leave the nail in the tire

Being stuck on the side of the road today means taking out your cell phone and pushing the AAA app.  But at one time it meant getting creative, just creative enough to get the car home, and then do the repairs.  But in today’s world of Millenials who either don’t own or cannot afford a car, they adapt their non-thinking problem solving processes to cars as well as life.  But once upon a time it was different...

Back when dating and girls wore panty hose, one night a belt broke on my BMW, and risked facing her father or a blown engine.  Engines can be rebuilt.  But I asked her to give me her panty hose, secured them tightly as a belt, toped off the coolant with creek water, and we made it home, just in time.  And no, she didn’t want them back.  Another radiator leak almost left us stranded at 10,000 feet, until one guy suggested pouring pepper into the radiator.  We were eating our picnic lunch, and sure enough, it was enough to plug the hole until we got home.  Overheating on a 100 degree day at the Great Adventure stuck in traffic, windows down, heater on full, and the gauge dipped.  But maybe the best is from Don the crew chief at Simon and Simon Racing, who built a relief valve into the truck’s cooling system, and was able to burp it and get back on course.  So while help may not be on the way, it may already be there. 

I once blew out a freeze plug on my 1949 Ford F-3 pickup, stopping at every farm between Bayfield and Durango and pouring water into the radiator, made it safe.  Then sold the truck an hour later after replacing the plug.  How many gapped the points using a match book cover when you got a misfire?  How many know what a matchbook is?  The other day I cut my hand using a knife designed to cut things other than flesh.  Some quick grease in the wound stopped the bleeding instantly, some Scotch tape and gauze a working bandage.  My first Coke delivery truck, a step van, broke the throttle cable.  The quick fix, run mechanic’s wire from carb linkage to pedal after removing engine cover.  Hot and noisy, it worked.  How many of you real bike riders ever broke a clutch cable?  Did you panic as one guy did, or were you able to get home without it, timing lights and shifting using the rpm’s?  I rescued a guy on a Sportster once and lending him my Bonneville, still beat him home.  He was afraid to go fast.  At least he knew his bikes.  Amazing what a pressure situation can do with a creative mind....

These things may describe the life of a Christian better than we would like to think.  So often it is easier to complain, cuss, complain and cuss together, then ask God for help, called prayer.  Which is the only time too many speak to God, note I didn’t say with him.  And we have all been there, it is the return trips that hurt the worst.  Maybe the first thing is to not panic in a panic situation, but also to learn from the stories of Jesus.  No food, take the two fish and five loaves you have and let him distribute them.  No salve for the blind eyes, dirt and spit will do just fine.  Can’t get to the Bible study for healing, cut a hole in the roof.  At the well and thirsty, admit what God knows of your sin and leave thirsting no more. Being chased and facing a great sea, watch as God parts it and then swallows up your pursuers. No money for tax, grab a fish and take the coin from its mouth.  No more wine, fill the cisterns with water, and bypass the fermentation, drink of a holy spiritual wine from above.  Stuck outside and a huge rock between you and Jesus?  Watch as an angel picks it up and throws it away....just things that occurred daily in the life of the disciples and Jesus.  Yet they too fretted, giving you your out and excuse, “well they saw Jesus and panicked, I guess it’s OK I do,” neglecting to know we have the same spirit available to us that they did, the holy spirit.  The comforter, counselor, provider, and friend in times of need.  No app for him...

Because he is already with us.  We need to pray outside the box as well as think outside it.  When stupidity left me with a broken foot peg 3000 miles from home, a stop in a Honda service department had me one in no time.  Going through the trash we found handlebars, cut them to length, put a grip over them, and held them in place where the old foot peg was with a set screw.  Made it home, still have the home made peg to show for it.  Or the time Brett his broke brake rod on his Nighthawk, none his size in stock at the Honda dealer, so we made one his length out of two shorter one, painted it black for affect, and off we went.  Or the time Jeff lost his master link on the 4th of July, one quick tack with a welder and his chain was a one piece chain.  God will find a way where there seems to be no way....Jesus Christ, the way!  The best friend on the road or on the side of it. With one last bit of advice, Gatorade works as antifreeze in a pinch, but don’t drink from the wrong bottle.  Both may be green! And taste sweet.  And all miracles done without duct tape!

With one bit of advice, see the nail in your tire.  Leave it there, it may be holding the air in.  Do not remove it, not important why or how I know.....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

separating the cheap from the goats

We laugh at how many times when we had no money we went out and bought another car.  An early purchase for me was when going to UNM, and driving a 1973 El Camino, and making the mistake of passing one of the many used car lots on Central.  There it sat, freshly painted and detailed, serviced too they said, a 1972 MG  Midget, and the allure of the British sport car won me over.  It was freshly painted, and detailed well, but as anyone who enjoys an English car will tell you, they always need some extra TLC.  But it was cheap, and I swapped even for my El Camino, and driving past all my friends’ houses to show it off, it was pointed out that whoever did the painting, mispelled Midget when they put the letters back on, I had just bought a MIGDET!  Of which my car friends chided me, and I couldn’t live down. Blame it on youth, age 22, income level, broke student, or falling for a pretty face-true, I had bought a MIGDET, a one off I told others, who at least could spell.  But the worst part was not being able to fit my dirt bike in it like I had in the El Camino.  And I learned to do parking brake u-turns, and the wind in your face somehow was all worth it.  It would break down, leave me stranded, and many times have me longing for my El Camino, but every time I see one, I want another.  A Midget this time, not another MIGDET....

I learned why the car was so cheap after buying it, I wish I had before, but somehow I still may have done the trade.  I had bought cheap more than anything, if priced only a few dollars higher, I would have passed, but the price won me over.  Now car guys have always made fun of their friend’s cars, some earning names of respect, others of ridicule.  I worked with a guy Norm once who owned a Pontiac Firebird, the joke being the acronym for PONTIAC, Poor Old Norm Thinks It’s A Camaro.  The funny part being Norm never got it....but in this world of badge engineering, passing low end Mercedes Benz with AMG stickers, or M Power BMW’s that aren’t, so many think they can say one thing and we won’t get it.  Years ago I knew a guy who had a Pontiac Le Mans, great car, but added some wheels and GTO emblems and thought he had a Goat, until the 326 two barrel couldn’t keep up, and he became the butt of many jokes.  On face value many cars appear to be what they advertise, but when the flag drops, and the BS stops, you can easily separate the cheap from the Goats.  So beware of perception, as today it has become truth in many circles.  And if anyone tries to pass off a Butterscotch MIGDET as custom....well, you’ve been warned.

There is a group of Christians who think  we should all get together and sing Kum By Yah, and the world will be a better place.  But Jesus never tells us that, in fact he tells us that whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever gives his live for him and the gospel will save it.  Yet that moronic blue bumper sticker tells us that all religions are OK, and we should get along, leaving Jesus Christ out of the equation.  He also tells us that he will separate the sheep from the goats, the saved from the unsaved, the religious from the righteous.  He can tell who puts on their Sunday go to  meeting face, and who lives the life for him daily.  Who reads his word and who has his word in him.  Who is a safe and stylish Christian, and who follows where the spirit leads.  Some are easy to spot, yet others are confusing, like my MIGDET.  Until you look closely, and know what you are looking for, it all looks good if the paint is shiny.  They are also described as wolves in sheep’s clothing, One requires dependence on God, the other flaunts how he lives and is responsible for his success.  Put simply Jesus tells us to trust and obey, and leave the responsibilities of God to God.  How many people do you know who have everything they want, but don’t want everything they have?  We all fall short, it takes the spirit to distinguish the cheap from the goats.  But to those who pick up their cross and don’t just wear it around their neck, they find joy in what they have, still desiring new things, but waiting on God for them.  Rich and rewarding take on a new meaning, you will also be satisfied.  Maybe Michael Jagger singing about “can’t get no” was right. 

But to those who are saved, death will mean life, but to the others death will mean death.  He who dies with the most toys still dies.  If only the importance of the victory at the cross was considered if only the urging of the holy spirit was listened too, how different our lives would be.  If you are looking for a feel good religion, you will miss out on Jesus.  His was one tough dude to hang on the cross for sinners who hated him.  We joke about Norm’s Firebird, my MIGDET, and the phonies with TURBO or engine labels that lie.  Religion that is cheap is just that, Jesus came to rescue us from it.  Le Mans or Goat, sheep or goat, Jesus knows.  Stickers don’t make a car more powerful, just as a Bible cover, a fish on your bumper, and having your radio set to KWVE don’t make you a Christian.  When the flag drops, and you are tested, don’t be like an old Ford, Found On Road Dead.  A Mercury by any other name....used cars and used people best left to Jesus. 

Of course the guy who just bought a used YAHAMA would never make that mistake, would you?  Or does GS stand for Goes Slow, and SS for Stands Still?  GT-Garbage Truck?  Maybe ask Norm....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

springtime at the swim club

The tall fence around the swim club, in the woods at the end of Algonquin Drive was a great deterrent to us almost teen age kids.  From a hill above we could see over it, with its shiny and deep pools, diving boards, and lifeguards chairs.  But for most of us that was the only view we would ever get, as only the rich belonged to the swim club, the rest of us didn’t.  But during the winter months when it was empty, we would risk going down by the entrance, a chain link fence with barbed wire on top of it, giving a different, close up look, but very limited.  We got to know when the security guard did his rounds, and it became a game to dodge him, before we got chased, being told “you kids don’t being here,” as if he did based on his pay.  But as it is when hanging around the older guys, or those with older brothers, the tales were told of the big guys in high school would climb the fence, and take a swim.  These daring guys were our heroes, and even when one would say hi instead of making fun of you, you felt like a big deal.  But one late spring afternoon before the pool was officially open, we were hanging around as usual, when a group pulled up in cars and got out, and climbed over the fence and began to swim.  With one of them asking “you guys want to join us?”  Do we ever, so we watched as they climbed over the barbed wire carefully, dropped down, and stripped to their underwear.  Amazing how pasty white a body turns over a New Jersey winter, and soon we were swimming in the cold water with the big guys.  Until the lookout yelled “COPS!” and they all grabbed their clothes and quickly went out over the fence in the back, where the access was easier, with no explanation of why they didn’t enter that way in the first place.  But we just did make it, freezing cold running in the cold air, and thinking up the lies to tell our parents.  But really thinking up the cooler versions of climbing the fence and swimming with the big guys.  Something we never did again......

Looking back we never saw how the high school guys in their cars got past the cops.  We only ran like they were hot on our trail.  But every time we would go by there and play, it took on a different view.  We had seen the other side of the fence, we had been inside, and found the fence had two purposes.  One to keep those not allowed out, but once in, it had become a prison of sorts for us, as we couldn’t get out.  This haven for the rich and their families to swim had been violated, and on one Memorial Day a few years later, using BH’s parents pass, we went in through the front gate.  Which made me feel as if they were going to pull me aside and question me, “weren’t you with the big kids that day who jumped the fence?”  And no amount of denial would convince them otherwise.  Busted!  Led out in cuffs, and dropped on the outside of the gate, “don’t even try to come back, we know who you are.”  And suddenly all the coolness of breaking in vanished.....But I made it, but somehow the thrill was not the same, nor the pool the same when filled with members.  And I wasn’t one.  If only his parents ever found out.....

Depending on our audience, we tell the stories of Jesus in our life different.  Among other Christians we want to impress, it is “ all glory to God, praise the Lord,” and he gets all the credit.  Mostly.  Too many times we have to brag on our part, as if God had counseled with us first, “and of course God...” and the story continues.  But when in a group on non-believers, when among those who can criticize and make fun of you, the story is different.  The doctor, the mechanic, even you are the hero, and God goes missing.  And then remorse sets in, and if we are smart we repent until the next time.  We also try to hide our sin the same way.  Denying we were even there, but many times missing the chance to share Jesus to someone God had put in our way.  Consider how the church has bagged on Peter for denying Jesus in the garden, after being told he would.  “Not me Jesus,” and off he went.  Weeping bitterly after lying to a teen age girl.  But just suppose this girl wanted to hear about Jesus, she knew he had been with him, and wanted to be saved, to hear the gospel?  Sound like too many of us when approached, a big shot in church, a scared rabbit outside.  Forgetting God has ordered things, he will give the words needed, and never leave you.  As you quickly tailor your testimony and alter him out.  Too many times when I felt threatened, I found strength in letting God’s words flow from me.  And we both were blessed.  Remember, someone shared Jesus with you, and it probably wasn’t in church.  Peter was in the garden, Jesus was close by as were his disciples.  He had plenty of strength if needed, yet he fled.  But what a different Peter only weeks later when addressing the 3000, when the spirit gave him the words.

Years ago at a Hollister Rally, we went by the Boozefighter’s booth wanting get their new book.  Just two guys and Theresa and I.  When JQ, a head taller than me put me in a headlock and asked “oh good, a Christian, I have a question for you.”  And my theological juices were flowing, wow, sharing Jesus with a 1%er.  But his question, “can God make a rock so big he cannot lift it?” surprised me as much as did my answer.  “You don’t ask God stupid things like that,” and he loved the answer.  Even gave me his email to keep in touch.  The words the spirit had given me at that moment were the right ones, not what I had planned.  But a lesson learned, when asked “are you in the word?” can you honestly say the word is in you?  Scripture tells us the spirit is with us who believe, so is the word in you?  Your words may tell us different.   We all need the spirit just like Peter did.

Sin will put a wall between us and God, only Jesus can break it down.  Some try to escape looking for a way out and over, Jesus takes us through.  On the day I enter heaven it will be through the front gate, not over a fence.  And the heavenly gates will protect me, but remain open for others to enter, and those inside will not wish to leave. But as for the lost, the gate they are found behind is locked.  For they will want to escape, but cannot.  Knowing forever they denied the truth that could have set them free. 

To be honest, the water was freezing that day, and we were scared to death of being caught.  But the thought of jumping the fence, of being with the bigger guys was too much.  Don’t take your chances with heaven, be sure you can walk right in the front gate, and be welcomed by Jesus himself.  And avoid telling your parents how you really got wet!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

track day on the PCH

At age 21 I threw a leg over my R90S and headed west, never looking back.  Ever since I read the article “Highway 1 you Ultimate One” in one of the first Rider magazines, subscriber since 1974, The PCH was a goal of mine to ride.  The romance of the ocean and hills and cliffs was too enticing, and I have ridden it many times, in fact I will admit to being PCHed out.  Both ways I have ridden it, and each time it is different, from freezing rain to windy, clear blue skies, each ride takes on its own sense of beauty, and every time I ride it, I find I am not PCHed out, but have so many more roads to travel.  For years it was the Malibu Canyon roads, living in Durango the Million Dollar Highway Loop has been done many times.  Rocky Mountain National Park, three times now.  The Mogollon Rim over a dozen, three times last year in fact.  When reading about the best motorcycle roads, I often have ridden them, and even better ones just off the main routes they brag about, with less traffic.  Ever ridden the Road to Escalante, Highway 12 in Utah?  How about Highway 49, the Golden Chain in California?  Route 32 winding along the Delaware in Pennsylvania?  I could spend a week in Southern Ohio and never see the same roads twice.  Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace, and US 1 to Key West?  The Chesapeake  Bay Bridge?  Any road in Northern Arkansas.  Vermont routes 100 and 7?  The Berkshires in Massachusetts?  Each a different ride, each one with a memory of its own.  With two criteria to consider on each ride, the bike and who you do it with.

The last ride I ever had with Rex, he died a few days after we split off in Prescott, was the PCH.  A landslide had closed the road about 25 miles north of Cambria, so finding a motel was easy, no traffic.  But the next morning, we had a 25 mile stretch of the PCH all to ourselves with no traffic.  So we rode it half a dozen times, up and back.  Going faster each time, as we got to know the road better.  Think of it as a track day on the PCH, sadly Rex is gone and I am the only one who has the memory now, but my KZ750 screamed like never before trying to keep up with Rex on his older Yamaha 750 three.  It was 1983, over 36 years ago, but the memories of the last ride with a good friend linger today, even naming my second son after Rex.  So every time someone mentions the PCH,  and what a great ride it is, my take is just a little different.  If you don’t ride, if you haven’t lost a good friend and riding partner, you may not get it.  The road is only a small part of the riding equation, and so is the bike you ride.  It is the people you do it with that make it all come together.  So while some brag they ride it like they stole it, I tend to ride like it may be the last ride I take with my friends, and I want to make it special.  How you see the ride makes all the difference.  I hope you all have a PCH track day in your riding memory.

We sometimes get the impression that Jesus healed everyone he met.  But we find in one village, due to lack of faith, he could only do a few miracles.  It might have been the limited views that led to a limited life.  One of it’s the same everywhere, so why go.  Nobody knows the problems I have.  Have you become so deadened to life that your sense of smell, your taste, and your feeling have been altered?  Do all sermons sound the same, is it the same old Jesus over and over, and you don’t want to hear about him anymore?  Have you condemned yourself falsely blaming him for your poor choices and negative results?  Have you become hardened to certain roads because you have travelled them so much, but fail to  see how new they are to someone else?  Is your spiritual life limited because of your limited view of Jesus?  Some will declare him a carpenter’s son, some even a great teacher, some go as far as a prophet.  But do you see him as the son of God, God incarnate, the deity who became a man to save us from our sins?  Too much church and not enough Jesus?  Know all the verses but never applied them?  Know all the songs but never let them fill your heart with joy?  Has your small mind let you become a small Christian?

Do you know more about him than actually knowing him?  Knowledge puffs up, but wisdom opens our eyes to all the spirit has for us.  A chance to see scripture as God inspired it, making it personal.  Nazareth blew it with Jesus, even going as far as to say “can anything good come out of Nazareth?”  It’s time to let go of old teachings and prejudices that limit Jesus, that hinder the spirit.  To really experience God’s forgiveness, to really see his grace.  I watch as my grandson learns by doing, and he cannot read yet at 18 months.  Yet knows to twist a throttle to make the motor go!  Is all the Jesus you know based on teaching, or have you ever ridden with him in life?  When we truly do not limit God’s grace, his forgiveness, his love and power, we grow in grace and lie is beautiful.  It doesn’t mean it won’t rain, or the bike will always start.  It just means that you are never alone in any situation.  For he has left you his spirit until he calls us home.  So maybe the one you ride with does make all the difference....

Add Jesus to your ride today and let him enrich your life beyond your wildest dreams.  You see at first we were bummed when we found the PCH blocked, but later were overjoyed as God had made it a special day and ride just for us.  Your ride may not be long or seem special today, but when Jesus is along it is special to him.  He wants to spend time with you, not just hunched over a book studying, but out living.  Jesus spent his life on the road, he was where the action is.  And for one special day on the PCH, we had our track day.  May all your rides be as memorable, for the best is yet to come.  You just need to get out and do it! 

Highway 10 south out of Albuquerque, US 76 across northern Georgia, MacKenzie Pass in Oregon, and the Columbia River Gorge are all great rides.  Don’t neglect the fun to be had while getting there!  for some the ride is over before it’s begun, for the rest of us it is only beginning. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com