Lakes, Ladds, Giants, and Padres

Cheryl Ladd, aka Charlie's Angel Kris, was only 5'4". The same height as her famous father-in-law Alan Ladd. And her height was fine for her, but for a man who was playing hard guys in Film Noir, sometimes the femme fatale was taller. So using lifts in his shoes, and never having him stand next to a taller man, the camera could/would portray him as taller. And watching him with Veronica Lake last night-perhaps the ultimate femme fatale, with that blond hair covering one eye, in all the close up shots the camera is looking up at him, but down at her. Giving the illusion that he was taller than he really was. Only in one shot where he was sitting in a car did he look like a teenager. Too bad they didn't have Bugs back then to add stature to his height. But he was just tall enough to be Shane-and that is all that matters. Come back!

When we moved to San Diego, we went to 36 Padre games the first year. And on picture day, we lined up with thousands of other fans, to get our pictures of the players. Being guided by an usher we had befriended, we ended up first in line and on the field. Fun for all, they even used Christopher in one TV commercial. But looking at the pictures after getting them developed-yes, it was that long ago, we noticed that the pictures Christopher took were all looking up. Whereas all ours were looking at. And then we started to laugh-that was how he saw things, as he was only nine years old at the time, and that was how he saw the ballplayers. Not yet adult height, he still would have looked up to Alan Ladd. And it made all the players seem taller than they really were.

Perception is what we are talking about, and in today's world it can be a form of truth that rivals the truth. It is not always what you see, but how you see it that matters. And in today's world Alan Ladd would not be short, but vertically challenged. A politically correct way of saying short, invented by someone who was one can vertically challenged of a six pack.

King David had a challenge as a teenager with the armies of Gath-the Philistines. After being given the choice of their best men fighting the Philistines best warrior, David was chosen. A teenager. And his opponent-Goliath. Nine feet tall, 12 fingers and toes, and bad breath. On paper, and in the ring, no doubt who the victor would be. But David, when questioned about why he carefully chose five smooth rocks, looked up at his army mates, and assured them, "God was with me against the bear, he fought for me against the lion, why would I worry now?" Twelve toes, big deal. Nine feet tall, just makes a better target. For David didn't look at the situation like we do, but through God's eyes, and in them no one was bigger or better than God. You see, you and God make a majority. And God never loses, so it is best to be on His side. And of course, David's victory is legendary, and inspirational to all short people, and those short sided, too.

You may be waking up already this morning to a giant obstacle in your life. No way you can overcome it. Look not at the situation, but look to the cross. Look to God, and let Him handle it. And let Him means let Him. He will be your sword, and also your shield. He will defeat your enemies, whether physical or spiritual. The victory is promised, now go win! If God is for you, who can be against you?

Poor Alan. When the cameras quit shooting, he was still only 5'4". Your perception of the problem will only change when you see it through God's eyes. Maybe that is why He tells us to come as children. Children look up to Him quickly when a problem arises, rather than suffering through our own understanding. Good idea.

The cameras are ready, the scene is set. And God is directing. The performance you give will be based on how you follow His cues, and how you follow His directions. LIGHTS! He is light! CAMERA! See it through God's eyes! ACTION! Follow God! You may not win an Academy Award, but your actions may inspire many. It's all how you perceive Him. The Israelites saw a giant, David saw God.

Who you see will tell us who you are, and where you are going.

Jesus Christ-fact, not perception. At any angle-the winner! The envelope please...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

it's june again at the Cleaver residence

I'm glad that June Bronson Cleaver wasn't my mother. Too many rules and manners. She just didn't get boys, and I think if she had her ways the two wouldn't have grown up so boyish. Thankfully Ward intervened, and if you stop and think for a moment, you'll see my argument. June was a whiner-the shoes are dirty, Beaver's shirt is untucked, and why would boys want to play ball when they can read a book? Ward-do something! Before they turn out normal! Maybe it was too much Aunt Martha in her, and not enough Uncle Billy-remember the lady who thought Beaver should wear short pants to school? Or send Wally away to boarding school? Double beds on a honeymoon. Thankfully they turned out more Cleaverish than Bronsonish, I don't think "Then Came Bronson" came from her side of the family. Well, hang in there.

Now I am not anti-milk and cookies, or manners either, but June was not prepared for boys who will be boys. Or boys who would be bikers. And when you listen to Ward's responses to many of her statements, you wonder who was raising who! And why didn't you ever see any motorcycles at the Cleavers? Could you imagine Eddie saying, "my what a nice tattoo you have Mrs. Cleaver, it goes with Mr. Cleavers new Panhead." When he really married a Knucklehead.

There was a reason the show was called Father Knows Best, because Margaret Anderson didn't. Who would name their kids Princess and Kitten-at least they were girls. And at least Bud rides motorcycles! Maybe he knew best. Could you see Donna Stone, whose husband was a doctor letting Jeff ride? Just for your knowledge, one of Mary's friends was TV Tommy Ivo, drag racer, so at least speed snuck in the backdoor. Just not on two wheels. And after his homework was done. And never on a school night. Could you see Harriet Nelson not having Ozzie? By the way, what did he do for a living? Almost like raising three boys, true Americana all the way down to the eagle on the mantle. But somehow Ricky got involved in rock and roll-I still believe motorcycles are safer. What do you think Oz?

The closest TV mother I can relate too may have been Lassie's mom, Timmy's mother. She lived on a farm, and was used to birthing piglets, mending fences, and sending Lassie out for help, while keeping the kitchen clean and baking pies in between tornadoes and mending quilts for poorer ladies in the valley. And they had a truck to haul bikes in, was it just me or did that one ton Dodge's wheels always seem to rotate the wrong way? I could see her cow trailing, maybe on an old Triumph Cub, and sending Lassie to get help when the bike wouldn't start 50 miles from home. Cool mom. I just don't see her and June at the bridge club. Or at the feed store either. Somehow the smell of fresh baked cookies mixed with the smell of two-stroke oil was forbidden in June's kitchen. "Ward, you didn't tell me milk came from those dirty cows! The milkman always brought it from the Martin's Farm. Timmy and Lassie's? But it always looked so clean, what am I going to put on my oatmeal?" And the drama continues, never at a loss for a new storyline.

Another mom you may know was only about 15 when she gave birth. A very famous mother, who the Catholics worship, the Beatles sang about, and has lent her name to millions of Latin women. Of course I am talking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. And I think she was a great mom. But of course, she had a great son. But what made her great, was when God told her she would have a son, and still be a virgin, and He would save the people from their sins, the Bible says "Mary pondered these things in her heart." She meditated on them, and sought God in the situation. She didn't lean on her own understanding, and although the son she would have was perfect, and without sin, she knew she wasn't, and that He was born to die-that He was the Savior God had promised. And always lived with that thought, that someday He would die. And at the cross, she was there-loving her son no matter the consequences, while others including most of the men were absent. Mary drew her love from God, and I don't think anything would have fazed her. I can only imagine the talks she and Jesus must have had. And because of Jesus' real father, this may have been the best version of "Father Knows Best" ever made.

So be patient with your mother today. Somehow she has the style of June, the medical connections of Donna, the soul of a rock and roll Harriet, and the toughness of Ruth Martin, baked in an apple pie. And patience, that she learned from having you. But she also has the love for you of Mary, a special love only a mother can have. A gift God has given her for her children. A love not found on Hallmark Days, but everyday. So let today be a special day and love on your mom. Ride carefully, and maybe take her along. Be more of a Cleaver than a Bronson. And when you are confronted by those aren't, tell them, "Well, hang in there." "Then Came Beaver" still sounds better than "Leave it to Bronson." June Bronson that is.

But Mary's way of pondering the things of God is still best. Not the perfect mother, she just had the perfect son. A wish for all those sons and daughters out there, from the mothers who love us. Now that's something to think about.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the job or the paycheck

Despite the current propaganda about jobs, men and women are still being laid off daily. And as this occurs, we sometimes forget that for each person jobless, it represents a household whose life has been put on hold. It represents a son who can't play Little League, a daughter missing piano lessons, or a wife cutting back, so her family can eat. It is people whose lives are changed because of a fiscal situation, one that comes with no ending date, and no real assurances of how they will struggle through it. It means raiding the savings, if they have one, and cancelling the vacations. Looking out for each other rather than looking out for themselves, and reaching deep within, without realizing it and seeing what their character really is. It means going without, and being humbled, in a society that prides itself on pride, and on ourselves. Look at any group picture, and the one you look for first is yourself. Human nature. Listen for the list of names being called, and you can hear yours above the noise. And now in trying times, we are being called to look out for others, and listen to them.

When I encounter men who have lost their jobs, often times they initially are complaining. They tell how much they miss their jobs, and what are they going to do. And although I feel for them, the question I ask tells me more about them than they wish to let us know. "Do you miss your job, or do you miss the paycheck?" And at first I was surprised to hear they missed the paycheck. But almost without fail, they all answer the same. They don't miss the job, they miss the paycheck. They were only working towards an end, and if no compensation was involved, wouldn't have done it. And some were doing it for many years. And I find that a certain sadness comes over me when I hear that. Four years of college, a Masters Degree, climbing the corporate ladder, and achieving success. When the whole time their career was hanging in the balance. And all that matters was the paycheck? Which by the way, is never enough. Ever talk to anyone who was making too much? Didn't pay enough taxes? Or just wanted to give it all away, they had reached their goals and dreams?

Yet today, among the uncounted in the working classes, are a group of men and women who have devoted their lives to their life's calling. They are called missionaries, and they place their job, their vocation, and their lives way above any compensation. I know men and women who were teachers, and quit to minister. I have met six figure CEO's who gave it up to volunteer, and found out that no money could satisfy the compensation found in serving. These men and women, along with their families work unusual, and long hours. Often without even minimum wage compensation, or benefits. But it is the calling, and their obedience in trusting God that makes them a success. And I contrast two people here.

Father Al had a young man, very credentialed, approach him at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel at Shanksville. This man told Fr. Al how he wanted to serve, and how he felt God was leading him there. Thinking this man may be an answer to his prayers, he interviewed the man.

"How much is the salary?" the candidate asked. "There is no salary, we live on donations, and trust God," was the answer.

"How about benefits?" There again none. And sadly, the man left, he had been looking for a position with pay, rather than a ministry and being compensated by God. Even sadder is the fact he will find what he is looking for. Such are the ways when the world invades the church.

The other is about Mother Teresa. Being interviewed in an insect ridden, bug infested hospital in India, with dysentery the norm, the reporter exclaimed, "I wouldn't do what you're doing for a million dollars." To which she replied, "Either would I." For unlike the professional servant, her heart was linked to God, and any compensation would be paltry compared to what the world has to offer.

Remember these missionaries in your prayers today. And us local guys, too. Choosing to follow God upsets your career goals, can wipe out your 401k, and make your family think you have gone crazy. But God offers something that no income can provide-security. A peace that surpasses understanding. For when you are truly called by God, He provides for you. Jesus told His disciples to only take what they have on them, He will provide food and a place to sleep. Not always the Hilton, like some ministries have gotten used too. Sometimes a Motel 6 is a huge upgrade. Where a three course meal is when you Supersize the fries. But we never starve, and you won't see God's called ones begging. In His economy, He raises up those with money and things needed to provide for others, thus blessing both the giver and the receiver. Find that one in a book on economics. Some skills only prepare you for a job, but God prepares you for a life. The number one skill involved-obedience. Trust God and watch how He will use you. And as the Bible tells us, you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead.

Listen to God and invest in these servants today. Be a blessing and be blessed. And if that still small voice is telling you to serve-obey it. Do we miss our regular paychecks? Of course, but we would never go back to what it cost us to get them. Out of a job, God is always hiring. Your decision, is it about the job, or is it about the paycheck? We will know your character by the decision you make. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord!

For what do you have that God has not provided?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

traces of love

There is a fine line between history and memories for me. For me, memories are what I remember, and anything before that is just history. And watching those who attend the Orange County Vintage Bike Meet the first Sunday of each month, I am finding out I am among the senior group-not quite historic yet, but my memories go back as far as anyone's. I vaguely remember Vellocettes, probably because we had no local dealer, and sad, the two that were there were clean, but very few could relate to them. It seemed most memories were gathered around Triumphs of the sixties, and the Japanese bikes of the seventies. But most seemed to be content in the early eighties. And as I listened, you could tell the story teller's age, and also how precious riding was to him, by his memories, as this was group of mostly men who loved to ride, and loved motorcycles.

It seems we all had a bike that you would fill the oil, and check the gas. I listened to Ray describe running out of gas in 1970, on his 68 Triumph, and how it was the first time he had ever used paper money to fill his 3 1/2 gallon tank, it had never taken a dollar before! I remembered how I felt bad when the pump jockey would come out for 60 cents of gas. Walking by a rather personalized H2 Kawasaki-at least he thought it was pretty, and smelling the two stroke oil among the haze reminded me how good racing castor smelled. And how old girl friends hated it! I guess you if you think the smell of racing castor would make a great cologne you understand. Hearing more ring a ding dings from RD 400's than I had in years, I remembered about lessons I had learned on how fast these little bikes were, and how what two strokes gave up on displacement, they made up in power. Until they died. But mostly the crowd was interested in the Hondas and Kawasakis of the early eighties. And my Suzuki GS1000 was right on the edge. And in some ways stood out, as it is as original as it can be. And when I would tell an admirer that only the tank was repainted, you could tell the sadness, a sorrow that it wasn't all original, so I quit mentioning it. It went from the pretty Suzuki with the painted tank, to the all original GS. Just by never mentioning the tank. You might say, making my own history that day. And among all the Kerker pipes, old leather jackets, old and faded 40 year old t-shirts, and bored girl friends trying to look interested, we all had a good time. And I can't wait to go next month and see new friends I made last week. And listen to the stories they tell, and flood my files with more memories. And maybe even get some history mixed in with those memories. But for now, like on the ride home, my mind is filled with memories of bikes, rides, roads, and all the events that make motorcycles a lifestyle for many of us. And how the memories get older, but the kid who rode back then doesn't. Adults by age only, never in our hearts.

From a historical standpoint it is hard to argue with Jesus. Every religion talks about Him, and even old historians mention Him. From teacher, to rabbi, to carpenter, to devoted son, it seems all religions agree-He did exist. Some even will talk of His death on the cross, although some try to pervert it. But where the line gets drawn, is perhaps best shown when Jesus asked Peter who he said he was. "Thou art the Christ!" Peter answered, and Jesus told him he had answered correctly. But sadly, so many so called Christians, denominational types, and cults deny Him His deity. For being both God and man is what made Him unique. The true son of God who died on the cross for our sins. A fact of history, not of memory.

While home sick one day, a representative of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society-a Jehovah Witness came to my door. And before the man could give me the literature they pay for, I asked him the same question Jesus asked Peter. And he denied Christ, and started on his cult's diatribe. I told him it is sad he is going to hell, but it is his choice-and God doesn't want him to go, and either do I. And he doesn't have to! Rather than debate, or argue-note to those of you who do, read 2John, I kept insisting he was going to hell without Jesus. Shaking my hand he left, and as I watched, stood with both hands on the hood of his car-thinking. And I hope considering what I had said, as I don't want him to go to hell. That is why Jesus died-and yes, Jesus is deity! He is God! A simple fact, shown in love.

Some know all about Jesus, but only those who believe know Him. It takes faith, just a little, and like the memories yet to be made with new motorcycle friends, Jesus wants to be part of your life. He knows who He is, and wants to know you personally, not just about Him. Whether repainted or in need of paint, He will restore you, and make you a new creature in Him. So when you get together with other new creatures, you all have Him in common. Let the cults have their ideas, you have truth. Only found in Jesus.

Let the memories begin.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

now more than ever-ask the man who owns one!

Cruising down the 15 the other afternoon, standing out among the dull colored grey and black jelly bean shaped cars, was this beautiful, blue Packard. Now Packards have always stood out, in the heyday of luxury and Classics, they were among the top cars to be owned. Built to a standard, instead of a price, they were what luxury was all about, and many a young man heading up the corporate ladder was known to have said "someday I'll own a Packard." And with that same majesty, here was one, cruising at the speed limits over 70 years later. But what had initially caught my eye was its color-one that stood out from even the conservative dark Packard colors.

And at first I thought what an interesting color for this old car, one of the Seventeenth Series, Packard reluctantly added model years to their cars, referring to them as the series from which they had been engineered, (much like Mercedes Benz refers to their cars today, like the 220, 211, 203, 230, etc.) And it turned out it was a 1939, a convertible sedan, like the yellow one Evelyn Mulwray drove in Chinatown. But instead of a light yellow-one of my favorites, this car was the most beautiful light blue, and just the opposite of the other Packard blue, which was so dark it appeared black. And in addition to the color, the other things glowing were the smiles of the old couple driving it, beaming like the blue, as they were enjoying driving their Packard. And like the old ad advised, did they like their Packard? "Just ask the man who owns one."

Now I have this thing for Packards, and was looking through Classic Car that night. And here was a story about another Seventeenth Series car, a sedan. Painted the same color! A special springtime color, it had a metallic to it, just a reminder to those of you who think all cars were black back then. Pottery Blue Iridescent-what a beautiful name for a beautiful color-on a beautiful car. Perhaps the perfect spring color, and with its wide white wall tires, this car just bloomed with spring! Like a shinny Easter Egg on display.

But sadly too many think Easter is about bunnies and eggs. And it is time for their other bi-annual trip to church for these CEO's-Christmas and Easter only attendees. But God chose this time of year, Passover, a time of redemption, to show His love to us. It was a sad Friday-at least at the time, for Jesus. One week earlier He had been greeted in Jerusalem with cheers of "Hosanna," save us, and in less than one week the same crowd was yelling "Crucify Him!" His treasure had sold Him out for 30 pieces of silver-the price of a wounded slave, and even His staunchest supporter, Peter, had denied Him to a teenage girl. And none of them could be found that Friday, at the cross.

But what a difference three days makes. As the disciples found His tomb empty. He has risen, just like He said! And that is why we celebrate Easter today-it truly is a Resurrection Day! And you can be too, just like Jesus promised.

To have Easter, you must first have a Good Friday. You must die to self, and give your life over to Christ. And then you will be raised with Him upon death. Your life, which may be a series of Good Fridays-bad times, loss of friends, and other woes, will be turned into Easter-changed forever, and defeating death! More to life than eggs and bunnies could ever represent.

And so Packard chose the perfect springtime color for this convertible. Two doors of glory, still alive, resurrected if you would, celebrating spring and a new birth. And after a harsh winter, what a pretty car to see. If you aren't celebrating today, maybe you need some resurrecting too. Dump the old, and put on the new! Seek Jesus, and watch as your sad Friday turns into a good one-and then how Easter causes you to celebrate the risen savior-Jesus!

No matter the color of your car, today is a great day to celebrate Jesus. And if you are looking for a new color, let me point you to this Seventeenth Series Pottery Blue Iridescent! A color that reminds me of new life! And may I suggest a savior-Jesus, who will give you new life. First and last in a series, the Alpha and the Omega! A classic savior-and you don't have to wait for Easter!

Ask the men who know Him!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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just between me and God

A note from Pastor Fred Z. about BMW motorcycles we have owned got me thinking this morning. Early in my riding career, when single and it was all about me, and what I rode, I had a string of five BMW's. Each one had its good, and its bad points, and all took me a lot of places. But the most memorable one, was the 1974 R90S. The first production motorcycle with a sport fairing and low bars, it cost $3430 US dollars. An unheard of price when you could get a Harley for less than $2500, or a Z-1 for under two grand. But the addiction was the focus of my life at the time, and when I totaled my new R90/6 in only two days and 400 miles-I was hit and run and left to die by a drunk driver, the only step was up, and it was available.

I was living in Fort Lauderdale at the time, and the S had been on display at Daytona Speed Week. Courtesy of George Jacques, the owner of 441 Cycle Shop, and when I walked into the store to replace my blue wreck, well, the choice was obvious. Added some real Dunstall Low Decibel pipes, and off I went. Across Alligator Alley-before it was a freeway, and took it back the next day for its 600 mile service. But the fact I walked into the dealer was a miracle. When I woke up in the hospital after the last accident, I was on a rotisserie, with my leathers cut off. And could not feel my lower extremities. I was paralyzed from the waist down. Not yet a Christian, I remember calling out to God, a God I didn't believe in, to give me back my legs so I could walk. And this God, who believed in me, answered my prayer. And later that night, walked out of the hospital. In pain, which I would have for years, and still do, but He had answered my prayer. We sometimes forget that HELP is a great prayer, and that God loves sinners too.

And this would be the motorcycle that took me west from Jersey in November of 1975. A very young Christian, I was alone with only one Christian friend, and headed for Albuquerque. Where I was to grow in God in ways I never dreamed possible.

Still single, and still addicted to motorcycles, God and motorcycles were my life, and not always in that order. I still worshipped the S, and even worked at the local BMW shop. I rode faster than I should-big surprise, but never went down. Even won a couple of races between ghost towns, and the bike and I became known within the biker community of Albuquerque, which by the way, was and still is a great biker town.

But as you grow in God, you find you cannot worship two Gods. And God doesn't like to share you with anyone. And it was becoming evident that the S was getting between us. This bike that had taken me across the US of A, and was the most important thing in my life had to go. But I was ignorant, and stubborn, and resisted God, until one day He changed my heart. He was and is pro-biker, He just wants to be first in your life. And through our BMW mechanic Rocky-a real biker, he introduced me to this girl who would trade me her 1975 Yamaha 500 and cash for my bike. And I couldn't wait to sell it. Very humbling-selling this rare hi-performance bike to a girl, but that's the way God wanted it. I didn't keep the Yamaha long, but it was the most humbling experience in my young Christian walk at the time. And even close friends didn't get it, but God did.

He wants nothing to come between us. He wants total access to our lives, and when He means no other Gods before Him, He means no others! And includes motorcycles! But while the S was replaced by a lesser ride, it also was replaced with a larger God. And I began to grow in Christ, without the stumbling block of the S. A companion for over 40,000 miles in two years, I had given her up for real love. And a God who loved me so much He had given His only son.

Things between you and God may start subtle, and I know the excuses. If you are making them, stop. He didn't take away the love of motorcycling, just the worship of one bike. He humbled me, when He could have humiliated me, but God isn't like that. When I finally sought Him first, then He added things to me, and better than I could ask. Giving life to Matthew6:33. For it is also true our battle is not between flesh and blood, but power and principalities. Some have two wheels, some four. Some go up your nose, some feed your ego. But none can replace what God has for you. Nothing is as precious as God!

I was only saved for a year when God allowed me to sell the S. It was my decision. But it taught me at an early age to TRUST GOD! He knows the plans He has for you-good ones. He orders your steps, or roads. And His word is a lamp unto your feet. Or the road ahead.

Your life will always be between you and God. Just make sure that nothing gets between you and the God who loves you. Kings and kingdoms, as well as motorcycles will fade away, but there's something about that name. Jesus Christ!

Ride with Him today! With the only thing between you His love. A love for motorcycles that is only surpassed by my love for Him! Which is truly surpassed by His love for us!

Jesus loves bikers, too. Shaft, chain, or belt. He loves to ride them all.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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two of a kind still beats a full house

The big news in the touring motorcycle world is the new BMW Six cylinder motorcycle. The first six cylinder motorcycle introduced in almost 30 years, it is putting the touring world into features heaven. And as I am about to celebrate 40 years of having my motorcycle license, it is also almost 40 years since I had my first of five BMW's.

British what? No one knew what BMW stood for then, and what the heck is a Bavarian? But those who rode did, and when Cadillac was still the Standard of the World for luxury cars, those who rode called BMW the Cadillac. Spartan, austere bikes, they were an opposed twin, with those big ugly cylinders sticking out. And in a world that was almost all twins, V-twin Harleys, parallel twin Nortons and Triumphs, BMW's cylinders literally stuck out in a two cylinder world. And touring bikes were all about touring. And BMW was king. Not because of what we call luxury today, but because they were reliable. You could actually ride one over 10,000 miles, or out of town and make it back. Where Harleys and Triumphs leaked, BMW's weeped oil. Tell that to my garage. Whereas all other bikes had chains, and belts were still used to hold up your pants, BMW had a shaft. Quirky bikes that didn't use a key, but could be started using a nail or popsicle stick-no one stole BMWs, a big vibration damper knob on the top of the forks, and a big comfy seat, they were made for the open road. Earles forks, and an under stressed engine, they were reliable for their day. And ugly-no one bought a BMW for looks. But it was the shaft that made them a touring bike, not all the luxury gizmos. And in 1970, BMW was changing the way they did business. And how we redefined touring.

Then their /5 series came out, 500, 600, and 750ccs of power. Colors! Where they were always only black or white-tradition had it every 1000th bike was white, now they were also blue, gold, and red. With huge chrome side panels on the tank, gaining them the nickname "Toaster," for that is what they looked like. And with enhanced engine performance, they would run with the big bikes. At least the 750. And still were reliable, and still shaft driven. My first BMW was an R60/5, a 1972. Bought from Sleger-Forbes, the dealership Malcolm Forbes started with legendary Hank Slegers to feed his motorcycle addiction, they were the first mega dealer. And sold Honda, Triumph, BSA, Yamaha, Ossa, and some other lesser brands. In an era when no one discounted, they offered to pay the sales tax if you paid cash. And whereas NJ had state inspection off site, they had one on-site. And for $1600 out the door, I bought my BMW, and was going to wait until spring to pick it up-they also stored your bike for free if purchased from them. But by January I couldn't wait any longer, and on a warmer, sunny day, picked it up. And the rest is history.

Performance was still spelled speed in those days, but to BMW it meant arriving, not how long it took. My R60 was not very fast as bikes go, my 350 Honda was just as fast, but it was the lure of the shaft. No master links to carry as many of my friends did. No chain lube all over your back. Your date could stay clean back there. With no fear of vibrating off. And on cold days, keeping your feet under the cylinders kept them warm. To BMW competition meant never breaking, not how fast you got there. And whereas today without bags and a windshield you aren't a touring bike, back then it meant shaft. Euro guys used tank bags, and real bikers slept in their clothes. No radios, no windshield, and no chains. Only two cylinders, you could go over 200 miles for $1.25, and your bike would make it back home again. So what if it was slow, the road was the destination, and 40 years ago, BMW told us what touring bikes were all about. The destination was up to you. Things would change for them in 1974 with the R90S, but for now, simple, slow, reliable, and safe was the way to go. Don't fix what ain't broken, and spend your time twisting a throttle instead of a wrench. Good advice even today.

Don't fix what ain't broken. Good advice no matter the situation. Keeping things simple, and not setting out to reinvent the wheel, only to end up with a flat tire. Wind in your face, and bugs in your teeth. We were much simpler bikers back then. And we could tell what you were riding by its sound. Or in BMW's case lack of sound. And you never had to add oil. Almost too good to be true to any biker 40 years ago.

Christianity is simple, and it is easy to become one. But it is not easy being a Christian. For Jesus said in this world you will have tribulation. Don't confuse that with it being easy to become one. Believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth and your are saved, the Bible tells us. But then the need to grow close to Jesus becomes more evident. You see sin where you never saw it before. It is a daily battle, where you work out your daily salvation with fear and trembling. Not working to keep your salvation, but like an athlete in the gym, bulking yourself up in the word, and growing in Jesus. Keeping your life under stressed, by looking to God, rather than feeding your ego. And enjoying the ride of your life more, not a sprint, but an endurance race as Paul calls it.

I often talk to some "hi-performance" Christians, who must always be doing something for God, everything except resting in Him. And sadly when they burn out, they crash. Not the way God wants it. So I take a simple way with God. God calls it abiding in the vine. And when close to God, you will be safe, and joyful. God is enough to meet any and all desires. Dependable, consistent, and always there. A chain that never breaks, a shaft that is reliable. And because of Him, you will go farther than you ever dreamt.

The gospel is simple. Keep it that way. Don't let BMW mean broke my wallet. And let the name of Jesus mean Lord in your life. Ride and live and enjoy life.

Oh, and by the way, we never called them Beemers!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

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