Christian Motorcycle Association

RONNIE and EMILY’S RONNIE and EMILY’S

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

There is nothing quiet as Road Captain likely did not realize we were missing as our spontaneous as mounting up on groups reunited about 45 minutes down the road. Good thing your bike and going for a ride. we had a few riders that knew how to get to the destination. You have a total freedom of The best example of solving missing riders is often used, where you will go, what route finding a parking lot or a closed business. We can pull over to you will take, and how much wait and watch for the missing riders, and then be able to pick time you will spend getting up and continue the ride. some wind therapy. If you want, Rather than feel left out by our leader and the disappearing you can simply get up and go, group, we knew that they were pulled over somewhere up with literally no set plans, but a ahead and waiting and watching for us. It gave us a wonderful mountain of freedom. peace and positive expectations in that situation!

Having led several rides in the past as Road Captain for In the Bible story about the parable of the lost son, the the day, I am aware of the planning and responsibility that is wayward son was seeking his way home after having wasted involved; you are responsible for the group’s safety. You may away his inheritance. In Luke 15:20 it says, “But when he was choose to share the route and the final destination, especially still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, if some members of the group have GPS, as a backup. I have and ran and fell on his neck.” even seen a Road Captain print out turn by turn directions for We can see that the father was not only watching for the riders. his son’s return, but upon seeing the boy coming home the

Some may think this to be overkill, until something goes father ran out to meet him. The father had compassion and wrong! We can all try to be safe and ride together while expressed his joy in the reunion! This passage shows how observing traffic signals, but sometimes things don’t always God wants to see us come to Him, and that He will welcome work out. One of the biggest challenges faced while group us to Him. Finally, God wants to celebrate when we come to riding is part of the group getting split by a long traffic light. Him. I have witnessed numerous approaches to solving that issue, This passage shows God’s watching for us, like the father some better than others. waiting for the son, and like a split ride coming back together.

One ride I was on did fine for about 3 miles, and then the If you’ll just call to God, He’ll call to you. large pack of bikes was split by a very long traffic light. The In the Wind, Denny Dingler

Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 53

“Woohoo, it’s 2021! Mike and I are both looking forward to 2020 being over, my BTR friends. It’s that time of year for us to put up or shut up. Declare resolutions, make changes, be goal driven and pay bills on time. OR, just lay on the couch watching TV, accepting the New Year and the new Covid strain as both unfold before us.” Mike breaks in, “That’s easy for you to say and do my feathered friend, Spyke. You’re Covid-proof, so what else do you have to worry about? Resolutions? You’re already the best bird out there. Okay, well maybe you can resolve not to poop down my back as much. Changes? You’re usually the nicest bird around. Well, maybe you could change and stop being mean to your friends who come to the Sanctuary and visit. Goals? You’ve been making everyone you meet very happy. Okay, maybe a good goal would be to ease up with your talons while standing on peoples’ arms forcing them to cringe. Bills? You’ve got none. But maybe you’d entertain your fans more so I don’t feel like I’m WTB (Working The Bird) for those Kodak moments and filling your peanut shaped tip jar.” I cackle, “Well Mike, I’ll take all that to heart and work on them. Speaking of working on things, I’ve devised a jingle about what happens every year after you’ve overbought to your heart’s content and charged your credit cards past their limits. While still in the holiday spirit, I pecked it out to the tune of: Twas the Night before Christmas. It was a month after Christmas and all through the house, Every creature was hurting except for the mouse. BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS The electronics have issues or their batteries Driving much faster with just half a load. are dead, Then she heard him exclaim with great Mike was passed out with Cherry in his bed. holiday cheer, Boxes and bubble wrap still covered the “Enjoy what you’ve bought, you’ll be paying floor, all year!” While upstairs his roommates continued to “Damn, Spyke,” Mike babbles, “you really snore. know how to take the joy out of enjoying life. The maid in her t-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans, Don’t you realize that our existence revolves around debt and credit? You know it’s true that you can’t take it with you when you die. Came into the house and started to clean. Which means, the guy with the most toys When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, She sprang from the sink to see what was the matter. Away to the window she flew like a flash, in the end wins! So when my life flashes before my eyes, I want to make sure I’ve got plenty to watch!” I cackle, “Dude, we already have plenty to watch, just look around you. The doors we open and close each day gives us a Tore open the curtains and threw up the new choice, a different point of view for the sash. rest of our lives. In other people’s lives, When what to her wondering eyes should appear, every door opening has a story and every door closing is a new beginning. So, look at humans as if they were doors and the But a little white truck with an oversized left experiences that you’d be choosing or mirror. losing.” The driver was smiling so lively and grand, Mike babbles, “Damn, Spyke, I like your way The patch on his jacket read: US POSTMAN. With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox, Then quickly stuffed them into Mike’s mailbox. of thinking. Maybe I need to stop calling you bird brain and rename you Confucius Fowl or Avian Aristotle. Now you’ve got me thinking no resolutions this year. It will be more like a life altering decision, a born again commitment. Bill after bill, after bill, they still came, “In the blink of an eye doors open and Whistling and shouting he called them by close. I’m going to live life for a door that name: is not materialistic or one I can buy with “Now Dillard’s, now Bealls, now eBay and Sears, money. I’ll forgive often, love with all my heart and pass on random acts of kindness. I will walk through these doors passionately. Here’s Walmart and Target and Best Buy, all here! “But whatever I do before sliding into the grave skull first, I’ll just keep riding cloud Maxing the cards out, every store, every nine heading towards Nirvana and unlimited mall. Bliss, dragging you along and whoever else You charged away, charged away, charged is with us.” away all!” I squawk, “Dude, that’s awesome. Your He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work, He filled up the box and then turned with a jerk. name should be Miko Plato! Let’s get your knees under the keys, my wings in the wind and your forehead out the sunroof, ultimately achieving a brain freeze that preserves those very thoughts while the trucks’ wheels go He sprang to his truck and drove off down rolling down the road.” the road, — SPYKE