what if Honda built a Buick?

The late seventies were not a good time for the automobile industry.  Interest rates of over 20% slowed sales, on cars that were slower due to emission laws manufacturers were trying to deal with.  And so we saw many badge engineered cars, designed in the seventies and unleashed on the public a few years later.  It looked like the seventies would never end, and the eighties would just continue the onslaught.  Remember the Citation/Skylark/Phoenix/Omega mistake by GM?  Cars so poorly designed you couldn’t reach a spark plug without taking out the engine.  Or so poorly made they had to be fixed before they could be sold.  Yet they sold in the millions, but where are they today?  Were they the spark we needed to recycle?  Just the opposite was going on in the motorcycle world, as bikes were going faster quicker, and Honda even made a 6 cylinder, no not a Gold Wing, that was to come.  But a true inline 6, transverse and wide.  Heavy and quick, fast and pricey.  That never sold in great numbers, Honda often built bikes just because they were Honda and you weren’t, to show off their engineering.  Eventually they had to scrap the idea as too much for the market, and as warehouses had filled up with lesser unsold motorcycles.  Remember 24-30% motorcycle loans?  If you could get one?  But another Honda motorcycle, born in the early seventies was maturing into an icon, and about to be the design all other touring bikes would copy.

Honda surprised the touring world in 1975 with the Gold Wing.  4 cylinder flat opposed motor, shaft drive, and no fairing, bags, radio, or plush animals.  It was a motorcycle, and a fast one at the time, running in the 12’s, it was fast and smooth.  My friend Geno bought one of the first ones, converting from BMW, which we both thought he would never do. And immediately rode form Jersey to Albuquerque with his cousin on the back to see me.  With just a duffle bag ad tank bag for both, enough for their 3 weeks on the road.  But the seed was planted, and Craig Vetter soon built Windjammers to fit, bags were engineered aftermarket, sissy bars with plush animals followed, and finally the factory took over for what the aftermarket had started.  And today, in its 41st year, the only way you can buy a Gold Wing is with a 6 cylinder, full fairing, bags and trunk, rear seat with arm rests, sound system with CD player, cruise control, an on board air compressor, and optional air bags.  If you hadn’t known I was talking motorcycle, you may have thought Honda was building a Buick  For with the exception of two additional wheels, has all the features of my neighbors Buick, and costs almost as much.  How far have we strayed from the basic two wheeled premise to this?  Add a trailer hitch, and you can cruise comfortably with your home behind you.  I can only imagine if Buick built a motorcycle, or do they need to, as Honda already builds Buicks?  Let those who ride decide...

But I have many friends who ride them, as well as Harleys, Victorys, and other big bagger touring bikes.  I rode an new Indian Chief, powerful, but it handled like a wheelbarrow in gravel.  Heavy.  Do we really need another half ton motorcycle?  Especially when after 7300 miles in 26 days on an adventure bike, we were just as comfortable, rested from not wrestling with a half ton car/bike, and it handled, got great mileage, was smooth, and quick.  And at less than half the price?  Is it possible maybe I am onto something here?  And no, we didn’t take a plush animal with us...everything we needed, nothing we didn’t, including the complications and the weight.  No radio, but I will admit I liked the cruise control.  Which only works up to 100mph...oh well...

And so over the years have tried to make my life simpler, like the bikes I prefer to ride.  We are down to four motorcycles, from nine.  And other life considerations are being dealt with.  It seems downsizing is a good thing, and as there are fewer people we want to impress, we get by with fewer things.  How many overbought their homes, now the kids are gone, do you really need a 3000 square foot home for two?  Our Costco bills are way down, we no longer need to buy in bulk, and we are trying to lose some of our bulk.  I like to think we live smarter, it only took a lifetime to get there.  And I like my gospel simpler too.  A few years back I sat through church services that had to fill the hour.  And got bored, and my mind wandered, thinking about riding.  And I began to question, “why can Billy Graham speak for 20 minutes and the altars are full, when after an hour in church so many rush to the door to leave?”  What does Billy know they don’t?  Maybe his message is so simple we can get it.  And free so I can afford it.  It gives me the chance to know Jesus, to avoid hell, and to become a Christian.  Is it possible we all have the attention span of a 5 year old when it comes to the gospel?  Or has church been turned into a Gold Wing event?  I attend a church with over 90 ministry opportunities, yet so many are looking for somewhere to serve.  Are there too many items on the menu?  Been out to eat lately, you cannot get a hamburger any more unless you order one without cheese, giving a new meaning to do you want cheese on it?  Have we gotten so sophisticated and grand we have missed the simplicity of the gospel?  How many know John 3.16, but are stymied with 1John 3.16?  Which tells us, “by this we know his love, for as he loved us, we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  Have we missed the point of the gospel?  Did Jesus ever set out to build a Buick for religion?  Are we locked inside our Buick, protected, comforted, isolated, and separated from the holy spirit that led us to Christ?  Is your comfort zone found in the things of the world, or in the holy spirit?  What are you comfortable in?  Has the world built a church and we don’t know it?  Or have we adapted so much, that we need overheads, comfy seats, programs, processes, procedures, and meetings to tell us what the spirit is already showing us?  Is your life filled with useless accessories, or do you simply want a hamburger with no cheese?  Do you want a Honda that isn’t a Buick?  Or a Buick that isn’t a Honda?  What are you seeking from God?  Think about it...

Jesus came to save.  It makes him the savior.  He came to comfort via his spirit.  He came to heal, to lead, to forgive.  To be your friend, to counsel, to protect.  All in one easy to accept package.  Which can be shared in less than 5 minutes!  Do we love as he asks us to, or are we stuck in the rough still learning all we can hoping to get closer to God?  Or do our actions truly represent what we believe, and hope no one is looking?  Have you picked up your cross and followed, or is it locked in  your saddle bags, somewhere?  But I do have a Jesus sticker...

Jesus showed love many ways, we can too.  He listened, he ate with others, he walked with them.  He studied, he visited, he became friends with them.  And still does today.  Lay down a few minutes today, and listen to someone who is hurting.  Maybe just lonely, overwhelmed with life.  Who bought a motorcycle and got a Buick.  Who sought love and got religion.  Who are looking, but not finding.  Who know the scriptures, but don’t know the gospel.  Who go to church, but aren’t saved.  Lay down a few minutes for others, and soon it becomes a habit.  Think about it, spreading the gospel by listening?  Isn’t that how we started, how we heard it, by listening?  To what the spirit had to say?  They will know of the love of Jesus by our love for them.  And it works both ways....

Riding behind a windshield blocks the wind, the spirit is rushing wind.  Has Honda really built a Buick and we don’t know it?  Love in deed and truth, put miles behind your words.  And you don’t have to take out a loan to afford it....you bought the ad, did you get the right product?  And you wonder why GM went bankrupt. 

love with compassion,

Mike

you mean he fixes motorcycles too?

It all started on our way back from visiting Frank near Portland, Oregon.  Where they have sun breaks.  A noise was coming from my rear wheel on my old Tiger, sounded like brakes.  But checking the pads, they were like new, and the noise so intermittent, it was hard to locate.  But after riding within 350 miles of home, the noise got louder, and then the back wheel started to wobble.  And a quick glance told me the rear wheel bearing was coming apart.  Never a good thing, especially 300 miles from a Triumph dealer.  And so I called Mick, my towing service had agreed to tow it to him, he would order the part.  But he soon called back, Triumph had no parts in stock for it...so what to do?  He suggested I call Shel, the national service manager for Triumph at the time, and see if he could help me.  I knew Shel, and how we met was interesting, our connections even more so.

I knew Bouke, who knew Rick.  Shel worked for Rick at one time, and he knew Mickey.  I knew Mickey, and Bouke, and also had hung out at Rick’s, the local Triumph/Kawasaki store in Bound Brook, New Jersey.  Bouke was the fast guy back then, still might be, and everyone at the shop knew him.  And since we hung out together, I gained access to Rick’s, and was one of the guys.  Which when Shel told me he once worked at Rick’s, and knew Bouke, instantly put me on the inside track.  And since Mick and Shel are best friends, and Mick and I are good friends, I was in good standing from friends past and present. Which in an emergency, is a good thing, for you can never have too many friends.  So I called Shel, who called England, where the bikes are made, and he called me back.  He had been in touch with them just before they closed, they are 8 hours ahead, and they had no stock.  It seems no one had ever needed to replace a rear wheel bearing on one, and they didn’t stock them.  And even engineering at the factory had no specs to offer.  Despite all my connections, no parts, and not even information about the bearing was available.  Was I stuck in Paso?  Was my final ride home on a flat bed, my bike riding behind me on it?

So I called the local tow company, who wouldn’t do it, a 700 mile round trip didn’t interest him, meaning his pocketbook.  So not giving up, my insurance company said they would pay for a rental truck, so back into the phone book to find a one way rental.  Good luck.  But I did find a guy sympathetic to my cause, and when I described to him my situation, explained he was an ex-Honda factory trained mechanic.  He had left the city for a more peaceful life, and did motorcycle repairs, rented trucks, and fixed whatever came into his shop.  He could fix my bike he assured me, and called me later after picking it up at the motel I was stuck at.  He had ordered the part from Honda, it came in a kit, and would have it the next day. He had measured the bearing, crossed it to an industry number, and found it would fit.  Seems he knew more than the factory.  And for all of $91, parts and labor, including the tow, which he did for free, since he was doing the repair.  The bike was apart, when the part arrived overnight on the bus, he would have it when he opened, he would install it, and we could return home.  Which he did, which we did, and passed on the info to Shel in case he ever needed it again.  And by 11am we were on the road.

I have been told and tell others, sometimes it is who you know rather than what you know.  And despite all connections, the one person working behind the scenes, hasn’t been introduced yet.  A loving God, who we call Jesus.  Who too many times is the last person we call on.  Seems we are too busy worrying, or planning, or doing things our way to stop and pray.  But God already has things under control, even rear wheel bearings for a Triumph.  Before we had a problem, God knew it, and had made arrangements to handle it, and he did.  Over the years I have known and dealt with many service managers, and parts managers.  Guys who were very good,and would use their connections, favors as we called them, to get people back on the road.  But we forget that Jesus spent most of his time on the road, and was prepared for our emergency, even if we weren’t.  That nothing surprises God, even if it does us.  And he is always the best, the first, and sometimes the only one to call on.  When I asked someone, “what were the chances of all the people I knew coming up empty despite their connections, but yet finding a Honda mechanic who knew the part and cold fix it 350 miles form a Triumph dealer,” what would you think were the chances?  When the answers came back as anything from a long shot, to good luck, to a million to one, my answer differed.  “100%.”  For with God, it is always 100%, while all these guys had connections, Jesus was and is the connection.  So when someone tells me the way, I know him personally.  I was looking for the way to fix my bike, he was and is the way.  You mean Jesus fixes motorcycles too?

And he gave sight to the blind with no degree.  Made the lame walk while not an orthopedic doctor.  In him doors will open, and also close when needed, and he can fix anything.  But you must let him.  Despite my best efforts, and friends willing to help, he was the way.  And got me to Paso so I could get my bike fixed.  It could have happened on any of the 9000 miles I had ridden that month, it broke in Paso.  Where a rental truck company was owned by an ex-Honda mechanic, he knew a part number, and had it fixed.  In one day.  And you wonder what were the chances?

Today we will face many problems, tests, obstacles, and trials.  Some we can overcome, some need prayer, some need an answer right now.  Maybe an example of an old mechanic who worked for me at Mercedes Benz said it best.  A woman came in with no AC, and he lifted her hood, replaced a fuse, and it started working.  She was amazed, thankful, and asked “how much do I owe?”  His reply, $20.”  “Twenty bucks for a fuse?”  “Yes” he said, “but I knew what fuse...”  Whether fuses or bearings, no matter what the world throws at you, go to Jesus first.  He calls me friend.  Nothing surprises him....does that surprise you?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Bob builds the perfect car

Urban legends are just that, legend.  But every once in awhile you come across a story so unreal that it has to be true.  One legend is about the GI mailing a Jeep home from WWII one piece at time.  Another has a Cadillac factory worker stealing parts from the factory one piece at a time and then building the car in his garage.  But one story that is beyond reproach is of Bob Doehler and his 300SL Mercedes Benz.  Bob was a designer for Studebaker on the Avanti project.  Known as a perfectionist, he thought the Gull Wing Mercedes was the most beautiful car he had ever seen.  Using his connection, Studebaker used to be the US importer for Mercedes Benz, he arranged to have a chassis and body sent to him, with parts to be ordered later.  When completed Mercedes Benz would assign a chassis and serial number to it,  it would essentially be a new untitled 300SL.

And so for years, Bob ordered 300SL parts up until Mercedes Benz and Studebaker parted ways in the sixties, having accumulated about 98% of the parts needed to build a car.  Studebaker had failed as an auto maker, so Bob found an old factory and set up shop there, eventually completing his project.  Now Bob was also a procrastinator, and was known for talking about his project rather than completing it.  Sometime in 1988 he surfaced, looking for parts to finish the Gull Wing, and the story gets interesting from here.  A car restorer in California heard about the legend of Bob, and contacted him, it seems Bob had original blueprints of the body, Mercedes Benz didn’t even have any in their archives.  But Bob never complete his car, it was more interesting to him in pieces, the legend taking shape in front of any audience, until his death in 1994.  When the restorer offered to buy the car, sent a deposit of $200,000, and both the car and money were lost.  The Germans, as they were referred to, had sold the car out from under this man, and his part of the legend seemed real.  Adding to the legend, until some he met some Germans at an auction, who claimed they were the ones, and the story was true.  With the broker takingoff with the funds.  But someday the car would be completed.

It was silver with a blue plaid interior, standard 300SL and Mercedes Benz racing colors, and the most perfect, Gull Wing ever made.  Original rather than restored, everything fit, the colors were correct, and even the engine had been stored properly, and fired off just fine.  And after 1500 hours of building rather than restoration, they were able to fire off a brand new 1955 300SL, experiencing almost 40 years later what it must have been like in 1955 to drive one off the dealer showroom floor.  Truly a brand new car with a brand new zero mile original engine, correct colors not restored or repainted, and it all worked.  It seems Bob set out to build the perfect car one piece at a time, just never got around to completing it.  But leaving it for someone else to finish, and seeing an urban legend come true.  Truly, as Bogie answered when asked “what is that bird?” about the Maltese Falcon, “the thing dreams are made of.”

Maybe something to consider next time you consider a Lexus, who climes to be “the relentless pursuit of perfection,”  years ago Mercedes Benz had found it.  Such is German engineering.  And assembly.  If only its owners would respect those in taking care of their cars.  The second law of thermodynamics states things are in a perpetual state of atrophy.  In other words we start out better than we end up.  Old age will prove that, and it is a physical law.  As opposed to the theory of evolution, which cannot or has never been proven.  We start out better than we end up, no matter how many face lifts, augmentation, or knee replacements we endure.  We are all getting older, and our bodies are wearing out.  With a limited supply of factory parts available.  I am amazed at  how God made the body, how an aspirin knows my head hurts and not my feet.  How I cannot hold my breath and die, breathing is involuntary.  How sweat comes out, but water cannot enter the skin.  How food can taste so different, but all come out the same in the end.  And how God made the perfect body when he made man in his image.  Yet he is everlasting, and we aren’t.  Or are we?

Today we celebrate birthdays on the day you were born, the day you entered the world.  The Jewish believe life begins at conception, while scripture tells us we have always existed since the beginning.  And even when our bodies no longer function and death occurs, we will continue on forever.  Given the choice of where to spend eternity.  Based on who we believe Jesus is.  A simple one question final exam, and yet many choose to go to hell.  Believing the lies of there is no God, to there is no hell, to it doesn’t matter, to God it does.  He misses us after Adam sinned, and wants us back, for eternal fellowship with him.  In heaven.  On his terms, forgiven.  In spirit, for he is a spirit and must be worshipped as such.  Yet so many deal with an outer restoration they neglect the spiritual restoration only Jesus can provide, and enter eternity healthy on the outside, but going to hell based on the inside, the soul.  Their relentless search for perfection never being found, always escaping them, when Jesus is available any time to them.  Believing lies, or even urban legends, because the truth seems so unbelievable.  Go figure...look at your body, if you thought you would live so long would you have taken better care of it?  But your soul will live forever, are you just as concerned?

Today you can buy all the parts needed to build a brand new 1965-66 Mustang.  New parts, to make an old car, that will be titled as new.  Same with the 57 Chevy, a brand new car for 2016, except it is a 1957.  New parts for old cars.  But are they the same?  Both are original, what is the difference?  One is built by the creator, the factory, the other hand built like Bob’s 300SL.  But unlike his, as his has the original dated parts, not even NOS parts with the correct date.  Somewhere there is a difference, and some care, some don’t.  God cares, since you are an original to him, and wants you to be restored spiritually so you can live forever with him, he is the final judge.  No matter how you are judged on earth as being successful, his standard is perfection, and only found through Jesus Christ.  The original restoration shop. 1500 hours built a new 1955 300SL in 1994, in one split second, one twinkling of an eye, you can be saved. Let man, any man duplicate that.

So as Lexus seeks perfection, and CAD/CAM builds better cars, they still will wear out.  Just like us.  And our restoration is just one prayer away.  God’s relentless pursuit of you to be saved.  Bob left the story before it was finished, don’t leave your testimony unfinished, come to Christ today.  More than a legend, he is the truth, the way, and the life.  Jesus is an original, so are you.  And you can be added to God’s collection today, just as you are.  He has the parts and the know how for eternity.  By no other name are we saved....I hope Bob knew that.  Don’t procrastinate like he did. Be around to see God’s work in you completed.  For he is faithful to do it.  The original factory connection.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

personal journeys

Riding cross country on a motorcycle in 2005 with Torches Across America was a new experience for me.  Although I had done it before on four different bikes, and the year before in under 70 hours, I had always ridden by myself.  This year would be in a group, and although the reason for the trip was altruistic, I wasn’t sure of riding in a group.  You only ride as fast as the slowest one, and fill ups can take forever, but the group I rode with was great and I would ride with them again, any time, any place.  Although we each had different riding styles and bikes, we decided to meet every night to discuss the next days itinerary.  We knew what time and place to meet for the day’s ceremony, and the suggested route, so we met and compared notes.  Who had the smallest tank?  Based on the route, how fast should we ride?  Figuring in pit stops for gas, potty, and pits-food, we would agree upon a speed, and go.  Stopping as planned, and we never had any problems.  Nor did we get lost or separated.  No one got mad at anyone, and we all had a great ride.  We communicated well, and each had to adjust our riding style, which we didn’t mind.  And at the end of 3000+ miles, never lost one person, even in crowds of over 200 to the 3200 we rode into Ground Zero with.  Over 18 miles of motorcycles!  Our core group stuck together, rode together, looked out for each other, and made the whole trip safely.  If only life was so easy....

But I quit doing crowd rides as I call them after my third Torches, others complained “You ride too fast,” “You fill up too slow,” “45 minutes to fuel up and smoke?” and “I’m tired, I’m going back,” and one time the whole group returned sans me, I know how 50 miles in a morning can wear you out, but kept riding anyway.  But in successful riding, as well as life, as well as a relationship with God, communication is big thing.  If you do it, or if you don’t.  And without a plan, with flexibility part of it, you will undoubtably hurt someone’s feelings, make them mad if you don’t eat where they want to, or ride too fast.  And turning from the will of the group will only lead to trouble....so I choose to ride alone.  But I choose to have the Lord with me always.

Churches over the years have split over petty issues such as what color carpet do we need?  Who is the youth leader?  What time and how we worship.  Things we should never split over, but discuss them, with God.  It is called prayer, and after listening to his answer, many problems can be avoided by following it.  If it works on group rides, why can’t it work in churches?  But too many times, as in riding, churches don’t agree with each other , or even God.  Personalities get involved, and hurt, and problems arise.  We become a terrible witness to the world, showing anything but God’s love for us, and sadly too many confuse Christ with the church.  Like too many church folk do.  And end up hurt, dismayed, bitter, and apart from God.  Leaving the church and leaving him.  Now changing or leaving a church is OK, but we should never turn our backs on God.  Yet many do, and wonder how they ever ended up like they do.  Here are three ways people get their own way....but don’t get the fullness of God’s love.

Today many nations are suffering, such as the US of A, because we have decided to turn our backs on God, as a nation.  Wonder why schools are like they are, Jesus isn’t allowed in, yet the devil and his practices are welcomed, and taught.  When we turn from God and refuse to listen to him, we turn rebellious, doing our own thing.  We take on a life of debauchery, and it effects every one in the nation.  Soon we become numb to the word of God, it is forbidden in schools and public, and we each go our own way, based on what we think is right or wrong.  If we don’t want Jesus in our lives, he will not force  himself into them, for love demands a choice. And if you don’t want Jesus in your life, if you believe there is no God, he will make sure you don’t enter heaven, he will honor your will to be separated from him.  Sound familiar....

Second we find society turning against the prophets of God, those who are raised up to teach and instruct.  Not only are churches torched, but pastors and clergy are in physical danger.  Two nuns were hacked to death last week, because of who Jesus is in their lives.  False religions or cults use God’s name in vain, claiming to be doing his will, when it is really their own hatred.  Soon a callous attitude is formed against God, and his church, and the Bible is forbidden to be read or even owned.  Try China, India, N. Korea, and public schools in America, get caught with one and it could mean expulsion or death.  Time is running short in history, and Satan doesn’t know when Jesus will come for his church, so is stepping his hatred up.  With his most subtle attack being, let the people think it is OK, and wait until later.  How many have perished while waiting and never accepting Christ?  Christian martyrdom is already here in America....

And thirdly, many look to political ways to find peace.  Ending up being manipulated by rhetoric, lies, and distortions of the truth.  Both in public and within churches.  Look how liberal some churches are, allowing sin into their ranks, and welcoming it.  We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.  Trading the truth for contemporary lies, they give up God and get nothing in return.  Worse yet are those religions that deny Jesus as deity, some even using his name in their  title, but deny him in their hearts.  Spreading lies, distorting the Bible, and saying they are the way, not Jesus.  Denying the holy spirit, they are doomed to death.  And want to take others with them. They appear outwardly religious, even kind towards families, their ads showing purity and happiness, but underneath evil and hatred.  A form of God we need to avoid, as they practice a civil religion, but are rotting from the inside.  From nations, to churches, to families, to individuals, we need Jesus and all we can get now! 

It starts by seeking truth, Jesus is truth.  He adds everything else.  And everything else is a compromise.  So please understand if I turn down an invite to your church, or to ride with you.  I have chosen a better way, and try to live in the spirit every day.  Forgiven, and with a purpose, loved and knowing where my hope lies.  Not in lies.  I will tell you the truth in love, even if it hurts your feelings.  You can hate me here and see me in heaven later.  For your feelings will let you down....today is the day of salvation.  The spirit is calling, Jesus is willing, but he leaves the decision up to you. And saying nothing, waiting, or putting it off, is just saying no.  And to those who believe there is no God, that a big bang caused it all, answer me this, what banged?  Only God can save, he created us, and knows what it takes-Jesus.  Only Jesus can change your heart, let him today, and know heaven awaits, while getting the benefits here, on earth as it is in heaven.  Love your neighbor as yourself, and forgive yourself too.  Jesus did...and he knows you.  He never hurried, never rushed and was never late.....now about that ride you are about to take.....make sure he is along too. Whether around the block or across the country, we need Jesus...NOW!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

An American Crossing

A teaser on the cover of an old Cycle magazine from April, 1973 caught my eye, about touring.  Now 43 years ago is a long time for many of us, but the thrill of the open road that existed then still exists today.  Just the engine size, packing ability, and cost to travel have exceeded the grasp of many.  But for these two Cycle editors, it was a 4400 mile ride from New York City to Los Angeles via Portland, Oregon taking all of two weeks.  No big deal you say, maybe to you on your 1800cc Gold Wing, but theses two rode on a Honda CB 450, and a Benelli 650.  How many even know what a Benelli was?  And they made it, doing things then that no one, no way would put up with today.  Pre-o-ring chains that had to be lubed and adjusted every 300-500 miles, or sometimes twice per day.  Only BMW at the time offered the shaft drive.  No windshields, a true wind in your face adventure, no saddle bags, just a duffle bag packed correctly, and fill ups every 80-100 miles based on weather conditions.  Add in tires that wore out during the ride, a service of both bikes was needed during the trip, read that scheduled service, and today’s touring is much different.  But to a recently graduated from high school Honda rider himself, on a 1972 CB 350, this article was everything, and today 43 years later still is.

Bikes, chain life, tire life, and engine size may have changed, but the same heart for touring exists today.  And in many ways I tour the same.  I still don’t like windshields, cars have them.  I have made the move to bags for Theresa and I, removable for when not touring, and my engine size on biggest bike is 1050, our most recent touring bike all of 800 cc, which draws some reaction while on the road from half ton Harleys, Wings, BMW’s, and others who fear the wind in their face, and cannot leave home without taking home with them.  But these men on their ride almost put me in a trance for the hour I sat reading it, over and over, for I have ridden in New York City, been rained on in the Shenandoah Valley, taken old US 24 across Kansas, and experienced loss of power at over 10,000’ in Colorado.  I have ridden Highway 1 in California, and in Oregon and Washington where it becomes US 101.  I knew the roads they rode on, and the pictures reminded me of back roads, old cafes, motels before the chains took over, and once again emphasized the relationship between man and machine, and man and the road.  An American Crossing the article was titled, on a Japanese and an Italian motorcycle, no luggage, no windshields, and a lot of fun.  I promise you, the new 2016 Thruxton R press bike in my garage is getting ridden today.  Yes it is 1200 cc, but with no windshield, I cannot wait to feel the wind in my face, to stop for gas every 120 miles, and to have an American crossing of my own.  Without leaving the state...time getting to know the machine and more about myself.

Now I ride enough press bikes so that when I see that bike, the exact one I have ridden tested, I can tell if they actually rode it or not.  And for how far and how.  It takes time to get to know your ride, that same seat that feels good for 50 miles can make you hate the bike after 100.  Or get used to it by the end of a 500 mile day.  While others spend an hour packing their bike for the day, when alone my old duffle bag, no wider than the seat, is two bungees away from the 100 mile ride to breakfast.  Last week a three day ride of 1100 miles was done without incident on a 2017 Tiger XCx, comfortably and having to never exceed 119 mph.  And averaging over 45 mpg for the trip.  I find the more seat time I get with a bike, the more we build a relationship, I find what the bike can do , and what I can do, or shouldn’t.  A trust begins, and when the low fuel light comes on,  I don’t panic, for I know how far I can go on reserve and have planned for it.  Using food stops and gas stops to visit with others and making new friends as I ride.  An occasional stop for pictures, and back on the road, the reason I took the trip, to ride.  A time of fellowship, a time of no phones, of choosing roads sans traffic, they are out there if you look, and of stopping when I want, eating where I want, and looking out while eating at my motorcycle, and knowing it is just the two of us, everything I need is on it, and nothing I don’t.  These two guys knew that back in 1973, how many still know that today?

When someone tells me they own a motorcycle, I remark I ride.  When I meet those who attend church only, and tell me “I’m a Christian,” I tell them I live the life.   When trying to be impressed by someone who has superior Bible knowledge, I remark “I know the author.”  And there is a difference, for God is real in my life.  More than a memory verse, he is with me always, and reading the article reminded me of how Jesus loved to travel, how he spent his entire life on the road.  And why the best testimonies are made there, and at times that aren’t special, but he makes special.  A ride through the Loess Hills in Iowa, and you can see God’s handiwork, of hills made from blowing dust.  Another ride on Trail Ridge Road at 11,000’, and you can see his majesty.  An occasional small town in Nebraska, and you wonder how they get by, and then realize the same God who lives in big cities lives there too.  Where churches still dominate the town, and all ages are welcome.  Where in the south a few cars may fill the parking lot, while in Orange County thousands of cars will gather for church.  But how many cars is he in when they leave?  Was the hour destination the relationship with God all they know?  Do they endure the teaching of scripture, or do their lives reflect it?  When I hear from a man “been in church over 30 years,” I know the key element, the spirit is missing from his life.  That his spiritual crossing has never occurred, maybe not by choice, but by lack of desire.  Who is this Jesus? may never change his heart, but his religion will or has.  Safe and secure behind the windshield known as the church, he never sees the scriptures come alive, he never meets the challenge of life with God, and he needs Jesus, not knowing what he has is not all there is.

Time spent riding has allowed me more time in the Lord.  Some are taught to find a prayer closet, dude who lives in a closet?  Some evangelize by inviting people to church, Jesus never did, he took the church to them.  On the road.  Some study to find themselves approved, yet fail the test in the face of adversity.  There are times I look back on when I had more faith than knowledge, and faith got me through, the knowledge only confused the issue.  How many times have you needed a hug, and got quoted scripture instead?  How many times were you hungry and not fed?  Thirsty and not given a drink?  Ever been lonely, only to find yourself in a crowd who won’t talk to you, after church?  Or been upset when your new Easter outfit got dirty, while the guy next to you is just happy to have shoes?  How personal is Jesus in your life?  Does it show?  Do you have to tell me you are a Christian?  And do I doubt it if you profess to be one?  Jesus told us love is what separates us from the unsaved, not clothes, not the size of your church, not your memory verse log, or even how many times you read through the Bible, just to say you did it.  Today try something different, go out and enjoy the day.  And as you go, see Jesus in those you meet.  Smile awhile, and give your face a rest.  Leave the Bible home, he has written his word on your heart.  Show love, don’t preach it, for long after your words are forgotten, your actions won’t be.  Make your day an American crossing, just you and Jesus, and enjoy the ride.  As he wants you to.  See more of him up close than any course can offer, see his creation come alive, and find yourself renewed in the spirit.  God rested after 6 days, he toured what he had created.  Rest and reflect, worshipping the God of love who saved you.  Personally, on the road.  Jesus is everything you need, and nothing you don’t.  How far you venture out and trust him will show how much trust you have for him.  How many conversations at a diner in your church clothes have you been part of with strangers?  Yet on my rides, God sends them my way to share....for it is true, Jesus and motorcycles, it just don’t get any better.  Ride and share today...getting more religion and enjoying less?  if you need to sit somewhere sit where you are comfortable.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com