at the heart of the matter

We ride “motor” cycles, emphasizing the motor part.  Even Harley refers to itself as The Motor Company, so maybe there is something in a name.  And size of engine.  For years a 250cc was the buy in size for beginners, I started on a Honda 50.  At the time 250cc power was unheard of.  And when riding, the larger the motor, the bigger the presence.  My CB350 was cool, but sitting next to Frank’s CB450 he had the power over me.  650cc-wait a minute, that was for race bikes, or hooligans.  No one needed more power than that, even Edward Turner who was the father of the Triumph twin said so.  But then alone came Honda with a 750cc, and with 4 cylinders.  And disc brakes, electric start, and it somehow contained all the oil it had put into it.  Just pulling up next to one was a humbling experience.  Just blipping the throttle told you he was king, the four pipes singing a song previously reserved for the race track.  Then Kawasaki came out with the Z-1, 903cc!  This thing was bigger than a Sportster, which was at the time described as being so fast it will put hair on your chest, and if you already have hair there part it.  This was seriously fast, and could go 134 mph.  How could anyone hang onto something that fast?  And soon BMW had 900cc in their R90S, Honda was to follow with 900, then 1100cc versions, and the race was on....where would it all end?  But the power race was just beginning, the engines at the heart of the matter.

Technology is a great thing, and soon 500cc bikes were running with the big guys, and whereas more engine size gave you more power, now more engine came in smaller packages.  That would handle better, be easier to ride, and soon handling, brakes, and a highly tuned engine all were the things we were told we needed.  And of course we did, when they all added up to performance, more of it.  But soon, just as they had in the muscle car era, insurance companies in the early 1980’s singled out high performance bikes, referred to as “Ninja bikes,” based on the Kawasaki by that name.  Aimed at the Jap bikes at the time, whose performance was so far ahead of any one else, some were made to be uninsurable, to keep them off the streets.  Honda had a CB1100, Suzuki the GS1100, Kawasaki had the Ninja at 1000cc, and Yamaha had the FJ1100.  But my wallet and insurance budget would only cover the 650-750cc range, until one afternoon in July.  We all hear about the deal that cannot be refused, and that day I was offered it.  It was a left over 1985 FJ100, which had been sold two previous times, but never left the showroom.  No one could get insurance coverage on it, so it sat, until that afternoon.  Now at the time it was the fastest street bike, top speed 155 mph, with  a small fairing, new at the time.  It sold for $4995, big bucks to me, but the deal was offered, and it had me...if only I could get it insured.  The store offered me the bike for $3995, no one discounted bikes that much, and gave me retail for what my old bike, a 1983 CB650 Nighthawk, which I had gotten from Gary at Handlebar, getting a bigger discount by winning the flip of the coin.  So here I was, a deal no one would believe, and that I may never see again, I had to say yes-I mean what would you have done?

And because of my older age, over 30, I was insured with no problem.  And suddenly I realized what I had done, and what I had, so I had to take a trip to break in the bike.  Putting 7000 mile son it the first 3 weeks, speed not important, but I did do one stretch of 100 miles in one hour in Eastern Colorado...I finally was living the high performance dream, and the size of the motor part of motorcycle gave me bragging rights, and a new respect from other riders.  For 11 years, longer than I have ever owned a motorcycle, the FJ went everywhere I did, ego driven by 1100 cc’s is tough to beat.  Then the king, today the 675 Street Triple in the garage will whoop on it.  Still the engine is the heart of the matter.

We are always looking for more power, to gain control over things.  To feed our egos, to give us the advantage over the other guy.  But we look to alternative ways when we should be looking to Christ.  Who gives us a new definition of power, calling it meekness, power under control.  For 150 horsepower still takes the discipline of the wrist to deliver it to the pavement, too much you wheelie, and can lose all control.  Not enough throttle, you stall.  Some will push to redline, some past it, seeking more power.  But it is when riding the bike as designed, we get the most performance from it.  And like my rides, I want all the performance I can get from my God.  When He tells me He is healer, I want to see people healed.  When He tells me He provides, I want to see people’s needs met.  And when He tells me He saves, I want to see others saved.  I want all that God has to offer, I want all the blessings.  I want all I paid for when I gave my life to Christ-I want Jesus.  For only in Jesus will you get to the heart of the matter.  Only in Jesus  will you get the right power at the right time-His power.  Power in the hands of evil that could change the world, but in the hands of a loving God will still save it.  Power that is dependent on Him, not on me.  For when Jesus is the heart of the matter, we see things from God’s perspective, not through our own selfish eyes.  We see small people do great things, and powerful people losing their power.  We see evil plans go astray, and God’s plans before our very eyes, when we see them through His eyes.  We see a higher performance than we knew existed, and our 50cc life can sometimes produce more than a 200 hp race bike.  When we have the focus of Jesus, we no longer become narrowly focused, but ready to take on whatever He sends our way.  He adjusts our suspension to take the bumps, He adjusts our throttle so we get power to the pavement.  When He is in control, we have true high performance, no matter how it is measured.

Today we have electronic suspensions, traction control, and adjustable throttle settings-on motorcycles.  We have given over the power to think and adjust ourselves to a black box.  And when it fails, we don’t ride.  We sit and cuss, and watch, and wish for another ride.  Only in Jesus will we never be stranded.  Only in Him will all the power we ever need be there.  Only in Him will we have the power to decide when to use it, and only in Him, when used correctly, will we see blessings that we never could imagine.  A deal much better than the one for my FJ, one that will last through many bikes, as mine with Christ has.  Over the years, bikes have gotten more powerful, and more performance oriented.  I cannot count how many I have had, but I still count on the only God I have, and will ever need.  For when Jesus is the heart of the matter, everything you need is there with Him.  And nothing you don’t need.  Now that’s performance, that’s the kind of God I wish to worship.  Jesus Christ, a deal that may seem unbelievable, but with a little faith will be the best deal you ever made.  And by the way, His insurance comes with the deal.  One stop shopping for all your performance needs...why walk when you can be riding?  Offered to all riders of all engine sizes...performance you can count on.  No matter what you ride, nothing beats Jesus.  Nothing.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

wear clean underwear

Years ago Frank and I agreed that we are both not afraid to die.  We have given our lives to Jesus, and we know where we are going after we die-heaven.  And after going through life changing illnesses, we still agree.  Our confidence is not shaken, but we also agree that we are not sure of the process.  Something we are all faced with.  And it is no different for those of us who ride, from ads to parts managers to our peer riders, we are shown or told how to dress for the ride.  A man just spent $25k on his Harley Ultra Expensive Glide.  Then spends another $1500 on leathers, gotta look good when cruisin’ by at 25 mph, chaps in the wind when it’s 90 degrees out.  Then they go and spend $25 on a half shell helmet, non-DOT, and brag to their friends what rebels they are.  Even spending another $5 for a sticker to prove it.  BMW riders are no different, after raiding their 401k for the newest BMW to impress the elite, they buy their riding suits-ready for any weather, adding $1500 to their Amex card, but never will ride in the rain.  Too hard to clean the bike after.  But if it gets cold, they are ready-even on 90 degree days, Klim approved and ready to go wherever their adventure bike will take them. Just as long as the road is dry and clear. Sport bike riders are no different, without a full leather riding suit, knee pads, and full gauntlet gloves, you cannot go fast.  Or at least look like you could waiting for the light to turn green.  I fall somewhere in between, or below, depending on your take.  Years ago when a car turned in front of me at 45 mph, and I landed on my head, I was glad to have my Bell R-T on.  Even though it wore a hole in the helmet, the open face part allowed me slide on my face, leaving my left cheek look like it had been sandpapered.  And the ad telling me about a $10 head and a $10 helmet made sense then, and it does now.  I wear a full face Arai, quiet, light, and comfortable.  But I believe you should make the decision yourself, and be given a discount on your insurance for wearing one.  Not sure how that would go over in the mid west, where summer means shorts, flip flops, tank top, and no helmet while riding.  Or what to think of Barr, who I rode cross country with.  Just back from Iraq, he wore his leather jacket and gloves in all weather, up to 124 degrees when my Arai’s glue melted.  Claimed after being in 130 heat, it didn’t bother him.  But he wouldn’t wear a helmet-go figure.  And today we have a new acronym, ATGATT, All The Gear, All The Time reminding us to dress safe.  If only we were shown how to ride safe.  Or better yet, car drivers were taught to drive safe, without cell in hand, or under the influence of children.  Very few of us go down without the help of some irresponsible driver.  Fashion may make a statement, it doesn’t make a better rider.

Now I always wear gloves, deerskins, when riding.  Your first line of defense when falling is your hands, and engines get hot.  Plus you leave no fingerprints.  And talking with Fu last night, a new rider, he reminded me of how his MSF class taught him to always dress safely.  Trendy, and also so when not on your bike, the public knows what you are riding.  Just in case carrying your new helmet didn’t give you away.  On older riders we can tell by the bugs in their beards, and the way they hobble from too much seat time.  You decide.  They are called accidents because they are unplanned, unwanted, and uninvited.  And when asked after being hit from behind by a woman, if I wished I had more riding gear on, my answer was “I wish she hadn’t hit me.”  And no I didn’t have on clean underwear to go to the hospital.

Now if you are looking for a lesson on wearing the armor of God, sorry.  You missed the point.  The point is about choice, and the choices we make.  To ride or not to ride?  Jesus or hell?  King James or NIV?  Honda or Harley?  These are all important decisions we make.  With the one abut Jesus meaning life or death.  But only God lets you choose, no one forces you to go to heaven, or hell, although your parents may have made you go to church.  If I had known I was going to be hit that day, I might have stayed home.  Taken another route.  But they are called accidents, and we don’t know if or when they are going to happen.  But here are some for sure facts, to help you choose.  You will never get VD if you only have sex with your spouse, who has not had sex with anyone else.  If you never drink, you will never be an alcoholic.  If you never try drugs, you will never become a junkie.  Few set out to ruin their lives, yet the results are still the same.  One bad choice got them there, one good choice, turning to Jesus will get you out.  A helmet might not prevent an accident, but I am glad I wore one when I needed it.  And going to church, reading the Bible more, and praying more won’t save you-it takes Jesus, and trusting Him.  So I wish to offer another acronym, ATGATT.  Always Trust God, All The Time!  And show it by your choices you make.  Which show self control, a fruit of the spirit in your life.  Learn to avoid accidents by staying away from situations where they might occur.  Trouble with drinking, stay out of bars and friends who do.  Sex, R is the new X rating, just one peak doesn’t hurt, or does it?  As Billy Graham put it, the first glance is normal, the second is lustful.  Drugs, stay away from those who use them and avoid the temptation.  Bad company corrupts good morals, learn the power in saying no.  And say yes to Jesus, where the real power lays. Live to ride another day, another road.  Spend time with Jesus, and as you get to know Him better, you see sin in a different way, and you want to avoid it.  Your choice-only found in Jesus, not in any other religion.  Or philosophy.  Or fellowship.  Just you and Jesus, and when He becomes real, you make better decisions. 

So never leave the house for any reason without Jesus.  Let Him guide your ride.  And enjoy the ride better.  $25k and 25 miles don’t make you a biker.  Clothes don’t make the man, Jesus does.  You can’t buy your way into Him either.  He is more than the clothes you wear or the bike you ride.  He is life.  And life is for the living.  And so those of us who know Jesus are not afraid to die.  And even though not sure of the process, trust Him daily.  And because of Him we know where we are going, even after we die.  ATGATT-Always Trusting God, All The Time.  Clean underwear optional.  Some decisions will always be more important than others. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

no good reason to ride Pozo Road

A popular theme found in motorcyclist magazines is “Ten Best Roads.”  Letting your mind wander, and wonder what it would be like to ride them.  But coming upon an older article, I found I had ridden 8 of the 10, and that many of them wouldn’t appear on my best list.  Too many people know about them now, pushing many of us to other roads, less traveled, and rally better roads.  Roads that don’t necessarily lead to anywhere, but take you somewhere words and tarmac can’t.  I had ridden Pozo Road before, and it was fun, but didn’t go anywhere except Pozo, open only on weekends, or over the mountain to the Carrizzo Plane.  But last Tuesday I saw it different.  Only 18 miles in length, there were times when 80 wasn’t fast enough, and 30 was too fast.  Whereas the valley was under wind warnings, there was no wind on Pozo that day.  In the 50’s when we first went down it, and in the 70’s returning, we never felt the cold or the warm.  We had ridden Pozo Road, or better yet experienced Pozo Road, a road not to appear on any Top 10.  It is the local roads, the roads where we become one with the bike, and time stands still that we remember best.  Some roads beg to be ridden fast, some slow, some tell us never come back, but some just welcome you, and we were welcomed that morning. 

Now why the pavement is fresh and smooth on this road to nowhere is beyond me, someone in the road department must ride, but it is fresh except for the short sections being replaced.  Even the workers smiled when we rode by, slowing but not going slow-they knew.  Maybe it was the wild turkeys crossing the road, and then giving us the “what for” look as we invaded their road.  Maybe it was the ranches, or the ranch houses, with horses in corrals.  Maybe it was Pozo, all three buildings of it, with the Pozo Saloon getting ready for a big concert that weekend-country western of course.  Maybe it was the elevation changes, the creek that ran along side most of it.  Maybe it was the turn off to Lake Margarita, that we took, only to turn back after being faced with a day use charge-the best things in life still are free.  Maybe it was the herd of horses, who ran when we passed, then all looked at us when we returned.  Unimpressed.  Maybe it was the Rinconcada Store, open only on weekends, and looking like it was closed for good.  A long time ago.  Maybe it was Theresa and I, or maybe it was all the above, and even more.  But one thing was for sure, there is no good reason to ride Pozo Road.

Now it has been said, and rightly so, “I rather be riding my motorcycle thinking about God than sitting in church thinking about my motorcycle.”  Maybe that was the key component that day, like it has been on many others.  But what about the times I have been in church and thought about rides, and riding?  Was I in sin, or the spirit?  Many times when in church, Pastor Ray will say something which confirms what God has shown me before.  He will confirm it in scripture, and my mind gets to going places.  One verse, sometimes one word in the verse, previously overlooked, will set my spirit riding.  And as the scriptures become real to me, I am riding a great road, just me and the Lord, and speed, bike, or any other conditions don’t matter-just Jesus.  Sometimes Wickham will play songs during worship that send me thinking, “Bless the Lord all my soul” sends me back to a precious time with Jesus.  Sometimes I contemplate God, sometimes I am moved to pray for others.  Sometimes it is just sometimes...but can be any time or every time.  For the Holy Spirit works that way, in ways that words cannot describe, for if words could it wouldn’t be God.  You cannot use finite words to explain an infinite God, yet some try.  Or over try-“don’t you get it?” they wonder, when you know you do, and wonder why they don’t.  I can explain it to you, but I can’t understand it for you.  It can be seeing friends, listening to testimonies, teachings on the radio, or just you and a Bible, but where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.  A freedom to see God for who He is, to make it personal.  To ride at the speed of light, or sit waiting at a light.  But when He is with you, all things are different, and we look at things in a new light.  We see things through His eyes rather than ours, and lean on Him, rather than our own understanding.  And the blessings begin to overwhelm, over flowing, and we see Jesus-for nothing else matters.  Ever wonder what it will be like in heaven?  Consider your prayer life now, if you really trusted God, what would your prayer life be reduced to?  Praise and worship-heaven, and it can be on earth as it is in heaven, Jesus said so.  So try that one on, and see if it makes a difference in your relationship to God.  Or with God. 

So rather than thinking about it, do it!  Be a doer of the word, not just a talker.  Get out and ride, get to church and into Jesus.  Be in the spirit, and watch as you see things much differently.  Turkeys, horses, and hawks aren’t a distraction, but part of the ride.  Don’t hurry, I still ride fast, but really ride less slow, getting the most out of every ride and road.  Sometimes third gear is too much for 30, and too much for 80.  Not all roads have to lead to somewhere, some are calling to be ridden, then turn around and ridden again.  And again.  Seeing things both ways, and in ways only God sees them.  What are your 10 Best roads?  10 best rides?  Unless Jesus is part of them, you are missing something.  Life is not all about getting from point a to point b, it is about the ride.  So for many there will be no good reason to ride Pozo Road.  It doesn’t seem to go anywhere.  But to those who ride with Jesus, it will take you places you have never been.  And places you can’t wait to go back too.  Only in Christ are your best rides still ahead.  And your 10 best rides yet to come. 

And yes, I think about God a lot when riding, don’t you?  What better reason to ride than to spend time with God with no interruptions?   To see things His way, at His speed, on His roads.  Roads that will never make anyone else’s top 10, only yours.  And on the seventh day when God rested, you will find me resting in Him, while riding.  Just me, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit-for wherever two or three are gathered in His name, He is among them.  No better reason to ride Pozo Road than I can think of.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

just three bikes from out of town

It is always good to get away, and this Easter break Theresa and I went to Paso Robles, and stayed at the Melody Ranch Motel.  We have been staying there for years, and know Frank, the owner quite well.  A 1950’s motel that is for real today, with prices reflecting a slower time in the economy.  A short trip, I could only put 1500 miles on the press bike, so we chose great roads over long distance.  We were the first to arrive, and later after resting went to dinner, noticing two other arrivals via motorcycle.  Across the lot was a Street Glide,  and one look told you this was not his first ride. Something about the way it sat and was loaded told me it was not his first ride.  But right next to me was a new 2014 BMW GS1200, the off road adventure version.  Brand new,it was still shiny red, and loaded with accessories from a trip through the Tourtech catalog.  In fact it had more chrome than the Harley, crash bars, GPS mounts, bags, and loaded up-in comparison to the Tiger Explorer XC I was riding.  Just looking at it, it had to have cost well over $20,000, the buy in price for BMW’s these days, the Harley not much less.  But as I surveyed the differences, it dawned on me how much alike the riders must be, despite our different choice of rides.  One-we were all from somewhere else, and on the road to somewhere, retired or on a trip, as this was Monday night.  We had chosen the road as our destination, although we were spending down time at the same motel.  We had money and experience tied up in our rides also, as these were not beginner bikes.  We were each loyal to our brands, although a common denominator of motorcycles was our most common thread.  I never did see the owners, but meeting their bikes told me something about them, and I wondered what did they think of me or my ride, or did they even notice at all?  And they both were gone early the next morning-before 8 am, the road calling, for me a day’s ride, locally when I got up.  But these three bikes from out of town made me think all day of friends I meet along the road, how a Harley rider has told me of great sport bike roads, how BMW riders will visit with me at rest stops, comparing road notes, and places to eat, and even Gold Wing riders will pull over from their 55 mph cruise to let us pass, then talk with us when we meet.  We all ride, but ride at different speeds, rates, roads, and brands.  We all ride our own ride, as we should, and we should enjoy the ride, instead of trying to keep up, or wait for another rider.  You only go as fast as the slowest rider, so I ride alone, you make your own choice.  But that afternoon it was representative of our brotherhood, we all ride, with the road the destination, not just the way there.

If you don’t ride you won’t know what it is like to be part of the brotherhood of bikers that do.  We wave, we stop for others, and even though our brand loyalties may separate us, when we get together things get done.  We raise money, help others, visit kids in hospitals, and support vets.  Invite one, and you have invited all, so have plenty of chili and coffee handy.  And we don’t knock, we feel that welcome....just  like at church, right?  For years I have told people that the church needs to be more like the biker world, we have Jesus, the ultimate, why not get along better?  Yet I see Baptists try to impress me with their legalism, Lutherans with their ceremonies, and even had a Pentacostal tell me I was unteachable, because I wouldn’t believe what he said, although it wasn’t in the Bible.  The evangelicals tell me I am not evangelistic enough, and the fundamentalists accuse me of not spending enough time in the word.  I never realized it was so tough being a Christian, no wonder I ride so much.  So over the years I have come to appreciate where each one is with God.  Some need the legalism, freedom in the spirit scares them, you mean I can really trust God?  Some need the ceremonies, I love it when each service is different.  Just because a preacher has an hour to speak, doesn’t mean he has to use it.  Why do some waste an hour, and lose an audience, when Billy Graham can speak 5 minutes and many are saved?  Some preach from messages,  I find a new message just by going through the Bible verse by verse.  I believe in healing and miracles, yet some deny them, am I a liar because I am a miracle?  Can we all just get along, remembering our common thread is Jesus, and seek Him and not a form of religion?  Can we be like my friend Fr. Al, no win heaven, who used to serve communion to all believers, against his church’s advice.  He saw Jesus, who knows what they saw.  Why don’t we, why can’t we get along in the spirit?

Years ago, Juan Carlos Ortiz, wrote a book about this, “Call to Discipleship.”  Living in a South American country, he saw many doing things in God’s name, but not getting along with each other.  They talked of unity, like Democrats talk of free speech, OK as long as you agree with them.  So when God put on his heart to be united in the spirit, he knocked on church doors with his vision, and was rejected.  He was seen as a threat, until some said yes, and a revival started, freedom in the spirit had overcome long standing religious lines, and the church grew.  It only took one man and his vision from God, but it was God who brought about the change.  Just think a minute, when the world sees one biker, they see us all.  What does the world see when it sees one Christian?  Or two or three who don’t get along?  Do they see Jesus, who said He was among them, or are they denying Him, themselves and their religion more important than a relationship with Him?  What unity are you seeking-your answers will tell us.  We are the church, and God is adding to us daily, so be in the spirit.  Some will teach, some will disciple, some will visit, and will evangelize.  But we will be called in the spirit, and what Jesus calls us to do will be done-His will be done. 

When you look across the parking lot, who do you see?  Do you see other brothers in Christ, or do you see their denomination?  Do you see the differences, or do you see Jesus?  Are you bound by the legalism of denominations, or are you free indeed in Jesus?  Do you dare ask to pray with someone not of your faith?  A stranger?  Do you have Jesus in common?  Learn the lesson from the biker world, we all ride, yet ride different bikes.  Some exude brand loyalty first, and miss out from other brands.  Some cruise, some carve corners, some set the cruise at 55 and hang on for dear life.  Some live their ride through catalogs and magazines.  We are all on a road to somewhere, not always knowing where the road leads.  Some will rush to their destination, then hurry up and wait for the next ride.  Some keep going, too early to stop.  Some will go back and ride the road again, enjoying the curves, and establishing new braking points.  But we all ride!  And we have a message of being an individual through unity.  Church we all have given our lives to Christ, or we wouldn’t be Christians.  Why can’t we be alive and unify in the spirit?  Let us be known by our unity to God, and not our differences.  Someday we will all reside in heaven, those that believe, and you may just end up next to a biker.  Or a Catholic, or a Pentacostal, or a Baptist.  Or me.  But we will all be with Jesus, and none of that will matter.  Jesus taught us to pray, “ on earth as it is in heaven...” A reminder of three bikes from out of town, we all ride.  If a Harley rider can wave to a Gold wing rider, you see miracles still occur.  Be one today, you will be amazed at the doors it opens up, and you will find Jesus is behind one.  That knocking you hear may not be your engine, but your heart.  Let Jesus be your call to discipleship today...what gets your motor running?  If you don’t know Jesus you will never know heaven.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com