trip planning 101

"How do you find all these places to go when you travel?" we are often asked. And the truth is, there is not just one answer. For places to eat, it could be the food channel. Which when Feasting on Asphalt was on, we got turned onto Highway 61, part of the Great River Road. It could be Huell Howser, showing us places in our own state that the trendy and touristy avoid, or better yet don't know about. Places generally off the beaten track, the less beaten, the better. Motorcycle touring magazines, popular right now, offer some good ideas. But soon they too become over run. I remember years ago when Ojai was not yet a biker destination, then Rider talked it up, and soon it was over run with bikes. I remember 30 years ago helping my friends from ROAD RIDER magazine lay out tours in the mountains of southern Colorado. Still my favorite magazine, these guys, and girls, rode like most of us-small budget, non-touring bikes, and the road was the destination. How many of us can say that today? Travel magazines, and anything else that tells about an area is fair game. But still the best source of info I have found is from other riders. Those that have been there, ridden the roads, eaten the food, and know where to stay, or not to stay. And an added bonus comes along with it, fellowship with another rider. We get to talk with others, and any loneliness fades as we make new friends, compare notes, and anticipate the next day's ride. We have formed a relationship, and then it is up to us to find out where it and us go from there.

It's 1986, and I had a week to travel. I had just bought a leftover 1985 FJ100, and needed to go somewhere. So I chose to ride from New Mexico to Pennsylvania and back in the 8 days, and surprise my grandparents. I did, and it was a great ride. Lots of rain, plus one ticket, not bad for 3600 miles in the first two weeks of ownership. Riding mostly freeways, at 55mph speed limits, by Indiana I had had it. So as soon as I crossed into Indiana on I-70, I flagged down an Indiana State Trooper. An old guy, too nice to be a cop, who when I told him my dilemma, got out his map, and spread it out over the trunk of his cruiser. He marked some back roads for me, told me of great places to ride, places to avoid, and places to eat. My whole day changed from boredom, to fun, just in one meeting. I saw the beauty of Indiana, and travelled roads, saw towns, and met people I would have missed if I had stayed handcuffed to the freeway. But his simple gesture made me fall in love with Indiana, and it is now one of my favorite places to ride. All because of one man, a trooper. Who insisted I keep his map, which I now keep among my collectibles. Can't remember his name, or badge number, but I can still see his smiling face. Relationships, how we forget how important they really are.

Pat Robertson was once told by a man that he met the nicest people when travelling. Pat responded, "that's because you're a nice guy." And I have found this to be true. Nice people will attract other nice people. One thing that touches my heart, is the greeters at our church. Everyone gets greeted with a smile. With one important extra-if they are talking with another usher, they stop and greet you first. Welcome you, and make you feel welcome. Sadly, I have found many churches don't do that. Maybe it's my leather jacket. Or long hair. Or whatever, but I go places I don't feel welcomed, and can watch as others aren't either. And I ask myself, if you are a Christian, why would I want to be like you? I can stay home and be treated rudely. Or go to school, work, or the grocery store. So my fellow Christians, how are you greeting people? What part of Jesus do you show strangers? Do you welcome them, or are you too busy "fellowshipping," aka gossiping with your fellow greeters? Do you welcome the unlovable, or take a potty break? What part of Jesus is your life showing me, and others?

We have a sign that says "LIVE IN SUCH A WAY THAT PEOPLE WHO KNOW YOU, BUT DON'T KNOW GOD, WILL COME TO KNOW HIM BECAUSE OF YOU." The Great Commission. If that is too hard, maybe it is really your heart that is too hard.

Jesus welcomed us while still strangers, and enemies. The best blessings come when they are least expected. It is up to you to see them, and them allow God to bless you when you do. You don't know who you will meet today, but God does. He has prepared both of you for a blessing. Be more like the old trooper and get out a map and show concern. Give direction when needed, and take it to heart. To some that was just an exit on the freeway, but to me it was an entrance to getting to know Indiana, its roads, people, and the chance to explore new roads. How many today will see God in you? You never want to know the others that have been turned way because of your sin. How you plan for a trip will tell more about that ride than you may wish to know. The best advice still comes one on one, just like the ultimate relationship with Jesus. So keep smiling, it's OK to get bugs in your teeth. You never know when you will be that stranger and need to be advised. Like any old fisherman knows, what you catch depends on the bait you use. Show love, that trooper next to you may just be the best travel advice you get that day.

So many roads, so little time. But so much Jesus to go around for everyone. Where are you going this vacation? Never travel without Jesus. Still the best friend you will ever have on the road, and the road of life. Ride on, with a smile! And remember that, even if your next trip is only to church!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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the parable of the ten Ducatis

So I get this e-mail from Cycle World magazine, telling me I have been chosen from subscribers to participate in a riding event. Their 2011 Cruiser of the Year, the Ducati Diavel, will be available for us to ride, and then comment on. Even free cappuccino at the end, and of course the Ducati umbrella girls. Yawn. My ride was at noon, so arriving a bit early, I visited with Tonia, who coordinates these events for Cycle World, and did an excellent job. Note-she is between husbands, and taking riding lessons this week. After about ten minutes of the obligatory Ducati propaganda, and listening to one of the CW editors, Mark Cernicky, it was evident there was to much talk and not enough throttle-so off we went.

Now the group was of ten riders, of various age, experience, and skill. But looking at the helmet rack full of Arais and Shoeis, this should be a good group. Greg, from Ducati, laid out a great ride through the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, no freeways, and we definitely didn't ride the speed limits. I saw 100 once before Cernicky passed me. We rode out own ride, with Greg and two others leading from within the pack. I, as I always do in groups, stayed in the back, with Cernicky. They had introduced him as crazy, my kind of guy, and whenever the photo shoot needed a wheelie, stoppie, or sideways shot-that was him.

Now the Diavel has a 165hp potential, via electronic power control. And you could tell some were having trouble finding it-it was activated via the the turn signal cancelling button. On a bike that was designed for the trendy crowd, the styling was questionable-particularly the ugliest rear end to a motorcycle I have ever seen. Hey Ducati, with the power this thing has, can you give the rest of us a break, make it more attractive for the rest of us, it's the part we will see the most of? The seat was so small, and edge shaped, after five minutes I was looking for a stop sign so I could stop and change positions. I started the ride a tenor, ended a soprano. But the bike was fast, and the brakes exceptional. Poor instruments, and there again the styling-another oops on where do we put the license plate, no passenger seat, and vibration below 4500rpm, I was disappointed. I expected more of the bike than it could offer. But then again, I ride a lot. Even the Ducati tech man agreed with me, we both prefer radios with on/off and volume knobs only-anything else we get too confused. At a standstill. At a 100-oops!

But the ride was great, and fun. And Cernicky, well he is crazy. Fun crazy. A few times he would go past me, then slam on the brakes-hard. A few wheelies away from a stop-fun. But in one 90 degree left turn, marked 15mph, he went sliding past me, on the outside, flat track style. When I later asked him if he was bored, he said, "a little." But all in all a great ride.

Now we had ten identical bikes, ten riders, the same road, but all at different levels. We had the Harley guy in our group. Obviously overwhelmed. Rode most of the way with a turn signal on. Just an old bucket helmet, and his leather was a few sizes too small. Or was he too big? And anytime a curve appeared, the brake lights went on. He was also the only rider to get off the course, not following directions. So between him and Cernicky, we had both ends of the riding spectrum. One under control, who appeared crazy, one out of control who was crazy. Depending on your brand orientation, you make the call.

Jesus taught us in the parable of the seeds, about the same seed hitting different kind of soil. Some grew and died out. Some never even saw the light of day. Some grew and then stayed at a certain height. But some grew, tall and strong, and then spread it seeds elsewhere. And when I look around in church I see all these seeds in my friends. Some want everything Jesus has to offer, some just never grow. Some want more, and are willing to work for it, some avoid ministry every chance. Some dress the look, others follow God. And that is what I saw when riding in this group. Some had the leathers, some the skills. For some 80mph was too fast, for some they never should have been allowed to leave the lot. But it seemed we were each comfortable at our skill levels. I wanted all I could get out of the Diavel that day-and I pretty much did. But I also want all the blessing I can get from God. And He wants to provide-but He must lead the ride. We all ride at our own pace, God will give more to those who desire it. Who devote more of their life to Him, and to those who wish to serve Him-without reservation. They are called blessings.

How you ride is up to you. But please note your ride will affect others. Get lost-Jesus went back for the one in 99. Too slow-you miss the blessings. Undecided-you miss the ride. And just saying no, you miss heaven. Ride your own ride in Jesus. Use all the skills He has blessed you with, and enjoy the blessings that go with it. For just like we all rode the same bikes and roads yesterday, we all got something different out of it. I had a great time. And I know why.

How is your ride? Are you enjoying it? Twist the throttle Jesus has given you today, and live up to your potential. Not everyone rides with the turn signals on, and never turns. Or crosses it up like Cernicky. But enjoy the ride of your life with Jesus. And you just might find you are beating the Diavel(the devil) at his own game. Jesus and motorcycles-it just don't get any better. I know-I've been there, and never left. Wanna ride along?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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stuff real bikers never say

In a world that is filled with colloquialisms, slang, people who can't spell but can text, and who end every sentence with "dude...", by the way "dude..." by itself is a sentence, there are things we never hear true bikers never say. Beware-someone is always listening, we may heard them from your mouth-or mine.

Things never heard at a Harley store-"This sucker has way too much chrome! Wow 58 horsepower? This sucker should haul. Will this seat make my butt look big? Will my butt make this seat look big? Why does the speedo say 120 when the bike only goes 95? My clothing bill last month was still cheaper than my service bill. What-you didn't buy any extra chrome? The prices are so reasonable. I bought this to be an individual just like all the other black Harleys. I do all my own maintenance. We could have put in a new kitchen, but bought the bike instead-the payments are lower. Today I am a real biker! Only cost me $20,000! Loud pipes don't save lives-and I can't hear my radio over them! I was told that anything under 700 pounds wouldn't hold the road. Yeah, $850 sounds about right to replace my drive belt. Hey they could have charged me that much for a service! Hey man, I thought Harleys were loud. Special Editions never sell anyway. You only paid $6000 for the extra paint? I hear they're having a sale! You really use your front brake? This bike has way too much horsepower. Who is this guy Willie G? Check the gas, and fill the oil, please."

Things never heard at a Gold Wing Rally-"That sucker has way too many lights. The factory says that stuffed animals on the back rack save lives. I do all my own maintenance. Did you hear Jake actually cruises at 60mph-in a 55 zone? How can he hear his music? Does this seat make my butt look big? Can we even see your butt? Trailers are for sissies-I know how to pack light with just a duffle bag. Bummer-they discontinued the onboard compressor. Did you borrow my floor jack, I can't find it in my top box? Please turn your bike off, the exhaust noise is waking the dead! I agree, the dealer charges just the right amount for a major service. Yes, $400 to replace my rear tire sounds about right... I hear the dealer is selling them at retail-sounds like a great deal! Oh I didn't hear your bike running, I thought the patch girl was using her new sewing machine-man that's loud! Trikes aren't real motorcycles, I would never spend an extra $40,000 for one...500 watts on stereo, and I still can't hear it a 50mph! Check the gas, see if all my lights are working?"

Things never heard at a dirt bike store-"We added extra weight so it handles better. The parts were free-I paid for the stickers. Sure it's only 10 years old, but will it start on the first kick? You don't want all that suspension, if it bottoms out you're going too fast. Don't put more than 30 pounds of air in the tire-all that extra weight throws off your suspension settings. Bent rims don't affect the handling. Knobbies are the same on dirt as on the street. I don't do my own maintenance. You really don't need more horsepower. I don't ride out of respect for my body anymore. Do those crutches come in yellow? Was the Suzuki sticker extra? What's a nack nack? When does my warranty expire? I hate the sell of racing castor."

Things never heard around a Triumph shop-"my bike never leaks oil. Sure I ride at night-old man Lucas never let me down. I'm a Mod-Rocker boy! I just sold my pickup-no need to have one since I just rebuilt my bike. Should be good for another season. No it's not out of oil, I just didn't fill it up since my wife had the floor painted. I shoulda bought the Ducati for only $8000 more! All the parts falling off my English bike are of the finest British quality. Who's Steve McQueen? Who's Marlon Brando? Triumph-Honda makes them right? Who is this guy John Bloor? This thing has way too much horsepower."

And finally things you should never hear at church. "We only use the Bible as a reference. The books our staff wrote are much better. Yes, this course is better than a Bible study, and only costs $250. and you get a certificate. Accept Christ and do this, and you'll be saved. Yes, you must wear this underwear to be a true believer. Miracles only happened in the Bible. Our translation is the only true Bible. You must wear a dress to our church-over your special underwear, of course. Please don't park too close to the Pastor's Mercedes. We'll be passing out the envelopes so you can keep up with your commitment to give. Uncontrolled children are welcome in the sanctuary. Please make sure you call the pastor His Eminence. And bow...Please no instruments, they detract from the singing. In my opinion...."

Hope you had a good laugh. I know none of you would ever say these things. Just the other guys we know. But I heard them somewhere...I have always found it better to quote God and the Bible. Remember-God says He helps those who help themselves isn't found in scripture. Or Thomas as a doubter. But it is true that Cain was going to kill his brother as long as he was Abel.

I didn't know that? That you can quote me on, dude.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the day we quit taking pictures

During our last visit to my parents, I retrieved a box of slides from when I was 4-5 years old. Due to finances, I finally go them transferred to a DVD, and watching the 258 of them is a great experience. Amazing how some 55 years ago I have vivid memories of the events in the pictures, but have to look at my shirt to see what I had for lunch-or was that breakfast? Some great pictures, showing the good times I did have when growing up, and reminding me how much my parents loved me. How things really looked, not the retro facade presented today, and how exciting it was for them. They had just begun their family, my father had taken his first job-his only job, and the one he would retire from, and there were some old pictures from our house on Westfield Road, before we moved into our NEW home. From snow, to summer, I was always seen smiling, playing, shoveling snow, and enjoying myself. Just as I remembered it. Much different pictures than the videos parents take today-in the stillness you could see so much more. And as I watched them over and over, I realized how blessed I was. Oh for just one more Christmas as a 5 year old.

But then the pictures stopped. And from 5 years old until now, they have no pictures of me. They quit taking them. So when I questioned my Mother about this, she wasn't sure. Maybe they just didn't enjoy it anymore, or maybe they just couldn't afford it. She also said my sister was the same way-no more pictures. And I wondered, was it because they quit doing things? Had they reached a point where life interfered, and they just endured it. Had they realized all their dreams early, and now were in it for the duration? Who had stolen the joy from them that showed in all the other photos? What made them change?

I was thinking of the real riders I know. More than other riders, they love to travel. And have no plans of quitting. 60-70-80? Just a decade where they went more places, saw more things, met more people, and ate more great foods. They saw sunsets from a beach, and sunrises coming over mountains. When it came on the Travel Channel, they had been there. Or were planning to go. They enjoyed the fellowship of others with the same heart, until one day they just couldn't ride anymore, the body had worn out. And when this happened, then they got old, and died. This is as opposed to the others who had grand plans when they retire, and quit living. They got old fast, and life waned until they finally died. Old before their time, and their age. Time and money-just never spent it. They had quit taking pictures. The best way I have heard it expressed is, "I didn't quit riding because I got old, I got old because I quit riding."

And while some gave it up for families, and other reasons, they are now experiencing the thrill again. Kids are gone, some money in the bank, time is available, and it's just the two of them. And as I meet more and more of them, they all agree they wish they had never quit riding. For it brings so much life to their life. But fortunately are still young enough to enjoy it-there is still time to ride again. The Kodak moments are still happening.

Noah impresses me as the kind of person who would ride. Anyone who can start a project, the ark, at age 600, and put up with insults for 120 years, he must have ridden. He was a true 1%er in Bible times. Noah vs. the citizens. Wonder what his patch was like? His perseverance while living in a tough neighborhood was amazing. Not bad people, just not like hi, in bondage to other gods, and didn't know it. And when he would speak of rain, which had not occurred yet, they thought him nuts. I'm sure there were times he got on his bike and just hit the roads. Probably a dual sport back then. But when it came time for the rain, God kept his neighbors out. WTO Noah! He lived. But they too had a chance for life, but had chosen death. They had quit taking pictures, and were so busy with life, they wouldn't listen to God's message. And when the rain came, and the door was sealed, it was too late-life would be over soon. And it didn't have to be that way. It was a choice each one made.

We don't quit living, or taking pictures all at once. We start by missing a Little League game, then a birthday, then pretty soon it has become a habit. Let the excuses begin. Never realizing the selfishness in the decision to stop. And soon the kids are gone, and it is too late. They take the memories with them, and start a family of them on their own. We can fall into the same trap with God. Missing church for other things. Passing up reading our Bibles because we don't have the time. Then Bible study, prayer times, and soon we have no photos. We have stopped taking them, because life has interfered. And we wonder why time is flying, and taking life with it. And where are the memories that went with it?

Jesus tells us that soon He will call His church home. Don't wait. When that door to heaven closes at the rapture, you will be stuck here. It will be too late for many to restart life, or too accept Him. It will be too late to ride again, go to church, or to dig out the old photos. Memories will have faded, as today and survival will become the most important item of the day. So return to Jesus today. Repent-turn from whatever you are doing, and turn to Him. Start the memories process again. Get out and start riding, and start living again.

And for those of us who never quit, remember the good times while building new ones. Invite someone along, and when people see something different about you, tell them about Jesus in your life. We are part of the greatest revival on earth right now-don't miss it! And remember-Jesus never left us-it is us who left Him. Aren't you glad His camera never stops? And aren't you glad He never stopped riding? Trust God today! And let the film begin! So many roads, so many meals, and so many sunsets to ride into. Don't miss a single one. See you on the road. You can recognize us by the lady on the back with a camera. For when you are living life, you want to remember it and share it with others. Share some today.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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who counsels city councils?

Downtown Santa Paula used to be this neat old tree lined street. But after a period of years, the tree roots started pushing up on the concrete sidewalks, making it interesting, if not dangerous to walk on. Some would be lifted 8-10" above where they were initially laid, and aside from ugly, it was dangerous and tough to navigate. So the city council, in their infinite wisdom, decided to cut down all the trees, and replace the sidewalks. They would also replant trees, so that after a few years, they could replicate the tree lined down town. Which made a few of the residents mad. Some were willing to put up with bad sidewalks, the trees were part of the history. Some just didn't want to trip, and could care less about new trees. And the remaining just wanted the problem to go away. And the city council.

So they cut down the trees, and repaved the sidewalk. Which gave a whole new impression to the downtown. Even planted new trees in the place of the old ones, and although not everyone was happy, the job was done. Sidewalks were safe to walk on once again, and the sun was left to beat down on your head on any given 100 degree afternoon. Fast forward 20 years, and the trees were filling in nicely, shade was provided again, and it looked much like it had 50 years ago. All the way down to the sidewalks starting to buckle-again. Seems that whoever did the proposal, specified the same kind of trees that they cut down because of their root structure. Not sure why, but no one caught it, and if they did, never said anything when they were planted. So I can see it now, when the sidewalks have buckled again to the point of being dangerous in 10 years, they will start, or continue the process all over again. Any bets on what type of trees they will choose? It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.

We even had the city come on our street under Obama's $787 billion fiasco. They were tearing out the trees, and measuring sidewalks-if there was a 1/2" difference in height, they tore out the sidewalk. Considered dangerous, I joked about the daily carnage on my street, and the city employee agreed. See-we need new sidewalks. Which created a mess, and when they were done left the sidewalks even more uneven. But while potholes multiply, and people file missing reports for Toyotas when they fall into one, the sidewalks on our 5 house cul-de-sac were in danger. But the trees, you must have one, they even printed nice brochures and we could pick the type we wanted. When I said no to a new tree, this public servant got upset. I heard the party line about beautifying the street, and putting Americans to work. Good-fill in the potholes. But he was insistent that we have a new tree. Even showed me where the old one had been cut down. As my neighbor, who bought her next door house new watched, she explained to him, there never was a tree there. And as I was telling how the cats use the depression for a cat box, one came by and demonstrated. Today I remain treeless, with smooth sidewalks, and a public restroom for the cats-can anyone fill in the potholes, please?

So when we hear "I'm from the government, and here to help," we quiver. And we should, programs and political pandering has doomed many a project. But we used to look to the church, what happened? When did we get smarter than God? The Tower of Babel was formed by a group of people who thought they were the smartest on earth, and would build a ziggurat to heaven. Wouldn't you like to meet that city council? But where is the church? When we used to have needs, we went to them. And they came through. But history will reveal to us that the day Bibles and prayer were removed from school, that is the day things changed. And where was the church? They sat silent, while one person and her hatred of God changed our policy, ruined our schools, and continues to cause confusion in them today. I reflect on the Amish people, who today still participate in barn raisings when a neighbor has had trouble. I help organize meals for those who need them via the church. We try to minister as Jesus explained to us in Matthew 25-I will paraphrase from the best definition of teamwork I ever heard. "If it needs to be done, do it." Feed, clothe, visit, give drink, and welcome strangers. And so many within so many churches do. And we should.

Remember that next time you are in a situation where you need help. Ask Uncle Sam, or the church. For some churches it will be a wake up call, for some business as usual. But for those asking, they will see how God's people, in love, can respond to any situation. Just ask a flood or tornado victim what happens when FEMA arrives, the church was there first. Doing what needs to be done. From Operation Blessing, to Samaritan's Purse, they spread the gospel better than many preachers-and if they need to these use words. Politics and Jesus will always go in opposite directions. Make sure you follow the one who has a record of perfection. For the next tree they plant just may be where your house used to be. Couldn't happen to you? Ask the sidewalks in Santa Paula. Or the kids who can't pray in school. Trust God-we'll all be glad you did.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

what we have here is a failure to communicate

Theresa and I were sitting eating breakfast in a Black Bear Diner, I was enjoying my lingiuca and eggs, when a couple with two kids sat across from us. They were young, the kids not the parents, and immediately each one got on their cell phone checking messages, playing games, and generally not communicating with each other. I see this so much anymore, but they continued to do this even after the waiter had been by a few times to take their order-and they had yet to look at the menu. Not only rude to each other, but to the waiter, and the others waiting in line for a table. We continued eating, and when we left they were just ordering. The only plus was the restaurant was loud enough we didn't have to listen to their phone conversations. Oh, and the linguica...

I have taken up the habit of whistling the Star Spangled Banner, as loud as I can, when in line and someone is talking on their cell phone. I really don't care to hear of all the stupid things you are doing, and if you wish to bother me, I will express my patriotism even louder. Rude and stupid is no way to go through life, and we really don't care to hear it. Which is why I guard my privacy so much. It is well known that all cell phones also act as a GPS device, and all info will and can be used against you. Did you know that your new car also has a black box set-up, and if the insurance company wants, can access it and see your driving habits, up to and including the accident. And in a no-fault state, you can be found guilty. Apps on your phone-they can work both ways, just like someone is constantly monitoring your internet choices. We marvel at what can be done, but fail to understand it is not for our benefit-but to be used to control us. And when the government tells us we need controlling, they can point to these statistics, which we give them at no charge, and use them against us.

When having lunch a while back, my friend was excited to tell me about a book he was reading that was showing him how to pray better. When I asked, "what book did you read to talk to me," his blank look said none. "Then why do you need a book to talk to God?" And my point was well made. And taken.

Imagine that every night at the same time, a friend calls. After complaining about his day, he goes on to ask for advice. But just when you are to answer, he has to go. The news is on, or he has to get up. Fact is-he really doesn't want your advice. And this sadly shows how many pray to God. They ask, but don't listen. If the lamp is rubbed right, God will answer. If not, they will continue to be miserable, and add that blessing to you. But true prayer is conversation-a dialogue not a monologue. Why ask, if you aren't interested in the answer? How many would talk to you if you didn't listen to them? Another example of God's love and patience. Also imagine a conversation where you talk for 15 minutes, then another talks for 15 minutes. That's not conversation! Interact with each other. Not like a text waiting for an answer-but make it personal. God has. Maybe that is why He has given you two ears, and only one mouth. But more importantly the reason you can control your mouth-but not your hearing! Self control speaks of the holy spirit in your life.

So spend some time praying with God. Thank Jesus for what He has done and watch as your prayers change. And you don't even have to talk-just think it, remember God is a spirit, and must be worshipped as such? He knows your thoughts, and tries to answer. His is that still, small voice you can hear above the music, the exhaust, and above above those on their cell phones. Listen to it, He already knows the plans He has for you-do you? How do you know if you don't listen?

Which is why I love to spend time with God while riding. No cell phones, no radios, and no interference from others talking. If any of the above occurs, you may not be on a motorcycle, even though it has two wheels. Share the time with God, share the road, and tell Him how you feel. Then listen-interact. Make it precious, it is to Jesus. Spending time with God-one of the first examples given in Genesis, walking with God in the cool of the day. With-not in front, not behind, but next to Him. At the same pace. Try that with your cell phone! Are you spending more minutes on it than with God?

Does listening work? A short lesson from a friend with a radio on his Harley. He would speed up and slow down unexpectedly, until we tied his road speed to his music speed. His sound system had more power than his bike! You see-listening does change your life. And if works on a Harley with a loud radio, imagine what you could hear if you really listened! To God?

Let your prayer today be one of a desire to hear from God. Start now by stopping everything else. God I wish to hear from you. No TV, no cell, no radio or i-pod. Just Jesus. Spend some time with your best friend. He did call you friend if you do those things He asked, didn't He? Well if you can't hear, you can't hear Him. And you might miss a blessing. From your friend. If you were God, would you like to be put on hold?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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laiken's race-the tougher the battle, the sweeter the victory

The world of motorcycle road racing was about to be changed forever at Daytona in 1970. After decades of twin cylinder racing, Triumph and BSA were about to unleash their Trident/Rocket 3 to the world at Daytona. Three cylinders at 750cc, it was faster than any bike out there. Honda countered with its new 750cc four cylinder, at the time THE bike to own, ride, and this year to race with. Bob Hansen of American Honda had requested 750's to race on the banked oval at Daytona for 1970, only to be met with resistance from Japan. "Why would want to race, we might lose?" they asked, with Bob telling them it would be a great forum to test their bikes. They denied him, replying "we are in racing to win, not to lose," as their history proved. But a week later Bob's phone rang, and the same man who denied him now wanted to know what kind of top speeds were needed at Daytona to win. Bob added 3-5 mph to what he thought it would take, and they thanked him. Now we know how much horsepower we need, and soon seven bikes arrived stateside.

But the Hondas soon blew up in practice, the cam chain guides were too hard and would self destruct at high speeds, which Honda denied, and so the only engine with newer guides was ridden by Dick Mann. Dick was a racer's racer, and could and had won on every type of racing the AMA supported. But it also threw a wrench in Honda's plans, they had caught Triumph using a higher compression piston than stock-breaking the rules. But just as they were to expose Triumph, one of their motors caught fire, and melted down. It was obviously magnesium-not stock, so they backed off, before someone turned them in. In racing it isn't called cheating unless you get caught.

Race day 1970 had all the Honda's but Dick's 750 go out early, from cam chain tensioner problems, just as they were told. Dick had at one point early on opened up a 50 yard lead over the Triumph of Romero. And Honda with just one entry left, and with six laps to go and a 12 second lead over Gene Romero, they started losing 2 seconds a lap. Which set the Japanese VP into a rage, and he starting calling Hansen and telling him what to do. Ride faster-you're losing 2 seconds a lap. Which Bob ignored, he knew that Dick's bike was only running on three cylinders sometimes, and Dick was doing all he could to get the bike home in first place. Which he did, defeating Romero and Triumph by 2 seconds-the closest that Romero would come to a Daytona win-even though he was to win the AMA #1 plate that year. By the way, he finished running on 3 cylinders, and with only a cup of oil left in the engine.

Dick Mann showed what a racer he was, with the win on a failing Honda. A combination of Mann and machine you might say. But Bob Hansen later in the week was fired, and Yamaha signed him to run their race team, and when you look at what they did at Daytona, and in road racing in the seventies-it was good for Yamaha and Bob-but never again for Honda. The world of road racing had changed forever at Daytona that day. And in an era before it was racing for points to win a championship, Dick had won the race, which is what racing is all about. Sadly today so many race for the championship-tell that to Mann, Romero, Nixon, Roberts, and the others who raced to win. For if you win the race, the championships will come. Mr. Petty, will be happy to explain this to all you other back markers. Winners race to win!

It was four years yesterday that Laiken finished her race here on earth. She was in the race of her life, to win against cancer. And when she finally finished her race that April 22, 2008, she had won. You see cancer hadn't beat her, she had won the race, and when it was over, God called her home. You see, for those who think cancer beat her, they would be wrong. God was in her pits the whole time, and knew the day, hour, and minute her race would over. She had one final lap to go, and just when it looked the darkest, God gave her enough to finish the last lap. The race finished, the race over, the race won-God called her home. To heaven, where the real celebrations began, and continue to this day. Only God can know when our race is over, and we are told to run the race to win-not to finish. To just finish means compromising, but real racers race to win. They use every trick in the book, like Dick and other champions do. But they win-and when the checkered flag drops, the race is over. It is called living-and Laiken lived till the end.

Laiken's checkered flag dropped on April 22nd. She won! Her victory lap still going on in heaven.

Is your crew chief Jesus Christ? Hers was. Are you racing to win? Are you walking in the spirit? So many wanna bees, coulda beens, and shoulda beens competing for your affection. Laiken knew Jesus. He had plans for her, and though the race was rough-real races require as much perseverance as skill, she persevered and won. No excuses, no reasons why she could have not finished, she had Jesus. And listened to Him. And set an example of life that I still am amazed at. For four years after her race ended, this special little girl reminds me of how to fight to the end-to the finish. And that to finish first, you must first finish. Keep April 22nd circled on your calendar, I do. And remember her Mom Stacy, who still battles in her race. Remember Jim, her stepdad, who loved her more than can be explained here. Remember Abigail, who came within five months of Laiken becoming the big sister, and meeting her. Abigail will someday celebrate with her big sister Laiken, but for now she has her own life/race to run. And never forget Jesus Christ, who without Him in their lives makes the race a DNF. God has a plan for them, and you. Laiken's plan is over, the race is won. It is up to those of us still in the race to remember why we run it. And how when we are guided by God, the victory is sweeter than any setbacks along the way.

Honda knew how much horsepower it took to make speed. Dick knew how to get the bike home to the finish. Only Jesus know how much power you need to make life. And how to get you home. Trust Him, some laps take longer than others, and the competition will be breathing down your neck-but there is nothing like winning. Ask Dick, a true champion on the track, and ask Laiken, a true champion in the race of life. The tougher the battle, the sweeter the victory. And Laiken's victory lies in heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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