I own and ride a motorcycle - and I like it. For some pastors, that is a tough confession. Chuck Swindoll helped us all out, however, when he bought his Harley. The folks where I pastor have been very kind. Only a few don't like it and have told me. And, my wife does not mind.
My first experience in riding happened in high school. The Williamson brothers had motorcycles and let me join them on their bikes. I was hooked. I bought my first motorcycle while I was in college. Byron MaGee sold me his street Yamaha 250. I had no license and no title for the bike until I sold it. It was fun to ride but not exactly what I was looking for. There were miles and miles of trails through the woods where I lived. I needed a dirt bike. So, I traded the Yamaha for a Kawasaki KA125. I stripped the lights and license plate off and road it many, many miles through the woods. And, there were cow trails through Kasatchie National Forest that were a blast to ride. Reggie, Gene, Greg, Jake, and Bruce all had bikes and also loved to ride in the woods. The Kawasaki was wearing out so I sold it and bought a Yamaha YZ125. It was a dirt bike par excellence. It would climb a tree if you let it. Life was changing for me, however. My time near the woods was getting less and less. Connie Jo Stahl was in my life and I needed money to buy an engagement ring. I was moving to Indiana to attend Grace Seminary. The Yamaha had to go. I was in my mid 20s and for the first time in a while found myself without a motorcycle.
Fast forward to about 8 years ago. A man in the church I pastored had bought a Harley and had his Yamaha 750 Virago for sell. It was a "Cruiser" and in good shape. He agree to sell it to me and I had a blast with it. I put a windshield on it and painted it blue with red flames. But, it had some quirks. It was very hard to start and had a slight oil leak. It was an older bike and getting a bit creaky. So, I decided to sell it and go bike-less.
A gentleman heard of my desire to find another motorcycle and made me an offer I could not refuse on the motorcycle pictured here. It is a 1996 Honda CBR1000F. Some call it a C - Rocket. A name I don't like. I prefer "Sport Touring". It is a fun motorcycle to ride. It may not look comfortable, but it is. The bike is smooth running and dependable. The longest ride I have taken has been 300 miles. I wear a helmet and usually have on a leather jacket - not for looks - but in case of a spill.
I am asked if I am afraid on a motorcycle. I don't trust cars when I am riding. People may not see you and I never assume they do. I try to be careful and wear the appropriate safety equipment. I do not take chances and am not in a hurry on the bike. There is something about being in the open air - the smells, the temperature changes, the wind - all are fresh on a bike. And, I have met wonderful folks who also ride. Some Harley folks don't like the fact I ride a Honda and I am okay with that.
One day I will be done riding. Even now I get cramps in my hips and I find throwing my leg over the seat a little bit more difficult. But, right now I enjoy the ride.
My first experience in riding happened in high school. The Williamson brothers had motorcycles and let me join them on their bikes. I was hooked. I bought my first motorcycle while I was in college. Byron MaGee sold me his street Yamaha 250. I had no license and no title for the bike until I sold it. It was fun to ride but not exactly what I was looking for. There were miles and miles of trails through the woods where I lived. I needed a dirt bike. So, I traded the Yamaha for a Kawasaki KA125. I stripped the lights and license plate off and road it many, many miles through the woods. And, there were cow trails through Kasatchie National Forest that were a blast to ride. Reggie, Gene, Greg, Jake, and Bruce all had bikes and also loved to ride in the woods. The Kawasaki was wearing out so I sold it and bought a Yamaha YZ125. It was a dirt bike par excellence. It would climb a tree if you let it. Life was changing for me, however. My time near the woods was getting less and less. Connie Jo Stahl was in my life and I needed money to buy an engagement ring. I was moving to Indiana to attend Grace Seminary. The Yamaha had to go. I was in my mid 20s and for the first time in a while found myself without a motorcycle.
Fast forward to about 8 years ago. A man in the church I pastored had bought a Harley and had his Yamaha 750 Virago for sell. It was a "Cruiser" and in good shape. He agree to sell it to me and I had a blast with it. I put a windshield on it and painted it blue with red flames. But, it had some quirks. It was very hard to start and had a slight oil leak. It was an older bike and getting a bit creaky. So, I decided to sell it and go bike-less.
A gentleman heard of my desire to find another motorcycle and made me an offer I could not refuse on the motorcycle pictured here. It is a 1996 Honda CBR1000F. Some call it a C - Rocket. A name I don't like. I prefer "Sport Touring". It is a fun motorcycle to ride. It may not look comfortable, but it is. The bike is smooth running and dependable. The longest ride I have taken has been 300 miles. I wear a helmet and usually have on a leather jacket - not for looks - but in case of a spill.
I am asked if I am afraid on a motorcycle. I don't trust cars when I am riding. People may not see you and I never assume they do. I try to be careful and wear the appropriate safety equipment. I do not take chances and am not in a hurry on the bike. There is something about being in the open air - the smells, the temperature changes, the wind - all are fresh on a bike. And, I have met wonderful folks who also ride. Some Harley folks don't like the fact I ride a Honda and I am okay with that.
One day I will be done riding. Even now I get cramps in my hips and I find throwing my leg over the seat a little bit more difficult. But, right now I enjoy the ride.
2 comments:
I still read all your posts. I like this one! I love motorcycles and hope to own a similar bike someday. I think there is a healthy respect needed for a bike and in some ways fear should be a part of it. That way you are careful. Don't trust people in cars. They are texting, eating, disciplining children, etc. Looking out for you is way on the bottom of the driver priority list for most people. Cool Bike Pastor! Keep riding and posting!
You can get the "open air - the smells, the temperature changes, the wind" on a tractor or a horse. And either would be much safer.
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