michelle's first ride

It is true that you never forget your first ride, and in Michelle Little’s case, dozens of us won’t either.  For her first ride was with us on Torches Across America in 2005, a ride to honor and remember those who died on 9-11, and her ride was a special one, as she was riding to remember her brother David Weiss, who was among those killed when the towers collapsed.  As a member of Rescue 1, he was doing his job that morning when the towers went down, and Michelle lost her brother forever.  So her first ride was to be an emotional ride, a long ride, and as a passenger behind Don Snyder, who she only met the night before we left Oceanside, on our way To New York City, she and Don would have an interesting ride.  Being a passenger is one thing, but so is taking a passenger, particularly one who had never ridden before.  She learned when and where Don went, so did she.  Pottie breaks are prearranged, and sitting for over 3000 miles takes patience, endurance, commitment, along with compatibility, forgiveness, and dealing with a lack of sleep.  But both made it, no major skirmishes, and every day you could see Her becoming more of a biker.  Her outfit changed with her attitude, and she learned helmet head is a badge of honor among those who ride, and speaking each night at the ceremonies along the ride, you could see her becoming one of us, aided along by the other girls on the trip.  In Ohio I watched as she and another lady cried together, for both had lost brothers there that day.  I watched as she showed some others her brother’s name on the Wall of Remembrance we carried with us.  And I even got to visit with her, answering her questions about riding, being a biker chick, and sharing Jesus more than once in comforting her in an emotion filled ride.  By the time we got to Cerrini’s Harley Davidson in Rostraver, Pennsylvania, she had ridden almost 3000 miles, grew to tolerate Don, and he  her, Don being in his 70’s at the time, and the owner’s family gave her some Harley boots, and designated her a real biker.  She had earned the title, and like I said, many of us will never remember Michelle’s first ride.  Nor Torches Across America, friends and memories that will forever be embraced in our hearts.

Now when you first started to ride, did you start off like Michelle, on a 3000 mile ride?  On the back with a stranger?  Or were you content to just close your eyes and hang on?  And when you finally felt the desire, to some of us the need, to ride yourself, did you immediately want to learn to wheelie?  To stoppie?   To ride 100 miles per hour?  Or were you like most, just happy to get into first gear without stalling, and putting the brakes on without falling.  Remember the great sense of accomplishment when you did both, and when you finally got your license and the road called, you were a rider, says so right here on my license.  But you still had a long way to go, as you cannot teach experience, as Michelle and Don learned, and so as your riding time grew, you went further, faster, and rode longer.  When Theresa got her license, it was never on the freeway, never over 55, then OK on the freeway, and finally me trying to keep up with her at 85mph.  She even lead a group of bikers to the Billy Graham Crusade one year, some 50+ bikers following a girl on her baby blue Triumph, and she had said never.  If only they had known who they were following.  I‘ll bet Michelle had at least thought never, or never again many times, but both honored the commitment to ride, and I have tremendous respect for both.  Lots of little steps, completing one mile before going the next, a pattern for life, and a way God shows us to live, and pray.

When Jesus had spent some time with His newly formed group of 12, they had little knowledge of who He was, or how He was about to change their lives forever.  And you can only imagine the conversations this group of fisherman and anarchists, and a tax collector had with Him.  But many find it strange that of all the things recorded is when they asked Him how to pray.  Not how to cast out demons, not how to prophesy, not how to cater a wedding,or feed a crowd of 5000, they didn’t ask to attend a conference on life on the road, or how to go out witnessing.  They asked how to pray, not even realizing that to build a relationship with God that it is most important.  And when Jesus responded with what is commonly known as the Lord’s prayer, although it could be called the Disciples Prayer, he didn’t tell them word for word, but showed them who and where God is, why He was sent, how to treat others, and how to love others via forgiveness.  He showed them that heaven awaits, but you can have it here and now, because Jesus is among them, and when He is gone, His spirit will remain to guide them.  Just like we would have asked, right?

So when I got a message from a lady who was working on her prayer life, I would remind her and others that prayer is a conversation, a dialogue, not a monologue.  Imagine a conversation where you spoke for 3 minutes, then it was the other person’s turn.  That is not conversation.  Imagine only asking, but never taking the time to listen to and for the answer.  Imagine you don’t know the other one on the end of the line, what questions would you ask to know about them, and what would you want them to know about you?  It is through prayer, then reading the Bible we get to know Jesus, and the more we know Him, the more we trust Him.  And soon you talk like old friends, with respect, sometimes with awe, but always glad to hear their voice.  Just like God is always glad to hear from you...and soon you have a relationship with the God of the universe, on a first name basis.  Sound easy, don’t make it harder than it is.  Take some time right now and tell Jesus how you feel, how you need help, then listen for His answer.  He knows your voice, you don’t have to tell Him each time who you are, and soon you recognize His voice also...the voice of a trusted friend.

I’m sure Michelle sent out many prayers during her ride, I know Don did, and God answered them.  We all made it, and some of us rode Torches again, and again.  Can you say that about your daily prayer life?  Or is it only in church, or when in need, or in trouble, or not getting your way?  Do you trust the one you ask to answer, and will you take His advice when given?  Take some time today and tell Jesus about something dear to you, He loves to listen.  Share about a ride, a date, a special time, and get to know Him.  And then take time to listen, and read, and get to know Him.  Precious times with precious ones are best when they are informal, when you can be yourself.  Be yourself in Christ, and never forget your first love, for that first love never forgets you.  Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  The who, the where, and the why of Jesus.  That kingdom is coming soon, don’t miss out on the ride of your life.  Let’s pray.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

life behind bars

For me it started at a young age, in my teens.  I was looking for more thrills than my sports teams could provide, and a freedom from all the rules that go with being a teenage boy.  Don’t touch, don’t look, don’t even ask, and no was quite often the response before the question was asked.  A trait passed down to me by my parents, but taken from a different perspective.  But here I was, with only paper route money, and money from cutting yards, but with that big no staring me in the face.  My best friend Bill had let me ride his mini-bike, then Ricky his Honda 50, and I was hooked.  All the fun of two wheels without all the pedaling, I liked that.  But it was to be BH, who for a few years was to be my best friend, who pushed me over the edge, when I rode his CL77 Honda, and I was hooked, and there was no coming back.  So it was only natural that I would have my own motorcycle soon, just not while living at home.  I was working, making $2.25/hour, big bucks in 1971, with gas still a quarter, and had saved $1000, enough to retire on, or so I thought.  And I lusted, I mean I had to have a motorcycle, and the arguments began, and continued.

It went from “no son of ours is going to ride one of those things,” to when you are 18 you can move out.”  Which evaporated towards the end of my senior year, as I turned 18, and even posted a sign in my room, for all to see, “_____ days left until I buy my motorcycle.”  Causing more arguments, and teaching me how money talks, parents talk louder, and I was going to be 18, just not soon enough.  And soon there were signs they were starting to cave, that went from NO way, to you can, but can’t live here, you can live here, but the bike can’t stay in the garage, and finally-it will be different, don’t get killed on that thing!  My persistence had won out...and soon all the work, the saving, and the wishing and hoping was to come true.

Ralph’s Honda in South Orange, NJ was an unauthorized Honda dealer, not unusual at the time.  He would buy bikes, and resell them as new, just not with a warranty, but at a discount.  To a kid who only understood money, the cheaper the better, this was OK, and fortunately being a Honda, I never had a problem with it, other than the time I rode to college without mufflers, or went to fast past the high school, or....I think you get it.  It wasn’t the bike, it was the nut behind the wheel.  But on my birthday, all the arrangements were made, and BH and I left school early, as was a common occurrence my senior year.  Stopping at Dot’s lunch,riding  two up on the CL, we were excited, and with $825 cash in my pocket, the purchase price for my new 1972 CB 350 K4 Honda, I was stoked, and ready to ride.  After a quick exchange of money, and pretending to listen to the break-in advice, we were off, I was riding, on my own motorcycle, and no one could stop me now.  I had started my life behind bars, handlebars,that would last a lifetime, call it a life sentence, and all the threats, and negotiations were behind me, I was riding, was this all real or just a dream?

My life behind bars was to become a lifelong obsession, with more power, more speed, and a greater desire to go farther driving me.  Soon life behind bars was to take me to BMW motorcycles, my first one an R60/5, which my father actually thought was a good idea, the first of 5 I was to own, and the the first of many interstate travels I was to go on.  My life behind bars even influenced my dating, as if she didn’t ride, I didn’t care, with a few notable short term romances, proving my point.  So when it was time to go to Florida, BH and I left behind bars, and almost ended up behind bars in Florida, but left still riding, the only bars I chose to spend time behind.  And over the years, and various motorcycles, and after over 600,000 miles, it is safe to say almost 2/3rds of my life has been spent behind bars.  With no commutation of sentence in sight, riding to live, living to ride. 

But along the way, Jesus came into my life, and my death sentence due to sin was commuted, I was found not guilty and pardoned from my sin by Jesus, via His death on the cross.  I had found freedom in riding, now I had real freedom, even when not behind bars, the handle type.  A freedom to do as I wanted, but with the responsibility to not do what I want, based on not wishing to sin any longer.  And soon this real freedom effected all aspects of my life, riding and other.  I found in Christ what I had been looking for in all other things, and He never has let me down, although I have Him many times.  But He forgives me and still loves me, proving what He says in the scriptures about His never ending, unconditional love.  All the rules, regulations, threats, and reprisals couldn’t give me what Jesus had, and still does today.

You may not have spent time behind bars like I have, you may have spent time in front of a bar, wasting away and not knowing it.  Turn to Jesus now, and find He is the way out, and what you have always been looking for.  You may even be behind bars, doing time.  He forgives you there too, but you still have a debt to society to pay.  And He can and will use your presence in prison to show His love.  Wherever you are, He is, He  has never left you, nor will He ever forsake you.  Unlike friends and motorcycles, He will never let you stranded.  I know, I have tried, and failed-his love is that great for us, and cannot be explained in words-you need to experience Jesus to experience grace...so what are you waiting for?

I have been riding most of my life, but my life really began the day I accepted Jesus into my heart.  No religious ceremony, no bells, whistles, or applause, I quietly told Him I needed Him, please help me.  I wasn’t much, still not much either, but in Him I have everything, and He loves me...will you let Him rescue you and love you today?  All bars including handlebars are not made of steel, some exist only in the mind.  Which can be the worst, that is why He says to trust Him, and we are saved by faith.  And unlike Ralph’s Honda, He is authorized, and can do all the warranty work you need-forever.  For me it started at a young age...when will it start for you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

my favorite view of the future

Did you know that AAA still gives out free road maps to its members?  No charge, other than membership, and you can get all you want.  For those of us who tour, it is like a riding junkie’s candy store, and my collection has grown over the years, for free.  Can’t beat a deal like that.  Yes, my friends, road maps, those wonderful things you can unfold and cover your kitchen table with, and dream of your next trip.  Like reading a book, a big book, one big page at a time, then moving on to the next page when you leave the area.  A friend, that unlike a GPS, which looks nerdly on your cool motorcycle, that fits right in your back pocket of your Wranglers, can be carried with you, and even can be refolded to size to fit in the appropriately named map pocket in your tank bag.  A friend that shows you tiny little lines that turn into wonderful curvy roads, the kind God intended when He created motorcycles.  A great overview of an area, showing alternative routes, allowing you to wander down a road, rather than wonder where it goes.  A friend you can build a relationship with, rather than a woman’s voice, not your wife’s or mother’s, telling you turn right in 750 feet, but forgot to tell you to get out of the commuter lane to do it, but will kindly, if not annoyingly reroute you back, or to the next exit, it is up to you to be ready, all this while riding, using the same care and consideration as the teenage girl texting her mother she is late for dinner.  Which also can alert you to the nearest hospital as your next destination.  Giving a whole new meaning to it’s the ride, not just the destination.

For years maps have been my winter source of entertainment, planning the next trip for next summer.  Reviewing old maps, covered with highlighted roads that we had traveled in the past, and transferring our future to new ones, and repeating the procedure again.  With some maps just containing our past routes, overlaid in a different color each year, much more fun when sharing a ride than holding a 2x2 screen and squinting at where you have been.  A map gives scale to your story, and while it may only look like a few inches on a map, it can really be hundreds, or thousands of miles in real life.  Where you can see Texas from Virginia, or Maine from Michigan, and see how you will get there.  And how you can decide which roads to take, not be locked into a freeway tour of America, loaded with apps so you don’t miss every Cracker Barrel, but do miss Lambert’s, Home of the throwed rolls in Sissiton.  Where you can take old 66, and eat at the Rock Inn, of CARS fame.  No freeway exits here.  Just real adventure.  And the best part is even though you know your destinations, you get to choose how you get there.  Some days are 500+ miles, while others take the same amount of time to cover 200, all on roads you found on your map.

Now it has been said a worn Bible is the sign of a life that isn’t, and the same can be said of maps.  If you are the type who highlights everything, you are probably a map reader.  You want more than a synopsis of the truth, you want to live it and breath it all in.  You wish to go all the places God shows you, and wish to make it a personal journey, not one of apps, but one of adventures.  But for some, they are just content with knowing they are going to heaven, and could care less about the trip there.  They have given their lives to Jesus, now leave me alone, I have things to do, and you really don’t need to be that personal.  Yet as all Christians call heaven our home, and our final destination, it is up to us to choose how we get there, including God along on the ride.  He already has a map set out for us, it is up to us to follow the lines, to get off the freeways and into the real adventures He has planned for us.  It is eating at Rudy’s, a custard at Ted Drewes, choosing which milkshake at Steak and Shake, and eating a local sausage for breakfast, at the counter in a small café.  It is getting the most from any ride, and exploring places only found on maps, not on ads or apps.  It is staying at the Hopson Plantation, in a converted cotton gin, rather than at the local motel chain, and paying less and getting more.  It is taking twice as long to get there, and feeling twice as refreshed when you do, free from the stress of possibly missing your next turn.  It is getting the most from life, that only God can provide.  It is seeing America, meeting its people, and making new friends.  It is called living, and God promises it abundantly...but only if you let Him.  The choice is yours,  will you let Him?  Do you let Him?

Not every road you will travel is smooth and straight.  But He is there, just like a good suspension, to help you soak up the bumps.  To help you along, and see the scenery.  Studying the Bible is like spending time with a map, only more beneficial.  For a good map not only shows you the way, but takes you places new, just like God does with His word.  He is someone to bench race with, to ask about roads to come, and who is willing to take you into the future, kicking and screaming sometimes just for your benefit.  Reading the Bible gives us insight to Jesus, and all about Him.  A look back to the beginning, and a look ahead to the future...where the maps come into play.  I know I am going to spend eternity in Jesus, which leaves a short time left here.  We know the future, but don’t know the roads or route to take to get there.  Which is why my favorite view of the future is laying a map out on the kitchen table.  Laying out next summer’s ride, or even short one’s in between.  An anticipation of where I am going, and the excitement of figuring out how I will get there.  All in a conveniently folded map, which fits into my back pocket.  Which leaves me more time to see where I am going, and spend with God.  For thousands of years we got lost without GPS, or its help.  Pick up a map today and spend some time looking where you want to go.  Ask God to guide you, and hang on for the ride of your life.  Jesus spent His entire life on the road, without a GPS.  Maybe enough said, let Him be your road map today, and remember those curvy roads He created...like them I once was lost, but now I’m found.  Let Him take you places no GPS or app will or can.  The future awaits all of us, the road you choose is up to you.  And just like AAA maps, Jesus does it all for free...become a member today!  And like the shirt says, I didn’t quit riding because I got old, I got old because I quit riding.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

riding outside of your kind

.33 miles, 489 curves, 3 mountains, and 1 valley make for one fun ride!  Ending up at Shady Valley, in Tennessee I am referring to the road known as the Snake, US Highway 421, in eastern Tennessee.  A wonderfully designed road, using all the topography God has provided, and allowing you to make a choice of four ways to leave the Valley when you are done.  With your destination The Country Store, on any day many bikes can be found there, bikers and sport riders meeting up, but on weekends it is packed, so take a day off to ride it if you can.  But an interesting phenomena greeted us the second time we arrived there, riding out of Boone, NC, hometown of Billy Graham.  On one side of the parking lot was all Harleys, while most of the lot was sport bikes-or guys who ride fast.  An interesting dichotomy of riders, split by riding type, at least at first glance, but really by brand prejudice, as it was really Harley and others.  Even the BMW riders, were among the others, which numbered Ninjas, GSXR’s, Triumphs, Ducatis, Moto Guzzis, and an occasional Norton or Vincent.  With shades of the Mods vs. the Rockers, it is one meeting place, with two different neighborhoods.  But the roads....even a guy dragging floorboards, which belong on old cars, can still have fun.

Now fun is only good if it is enjoyed, and many times slower riders clog the curves, with no intention of pulling over, no doubt they own the road, and can be as bad if not worse than the family truckster wobbling through the curves 20mph slower than the posted limit.  But in their defense, but not condoning it, I have been passed on the wrong side by suicidal sport bike riders, who think the road is their personal track-don’t invade it!  So each type tends to stay within their own ranks, safe within a group at 25, or safe at 75.  But rarely do you see them mix outside of their own.  Which surprises me when Mr. Road King, after hogging the road, no pun intended, tells me later how he owns a Ninja, but prefers to ride with the HOG group-less intimidating.  But I see a trend where more sport bike riders have a Harley at home, for cruising, and if the used Harley section at most Japanese stores are any indicator, many are switching, or trading up, I see very few Ninjas at Harley stores.  Maybe it is as I had it explained to me once, a friend in HOG when offered a ride on one of my press bikes, a Speed Triple, told me they would all refuse, confiding in me that no one could ride one!  So I am very surprised when I see someone riding outside of their kind.  I tend to take the attitude of a friend at the local Harley store, who loves all the bikes I bring by, and is knowledgeable about them.  “We have a common disease, motorcycles,” we both readily admit, and we know a cruiser will never keep up with Mr. GSXR, but they weren’t designed to, and the opposite applies to, but can’t we just welcome our fellow rider into the group-we all ride, right?  A good case in point is Black Sheep Harley Davidsons for Christ, who we minister with, despite our Triumphs.  They call us moped riders, and I tell them I bring the slow bike, my Bonneville, so I can keep up with them.  But our commonality is Jesus, who rides all types.  Don’t bother arguing, I can’t hear you at 80mph with my Arai on.  Or over your radio-so there.  Let’s just ride-OK!

King Solomon is regarded as the smartest man who ever lived.  Among his fortunes, were over 1000 wives, think of the alimony he faced, and many hundreds of concubines, aka girlfriends.  And to add to that, he married outside of his nationality, which invited in many strange and sacreligious customs.  Which diluted the bloodline, bringing sin into the family, and creating deviant practices.  Right under his roof and in his garage.  God had told them specifically not to marry outside their own kind, if even the smartest man fell into temptation, what chance do we have?  And God wasn’t trying to be mean, or keep us unhappy, He was protecting us, as they brought foreign gods with them, taking their eyes off the one true God.  God calls it sin, and today many still fall prey to it.  Jesus admonishes us to date within only those who are saved, and I see too many marriages unhappy as the Christian is never fulfilled by their spouse, and the spouse always feels left out, because they don’t believe, and just don’t get it.  Like trying to explain how hard it is to ride slow to a cruiser, who thinks it is too hard to ride fast. Unequally yoked, each will go their own way, if one rides at 65, the  other at 62, after an hour they are only 3 miles apart.  Riding together...just not with each other.  So, don’t try to compete...trust God, from the start, and unto the finish.  Many pretty faces and bikes out there competing for your affection, but only one, Jesus Christ who will and can fulfill it. 

Which doesn’t mean we can’t ride together, it is the matter of the commitment.  And who you make it to.  Remember that next time a faster bike goes whizzing by you, or when you get backed up behind a group going 50 in a 65 zone, in the fast lane.  We all ride, let’s show some consideration for each other.  If we can’t get along within our own kind, how do we expect those in cages to respect us?  Or pullover to let us pass, or not interfere with our group while talking on their cell?  We must live in this world, but we are not to become part of it.  You set the tone of the ride, not them.  Stay within your own kind, as God advises, but respect others for theirs.  You never know when you might need a metric wrench buried in a Harley techs tool box, and dusting it off, laughs as he lends it to you, under the no tools loaned sign, as has happened to me.  Even funnier when a Harley friend asks for a tool, and is pointed to the “NO TOOLS LOANED” sign.  Or stopping to help a Harley rider who missed the curve, and helping him get back on the road, which has also happened to me.  And listening to him telling how he wished his bike stopped and handled like yours.  Riding within your own kind may be a well advised thing, but living within God’s love will bring you joy unspeakable, no matter how fast, how far, or what or who you ride with.  To some it comes down to brains and brawn vs. horsepower and handling, to others we just love to ride.  No matter which group you fall into, let God’s love guide your riding, and your choices.  Or next time Ricky Johnson, motocross legend asks you to go riding, and you don’t accept because there is no way you figure you can keep up, and then find out he was going to ride his Harley bagger, you find you missed out on the ride of your life, like I did.  Don’t miss out on Jesus, ride what ya brung, let the corners define the ride.  Not all roads are the snake, but not all riders are Ricky either.  Ride your own ride, and when we meet at the intersection, you go first, but leave me room to pass.  Courtesy...the decision is yours.  Let’s just ride.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

suddenly it's 1978!

Sometimes it pays to listen to the voices inside your head, they may be trying to tell you something.  I detest the term man cave, it’s a garage stupid, where you park your cars, motorcycles, and hang out with your buddies and discuss important things like why you would never buy a Honda, how gas doesn’t smell as good as it used to, or how much things cost today, and how you are barely making it, compared to how much things used to cost and you were still barely making it.  In our garage, we have TV, and a stereo, so while washing or waxing you have semi-live entertainment, while watching races.  And sitting on beach chairs, the view of looking at various motorcycles, posters, and the smell of certain chemicals is immensely better than your big screen and your comfy chair in the living room, which also sponsors AC on hot days.  But sitting among your friends, even when no one is present, sometimes you hear the voices, and sometimes it pays to listen to them.

I have been riding press bikes since the beginning of July, with another one now ready to go back, parked next to Theresa’s Bonneville.  Which lately seems to get ridden more than any of my bikes.  Putting the charger on the Tiger in case it is needed, I sat gazing at my 1978 GS1000, and went back to 1978, when they were the king of the road, and I couldn’t afford one, all my money was tied up in a new 1977 BMW R100S, which was to soon self destruct, and end my run of 5 BMW’s.  But as I looked over, I can swear I heard the Suzuki telling me she wanted to go for a ride, as it had been awhile.  Now I usually don’t listen to the voices, but this one was insistent, and so I got up and wiped her down.  And started her up, being patient as the old CARB carbs take some time to fire off, they were set very lean to reduce emissions.  But as it sat there idling, the voices became louder, but I had a new 2014 sitting between here and the road.  As I turned off the choke, and let her idle on her own, I thought about going for a ride, maybe back to 1978, and I had the perfect riding partner, all set and ready to go.  2014 was going to have to wait...suddenly it was 1978!

The first thing you notice after throwing a leg over the Suzuki is the comfortable seat, another memory of 35 years ago.  And a twist of the throttle tells you that the new wireless throttles are definitely easier on the wrist than the old push/pull systems, which if one broke you could always switch the pus to pull and still get home.  The handlebars remind you that a wheel barrow somewhere may be missing theirs, high,wide, and pulled back-the first thing to go when you bought new back then.  We were café types, and I have ridden with low bars since 1974 and my first R90S.  After accelerating to the first stop sign, the dual front discs do their job, but like the throttle, 35 year old braking systems that were high tech then can be dangerous now, and I am reminded to leave more space than on my Street Triple with radial brakes.  Also the pull, did we really only use two fingers then, too?  The next stop is getting gas, and at $3.60 gallon is more per gallon than it took to fill the tank when new.  And prepay was unheard of then, you pumped then paid, sometimes an attendant who asked all about your new ride, a far cry from pay at the pump.  And gas smells different too...oh well it has been 35 years.  Hitting the freeway, 5 grand equates to 80 mph, something done with extreme disrespect for your license when the speed limit was only 55, easily done in first gear.  But the speedo shows 90, which doesn’t seem fast, but then you remember how speedos were off 10%, typical Japanese bike back then, and you are enjoying your 90mph cruise, even if it is only 80.  Still faster than the speed limit, maybe no else cares either.  And riding along at 90, which is 80, is not a memory, but a real thing today, and later when refueling you are getting almost 45 miles per gallon, on regular, and maybe $2995 spent on a superbike 35 years ago was the right thing to do, even if it took you 35 years to get there. 

“Is it retro” some ask, in this world of new is better, no it is the real thing.  A museum piece on the road, for the road.  The grandfather of all GSXR’s, the sportbike of its time, now considered a standard, but then a standard of the day.  How things have changed for the better, or have they?  Or have we?  For the better?

35 years ago I was a just married, 3 year old Christian starting a family.  Jesus was new in my life, and prior to marriage church and friends at church were my social circle, by choice.  And as I look back, I think of how innocent I was, how much I had to learn, and how Jesus was the bright and shining spot in my life.  Not much changing since then.  First always I was to believe He was #1, and He had been, but sometimes I lived like He was 1A.  It is easy to see how motorcycles have changed in 35 years, go back 35 years from 1978, and suddenly it is 1943, and WWII.  Harley building war bikes, military bikes that we collect today, no Triumph as Great Britain was being bombed, and the Japanese were our enemies, Honda was still 5 years away from getting his start making piston rings. But fortunately Jesus has never changed.  And I can expect the same from Him today, as I did in 1978, and as they did in 1943.  You see times change, styles change, but sin never does.  It will always be sin, so we will always need a savior, we will always need Jesus.  And fortunately He is just as real today as He was then, and will be tomorrow.  No surprise changes in right and wrong, and no changes in His forgiveness either, except today it seems we need it more than ever, and He is up to the task.  He is still the standard that we strive for, and He is still forgiving us when we fall short.  And He is still that voice in my spirit reminding me how much He loves me, just as I am, no matter how I am, or who I am.  Or what I ride, or if I ride.  No conditions, just love.  Something that after 38 years of walking as a Christian, I still forget, but then He lovingly reminds me.  And when I listen to that still small voice, not screaming to be heard, but desiring all of your attention, my days go better.  When I smile I no longer get bugs in my teeth, my full face Arai cured that, but my outlook is different, and the smile comes from the heart, not from the circumstance.  It is more than the emotion of being happy, it is joy, despite of the situation, and His presence.  Even at 90 mph, which is really 80, He is the truth, and wanting to spend time with me.  Just like He has for over 38 years... not long compared to eternity, but a long time looking back at how I was, and how I am today.

And suddenly I am back in the garage, and it is 2013.  But for a few more days it will be 1978 for me, as I have more miles and memories to remember and to create on the Suzuki.  And time to reflect and thank Jesus for the ride, and the rides to come.  By looking back He allows me to look ahead with great excitement, knowing the good old days are still to come, even if it is right now.  At one time today was tomorrow yesterday, so why not enjoy right now, no matter what year you are riding.  But it is important who you are riding with, the one who transcends time, who makes yesterday precious, today worth living, and tomorrow worth looking forward to.   Maybe I need to listen to those voices more often, do the math.  A 1954 body, in 2013, on a 1978 ride, 1954+2013+1978=time well spent with Jesus.  Maybe that is why we spend time in our garages instead of man caves.  Somewhere between now and the future is right now, the best place to be on any day...knowing we have a future in heaven, and a right now with Jesus.  A short time to go, and along time to spend there...spend it wisely with Jesus.  Suddenly never took so long to get here.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

more than just a face in the crowd-and that's a fact Jack

It has been said that as hard as it is getting to the top, it is even harder to stay there.  But if you never get there, you never know how hard the road,or race course is ahead of you.  Racing is a very tight knit community, particularly off road.  My introduction to SCORE was through Ed Frisk at Simon and Simon Racing, factory Ford Rough Riders, who had just won the Baja 1000 in record time.  When he left to go over to Nelson and Nelson, factory Chevy, with three hot shoes, Larry Ragland, Jimmie Johnson, 16 years old at the time, and pre-NASCAR, and Ricky Johnson, motocross legend.  Let’s just say reputation wise I was in over my head.  But I was in, and as my reputation grew I finally was to sponsor Ivan Stewart, and his Pro Trucks, Robbie Gordon, Jimmie Smith, RCR Racing , and Gus Vildosola.  All top names within off road racing.  But my scope was soon to grow outside of SCORE and So Cal, as Brady from Nelson’s went to Jack Flannery in Wisconsin as crew chief, Jack of the Off Road Hall of Fame and 7 time SODA racing champion.  All because I knew Ed, and Ed knew me.  I had never met Jack, who raced with his two sons Jed and Jamie, top rated racers in their own right, but when the tour came to Glen Helen for the first time, I got to meet them.  Brady had set it all up, with free passes, which included all press and pit access, and I got to meet the Flannery family.

Now to say Jack was gracious would be an understatement.  And as Brady had made the move from El Centro to Hemet to Wisconsin Dells, this was the Flannery teams first California race.  We arrived late, the crowd was overflowing, and Brady had left passes at the gate for Andrew and my nephew Danny, both about 12 at the time.  The first race was going on, and Jack won going away.  As we headed to his pit area, I heard my name being called, it was Brady.  Working our way through the crowd, 20 deep wanting to see Jack, he lifted the barrier and we crossed under, meeting Jack for the first time.  As if we had known each other for years, we embraced, and he met Andrew and Danny.  They did a little better, as Andrew’s hero was Ricky Johnson, and when I first introduced him to Rick, he froze, looking at the ground as Rick got down on one knee and talked with him.  But he had met others now, and shook hands with Jack, who quickly excused himself, and tore off one of the body panels that had been damaged during the race.  He signed one, handed it to Danny, then tore off another, signed it and handed it to Andrew.  He made us all feel welcome, and no two kids ever felt so happy, and famous, as they did among the crowd that day.  WOW they heard many times as others wished they had met Jack and gotten a signed panel.  We had been made to feel part of the team, and the panels hung on their bedroom walls for years.  Just one of the many we would meet over our 5 years of sponsorship, but one they will never forget. 

As great as it is saying you know someone of fame, it is even more impressive when someone famous knows you.  Walking through contingency years ago in Laughlin, when they first started racing again, I again heard my name, looking over to see Ivan Stewart, with a man he introduced me to as Don Laughlin.  Yeah, that one.  Who invited me along, Ivan was his tour guide, and I got a tour and education from the All time famous off road champion, and the man whose name was on the same city as the Laughlin Desert Run, the biggest biker run in the southwest.  I doubt he would ever remember me, but that day meeting Don, and having Ivan recognize me gave me some credibility and fame of my own.  Fifteen minutes if you will, spread over many in 30 second increments.  Andy Warhol had the quote, I had the equation.

Now it is one thing to say you know someone, but a bigger thing to say they know you.  Jesus called us, and knows us by name.  Long before we ever went searching for Him.   His first disciples were Andrew and Peter, who He said to, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  Later he met two others, brothers again, John and James, again leaving their boats and nets and following Jesus.  It has been said, that if Jesus had a refrigerator, that your homework would be on it, much like we do for our kids today.  We are that important to Him.  And He still is calling today, to many who we will only meet in heaven, but who He desires to know personally here on earth.  Do you number yourselves among the chosen?  If in doubt, seek Him today.  No special invites, no special service, just call out to Him, believing with your heart, confessing with your mouth and you are saved.  No degrees, catechism, or religious classes needed.  Now you may not be as famous as Peter, James, or John, you may only be an Andrew sending people to Jesus, or you may be a silent Christian, as Joseph of Aramethia was, just waiting for he proper time to do what God asks of you.  In any case, Jesus recognizes you, and calls out to you-even the unsaved. 

Now you may never have a podium finish, or even finish a race, but you are still important to God.  Ever hear of Mordecai Ham?  Ever hear of Billy Graham?  Mordecai Ham led Billy to the Lord, and look at the results today.  One man whose funny name with can’t recall, but so important to Jesus.  And Billy!  That’s love.  And we are all as important.  On earth you may get your 15 minutes of fame, in heaven it will take eternity to thank Jesus for all His fame, which He graciously shares with you.  Just a face in the crowd, how about the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the blind man given his sight, and even the good Samaritan, and the man he rescued?  What was the name of the innkeeper that night in Bethlehem?  All important, but we never know their names, like so many that minister today.  Who minister without recognition, recognized only by Jesus.  Who knows them by name...who knows me by name!  Jesus knows my name, what a rush!

Keep that in mind next time you share Him with others.  Introduce Him as your friend, He calls you friend.  In a life where you will know many people, what a relief to know you will always have a friend in Jesus.  Some call Him Lord, savior, master, rabbi, or teacher.  He is all that, and more-I can call Him my friend.  He knows my name.  And in the greatest race you’ll ever compete in, the human race, He promises a podium finish ever time.  There are names, and there are names...no matter the size of the crowd He recognizes you.  And makes you feel important, because you are.  Ask Andrew and Danny, two 12 year olds made to feel 10 feet tall, just because I knew Jack.  And he knew me.  And that’s a fact.  How much more important does it make you feel that Jesus knows you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

you don't have to go to church to be a hypocrite

The old Ford vs. Chevy battle has been going on for over a century.  Every once in a while you may see Dodge, and you used to see Plymouth, Pontiac, Mercury, and even Olds until their respective companies pulled the plug on them, relegating the to history and memory.  With new faces coming in to take their place, and soon what was a national sport, the N in NASCAR, now has a Japanese based car in its midst.  Just doesn’t seem right, but racing is racing, and as long as it pays the bills, and the France family, it has been written into the rules.  Which to me seems almost hypocritical, for some things are what they are, and I thought NASCAR was one of them.  You don’t see American sedans in races anywhere else in the world, why Jap cars in ours here?  What happened to National?  To be true to the competitors, shouldn’t it be IASCAR?  Somehow doesn’t roll off the tongue.  Maybe size makes right, as Toyota outsells them all anyway, bringing a new concept to race on Sunday, sell on Monday.  But with millions of fans backing them, maybe you don’t have to go to church to be a hypocrite, just show up at a NASCAR race on that Sunday morning.

“I only buy American,” the man claims, “I don’t like to support China,etc.”  And I tend to agree, I remember when we led by quality rather than fell behind due to price.  And I know guys who will only ride an American made motorcycle, even incorporating it into their club laws.  Which until 15 years ago made Harley Davidson the only game in town.  Victory has proven a worthy competitor, and with the current resurrection of Indian, I am betting they make it  this time, now hey have a choice.  Which shows their Harley prejudice, not just their nationalism.  But what seems to escape them is Toyota and Nissan are not American companies.  And it pains me to see the bar and shield decal in their rear windows, as their loyalty to this country ends with their choice of a non-American truck, to me being hypocritical.  Has all that V-twin vibration loosened their senses?  Add a proud to be an American vet sticker, and on any day of the week, including Sundays, you don’t have to go to church to be a hypocrite, just advertise your Harley on your Japanese truck.  Confused...an old biker saying is don’t wear it on your back if it isn’t in your heart.  Or like the old National Lampoon album song Deteriordata sings, “whether you can hear it or not, the universe is laughing behind your back.” 

“I won’t go to church,” I hear, “too many hypocrites.”  Then why don’t we see more of you, we would like you to feel welcomed, and not a stranger.  Yet even in their accusations, there in lies some truth, as we all have a habit of saying one thing and doing another.  Call it do as I say, not as I do.  And we have all been there.  Only Jesus was the only non-hypocrite, doing exactly as He said.  But of course He did it in obedience, for He was constantly in touch with His Father in heaven, doing the right thing came natural-really supernatural.  And as Christians we have that same advantage, and choice, yet we tend to go our own ways, whatever is easiest for us, or benefits us the most.  Be it bikes, cars, church, or even who we worship.  Even sports teams, as how many here in SD don’t cheer for the Chargers?  Nationalism isn’t dead, it has just given way to freedom of choice, and if it works at Burger King, why can’t I have it my way anywhere else?  Yet only in Jesus do we find true freedom of choice, our ability to say yes to Him, or deny is deity altogether and escape heaven.  Love doesn’t demand its own way, unlike some other choices we make, we get to choose.  And I choose Jesus...

So to all my fellow hypocrites out there, all of you, I extend an invitation to the only non-hypocrite ever known, and still around today, Jesus Christ.  You can come as you are, in a NASCAR shirt in your Nissan pickup with the HD logo on it, hey even come on your Harley.  Fit in with the others who chose to not fit in, you will find yourself among a better grade of people, those who are forgiven.  For God forgives hypocrites too, He leaves none out who choose Him.  Try that warm welcome on your Ninja at the next Harley function.  See what I mean, we all ride don’t we?  Doesn’t that give us a common bond against those who don’t?  So find the true freedom of expression you are looking for in Jesus.  Come join us fellow hypocrites, no charge, or pay way too much for the next track seat at NASCAR, watching non-national cars racing for American money.  Lots of NASCAR fans at church, you may find it a better place to be on race day, no yellow flags.

So you don’t have to go to church to be a hypocrite, but it may be the only place you are welcomed as one.  But it is your choice, we will love you for what you are, and encourage you for what you can be.  Imagine truth, with no opinions, and no changing of teams or sponsors every year.  Talk about hypocrisy, we aren’t talking about Jesus, who stays the same.  It is us who must change, which makes me wonder about some choices I make.  How many are based on opinions, which only lead to hypocrisy, and how many are based on Jesus, who is truth?  There is a lot of pressure out there for your dollars and also your soul.  Don’t be a hypocrite, choose Jesus today.  Come join your fellow hypocrites who made the right choice.  Where you are Sunday can have an impact on your Monday.  Reminds me of customer on my paper route named Ford, who drove a Chevy Impala.  I still don’t get that one.  You don’t have to go to church to be a hypocrite, you can fellowship anywhere.  Worship at the altar of your choice this Sunday, no pit pass needed here.  This church is not full of hypocrites, there is always room for one more.  Now, you were saying...

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com