road scholars

We were on our way from Muscatine to St. Joseph with a stop in Clarinda to visit the Glen Miller Museum when we needed to make a pit stop.    Crossing over an Interstate in the middle of Iowa, we met and talked with two couples on Harleys, who were heading home from Bryce and Zion National Parks, their turn around point.  It seems they were much closer to home than we were, with less than two hours left to their ride.  When touring people meet we instinctively talk about the roads we ride, and they had been mostly on freeways, making time as best they could, and sadly missing the best part of riding.  They had started riding Highway 12 in Utah, but turned back, and had spent too much time judging riding by which exit they would need.  Talking with the one guy, when I told him where we were going, he asked “why didn’t you just take the interstate?”  And as I began to explain why, his face lit up.  He lived in a small town outside Iowa City, and to him it was all cornfields, and farm roads.  To us it was much different, as I explained.  You see when the Interstate Highway System was created, it did its best to eliminate curves, changes in elevation, and to provide a smooth, wide open motoring experience, designed to be driven at 85 mph, 1955 miles per hour.  Replacing the many US Highways that preceded it, and which I travel on today.  Visiting the towns that the interstate bypassed, roads with names and numbers, not just freeway exit numbers.  And as I explained how the roads were different, he nodded and started to smile.  He was beginning to get it, there is more to riding than freeways.  But then I mentioned how the state road, and even better yet, the county roads, were much better rides.  State roads follow the topography much closer, not bulldozing hills, going up and over them, following rivers, and adding curves and life to the ride.  But county roads elevated the ride even more, lots of 15 mph turns after running at 70, slowing down past farms, 25 mph speed zones through towns, and curves, turns, elevations, and excitement that was eliminated by freeways.  And he smiled...to him it was just riding through the corn fields, he never realized how good the roads he lived on and rode were.   And what he had missed riding cross country on I-40, 80, and others.  We finished our ride across Iowa in the same amount of time, and were refreshed, he was tired from riding freeways.  You decide, which ride is better for you?

If you think the Midwest is flat, get off the freeways.  State Road 92 had so many elevation changes and hills and dips, the cruise control couldn’t keep up with it.   Many a small town was ridden through,with a detour to ride the old downtown, past the municipal court house, and local drive in.  America at its greatest, a life photo many times of life just after WWII, when all was exciting and we were victors and led the world in freedom.  So much of America is like that, get off the freeways and live, see history on more than just the History Channel, be greeted by smiles, welcomed and conversed with.  Learn about the people in the area in a short meeting, rather than dodging semis at a truck stop.  Travel may have changed, but the traveler hasn’t, and there is so much to be seen and learned out on the road.  Where a quote in Hannibal, Missouri by Mark Twain reminded us, “traveling is the best way to learn.”  And back roads across America just make it better.

Jesus spent most of his ministry on the road, no coincidence that he draws us out and about.  Yet for years the main thrust has been on education, memorization, and study.  Knowing all about the man, but many times never getting to know the man.  Facts and figures may tell us something, but don’t give us insight as to who he really was.  Like the road, you need to experience Jesus first hand, to ride with him in the curves, see him in action via hearing other’s testimonies, and bless and be blessed by others.  It was on the road where Paul met him, where the Philip met the eunuch, where the Samaritan met the wounded man, and where Jesus was crucified.  There are many other instances of road scholarship, but nothing beats knowing Jesus personally, and not just from a book.  When you see the storm clouds ahead and start praying, when the sun breaks through and you rejoice, when you meet someone who wants to pray for you, or you for them, you see Jesus in action.  Jesus never hurried, and was never late, can you say that about your freeway experience through the Bible?  Constant study leaves no time for life, and why do we study, to pass a test, to find ourselves approved.  Then forget it after the test...only to be reminded when we need to use it on the road.

So have you really experienced Jesus in your life?  Are you out living the gospel as you go as scripture advises?  Of all people I met on the trip while stopped, it was the religious man who wanted to force a tract on us who didn’t show respect and courtesy.  He had an agenda, what’s yours?  When you stop to talk do you force Jesus on the other, or do you let your light shine?  Do you listen or just hurry to the next stop?  Or are you still looking?  Or waiting.....

Consider this today, so many teachings emphasize the return of Jesus.  But how many remind us that his spirit never left?  That in all things he is with us, at all speeds, on all roads.  Yet we neglect to slow down and spend time with him.  We noticed that many old churches were empty this year, religion is dying, but Jesus is still alive.  We don’t call them rest stops for nothing.  The church is leaving the building, and getting out and living and loving.  God pours out, he doesn’t need to take in.  We need to do both....traveling is the best way to learn, I know, because I also have the best teacher.  My homework called life.  You study, I’ll live.  Knowledge puffs up....we all need Jesus.  Knowing about is different than knowing him.  Of course you already knew all this didn’t you....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Ernie and Ora

I don’t know much about the Amish people, even after my last stay in their area of Indiana and Illinois.  I do know they are private people, keeping to themselves, who live a simple, country, farm type living.  They are community minded, they can raise a barn in a day with their neighbors help, they only drive in carriages pulled by horses, they don’t use buttons, only pins to keep shirts and pants connected, and only after marriage can the men grow beards.  They make great food, real American comfort food, the women dress conservatively, and they tend to be very friendly.  They live an existence quietly removed from the world, not sure about their religion, or if being Amish is being religious, but they live under many laws, customs we would call them, and over the years I have seen their customs slowly changing and becoming more worldly, you make the call, or better yet, let them if it is right or wrong.

Staying at Das Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana, it is a beautiful resort in the rolling countryside.  Downtown Middlebury reflects the current Amish, carriages parked outside stores, using the shoulder of the road, and being found working in various retail stores.  A far cry from just down the road in Shipshewanna, where it looks like an Amish Disneyland, Middlebury and other small towns around reflect much better today’s Amish.  At least from my observations...

But within Das Essenhaus are many stores, where both Amish people and non work.  In one Amish furniture store, we talked with Ernie, and how he wants to travel to California, but will have to do so by train.  I began to see the holes in his Amish-ness, as he also rides a bike to work, as many do, and not just in carriages as the older generation does.  It seemed to me that his legalistic lifestyle has many holes in it, as any legalistic system does, and he can pick and choose what he wants to do and how to live.  Which may or may not make him a target among other Amish folk.  Why a bike and not a motorcycle, why a train and not a plane?  Why not your carriages, or is the belief system only local?  Questions I wanted to ask, but passed on.  I didn’t want to appear judgmental, but still am curious.

Maybe what I found most entertaining was a group of high school age Amish girls, who were looking over our bike, and us, then smiled, trying to get our attention.  Seems kids of all cultures like motorcycles, how many horsepower versus your one?  But one last encounter, a buggy ride around the grounds with Ora taking the reins, opened up more questions.  I asked “how are winters here?”  His answer took me aback for a second, “I don’t know, we go to Florida for the winter.”  By train I imagine.  Seems the old ways are giving way to the new ones, again the problem with living within certain laws only gives you a greater chance to break them.  The Amish are coming into the 20th century slowly, and I welcome them, and respect them.  I just hope they don’t lose their identity in the process.

Now I didn’t stop and fact check the Amish ways or ways to live, just based on what I saw and was told.  But I will, because I am interested in them, and my friend Ernie.  But fact checking is nothing new, just to the press corps of today.   When Paul and Silas travelled spreading the gospel, the Jews in Berea were counted as being noble, they checked out the facts before believing their words.  An open mind, but a cautious heart, backed up by scripture.  I encounter too many believers who just believe what is said from the pulpit, or what the pastor’s book says.  Following a TV evangelist and never reading a Bible or testing the spirits via scripture as we are advised to do.  Luke writes here in Acts it is a noble thing to check for accuracy, using scripture as the only barometer, not book sales, not attendance, or even popularity.  In all cases other than spirit led, you can fall victim to writing your own gospel, your own belief system like Ernie and Ora, choosing which to follow and what not to.  Sound like church?  And you wonder why Jesus was against the Pharisees teachings and they hated him. How noble are your beliefs?  Are they spirit based, church based, denominational based, or based on a set of rules and ways set forth by your fellowship?  Do you pick and choose which ones you like?  Are you willing to risk becoming a rebel for Jesus by checking and then following him?  Never take me at my words, check them out and let me know if I am off, I don’t want to be.  Forgive me if I am, give God the glory if I am right.  Follow his words, not mine.

The Amish way of life is changing, the word of God never does.  Do not believe the book of Mormon, the JW version for they are not accurate, and deny the deity of Jesus Christ.  Which is what it all comes down, who do you say Jesus is?  The scriptures proclaim boldly he is both God and man, both Lord and savior.  The only way to heaven, the only way to be forgiven, and salvation is a free gift.  You cannot earn it or buy it at a Christian book store.  Scripture tells us “these things shall follow them that believe.”  What are you leaving behind?  Is it all about Jesus or all about something else and Jesus?  Or you?  Pray for Ernie and Ora, and the other Amish.  Include anyone stuck in legalism, for where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.  We all write our own gospels to a point, where is Jesus in yours? 

I find it interesting that if you take money out of the Amish equation, it all reverts back to their simplicity.  Maybe there is a lesson to be learned from them after all.  As for me I’ll stick with my horsepower.  And the one who knows how to get it to the ground.  With only one law, love.  Bet you didn’t know you were nobility did you?  Love, what a noble thing to do.

love with compassion,

MIke

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

GI Joe and King Tiger-getting my kicks on route 36

It was on my sixth day out of the 27 I would eventually ride I finally crossed over into Indiana.  I was excited as I was going to pick up Theresa at the airport in Indianapolis, but still had 200 miles to get there, yet didn’t want to hurry.  I hadn’t been on a freeway for five days, and my riding was relaxed and invigorating at the same time.  Old highways like US 36 I was on were lightly travelled, and I rode for the road as opposed to the speed limit signs, never going too fast or too slow.  Entering Indiana, I stopped by Ernie Pyle Memorial Park, complete with a covered bridge, picnic area, and grassy area for kids to play on.  A real covered bridge, a far cry from the Disney inspired past we think is real.  Few if any outside of Ernie’s generation know of him, but he was a famous journalist, who in WWII, took a bullet when out on patrol, he was there as a journalist, not a soldier.  His stories of GI Joe inspiring many at home and at war.  But further down the road, in Bainbridge,  “@ the light” like his card says, I saw a sign stating “KING TIGER” in Triumph lettering.  An old type store from before Ernie’s time, when the shop was in the front and the family lived behind it.  And Rob, the owner, still carried on that tradition.

Opening the door, I saw him sitting among at least 30 bikes in various states of repair, and putting a clutch together on a vintage 1953 Norton.  I asked if it was cool if I came in and looked, he grunted something like OK and I did.  His shop was a museum piece still alive and functioning. Posters of Janis Joplin, old Triumphs, The Wild One, and many artifacts I remember from when they were still contemporary.  We began to converse, and he admitted he didn’t like new Triumphs, 1978 was his cutoff year, and fixed, repaired, tuned up, restored, or built custom choppers, only British bikes.  One look at his shop and you might think disorganized, but it worked for him, as he knew where everything was.  Boxes that might appear as trash hold vintage parts, parts scattered on the ground were a work in process.  And as we talked for the next hour, we became friends, taking each other into worlds we were not familiar with.  He left me with two comments, one he felt like a farmer, the past ten years he had made money once, broke even three times, and lost money six times, just like a farmer.  And when leaving, I became the first photo he took of a new Triumph, wanted to remember me and it.  We had taken each other into each other’s lives, and become friends.  Not agreeing on many things, but gaining insight we may not have had before.  This is America, and how I want to remember it....

Since being back, I have gone through over 1800 emails, don’t you people have anything better to do?  One I noticed was from eight years ago, giving encouragement to a friend who was going through a short sale.  Despite all the best advice they had been given, they still proceeded, after much prayer, and were trusting God.  The rank and file world of finance advised them against it, their rank and file Christian friends quoted them Bible verses and thought they were wrong.  But they had a peace, God was right after all, and after reading the letter, and the advice I gave, I thought of Rob and his shop.  In the world of legalism, whether in business or in religion, what may appear careless is really carefree.  Rob stepped out of line with convention, was enjoying life on his terms.  My friends were stepping out in Jesus, living life on his terms, not from a Bible study or what someone thought they had been taught was in the Bible.  Walking in the spirit will always make you a target, sadly of too many legalistic believers, who are quick to blame Satan for their own stupid decisions, and never mature.  They are the Pharisees of today, impressing us with their so called religious life, yet burdened by the laws.  Mention the spirit, and they change the subject, quoting scripture, but never letting the spirit apply it in their lives.  Much different from two men in jail one night...

Paul and Silas had had a rough day, being beaten and then thrown into prison for the gospel.  But at midnight they were found singing and worshipping God, just the opposite of the rank and file Christian of today.  They knew that whatever the enemy had thrown at them God was bigger than, and were rejoicing in the victory.  And God sent an earthquake, not uncommon in the area, but the timing  was supernatural, as if applauding from heaven with them.  They were able to see God at work, and had no choice but to rejoice, for resurrection power cannot be stopped.  The tasks and trials, the tribulation are all part of our testimonies, and a chance for the greatness of God to be shown.  And the prison was opened, and they walked out!  Sadly not what many churches teach today....yet many still walk out, but for a different reason.

And we have another friend who blames every problem on Satan.  He’s attacking them always, read not getting their way, and by giving him the glory over Jesus in the situation, are really offering praise to him.  God has defeated him, we are victorious!  We win...but our part has to still be played out.  Just like it was for Paul and Silas....For it is only in times of great distress that we see a side of God that we otherwise would have missed. A part that bad teaching, bad religion, and bad choices make us avoid.

While gone a friend passed away, we talked many times in her last few months, she was riddled with pain, asking Jesus to just take her home.  But in the same sentence telling me how that if he didn’t on her time, she knew he would on his, and was happy to not sacrifice her relationship with him. The pain would be her testimony of her trusting in Jesus.  She trusted him in the midst of the storm and in the pain and suffering still rejoiced.  She knew Jesus, and I saw her trust in him, sadly a far cry from the emails I am getting tell of the poor lady and of her death.   Aren’t we as Christians supposed to be anxious for heaven?  Isn’t free from the body present in heaven?  Maybe they need some shaking like Paul and Silas, or like many of us who have faced death or worse, yet only saw Jesus and his resurrection power in action, rejoice.  Who do your words give glory to?

It seems the safe Christian, safe biker, and safe citizen will always have an excuse for not following the norm.  But really we are carefree, not careless.  We find peace in Jesus, live in the spirit, without the benefit of legalism.  One morning on Route 36 with Rob reassured me of my walk in Christ.  And even though not a Christian, we both visited on a level God provided.  Both rebels, maybe his card and his cut told me more than I needed to know.  You see he is also president of the local Boozefighters chapter, active in the Confederation of Clubs, yet his card states “I ride and repair British bikes ONLY!”  A rebel among rebels, just like Jesus.  Who knows, I hope he finds Jesus someday, we talked, I offered.  But keep him in prayer, as he is being sued.  One night a few years back his shop was broken into, he shot the guy, the police backed him up, but the robber is suing for damages.  Rob expects to win, seems there is more justice outside of California.  We need more Robs, but we really need more Jesus.  Carefree, not careless, rejoicing and not complaining.  Jesus told us it is not what goes into a man that is important, but what comes out.  For all of you who only study.....we hear you.  But please, keep Keep your legalistic ways to yourself, the rest of us are too busy rejoicing in his resurrection....

Some get their kicks on Route 66, some on Route 36.  I have the photos to prove it.  So does Rob at King Tiger.  May the road you travel be as blessed.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

a low tech guy meets high tech head on

I am blessed to be riding one of the first 2019 Triumph Speed Triple RS in the states.  Dealers are still waiting for their’s, and I have one for a few days, longer if I wasn’t leaving town.  After seeing the prototype a few months back, here for a brochure shoot, serial number prototype003, I wanted one.  The fit and finish was exceptional, Arrow pipes as standard, along with big Brembos and Ohlins suspension front and rear.  Lots of carbon fiber, but of all things it was a badge on the handle bars that got me, just a classy Speed Triple RS logo.  I fell to vanity.  Or had I?  So when offered the first one on Tuesday, I was at Mick’s shop before it was out of the crate, and 24 hours later have 274 miles of riding experience.  Most on the coast, at least today, and I want one even more, maybe because it is so impractical for the way I ride, maybe for the way it makes me feel 40 years younger, but really, and this amazes me too, the technology.  Me, Uncle Low Tech...am I losing it or just giving in?  Do I really need 148 hp, or do I just want to ride more....

Some of its features include traction control, which you can turn off so you can wheelie, a form of traction control that works while leaned over in corners, a gauge screen that gives you six choices of backgrounds, cruise control, five engine mappings, keyless starting, an electronic fork lock, and more info than any fool should be accessing at a high speed.  And it all works!  Even the ride by wire throttle feels like it is cable actuated.  There must be more, but for now I rather ride than read about.  The only flaw I can find is in the front end, this thing keeps wanted to loose traction as the front wheel lifts off the ground under acceleration!   Please anyone with $16,750 to spare do not lend it to me, it could be dangerous.  What would my other motorcycles think?

While riding yesterday I found myself in prayer much of the time.  Not for requests, the most common form of prayer, but in thanksgiving for being able to ride.  And this particular bike.  At two bikes shops we stopped at, even the non-Triumph shop loved it, wow it must be cool to have one.  Even cooler to be loaned one.  It would be easy to have a swelled head, or boast, but I can go back to having only one old ride, with over 70,000 miles on it, and no technology, and still being thankful for riding.  God knows my passion to ride, and fulfills it in ways I would never imagine, and I am blessed and thankful.  His daily bread of meeting my physical needs reminds me not to take things for granted.  He is the same God who kept me fed when broke and hungry, and the same one who loves me when I eat too much today.  He gives me choices when it comes to him, something religion or the cults don’t, and I am thankful for the blessings he provides.  We forget to thank Jesus everyday for our daily bread, for what we eat, where we live, and what we wear.  Going to service Sunday clothes may be OK, but I have learned that jeans and a t-shirt are all I need.  The same trust of Jesus beats within my heart no matter the package it is wrapped in.  If we neglect to remember the Lord in a prayer of thanksgiving, his grace is still sufficient, but we miss the blessings.  When we think that we can do it ourselves, we are living a lie, for all things proceed from the hand of God.  Just like technology, it may improve life, but Jesus is still the life, and without him as the starting point, all else is destined to fail. 

Starting the Speed Triple takes a starting sequence, and if you try to bypass it, the bike won’t run.  Same with Jesus, we must ask for forgiveness, after recognizing our sin.  We must realize his deity and who he is, when we know who he is, we will better understand why he came.  Yet many do not tune in to him, and miss many blessings of knowing him.  Reading about the Speed Triple is much different than riding one.  Same with Jesus, you may be able to quote scripture, have read the Bible many times, but until you meet the author personally, you may be better off just looking at the pictures.  Educated or experienced.  Until we do we may not be in spiritual darkness, but myopic, even blinded by the things of the world.  Or the church. Pride makes its ugly appearance in many subtle forms....

So maybe when we pray “give us our Lord your daily bread,” we need to remember how he meets our physical needs, and it was the first thing mentioned in the Lord’s prayer of how to pray.  We live in a physical world, despite all the technology, all the horsepower, and all the king’s horses, only Jesus can put us together again.  Keep the lines open in humility, thank him for all you have and need, listen for his answer when you ask, then trust and obey.  Many racers claim to have seen God when they enter a turn too fast, he is in the straights as well.  In the pits of life and racing, and on the podium at the end.  You are invited along, don’t let your pride or money get in the way.  Riding at speed is no way to enter a corner too fast, all the technology will not make you a better rider, it just compensates for your lack of talent.  Which only is evident when you need it.  Don’t wait to be in need to come to Jesus, don’t let your lack of prayer life and relationship cause you to miss out.  Salvation is a high technology no man can ever duplicate or improve on.  It takes a low tech guy who hung on a low tech cross and who made the way.  I anticipate blessings because I know my God loves me.  I know his name, Jesus, and he knows mine. Or in today’s rider vocabulary, “man does not ride alone, but on every bike that proceedeth from the garage of God.” 

Just a note, for any Harley rider who thinks he could ride one, they come in black.  Lest I boast and ride alone.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

what do you do when you're stranded and you don't have a roll....

 Quick, name an invention that has changed your life, and you wouldn’t want to do without?  Motorcycles, computers, TV’s, microwaves all are fair game.  But think simpler, what common items do we use everyday, yet take for granted?  For some it is the miracle drugs that keep us going, electricity in the home is good, so is indoor plumbing.  But think simpler, something we really take for granted, and when it is not available, we can blow our cool?  Think simple, think of where you maybe thinking....I’ll give you a hint.  It is not gender specific, isn’t affected by your social or financial status, and never asks for your opinion.  It takes on the dirtiest of jobs, and when not available.....well.  One last hint, do the initials TP mean anything to you? 

By now you may have surmised based on the clues and your public school education I mean toilet paper.  Just how important is it?  Ever try to finish the job without it?  Ever get stuck when the roll is almost empty, or gone altogether?  How can a simple item like TP, or lack of TP be so important?  Of all the things invented, I wish I had the patent on toilet paper, think of how I would clean up.....But yet how much of it gets wasted every year?  Check into a motel, anything less than half a roll is replaced, so what happens to the few last pieces, are they wasted when they are still useful?  Is it possible that carrying an extra roll of TP when traveling may be more important than wearing clean underwear?  Am I crazy, or do you now find yourself checking the supply before you sit down?

When it comes to gambling, the best odds are blackjack at 7 to 1, against you of course.  But one casino has taken the gamble out of using the toilets, at least for the poor.  Pechanga estimates they discard almost 20,000 partial rolls of toilet paper a year.  Ought to make a few land fill groupies upset, and you thought plastic bottles were America’s #1 ecological crime.  But the smarter heads at Pechanga, the execs not the men’s room, have come up with a plan, and it works.  File it under a fair deal is when both parties benefit.  They donate the partial rolls to a rescue mission, we think food and drink, but how often do you think of other needs for the homeless?  A simple way to minister, an overlooked but necessary need fulfilled.  Not recycled in the truest sense of the word, but taking a consumable and putting it to work.  Something to consider when coming up a roll short next time.  “Honey, we’re out of TP,” and everyone in the neighborhood now knows it too.

But that is just what ministry is seeing a need and filling it.  Which is what Jesus did, and exhorts us to do.  We have sock and blanket drives each winter, toy runs each Christmas, but what about the rest of the year?  When Jesus fed the 5000, how long was it before they were hungry again?  Yet we do one good deed, and move on to the next, never considering how consistent food, water, housing, clothing, and yes, toilet paper really are.  Consumables, because we use them and need to use them again. 

When we come to Christ and become a Christian, not only does our heart change, but our thinking does too.  A regeneration is how Romans describes it, and some of us need more generating than others.  We need to use the brain God gave us, and when in conjunction with our heart, act accordingly.  But it takes the spirit to guide, I see people affected by those hungry, then donate apples, neglecting to see how many cannot chew or have missing teeth.  Feeding centers placed in industrial parks, far away from the homeless and hungry.  Bus passes given to those who are by no bus route, and being invited to church, yet not being welcomed when the do show up, not properly attired.  Well meaning, just not well executed....it takes Jesus.  We see it everyday, free this or free that, but do we ever wonder why it is free?  Or if it is useful? 

For instance, I used to get a lot of rich women’s close donated.  But not every homeless woman needs an evening dress, but a friend found a use for them.  When offered 100 prom dresses from a store, he wondered what good are these?  Then he considered the homeless kids who cannot go to the prom, and ended up giving away all of them to girls to go to the prom.  Simple, yet you argue we don’t need to go the prom.  Do you need a closet full of clothes?  How many sets of golf clubs?  Expensive dinners?  They are all part of our lifestyle, and believe me, the girls esteem was boosted.  One night out to be special....or have we fallen so much we forget?

So life may be more than prom dresses or toilet paper, but both meet a need.  That is what ministry is, and where teamwork begins.  Jesus invites us to be part of his ministry, to help those in need.  Something to consider the next time you’re stranded and stuck on the toilet bowl.  What will you do when you’re stranded and you don’t have a roll?  You’ll agree, we will never take toilet paper for granted again.  Someone at Pechanga came up with the idea...how can we better serve man in the name of Jesus? I hope your answer surprises and blesses us.....goodness and kindness, against which there is no law.

And you thought computers were going to eliminate paperwork!

Talk about being a roll model....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com