Bikes, Bikers, and Trying New Things

Bikes, Bikers, and Trying New Things
Sunday, June 18, 2017 by Dan Allen

“It’s bike week. Lots and lots of bikers. Lots and lots of leather. Not enough leather on the bikers,” so I reported to my wife. On this occasion I was on a writing retreat spending a few days at someone’s timeshare. After seeing all the bikes and bikers I pondered if this was the reason he sold me these dates.

Bikers don’t bother me. In fact, I kind of admire their free-wheeling, doing-their-own-thing, not caring about what you think of their looks, ear-splitting loudness of their bikes or all their tattoos. They are who they are and proud of it. I could not be a biker. There’s something about 4-wheels, 4-doors and cruise control that is a prerequisite for me when on a road. Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’ve ever ridden on a motorcycle. Maybe if I had, things would be different. This would be the week to do so, but it won’t happen—I’m held hostage to the computer as I peck away on a few book projects.

Trying something new can be challenging. But if you think about it, everything is new to us at some point. If we didn’t have parents, siblings and friends from whom we could observe, we may still be in cribs, wearing diapers and crawling.

But, taking risks with new things, even as adults, can become intoxicating as fears melt away replaced with satisfaction and even delight.

I remember the one-and-only time I went deep sea diving (35-some-years ago). It was off a Carribean island with a rogue duo of guys who had a boat and some gear. We did not go in a swimming pool for training like most certified divers would do with novices. Instruction was shouted to us over the drone of the outboard motor. After a few more weights were added to my belt to overcome buoyance (who knew I didn’t weigh enough), I was down with the fishes exploring the sea floor. It was exhilarating.

I don’t recommend doing it that way, but it worked for us. It was fun—a once-in-a-life time, bucket-list kind of thing.

After Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven, His followers were on their own, so to speak. They were about to try a lot of new things while encountering naysayers, intimidation, persecution and even martyrdom from religious leaders, at first, and then pagan society. But they soldiered on not caring what others thought about them and their task. The church of today stands as testimony to their willingness to take a risk, try something new, and do what God had called them to do

I’m willing to take that kind of risk when I know that God is behind the challenge. I suppose if God led, I’d even join my friends with the Christian Motorcyclists Association (Cape May Chapter) to bring the Gospel to bikers. Is it possible, however, to find a bike with 4 wheels, 4 doors and cruise control?

To learn more about my Cape May friends who use their love for the road and bikes to share Christ go to: http://www.cmausa.org/