about it in Romans!

Jesus took a generation without hope, and changed it. Look around, couldn't we all use a little hope?

Today a 1972 CB750 can run you several times more than it originally cost new. Try to find a Mach III or IV-better investment than gold. BMW still stands for broke my wallet. Technology-no. Memories-yes. And Jesus Christ. Still the same. He paid the price for your soul, all you have to do is give Him your life. You see all I had to offer Him,was my brokenness and strife-and He made something beautiful out of my life.

Still ridin'-and still ridin' with Jesus. It just don't get any better! And the Jesus movement is still alive and well. Jesus Christ-the same yesterday, today, and forever. Some things should change-like your old Honda. Aren't you glad He is the same? Perfection, in any generation...ours!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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...where at least I know I'm free...

Bert Parks is legendary for singing "here she comes, Miss America..." in reference to a woman. But in recent days, due to world and national events, I find I MISS AMERICA! And I don't want too-I want her back!

You see, I remember as a kid Memorial Day parades, with old ladies and men selling poppies, in memory of those who died in battle. I remember old soldiers, marching at the end of the parade, but never knew the price they and there fellow servicemen paid. Men with stories to tell, to encourage and remind us of the horrors of war-and the price of freedom.

I remember growing up, and opening the school day with a Bible reading, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and then singing a patriotic song. And being told at an early age, you too can grow up to be president some day. And how you were reminded if you worked hard, got good grades, and lived a moral life, you too could exceed your potential and your dreams in life. You too could be president!

Then I remember Viet Nam, and being 364 out of 365 in the lottery. I remember friends who went over, and had friends who never came back. I remember my friend Frank, a pacifist put into infantry, when asked if he ever killed anyone, saying "no one I ever met." And I can remember the dishonorable end to the war, and men and women who fought to preserve liberty at all costs, being blamed for a loss which they didn't incur, but were sacrificed by politicians with no morals, and definitely no courage. Men who gave it all, and even sadder those who went off, were lost and never found. Over 1800 in Nam, added to the over 73,000 in WWII, lest we forget. Over 75,000 families shaken to the core of never knowing their loved one's outcome. And I started to miss America, land that I love. And I began to lose hope in my America.

My hope was renewed by President Reagan-whose definition of the Cold War was "we win-you lose." Who made us feel good again to be Americans, and remember that when God shed His grace on thee, it was a gift and responsibility that He gave us to share with others. And that leadership came from character, not opinion polls. And character was how we reacted under pressure, and when we thought no one was watching. Once again reminding me that as an American we owe a debt of gratitude to the Lord, and need to share it with others-no matter of color, creed, race, or nationality. That freedom demands sacrifice, and of the thousands who gave their lives in that belief.

I remember riding Torches Across America, and meeting so many who fought for our freedom. And riding into Troy, Illinois, escorted through Cub Scouts waving American flags, and thanking God through my tears for this country. And being in awe, that people still did care, and how the news was lying to us. Americans were blessing God! As I went to Shanksville the first time, and watched a man step out of the crowd one 9-11 morning, and spontaneously sing the National Anthem, we all sang along, and how it felt good to be an American. And remembering the 40 heroes on Flight 93, people I have gotten to know because I have met their families, and laughed and cried with them. Americans called into battle that morning, who rose to the challenge and defeated evil. Some who gave all. I think of my dear friend Father Al, keeper of the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel, and how the vision God gave him still brings hope to so many who are hurting and confused, who are drawn to the Chapel and receive healing and are consoled by a loving God.

I remember on the fifth anniversary of 9-11, waiting in a tent designed for 250 people, how 500 of us huddled inside it in the rain, waiting patiently for the families to arrive. And when they did, how the Northstar Kids burst into song, and we all sang along, with tears running down our faces "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free..."

And yesterday while at the Travelling Wall, which is so much more than a replica of the Wall in Washington, it became very personal, and moving to me. And I got an insight to the pain and loss that many have suffered, those who have lost ones-heroes who died in battle. There on a plaque, under those lost in Afghanistan, was Captain Joshua C. Meadows-September 5, 2009. And it became personal, as I know his family. Not well, they are friends of Theresa and Kelly-Riley's parents, and how we tried to console them when they got the news. And when I think of his wife Angela, and I see the pictures of his new daughter, Olivia, pictures he never got to see, I am reminded of how all gave some, but some gave all. I now knew a some, and that made a difference. Now it's personal.

Years ago at a Hollister Rally, the Wall was there, and as Theresa and I sat on benches in front of it, God put on our hearts to listen and pray. A man came up, and took me over to the wall, and showed me his friend's name. Then shared precious memories of him with me. A man I never met, now was my friend, and I felt his loss, for his friend now was mine also. And as we talked through the tears, I remembered a battle 2000 years ago. In which the enemy thought he had won. And for an instance, all hope was gone. But when they checked the tomb, it was empty. For our Lord Jesus had defeated death. And I thought of Jesus, and how victory-freedom-was won that day on the cross. And how knowing Him is personal, and someday when we get to heaven every tear will be wiped away. And as I held this man in my arms, all I could do was listen, hug, and weep with him. Just like Jesus does for us.

Today the battle you face may not be life threatening, but Jesus gave His life to give you life. But you need to ask Him in. An old soldier reminded me yesterday when he saw my John3:16 shirt of how those words, along with his mothers prayers, got him and his friends through the battles in the Pacific. And how Jesus Christ made a difference in his life then, and still does now. 25 words-the gospel, so simple any man can be given eternal life. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life and never perish."

My heartfelt thanks to the many who gave some, and my condolences to those and their families who gave all. I am so glad I have given my life to Jesus, who still continues to give all-who defeated sin and death, in a battle we still remember every day. God bless America! America-Bless God! Let's pray!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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first time your fault, second time mine

It has been almost 20 years, but the lessons learned that day still remind me of why I don't camp-or boat. And why I prefer two wheels to four wheels, or no wheels and a keel. A couple from the church we attended invited us to go to the river with them. Looking to meet other couples-they had two kids like us, we decided to accept their invitation to a weekend at the river. They had all the camping equipment, and a boat, and Theresa jumped at the idea of water skiing. So we packed what we needed, and I would ride out and meet them after work. Theresa and the boys would ride out in their van, and even I was excited. At least I got to ride.

I arrived just as it was getting dark, and was starved. Grilled anything sounded good, and I could smell the fish, burgers, and chicken grilling as I looked for our campsite. Unfortunately, this was the best part of the night-looking. Robert had parked his van so that it was on a hill, but left it in neutral, why no one knows, and it had rolled into a neighboring camper. The scooters they brought-locked onto the front of the camper, were there to stay-he forgot the key to the lock to remove them. The campsite was good for them, they were in the camper. But they had pitched the tent-our torture chamber on gravel. Well, that's unfair to gravel. It was pieces of sidewalk that had been jack hammered. Gravel would have been deluxe accommodations. And of course starving, I asked what was for dinner. Sandwiches. Huh? After all the aromatic temptations before me, after 200 miles of riding starved with visions of BBQ dancing in my head, I was given a bologna sandwich-on white. And some disgusting chips.

At least there would be S'mores-I could eat the graham crackers. As Theresa's favorite three course meal, chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker, she was starved too. And the kids were anxious, and then disappointed when we each were handed a 1/4 piece of a S'more. Not enough to even leave a taste in my mouth. So with a headache from hunger, miles from a 7-11, and listening to my family grumble-we went to bed early-tired enough that at least for a couple hours sleeping on the broken sidewalk chips didn't matter. Did I mention, no munchies, they also were in charge of food!

Up early the next day, on the water by 6am, we headed for breakfast. In their boat. Now I don't do water, so I asked what do you want me to do? Sit in the back, so I did. Raising the nose of the boat, but hey I was obeying orders. We stopped for breakfast-diner not open yet, so ate cupcakes, and Twinkies. Then back to the boat, where I resumed my position at the rear. Robert opened up the throttle and nothing happened-high rpms, but no movement. And sadly, it only occurred to me that I was the problem. We were stuck on a sandbar, and I was like an anchor-dead weight keeping us from moving. So while Robert is diagnosing the problem with the motor of the boat, and while my family is wondering when the torture will end, I silently sat up, and moved forward. At which point, the boat shot forward under full throttle, knocking everyone down, and sending my breakfast over the edge. I seriously considered mutiny, but my headache was so great, I got on my bike and rode home. Theresa and the boys stuck due to no transportation, but somehow got home that night.

Lessons learned. Don't ride with someone else-take your own car. Also, there are side effects to all actions. Just like the warnings on the drug commercials, there are side effect to your actions. We all meant well, just that stupid is not the way to travel, or camp, or boat, or.... And God knows this. So He set it up easy for us, or at least me. When in the spirit, you receive love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, long suffering, meekness, and self control as fruits of your labors. Stuck in the situation we never should have been in we experienced just the opposite. Bitterness, anger, stupidity, rudeness, long suffering-how did that get onto both lists?, selfishness, and being out of control. The side effects that can sometimes be more dangerous than the effects themselves. For we instantly learned why no one went camping with them for a second time, they had even commented on that, but they had no clue.

Today in your daily events, consider the other guy, and how your decisions will impact them. Do they reflect the fruit of the spirit, or are they rooted in selfishness? Do you obey God, or your desires? Are you still getting the same results because you are doing the same thing? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting different results. The fruit you bear will influence others-be mindful of that. And be patient with others who don't get it. Remember Luke 3:8, produce fruit in keeping with repentance-good word for that day! And any day!

As for me and my family-we will ride motorcycles. Eat when and where we want. That is why we travel alone. And hopefully avoid my second trip to the river. Today you will bear fruit, by choosing the correct vine you will be assured the best of the crop. Jesus is that vine, and when we are wrapped into Him, we produce good fruit. And good fruit will produce more good fruit. Consider the other guy, as God considers you. Just might change the whole day-or at least the plans for it. Take note-the side effects may be right in front of you after all. And I think I understand long suffering-and why it is on both lists...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

letting the good times roll

When growing up, I'd like to think that I was as normal as any other kid. And that included hiding magazines under my bed-really between the mattress and box spring-so that my parents wouldn't find them. Not Playboy-I got that one, and not the car magazines. But the forbidden fruit in my magazine library was anything to do with motorcycles. While other kids were busy hiding various skin mags, I had to hide Cycle, Cycle Guide, Cycle World, and the various smaller trade mags that were popular. And while other teens dreamt of Playmate of the Month, I dreamt of Mach III's, Commandos, and CB750's. And was I ever a sucker for the ads.

Remember the Norton girls, always dressed in a skimpy, yet stylish outfit the same color as the bike? Who could resist fast girls and bikes? Harley showed us the Night Train, and ways out of town-even a mini-bike called the Shortster! Triumph told us we were enthusiasts, and needed their bikes to appreciate handling. You met the niciest people on a Honda-and in your wildest dreams, dreamt of a girl who loved bikes as much as you! Did you ever Solo Suzuki? I remember the ads on WABC radio, with Cousin Brucie, or HOA-Herb Oscar Anderson making motorcycle noises after the theme song. But for most of us, the thrill was in the words "some day," as my parent hated them, and I was still too young to get one and move out. So here I was stuck, noticing girls, who didn't like being noticed, and noticing motorcycles-two forbidden fruits. The fact that one older kid told us that riding was almost as good as sex, and you could do it more often, only made the illusion grander, as no one I knew had done either one. But after looking at the ads, girls would have to wait. Sadly, so did motorcycles.

I rode for about four years before my parents realized I was riding Ricky Schill's bikes. I guess they thought I was the world's oldest four year old, as I came home muddy, dirty, tired, and worn out-but excited every night. Getting my first bike as a senior in high school though finally elevated me to cool status. I had been a jock-now I could find a way to get out and enjoy life-and not have to deal with coaches, practice, rules, and locker room pranks. I had freedom-I was riding!

But the commandment-honor thy mother and thy father that your days shall be long bothered me-ok, only a few minutes after I got saved. Was I really disobeying them, and causing dishonor? Would it shorten my life? I love them, but loved to ride too-so took off riding, realizing that as parents they had a responsibility to love me no matter what. Try that one today! And I beleive God has honored my choice.

I found an out. The Bible tells parents that they are not to provoke their children to wrath! God was cool, He must love motorcycles, and He understood. And it was a good example of how many interpret the Bible. They search scripture, then find one that appelas to them, and then follow it. Just the opposite of what God wants, but that takes repentance. You see, we are supposed to change, not Him. We sinned, not Him. And we turned from Him, not Him from us. The truth is-we need to change to be like Him! Just like scripture says to do!

And reading the word like this, will change your life. You may get bogged down in Leviticus, but there is joy found in Jesus fulfilling all those laws. And a freedom in walking with Him, that comes close with riding, but won't get you into heaven, or forgiven. Sorry, but going into turn 3 too fast and beng scared and seeing God is not a spiritual experience. But giving your heart to God is. And watching as He changes your life, and fulfills desires in you-some you had, others he just told you about is exciting.

Maybe if the guy who wrote the Norton girl ads, did a Bible ad. Talk about sin and murder in Genesis. Talk about harlots in Joshua. Shipbuilding in Genesis. Kings, Chronicles, and Samuels tell some of the bloodiest war stories ever. Murder talked about in the four gospels, betrayal and lust, and finally Revelation-where you get it all! Science fiction has no chance against God's truth!

So to all you rebels out there. Sneak the Bible into your room tonite. Read it. And be bold, leave it out where your wife or parents can see it! Blow their mind by giving your heart to Jesus!

It's about time we took the word out of the bedroom and into the living room! You read what? You ride what? Jesus who? Jesus and motorcycles-it just don't get any better. Don't believe the ads-experience Jesus yourself. And read the book-before it becomes censored! Can't have all that sin in one book you know. The Bible-still the all time best seller. Just don't let your parents catch you!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

at times like these, the feature you can't see becomes perfectly obvious

There are few things worse than a broken machine. Whether it is a toaster that doesn't, a blender that won't or a cycle that doesn't cycle, machines are absolutely useless unless they work. And I always marvel when someone's bike won't start, how some genius in the crowd says "well it's either fuel or spark." Great, now if you were really smart you would know which one. We all know the procedure. Fuel is easy, on old Brit bikes tickle the carbs, when the gas runs out and soaks your shoe, it must be spark. Still not convinced, pull a fuel line to the tank-same result. After turning on the petcock, of course. And for the cool, slosh the tank with the cap off like Steve McQueen in the Great Escape, just before he jumped. And for you nerdy, open the cap, and light a match. If you get combustion, it could be be spark-or is it fuel, you got both!

My friend Rex back in the late 70's was rewriting the Suzuki tech manuals for them. He spent countless hours telling me how easy electricity was, and with each lesson I got stupider. He could not only repair, but knew the cause. For instance, one day in spring of 1981, we took off for Arches National Park in Utah. This would be the first long trip for my new 1981 KZ750, so I was excited. We rode for a couple hundred miles, and parked to take some pictures. And then my bike wouldn't start. New bike, new battery-no spark. But I had Rex, better than AAA. He had noticed my brake light not going off, and he surmised the rear brake pedal was adjusted wrong allowing the brake light to stay on, thus killing the battery. So we bump started the bike-this being the first year Kawasaki eliminated the kick starter on their street bikes, let it run for 15 minutes, adjusted the brake pedal, and all was well. But the amazing part was he knew that the alternator-that which charges the battery doesn't kick in until 2200rpm, so he set adjusted the idle up to that speed, and we all was fixed. Complaint-cause-correction, just like we were taught as good service advisors. Fixed. And I really miss him today!

It has been said, in cruder terms than I will use, that if it has a skirt or wheels it will give you trouble. To you Puritan types-anything manmade has a potential to fail. And it will. And it goes back to the garden. When Eve disobeyed God, and then brought Adam in the club, it altered the way things were done forever. No longer was the world perfect, but sin entered it, and in every aspect-fuel and spark included. Lights stayed on, or wouldn't light up, and we ran out of fuel-even though the gauge said we had some left. Imagine a sinless world, where Lucas electrics worked-no prince of darkness! Where you never went on reserve-and no little light came on to warn you of impending emptiness! No warning lights to inform us of impending doom if we don't obey, because we had obeyed. All this awaits us in heaven, but for now-we must endure a sin laden world. And one without a kick starter. So there are times we push.

And I look at things in a before kick starter, and after kick starter was removed attitude. BK vs. AK if you will. When we had kick starters, we always had a backup system to go to. Or parked on hill so we could bump start. We aren't that smart anymore. Now when you push the starter button, and nothing happens, and you can't bump start your bike because the fuel injection is electric, you sit and wait. And while some cuss while digging out their cell phone, which is hopefully charged, and within a cell area, others pray, and watch as God prepares a way out for you. And reminds you that anything man made will and can eventually fail. But that the answer is always found in Jesus. And it is your choice of how you handle the situation.

Living with Jesus is like riding with Rex, better than AAA, better than any worldly advice, and better than any religion. You see Rex was trying to diagnose and repair things the factory had failed on, where Jesus repairs things we fail in. Our bodies were perfect before sin came along, now they need maintenance, parts, regular service, and as we get older, more of the same. We need the fuel that only the Holy Spirit can provide to get us through the day, and the spark that only the love of a living God can provide. Gloomy-God will provide the spark. Depressed-he can kick start you back to health! Low on fuel or energy-He gives freely to all who ask. Lonely-He never deserts you. And when all seems lost-He will save you! REMEMBER-He created you, but sin led you away from Him. He knows how all the parts should fit, where they go, how they function, and what it takes to fuel your day, and give you the spark to make it all work! And unlike your missing kick starter, He is always there. The best way out in any situation! But like your battery, if not used often, will run down-not God, but your relationship with Him-and will need recharging-another free service of the gospel! And you are always under warranty in Him, and He is open 24/7. Just a prayer away!

See it really is easy-fuel or spark. But even easier is taking the yoke of Jesus. He says it is easy, won't wear us down, won't leave us stuck, and is available 24/7. No clubs to join, membership fees, or meeting to attend. And he even comes to you-right where you are. He is available NOW-so why don't you give your no start problem to Him, and watch as He changes the situation you are in. Experience tells us that each trip starts with the first step-so take that first step now-let Jesus into your life. Instead of good Lord it's morning, try Good morning Lord! Key on, fuel on, and Jesus in your life. Taking you places you want to go or never knew existed. And He rides, and even waits while you look for your keys. Jesus and motorcycles-it don't get any better, try Him and see!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a tale of two rocks

Just got back from Easter break and spending five days on the road with Theresa. Great time. We were able to spend Easter at Steve Mays' church, with Reagan, Christopher and his girl friend Jen. And then we ate great BBQ at Baby Blues BBQ, as seen on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Great food, great fellowship, and a great message from Steve. Then on to our destination in Santa Paula. But along the way we stopped at the Rock Store, a motorcycle hangout for the last 40 years. Attendance was down this Sunday, probably because of Easter, and because we arrived late. But the people we met made up in quality despite the lack of quantity.

Usually when out on a press bike, people will spot the Georgia tags, and ask "did you ride from there?" But among this group they noticed they were manufacturer plates, and they approach you differently. And the mix of people we met that day was say, eclectic. When we pulled in, Theresa on her Bonneville, and me on a 2010 Rocket III Roadster(1 of 4 in the country), someone on a 636 Ninja was doing a burnout-front brake on and smoking the tire. After parking she pulled up next to me, and asked her friends how she was doing. How the cycle scene has changed! We parked next to a long wheelbase Hayabusa, obviously more machine than its owner. A young guy came up and was asking Theresa about the Rocket, and was impressed by it being a press bike. He had only learned to ride six months before, and wanted to write about his adventures-you go guy! And was very knowledgeable about the bike, and others he talked about. Even asking if he could take a picture of it. Much different from the two others trying to impress me, one on a Speed Triple-a 2007 with 6000 miles-yeah he rides, and was telling me all about his friends at Triumph trying to impress me. The only thing that impressed me was I had never heard any of the names before. Oh well, I just ride their press bikes... A new BMW S1000 pulled in, we had seen him at an unscheduled pit stop to relieve ourselves of too much diet Coke, and when asked if he ever had opened up the throttle full, said an emphatic no! I guess I don't get it, but why would you buy a 193hp bike, and not get on it? May I borrow it?

While talking, a group of women pulled in on their bikes. An interesting group from a Daytona 675, to a 1957

Triumph, kick start and right hand shift, whose rider seemed insulted when I asked her if it was hard to kick. No-she had brought along the boyfriend to handle that duty-good answer. About 10 of these women, all locals from Malibu, and after taking their group picture for them, talked about riding-they were informed, educated, and enjoyed riding-how could you not with all the canyon roads in their back yard. And again I was reminded about how the cycle world was changing. Talked with some guys who could best be described as BA-Moto on Hondas. The one guy was on a CB175 from the '70's he had made into a cafe racer, while the better of the two bikes was a 1978 CB550, same customizing. And I remembered that even on their low budget-you had to be there-change back from their $100, they loved to ride. And again knew all about the Rocket, etc.

But when leaving, Theresa had met a couple, he on a Triumph Sprint ST, she on a 250 Ninja. He was telling us how he was president of the local BMW chapter, although he didn't own one-didn't even care for them, but all his friends rode them, and they asked him to be their club president-despite his obvious character flaw. Theresa talked at length with his wife-I always smile when two women talk about riding-and I was reminded how things were changing.

But it being Easter, I also thought about that resurrection morning. And how the women were the first ones to the cave, early, to see the body of their Lord. And how Mary even brought spices to wrap Him in, which were very expensive, and maybe her dowry-giving it all for Jesus. And how they had faith, even though they knew a boulder sealed the tomb, they showed up-faith that they would get in-and astonished to find the stone rolled away-and the tomb empty! A faith and love the men hadn't shown-remember Peter the night before, and where were they now? And I realized a lot about our relationship with Jesus, and with others. The bigger the commitment, the bigger the blessing. It was a joy to talk with a group of bikeriders who loved to ride, knew about different bikes, and didn't have a prejudice for or against a brand. We all rode, and that made us a family.

And I also enjoyed meeting others at church, people like me but different-I was the only one in over 3000 attending that had a leather jacket-except for Theresa, and we were the only bikes parked there. But we all had Jesus in common, just like the women who rushed to the tomb. And like them, we want the most out of that relationship-and realize it takes participation. So we read the Bible, attend church, fellowship when possible, and pray. We form a relationship with God, and as we draw closer to Him, we become more like Him, and that shows to others. And I wondered if the churches could get it together like the bikers I met that Easter afternoon. Keeping the main thing the main thing, we could all visit and ride off on our own. And you know what-it's happening. But we need to encourage it. Get out among the people, and share love of Christ with others. Form relationships. I met about to dozen new friends at the Rock Store, and could share Jesus openly with them because of our common ground-motorcycles. Truly God will use the foolish things of the world-Hello! You're a Christian and you ride?

You mean you ride and you're not? Common ground is not that uncommon-golfers talk with other golfers. Bikers with other bikers. BMW owners with their president-but get out and share. Even while eating BBQ!Run to the tomb-expect to see Jesus. And when He isn't there, ask a Christian where to find Him. You'll find He isn't very far away, and has been waiting patiently for you. Now, what are you waiting for?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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posers

When traveling, or even not traveling, I still prefer smaller, family owned bike shops. You know the ones, where the coffee pot is always on, even when less than a cup remains, old magazines cover the table, and some old, worn out chairs or stools are available to sit on and bench race. The employees don't have titles, but names. You see Joe if you want to buy a bike, and he handles all the transaction, including calling you to stop by when your plates are in. Usually a guy with a nickname like Crusty runs the service department, and when he says come back in two hours, he means get here by closing so he can go home. The parts guy knows what parts to keep in stock, and you rarely have to wait for parts-and is not against taking the needed part from a new bike to get you on the road. They understand service, and depend on you for their advertising-word of mouth still being the best there is. And while the building may need repairs, which can always wait until winter or the rainy season, which then gets taken up by more bench racing and rereading the old magazines by the coffee pot. Maybe next year. It was more personal, you knew what to expect, and didn't look for a discount-the prices were fair and you wanted them to be in business next week, next year-so you paid them, even though the new store 20 miles away offered more-said so in their ads-it was the intangibles, the relationships that were established years ago that were more important.

Then mergers and buyouts began, and now we have mega dealers, who cannot carry all the parts-so you wait, generally right in the middle of riding season. Buying a bike takes three hours, most waiting for the next F and I person to sell you stuff you can't afford or don't need, but he will add into your purchase price gladly. Nothing like buying a leather jacket over 60 months-you only buy it three times! The service guy knows your bike, but who are you, and expect a three day turnaround for repairs-if they have the parts. All nice and computerized, and you leave wondering who or what you dealt with. All you know is you can't wait to not have to go back, and all of sudden the internet pricing looks much better.

Now add economic conditions, and we see that the mega dealers are folding. They were started when business was strong, but now since it is slower, they can't make it. They lost the vision of their dealership, basing it on charts and projections, sold to them in their greed-all they saw was the profits-not the ones who got them there. Like the Three Bears bed, business was either too soft-not enough, too hard-too much, but never enough so that they could go riding. Efficient, productive, and impersonal. And in many cases run from a home office, by a conglomerate who only looks at them from a profit standpoint-and will be sold if they don't or if they become marketable.

I see ministries going this way too, sadly. Which starts out honorable and God driven, they become number driven, and lose their way. But often times it is not the man at the top, but those under him, who only have a worldly perspective, and sell out, letting the world instead of God influence their decisions. And sadly lose their vision, because of the near sighted individuals that they call members. A card, membership number, and paying dues and they are in. No urging by the spirit-although they claim to, but based on corporate dictates, financial needs, and personal gain they claim to be serving God, but really are serving themselves. And be careful, for it can be dangerous to wake up a sleepwalker, and many are-spiritually. Just ask the seven sons of Skeva, who saw Paul casting out devils and doing miracles, and thinking it was based on words confronted a demon possessed man. Who proceeded to beat them and send them away naked! Yelling at them "I know Jesus, and I have heard of Paul-but who are you?"

Following the vision God gives you is easy, until you encounter these types. And I was reminded recently how blind they are to the spirit, and why God warns me to stay away from them. Knowledge is different than wisdom, and freedom is not found in following rules. Follow the vision God has given you-in an organization or not. But remember your relationship is personal, and ministry is one-on-one. Keep it simple, follow the spirit, and be wary of the Skeva types. Wolves in sheep clothing, and although they talk a good game, rely upon man's ways rather than God's. Their reward is found in reports and boasting among themselves. Clouds with no rain, the Bible calls them. Don't fall into that trap. The bottom line is God knows, can we be so bold as to repent and follow Him?

A relationship with God is personal-I like that, Jesus assures it. Gotta go, Mickey called-would I please get my bike outta here so he can go to the desert! Personalized service. You see his shop is small, he rides, and isn't open 7 days a week. But aren't you glad God is?

See what I mean?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com