"which one of you losers is gonna finsh second?"

“BACK IN THE DAY, YOU HAD TO DO LIKE EVERYTHING– DIRT TRACK, ROAD RACE, TT, SHORT TRACK, MILE, 1/2 MILE…  WHEN I WAS A YOUNG KID, I WAS KIND OF A SPORTS FREAK. I LIKED PLAYING BASEBALL, AND PLAYING FOOTBALL– BUT THEN EVERYONE GOT BIG AND I STAYED SMALL… THEN, PLAYING BASEBALL, I GOT HIT IN THE HEAD WITH THE BAT– AND I THOUGHT, MAN THIS IS NOT IT! SO, I’D SEEN A COUPLE [MOTORCYCLE] RACES, AND SOME PICTURES IN MAGAZINES, AND I THOUGHT– WELL, I WANT TO DO THAT, YOU KNOW! THEN, IT JUST SO HAPPENED THAT A GUY CAME INTO TOWN AND HAD A BIKE THAT NEEDED A RIDER…”

–Gary Nixon

Once upon a time, to wear the AMA #1 plate in racing you had to be an all around champion rider.  It took dirt tracks, both short and the mile, TT, and road racing over various distances.  Back in the golden age of On Any Sunday, racers raced to win, many times sleeping in the bed of their old pickups, carrying around both dirt and track bikes with them.  They were their own tuner, and many times after racing on Sunday, had to hurry home so they could go to work on Monday morning, an 8-5 job, just to pay the rent, support a family, and then go racing again next week.  Any monies won would help support the addiction, and maybe allow them to Supersize their meal after the race if they did well enough.  Before the race you would find them in the pits, handing tools to their mechanic if they had one, walking the track, or resting from exhaustion.  Racing may be on weekends, but life demanded all of you all week. It was a time of racing to win, and if any trophies or prize money was involved, that was nice too, but you raced to win.....

A far cry from today, as AMA racing has been broken down in to multiple segments from motocross, endurocross, supercross, road racing, and the dirt track.  Today we have champions in each class, before to win the #1 plate you had to be good in all.  Today before races we find the racers sitting in air conditioned coaches watching race films, tuners doing last minute adjustments, or downloading software, and sponsors making sure they have enough shirts and hats to go around.  Umbrella girls await them so they are shielded from the sun at the start, and they still race to win, to win big contracts from sponsors, but they race to win the championships, and many times just for a podium finish, for more sponsor money.  Race doctors await them if hurt, where once somebody’s dad, just a little more than a man with a first aid kit who loves racing volunteered, and every moment at the race is choreographed, the addiction is to win the championship.  A far cry from when winning every race was the goal, and racing to win meant that day.  If you won enough, you would be the champ and wear #1 for a year, if not, you still raced, it was in your blood.  It was in the glory days of On Any Sunday that one Gary Nixon, plate #9 raced, and he greeted his fellow racers before each race the same, “which one of you losers is gonna finish second today?”  He didn’t care who finished second, just that he finished first, all they all finished behind him.  A racer’s racer who finally won the coveted #1 plate later in life, after many broken bones, bodies, and motorcycles had interrupted his quest along the way.  Winning was everything, long before Vince Lombardi said it was the only thing, and the race before them that day was the most important.  It was where slow racers on fast bikes lost, but fast racers on slow bikes would win, the best example I saw myself was July 4th, 1976 at the Fairgrounds in Albuquerque.  The Mile had come to town, and watching Kenny Roberts on an underpowered Yamaha pass all racers in the corners at 120 mph, then being passed in the straights by more powerful bikes, showed me how the desire to win despite all odds was the mark of a champion.  He didn’t race for second, he raced to win, second place was just first loser.  He raced for the #1 plate, which meant winning races.  Which meant racing against Gary Nixon, and the other heroes of On Any Sunday.  Today sadly racing to win has a new meaning, and many race just to finish, with not even a dream of winning.  And society has helped, as from schools to sports to jobs we have become dumbed down.  Where we all get t-shirts just for showing up, and no one goes home with the trophy.  Isn’t that special?

Racing teaches us many things, and the desire to win is one of them.  Works in life, works at work, and it works in church.  At least some think it does.  I get bored and annoyed when talking with men at church who are more interested “did you read the latest book about prayer?  About ministering?  About healing?  About how to start a small group?”  When they are left short, yet consumed by what they read.  Churches for them have become places to see if the pastor is up to speed on the latest, or even if his book is selling.  Special speakers, guest speakers disguised as celebrities, and big name events dictate their walk.  They are looking for that one secret ingredient, that one thing hidden and hopefully the guest speaker has it.  After all, he is successful, so he must know the secret.  And yet, try their success story after buying the book, and end up worse off.  And their wallet lighter.  They lose any hope of winning their race in life, and just hope to finish the day, so they can face tomorrow.  Their shelves are lined with books meant to change their lives, their radio presets all to KWVE, and don’t go anywhere without a Bible.  But sadly they travel alone, for they fail to take the one thing, the one ingredient to success with them, the Holy Spirit.  They have bought into a false doctrine, that being a Christian means you must be successful, that losing may mean sin in your life, and it is up to your participation to be a winner.  Yet nowhere does God tell us to be successful, only faithful.  We all get to carry the #1 plate when we come to Jesus.  And scripture tells us we race to win the race, which often times may show up in short courses daily, but it is an endurance race to the end.  And to finish first, you must first finish.  It takes Jesus, the one thing missing from all the help books and how to lessons to be faithful.  It takes the person, not a thing, and it must be personal.  It is more than Bible covers, decals, t-shirts, Bible studies, and church.  It is something daily that is in you, and that you cannot keep in.  It is like racing, you might not be the fastest, and in some instances you go less slow.  But you race to win, you look forward to the upward calling of Jesus, and the final reward of heaven.  And in heaven, no one will care about what books, what races, or even what trophies you won.  No endorsement contracts, and no podium finishes.  The Holy spirit along with Jesus, and God our Father will be the podium finish we all seek. 

“Which one of you losers is gonna finish second today?” may be an attitude, but one we need to embrace.  Not pridefully, but lovingly, as we seek to win the race today.  But only in Christ, by the Spirit.  Not by strength, not by power, but by God’s spirit lest any of us should boast.  We cannot win salvation, we can not win without Jesus. But yet we all run the race of life, which is maybe why we call it the human race.  We all race for something, when we just need to turn to Jesus and let him lead us.  Today we all face tough tracks, other racers, and prizes that sound good, but lead us astray.  Paul told us to be all things to all men,  but he knew that the only all that mattered, and the only all worth having was Jesus.  Who took all our sin upon himself, who won the race so we can too.  Who celebrates every time someone turns from sin, and to him, and becomes a real champion.  Long before winning was the only thing, there was Jesus.  So follow his lead today, and go make disciples.  He is still the only thing.

Show others how to equip others, that they may equip others.  Following the lead of Jesus, going in love.  Race to win as if you had everything to lose, and nothing to gain.  Which one of us losers once raced just to finish?  In Christ we have won the title, today we run the race.  No guest speaker, no celebrity, and no self help book will get you where you need to go.  Only Jesus is the way.  Some will sign contracts for contingency monies, only Jesus has made a covenant with us for eternal life.  We win, but still must finish.  Sorry, no umbrella girls included.  Once upon a time there was religion, now winners have Jesus.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

graduation day

The Four Freshmen were a huge influence on Brian Wilson with their melodies.  One song of their’s that I always remember is Graduation Day, “we’ll remember always, graduation day...”  in perfect harmony.  Which is ironic for me since I skipped my high school graduation.  With my parent’s blessing.  it was in Jersey, raining, so the event was moved indoors to the gym, which had no air.  My excuse for not going was accepted, and I went to the movies with a friend to see a movie that had just come out, The Godfather.  An offer I couldn’t refuse.  But how times have changed, and today we celebrate graduating from kindergarten, sixth grade, junior high, and if you cannot go to college, hair school.  To some it is a sign of accomplishment, to others a time to finally leave home and do what they want, while the little brother finally gets your room.  For some the future lies ahead, for others the good old days have come and gone, it was all about high school, and without reunions they would be lost in their new world.  But graduations also come in other forms, from graduating from a 500 to a 750, from a Chevy to a Cadillac, or from diapers to big boy pants.  For all a day to remember, for some a day never to forget.

Today a good friend was released from prison on parole today.  He did his time, and is looking forward to getting back into society after paying his debt.  Some may say prison changed him, but it was really Jesus Christ, who works his miracles in jail and out.  But while picking him up I had to wait, and it was visitors day.  So many young mothers with children, excited to see their husbands or dads, all dressed to the dress code, and going through the same check in their dad goes through every day.  A game of sorts for the young ones, having a wand passed over them, and then going through the gates.  But my 8 o’clock release time turned into 930, which was better than the 11am they said it could be, so I saw some coming and going.  And what a difference a visit makes.  Those smiles and excitement had been changed to tears and shame watching them leave.  Waving goodbye to dad through the fence, ever wondering when dad will come home.  And my heart broke for a young boy, about 8, crying hard, but yet trying to be a man for his mom.  He was exhausted by the fact he was leaving his dad behind, and there were probably no words his mother could console him with.  It may not have been his first visit, or his last, but experience doesn’t make them any easier, it just makes you harder.  A memory I wish I didn’t have, if only his dad could see the effect of his sin on his family. 

Another young girl was waiting next to me, dressed up and very pretty.  I could only imagine the reunion that awaited, and I wondered what could such a pretty girl see in a druggie, this was a Rehabilitation Prison.  I notice she didn’t have on a ring, I don’t know if she was married, but was pretty enough to be asked out by many.  Was she pure in her mate’s absence, what went through his mind when in jail?  All because they took a little too much drink, tried drugs, and got caught.  You can almost hear the melodic “It will never happen to me,” among them, yet the prisons are filled with those who did and were.  But this was his graduation day, and I pray he never has to go back, just as I pray the father of this little boy gets out soon and has learned his lesson.  Drunks never start off thinking they will become one, no one sets out to be a drug addict, yet they end up that way.  Human debris to society,  and where once it was the lower class doing drugs, now it has infected all walks of life.  Is getting high or stone really worth the cost?  Is your family worth it?  This little boy obviously loved his dad, how many programs at school has he missed?  How many holidays?  How many father and son events?  Did he ever think what his son would tell his friends when they asked “what’s you dad do?”  Could he answer “10 to 20.”  Yet they love their dads irregardless, and I wonder, if love can cover a multitude of sins, where is Jesus? 

The fact is he never left, from the first toke to the last drink, he hung in there with them.  He is the husband to the wife, the father to the child, and the savior to the lost.  Yet many will not turn to him, feeling that God would never forgive them.  Their sin is to great, when the loving arms of Jesus are extended out and welcoming them in.  NO sin with the exception of rejecting Jesus is unforgiveable.  He forgives as we are, loves us as we are, and then wants us to change to accept all the blessings he has for us.  He reunites us to the father we have in heaven, and cries out to us be saved.  Turn from your sin.  Hosanna!  Yet many will die without him, separated by their sin, when freedom is offered for free.  For those that Jesus sets free are free indeed, and even though chain link fences and walls may separate them from loved ones, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.  Read Romans 8:28, see if there is anything you battle, and see if it is separating you from God.  And his love.  Ask him to save you, and watch as you graduate from sin to savior.  From darkness to light, from death to life.  Only Jesus saves.  Are you listening? 

The little boy and lady were nameless to me, but not to Christ.  You may be that lost one, the one behind jail.  Or on the outside suffering.  Kids need their dads, wives need their husbands and we all need Jesus.  You may be dressed to the tens or in worn out jeans, clothes don’t make the person, only Jesus does.  Let him make that difference in you today, the final exam being “who do you say Jesus is?”  Peter answered correctly, “tough art the Lord.”  We get to call him wonderful counselor, master, savior, and by his first name Jesus.  And we get to call him friend....

Are you doing time or wasting time?  Today may be the time you come to Jesus, and find freedom from sin.  Where you are forgiven, and where your name is written, not typed in the book of life.  In big letters by a loving God.  Next to it paid in full, found innocent and forgiven.  Some prisons have walls, don’t let anything stand between you and Jesus.  It will be awhile before I forget that little boy, Jesus never will.  If only his dad had thought of that.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

motorcycles by the pound

$20,495 or $39.72/pound

$15,699 or $26.79/pound

$14,599 or $24.91/pound

$14,950 or $33.45/pound

$23,249 or $26.45/pound

$9199 or $18.55/pound

$13,499 or $33.33/pound

$7990 or $19.30/pound

$28,100 or $30.12/pound

Did you ever stop to consider the way we buy things?  We buy gas by the gallon, right now about $3/gallon.  But would it sound cheaper at 50 cents/pound, which it works out to?  Next time you fill up, ask for 60 pounds so fuel, see what happens.  How about a 2 liter Coke for the same price per pound?  We buy eggs by the dozen, how would they sound at $2.50 per pound?  And why is milk and ice cream sold by the gallon, but butter by the pound?  Ever try to buy a gallon of butter?  But some anomalies exist, hot dogs 10 per pack, and buns 6 per pack, but why are hamburger buns sold in eights?  Why don’t we buy bread by the slice and rolls by the pound?  We buy corn by the dozen, celery by the stalk, and lettuce by the head, why do we buy other veggies by the pound?  Who created this mess?  Ever try to buy half a pair of shoes, or socks?  Yet many things are sold in quantities that make them consumable.  Imagine buying beef by the gallon?  Kleenex by the pound, no way.  You never want to know how much that 2 oz. of printer ink is by the pound, or gallon.  So for our own piece of mind, and marketing, things are sold as they are.  Giving the old book Cheaper by the Dozen a whole new meaning. 

Imagine you are looking for a new motorcycle, and after visiting the Honda store to look at Gold Wings, you look at Harley Ultra Glides.  A sign in the window caught your attention, “SPECIAL! Ultra Glides $26.45/pound.”  You just might look, only to find out the price is  $23,249, plus freight and set up.  It weighs 879 pounds, but is a deal compared to the Wing at $28,100, or $30.12/pound.  Imagine a Harley marketed by the weight?  But here are some 2014 models, priced per pound, of popular models, each may sound too much per pound, or appear as a deal.  That is why we need to test ride them before we buy.

Ducati Diavel-$20,495 or $39.72/pound x 590 pounds.  Kawasaki ZX-14-$15,699 or $26.79 per pound x 590 pounds.  Suzuki Hayabusa-$14,599 or $24.91/pound x 586.  Harley Davidson Ultra Glide-$23,249 or $26.45/pound x 879.  Triumph Bonneville T100-$9199 or $18.55/pound x 496.  Triumph Daytona R-$13,499 or $33.33/pound x 405.  Yamaha FZ-09-$7990 or $19.30/pound x 414.  BMW GS1200-$14,950, or $33.45/pound x 447.  And lastly Honda Gold Wing-$28,100 or $30.12/pound x 933.  Confused, why are Harleys priced less per pound than a Daytona R?  Which weighs half as much?  Yet the Daytona has full on race bike features?  Maybe there is a difference.  A ZX-14 will run the 1/4 mile in 9 seconds, but the BMW GS is more per pound and is the ultimate Adventure bike.  More weight, might mean less per pound, but do we need all the pounds?  As engineers cut weight each year, the prices go up, would you want to buy .8 gallons of gas for the old price per gallon?  So it is a good thing bikes aren’t sold on a per pound basis, you might think the Harley is a bargain, and give a new definition to HD, which we all know stands for $100.  But yet some insist on paying too much, like the guy who loses money on each widget he sells, but plans to make it up on volume.  10 cents each or 2/25 cents?  But when you consider the performance of a Daytona R or Hayabusa, or ZX-14, the price is cheap.  With possible exception the Ducati, but it is Italian.....

Ever been sold a bill of goods about religion?  I have, and many are out there to deceive.  Some will claim Jesus isn’t God, deny his deity.  Some are interested in gaining your membership, getting you on a roster, filling the pews.  Some will fill you with laws, reminding you of how “thou shalt not,” is their main theme.  And some just want to control you, they know what is best for you, and you don’t.  And then along came Jesus.  Who is the Son of God, and is God.  And proved it.  And still does.  He came to give us freedom from the law by fulfilling it himself, and upsetting many a Pharisee so steeped in legalism.  He showed love and forgiveness, rather than giving us a list of things we shouldn’t do.  He gave us his spirit to choose the right thing, and forgives when we don’t.  He gives you the choice in all things, in Christ you don’t have to, you get to.  You get to pray, you get to read the Bible, you get to go to church, and you get to be saved.  His offer is free, not sure how much that is per pound, or if cheaper by the dozen.  He made salvation free so we could afford it, the gospel simple so we could get it.   No specials, no discount, no installments.  No get saved now and pay later.  On the cross he told us “it is finished.”  He paid it all, took it all, and no new models, no discount on leftovers, or special ads will do.  He is it! 

When Judas sold out to him, he received 30 pieces of silver.  Based on a 180 pound man, that is 6 pounds per piece.  Not sure who got taken, Judas or the payer, but in truth both did, they passed up the bargain of a lifetime for chump change.  Today Jesus offers us salvation, forgiveness, grace, and mercy.  No add ons for freight, for set up, or for shipping and handling.  With him you get it all for one price, YOU.  That is all he asks, to pick up your cross and follow him.  I wonder if the price of the cross was part of the deal Judas was offered?  Or was that thrown in for nothing?  But  it all was not for nothing, what price could you place on your soul? 

With Jesus you get it all, all the things of God and here on earth.  With no interruption upon death, in fact it gets better.  Yet some are unhappy, and look elsewhere, hoping a better deal, a better God, a better product will come by.  There is no new and improved Jesus, he was perfect from the start, remained perfect on earth, and is perfect in heaven to come.  We will be prefect there, for now being forgiven makes us perfect in God’s eyes.  So don’t buy a motorcycle like you would meat, or gas like you would shoes and socks.  You just might end up with more bun than burger, and miss out on what you are looking for.  Works with salvation too, which is only found in Jesus Christ.  Many religions promise, but you need to deliver.  Only Jesus delivered what he said.  And when you get Jesus, you get his Father, and the Holy Spirit as part of the deal.  Free extended warranty for life, and top quality on all.  Beware of half price gods and offers, like shoes priced at half price, but sold individually.  The Trinity comes as a package, and the weight it relieves is priceless. 

There is a reason filet mignon costs more than hamburger, and day old bread is cheaper.  Get your bread daily from God, look forward to a land of milk and honey, and ride what you choose.  The price for heaven has been negotiated, and all the extras thrown in.  No will that be paper or plastic?  And no, COSTCO cannot get it cheaper.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

starting for home

We all have dreams of endless summers, of long vacations that don’t end, and the dread of having to go back to work.  An escape from normal life is so welcoming, so needed, yet so evasive.  Over the years we have been blessed to take our standard two weeks per year, and due to creative planning turn them into as much as 37 days.  Even when I first came west in 1975, I used my two weeks paid, and sacrificed another two weeks unpaid to make the trip.  There is just something about being on the road that we love.  It has taken us to 48 states, Canada, and Mexico-all on two wheels.  We have seen the back roads, eaten at Mom’s Diner, stayed at places that gave refuge like Bates Motel, and been stuck in cities where no escape seemed available.  We have ridden when it is above 120 degrees, and below zero.  We have been soaked in both rain and sweat, followed snow plows, and even just stayed an extra few days sometimes just because we could.  We have planned every mile for every day, and then changed it all when we wondered where a road led.  We have seemingly wandered without plan across states, not knowing what was ahead, but never fearing, and excited about where we would spend the next night.  We have run out of everything except for money, sometimes making it home with only a few cents in our pocket, the bike on reserve, and praying, hoping, and then thanking God for getting us there.  We start out each new adventure with high hopes, great expectations, and after counting down the days, sometimes for months, we are on the road.  Even for a few days any more is exciting, but two summers ago we had the ride of our lives-literally.

After being life flighted and having open heart surgery, spending a total of 30 days in the hospital, 20 in Cardiac Critical Care, and then 5 days in rehab,we needed a place to stay, and two friends we never met gave us their house in Rio Rancho to have until we could leave.  I say could, because I was on heavy doses of antibiotics for my staph infection, and had to be monitored.  In one short summer, we had gone from counting the days of the trip, to counting the day until we leave, to not knowing when we could leave.  We knew August 6th, was the target date, but with each visit to the doctor we hoped he would release me.  Knowing the best course of action was following it, but for the first time we missed home.  And the not knowing when, we still had if in the back of our minds, would weigh heavy at times.  God was more than meeting all our needs, but we missed home.  Through the miracle of cell phones, Theresa kept in contact with our sons, and many friends via Facebook, but it seems there really is no place like home when you can’t go there.  When a summer dream turns into a summer nightmare, when time seems to stand still, but life marches on.  And you find how really impatient you can be, but know you have to wait.

It had been an interesting year, at  least for vehicles I got to ride.  I had ridden about 8 Press bikes for Triumph, ridden my 1978 Suzuki to the Hanford Vintage Bike Show, and on Mother’s Day was invited into the cab of a locomotive at the Perris Train Museum, then told to sit behind the controls and drive it.  For almost 3 miles I was Casey Jones at speeds up to 20 mph!  We had started out for Wisconsin on the Tiger, I was life flighted 250 miles by helicopter, and then finally escorted by Theresa, while riding in the back of a rented Camry.  After she had at first rented a FIAT!  So the summer of 2012 could be a story of transportation modes, but a rented Camry?  Oh the pain of it all!  I cannot begin to tell you how anxious we were to get home, even counting the hours sometimes, and planning our last meal at Monroe’s, our last deli sandwich at McCallister’s and one last visit to sit on Triumphs at PJ’s, the day to leave was finally arriving.  Through a wonderful friend Delana, she got us a room at the Hilton in Albuquerque, closer to our last doctor’s visit, we were ready.  We had actually fallen in love with the home given us in Rio Rancho, but it wasn’t home.  But what a blessing it was.  But we couldn’t wait to see the doctor, and at 830am on August 6th, they pulled out my last pic line, gave me a clean bill of health, and we were going west on I-40 by 845!  The longest ride ahead of me in the back seat of a car, but we were going home, and the next day, the next night we would sleep in our own bed!  I never realized you could miss home so much, and all the little things that used to bother me seemed to be welcomed.  After what we had been through, bring on some normalcy-we can handle it.

The trip home was uneventful, and another night arranged by Delana had us spending the night in Kingman.  The last 350 miles via I-40 and I-15, two roads I thought I would never be glad to see again.  With one final stop to eat fish tacos in Temecula, trying to get my emotions under control...but by the grace of God we arrived.  I had been given a new outlook on life, along with a new aorta, and made medical history.  Not at all what I had planned, but God had it all under control, for I was out of it, and we were 1000 miles from home, so we left it up to Jesus.  That doesn’t mean the emotions didn’t run high, or we didn’t get down, but we never lost hope.  And the scripture a chaplain at Presbyterian Hospital gave Theresa still gives me peace, and I share it with others.  Isaiah 65:24 tells us that even before we pray, God has things under control.  He knew all about my heart, had the helicopter waiting, and landing just so the right cardiologist would operate on me, Dr. Peter Walinsky, whose specialty was aortas.  He had the place for us to stay there, a second home a couple had dedicated to the Lord, and they were blessed to have us use it.  He had the right nurses for me, amazing the amount of Christians he has placed in hospitals, and even the right nurses for the infectious disease treatments, even giving Theresa their home phones to call if she needed help, and giving her extra supplies.  The gifts from Monroe’s, PJ telling me when I got better, he would lend me a bike, he just happened to be Peter’s best friend and knew about my surgery before he knew it was me.  And Delana’s gift, meeting a man in the elevator when leaving who had open heart surgery, and then when dropping off the rental Camry, being told to call Albuquerque, and having the $250 one way drop off fee waived.  God was there all the time.  So when Pastor Ray tells us “God is good all the time,”   I can tell you “all the time God is good.” 

In the back of my mind I wondered if I would ever see Escondido again, but never lost hope for heaven.  I still look forward to heaven, I want to go back is the only way to describe it, but know it will only be on and in God’s time.  We cannot choose the day we die, or how, but we can choose to live for Jesus.  Knowing because he died and was resurrected, so will I.  And that we will meet in heaven again, and forever be filled with joy, no sorrow at all.  If today you are wondering how you will ever make it through the day, set your sights on heaven.  Be assured in Christ that it is real, and he is the only way to go.  Be given the hope we had, when all seemed hopeless, that God knows exactly what is going on, and it all works out for our benefit somehow.  We don’t know what tomorrow brings, we aren’t sure of today, but eternity is for sure, and I want to spend it in heaven with Jesus.  Make the call today, he is waiting, and has room for you.  And plans for your life, for a hope and a future.  Take it from someone who when he landed was described “as the sickest person they had seen who wasn’t dead.”  I have faced death, and am not afraid of it, maybe still unsure about the process, but trusting as never before.  I am only alive here today because of Christ, my wife not a widow, my sons not orphans.  We never thought the day would come when we started for home, today  know we started for home, the real home in heaven, the day we gave our lives to the Lord.  Be it ever so humble as riding in the back seat of a rented Camry, there really is no place like home.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

what kind of biker are you?

Although we all ride, we are a diverse bunch.  From Vespa to Victory, Honda to Harley, and Triumph to Indian, we all love our rides, but go about it differently.  Here is a sample based on nothing scientific, see where you fit in.  Then go for a ride and prove it.

RIDER-You look for any excuse to go for a ride. Whether going for a gallon of milk at midnight for your Oreos, taking the long way home, or a quick trip to San Luis Obispo, you go.  You take good care of your ride, it is in top shape despite its miles.  You have riding preferences, but enjoy all motorcycles because they are motorcycles.  Your bike is always ready to go, and small dings and chips are noted as badges of honor, where and when you got them remembered.  Right now you rather be riding than reading.

CRUISE-NIGHTER-You are all about being seen, and customize your bike accordingly.  You have memorized the Kuryakin catalog, and worn out pages in the Screamin’ Eagle brochures.   Your bike is always shiny, reeks of Armor-All, including tires, and you observe all warm up procedures.  It is low miles, the longest ride was for the last service, and your leathers match the bike.  Some call you a poser, and you are happy to pose while sitting at The Rock Store.  Some ride, you accessorize.

TUNER-TINKERER-You rather live in your garage next to your bike than ride it.  Every part has been tightened, torqued, or checked for correctness.  Oil is changed before it gets dirty, you have a full set of gauges to check engine performance, and all the latest gadgetry to increase performance.  You are not content until you find the last few horsepower, and still look for the perfect dyno to get it for you.  You never have been into the engine, but have receipts for the shop who has.  Bike is low miles, and runs better than it looks.  And you have another just so one is always running.

MODIFIER-RACER-Stickers cover many wounds from low siding at speed.  Your only thought is how can I go faster?  Engine size doesn’t matter, your bike is always the fastest, although rarely tested.  No speedo, only tach, oil pressure, and temp gauges, it only is seen and ridden on track days.  You talk about touring, which means track days across the state.  It is more stock than you care to admit, looks faster than it is.  Highlight is from SCTA sticker, but was taken from another bike that you took to Bonneville that was your friend’s.  Do my leathers make my bike look big?

RESTORER-Originality and perfection are your gods.  No bike from an assembly line ever looked this good, or would.  Any repaint is from NOS factory paint, only NOS or new parts used, and even tires have original build dates to match those of the bike.  You have brochures and ads from new, and can be like a CRUISE-NIGHTER on Sunoco 260.  Your bikes are never ridden, and see most miles from the back of an enclosed van.  Low or no miles, and after rebuild your wife parks her new car in the driveway so she won’t ding it.  Not her decision.  The few rides never see redline, as you don’t want to hurt the engine.  Only wears clean and pressed t-shirts of your favorite brand.

HOARDER-Somewhere in your garage is your motorcycles.  Some came in boxes, some actually ran, but you have an obsession to keep finding parts because they are obsolete.  Misunderstood, someday they will thank you . You have at  least 12 cylinder heads, with gasket sets to match, various pistons, shifters, parts books, and old microfiche.  You have never finished a project, but promise to be ready for next year’s Hansen Dam Ride.  Your trash cans are filled, but you never empty them, just getting another as you may need the old parts someday.  You never sell, but often buy-who can pass up a deal like that?

TROPHY-HOUND-Your bike is meticulous, and you spend weeks before a show polishing it.  You were delighted when Armor-All became available in 55 gallon drums, and no waxing rag is used twice.  You only go to invite only shows, your bike is perfect, but never to you.  Carpets are laid down on grass so blades of grass don’t get in treads.  You carry all your trophies with you, and never park next to anything that may embarrass you.  Only specific brand meets draw your interest, and although you ride, you never got a license.  The trailer your bike rides in is nicer than your house.  Wife #3 just left you, you didn’t realize it until to weeks later when she didn’t show up with wax for the trophies at last year’s meet.  On the back of a friend’s motorcycle.

ONE HIT WONDER-Low on funds, you bought a leftover from 3 years ago.. Cheap.  It was low production, maybe a low price come on to get you into the dealer.  It has drum brakes, carburetors, no tach, and a basic black paint job.  You never will see another due to the fact that the only other one was sold on the opposite coast.  You tell everyone it is limited production, just not why.  You keep it perfect, and wear earplugs while riding and parking, so you can’t hear others laughing behind your back.  When you tell them just how unique your ride is, they can’t believe it, but really can’t believe anyone bought one to start with.  Leftover for a reason.  So is motorcycle.

PROFESSOR-This guy communicates with the engineers at the factory, they just never call back.  He starts out trying to reinvent the wheel, and ends up with a flat tire.  He knows every fact abut the bike, down to the date and time it was built.  He knows minute details about his model, and why it is better than yours.  He may not even own a bike, but is ready for the right deal to come along.  He claims he has a motorcycle, claims the old Puch moped with streamers and reflectors is his son’s, who has Harley tattoos.  But has been seen at 25mph hanging on for dear life on quiet Sunday afternoons when the Chargers are on.  Knows all, rides nothing.  Claims the Internet is infallible.  Even the nicest people on Hondas don’t like him.

Although we all claim to be Christians, and love Jesus, we are a diverse bunch.  From Lutheran to Baptist, Presbyterian to Catholic, and Calvary Chapel to Fundamentalist, we all love Jesus, just go about it differently.  Again nothing scientific, see where you do or don’t fit in.  Then go to church and prove it.

RIDER-You love God and all his people.  You love to fellowship, and never miss a service or chance to serve.  You invite visiting missionaries to stay with you, read your Bible, attend prayer meetings, and rather talk about God than anything else.  You have a passion for Christ, and your life is full of testimonies. In failure you seek Christ, in victory praise him.  Right now you rather be out serving, and cannot understand why everyone else isn’t.

CRUISE-NIGHTER-We all know just where you sit in church, and have your own section.  First time visitors beware.  You are the first to tell the pastor afterwards how great his message was, and each week ask for prayer for the same thing. Your car has all the latest bumper stickers, never miss a special speaker, and never anything but a new shiny, Bible cover.  Your kids are named after Bible characters, you have memorized the Bible, but just not sure who Jesus is.  You think everyone wants to be like you, and still cannot understand why everyone avoids you.  They must be jealous, yeah, that’s it.

TUNER-TINKERER-You tend to church hop, being out every night of the week, while your family suffers.  But you wouldn’t know it, you are busy reading the latest self help book.  You are legalistic to point of heresy, and if it ain’t King James it just may be.  Your church is the only true church, and you are looking for that perfect church.  You have been to Billy Graham, and various Harvest Crusades, taking copious notes on what Billy said wrong, but never getting to meet him and correct him.  Free advice given to all, just never taken.  Do as I say not as I do. Says all, knows nothing.

MODIFIER-RACER-Always looking out for himself, church hops everywhere.  No foundation of beliefs, thinks Buddha has good ideas, too.  Self help books line his shelf, has been to Israel many times looking for God.  Talks a good game, but is known to wander from the truth.  Looking for love in all the wrong places, just doesn’t know it.  Believes in performance based salvation, using him as the benchmark.  When a better God comes along, he is ready.

RESTORER-He will only read the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New in Greek.  He doesn’t want to miss out on anything that may have been mistranslated.  Originality counts, has been known to carry a Greek dictionary with him.  Always willing to argue over fine points of scripture, he is proud to tell everyone Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th, and is never invited back to Bible studies, he claims the rest are hypocrites, and his way is the only way.  Has figured out physical description of Jesus from other texts, now working on whether Mary was a blond or brunette.  Has no conception of salvation, for he has never sinned.  But is a self pronounced authority on what is best for you. No scars that show, but many deep inside.

HOARDER-You know these guys, they take notes and stuff them in their Bible.  They still have announcements from 10 years ago, but can’t find them.  Shelves at home are filled with old palm branches, Baptismal records, and photos of the church, from ground breaking to the latest remodel.  He has trouble referring to his notes, the pages of his Bible keep getting in the way, so he doesn’t read either.  Old tube radio in den set to religious station from Oklahoma he can only get on clear nights, insists of only hearing the real gospel.  Believes God may be dead, and Elvis alive, if only he can find the notes he took about it.  Still waiting to go on that elusive first retreat.  God is in here somewhere....

TROPHY-HOUND-How many people do you know who have met the Pope?  Danced at a Jewish festival in Jerusalem?  Knocked on Billy Graham’s door in North Carolina, and can tell you all about it?  His testimony is of meeting big name people, and his walls are lined with pictures of him with them.  Saved by association, you don’t have to ask.  He was once shown a picture of his 14 year old son and thought it was a young Max Lucado.  He can be known to know it all, or at least those who do, but suffers in the reality department.  Guilty by association, just not with Jesus.  Always buys the first round as the crowd only gets bigger...and more opportunities for a photo op.  Claims wife was a direct descendent of Aimee Semple McPherson, whoever she was.

ONE HIT WONDER-He got saved his first time to church and never went back.  It just can’t get any better, and stays away from fellowship so it won’t.  He doesn’t share with his kids, it’s up them to figure it out like he did.  Is very critical of the church, and blames them for his problems.  He is bitter to his wife for she goes to church, and he makes jokes about her to her face.  He even has a Jesus sticker on his car to prove he is saved.  Believed to be the main reason people don’t like going to church.  Swears, drinks, and has had an affair, another one hit wonder.  Usually found in groups of one.

PROFESSOR-As a hobby, proof reads Bibles then contacts printer with errors.  Few phone calls returned.  Knows Jesus’ name in 12 languages, yet can’t find a church that is deserving of him.  God is all intellect, and he cannot fathom why God made such imperfect people he must live with.  Refuses to go to church, they all lie anyway, will not tithe, although he memorized Micah, and wrote a paper on it for the Watchtower Society.  Thinks Jesus is taking God’s name vain, spends time looking for the lost Ark of the Covenant.  Belief system based on heretical writings, various opinions, and Hollywood scripts.  Tries to be good, and cannot stand those that aren’t.  Sunday mornings spent listening to various TV evangelists, then calling in and correcting them.  Believes in UFO’s, the three wise men may have been form Mars.  No proof of heaven because he hasn’t seen it, I hope he believes in hell, that is where he is headed.  Saved by brains, not by faith.  And can prove anything he believes, if your mind is liberal enough. 

So there you have it, funny yet true.  Scary yet true, somewhere in there we all live.  Take the time today to spend with Jesus.  Read his word, fellowship with other believers, go to church, and communicate with Jesus.  Just like Acts 2:42 says. Be the church, one we want to be part of and go to.  Not all who wander are lost, but all who wonder need Jesus.  Take a ride to church today, meet others,and share testimonies.  No right answers, only Jesus.  E pluribus unim, from one comes many, make sure the only one is Jesus.  Now you were saying....

love with compassion,

Mike

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