DIVINE INTERVENTION

Do you believe in divine intervention? I would speculate that a majority of us humans would say yes, but there would probably be a wide spectrum of opinions on what divine intervention means and how such interventions effect our life.



Last summer while on a motorcycle trip, I was involved in two separate near misses on my motorcycle . Either of them, if they had played out in a different way, could have claimed my life.



After the second incident, I started thinking about whether or not God had spared my life. Since I am neither a deep thinker or much of a philosopher my thoughts usually lack depth, sound logic and philosophical value. But since this is my blog, I can pretend that my beloved readers value my insight and wisdom.



The question of divine intervention is a complex issue, because I believe it opens up a number of other questions that relate to how we view human life and more specifically our life. Is life random and consequently our decisions have a limited impact on what happens to us.? Or is life ordered and have meaning, because there is a Creator who brings purpose and value to every ones life?

Well, I don't believe life is random with our life experiences dependant on chance with personal decisions having a minimal impact. I believe that God exists and that the Creator is personal and consequently not only interested in us but seeks to be involved with us. Now don't worry, I am not going to give you my Christian spiel, I just wanted to let you know my basic stance.

So this past summer, when I was spared from a couple of nasty accidents, was God there perhaps using an angel to intervene? I have asked myself that question several times in the past months. In one way does it really matter that I know the dynamics of my near miss?

I don't think it matters in a practical sense, but it does matter in regards to my understanding of how God relates to me. I am not the type of person that needs to have an answer for every thing. I don't need or really desire to have life neatly packaged, in other words I am comfortable with mystery.

So where does that leave me in my quest for truth. I suppose I could do some reading and asked some people who are sharper than me, or I could just keep wondering.

You know one's imagination is a terrible thing to waste! Maybe my guardian angel is tattooed and enjoys motorcycles. Actually, I think I was assigned a different guardian angel, when I started riding motorcycles.

Things do change when one starts riding motorcycles. There are temptations related to speed and cornering. Paying attention is more critical and remembering all the sequencing of task prior to riding off (like raising the kickstand) can make a big difference.

I don't think that Clarence would be a good angel for me. He would have been fine when I was just a regular driver, but he just doesn't seem to be the type that could help me with my motorcycle issues.

There is a Bible verse ( Hebrews 13:2) that cautions folks to be willing to entertain strangers as you never know when that stranger is an angel. Now I am not talking about a Hells Angel, but a real guardian angel. For that matter, who's to say an angel can't be wearing leathers and a skull cap.

Like I say, I like the mystery and wonder of life.

Thanks God for sparing my life and letting me continue to ride motorcycles.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Hey, I'm not bashing Harley folks. Well maybe a little as Harleys are soooo expensive (do you really get your money's worth) and accessories are infinite!

Seriously, it is more about what a person likes in a bike. Truth be told, I like old stuff that many would consider junk. Older, unique bikes have an appeal to me even when they are junky! I also like cheap.

MOTORCYCLE HATS

Do you have a motorcycle hat? It really is a necessity. When I started riding, I would notice the hats that helmet less bikers were wearing. I was envious, but since I am a fear monger, safety consciouses rider, I would not allow myself to ride with just a piece of cloth protecting my brain.

I received a happy face bandanna from one of my sons as a present and started wearing that with my "Kickstand Outfit". That was fun, but I never considered it as my motorcycle hat. I believed that to have a motorcycle hat one would need to stop wearing a helmet.

I LIKE THIS CLASSIC STYLE

THIS SEEMS MORE FOR THE YOUNG RIDER

I WOULD NEED TO OWN A CHOPPER OR HARLEY FOR THIS OUTFIT

THIS BLACK CLASSIC HAT IS REALLY MY FAVORITE

THE LEATHER CLASSIC IS TOO FANCY FOR ME

I REALLY NEED TO BUY THIS HAT FOR MY FRIEND CHAD

IF I WERE GENEROUS I WOULD BUY THIS HAT FOR PRETZEL

Well two years ago I attended my first bike rally and wore a hat for the weekend. I ended up putting a couple of motorcycle pins on it and realized that I could have a motorcycle hat.

Then while on my trip to New York, I realized that a motorcycle hat was a necessity. It was a way to cover up my bad hair.

I like my motorcycle hat, but now I am considering getting one or two more, so I can have the appropriate hat for different occasions.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING MOTORCYCLE WITHDRAWAL

Since I have not ridden a motorcycle any significant distance since December 4, I am experiencing motorcycle withdrawal.

Kickstand was diagnosed with MUTTS on December 16

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING MOTORCYCLE WITHDRAWAL?

Simply answer the following questions. This is the Motorcycle Alluvial Diagnostic Attachment Tool Linking Intuitive Formations Equally. It is also know affectionately as M.A.D. A.T. L.I.F.E. If you answer yes to three or more of the questions you need to seek immediate psychological help. If you answer yes to six or more quickly lie down and call 911.

1. I get dizzy when I am riding in a car

2. I push on my steering wheel to turn

23. I have tried to find the kickstand on the side of my car.

4. I had a kickstand welded on the side of my car.

5. I find myself putting stuff on my head

6. I sit on my motorcycle several times a week

7. I asked my spouse if they loved me.

8. I have a set of match box motorcycles in my night stand drawer.

9. I have ridden my bike recently in cold or snowy weather.

10. I have night fear related to forgetting how to ride a motorcycle.

The actual disorder as identified in the DSM-IV http://allpsych.com/disorders/dsm.html

is MUTTS (Motorcycle Underuse Transition Trauma Syndrome). It is not life threatening, but can create behaviors that are socially unacceptable and in severe cases may result in loss of ones job or divorce.

COMMUTING: THE JOY OF MOTORCYCLING

I am excited to announce that my most recent book TWO WHEELS TO WORK is now available at your local bookstore. Commuting has been my passion, since I began riding motorcycles. The book addresses practical issues from ride wear, routes, routines, rational, risk assessment and railing riders just to name a few of the R's.



If you have done some commuting or are considering the option, this book will help you prepare yourself mentally and aide you in avoiding some of the common pitfall (or as I call them cycle snares) that await potential committed commuters. It is 281 pages long, has 32 photos and 28 diagrams and charts.

KEYS TO RIDING IN THE RAIN

Are you comfortable riding in the rain? If you have not done much riding on wet roads, may be it is time to include a rainy weather skill set in your 2010 riding goals. My keys to riding in the rain will be a good start.

• Good Tires: Make sure your tires have good tread
• Rain Gear: Have good rain gear http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-suits
• Dry Hands: Have good hand gear. I like aerostich triple digit glove covers
• Dry Feet: Have boots that keep you dry. I use Redwing Leather Conditioner for waterproofing boots.
• Slippery Roads: Remember the roadways will be particularly slippery for the first 10 minutes after the start of the rain, as oils, gas and other chemicals on the roadway have not been wash away.
• Short Rides: Take short trips when it is raining to get comfortable. Much is psychological, as I have found the roadways to be just fine. It is more a matter of gaining confidence.
• Take It Easy: No need to be in a rush.
• Slippery Surfaces: Be wary of painted surfaces on the roadway and sewer covers etc. as I have been told these surfaces can be slick. Personally I have never experienced slipping on them.
• Nice And Easy: No need to rush on corners and turns. As you learn how your bike responds, you can increase your speed.
• Keep Your Distance: Make sure to have greater spacing behind cars and your riding buddies to allow for greater stoping distance.
• Be Adventurous: Ride in some really nasty weather for fun.
• Be Aware: You vision will be reduced along with other drivers. So will your visibility.
• Have Fun: Enjoy learning to ride in the rain. You are on your way to becoming an Every Day Biker (EDB)

Warning Kickstand in not a motorcycling expert and is actually rather stupid too! Please take my advice and check it with credible sources.

JAY COOKE STATE PARK RIDE

Northern Minnesota has hundreds of miles of scenic roads to ride. I suppose there are many other areas in the United States that offer just as many great roads, but I think we have the best. One of my favorite rides is along the Northshore of Lake Superior. http://www.northshorevisitor.com/

Another great ride is on Highway 23, which is also called Veteran's Evergreen Memorial Drive
http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/11184/stories/53858 This highway starts very near my home and goes diagonally across the state from Duluth to the southwestern corner of our state. The 50 mile section from Duluth to just past Askov is a great ride.

I want to introduce you to a fantastic eight mile section of road that goes through Jay Cooke State Park. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.html


On the outskirts of Duluth in a community call Fond Du Lac highway 210 follows the St. Louis River into Jay Cooke State Park.

The roadway is in good conditions and winds through a forrest of white birch, poplar, maple, white pines, red pines and cedar. It is late fall in Duluth, but the temperature was near 50 when I took this ride on November 11. Our average high for this time of year is about 38 degrees, so we consider this weather rather balmy!

The St. Louis River is in the background. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/stlouisriver/index.html

After traveling 2 miles on 210 the road enters the state park.

After leaving the state park, the road brings you to the city of Thompson population 153.

Leaving Thompson the 210 crosses the St. Louis River.

About a mile past the bridge 210 enters the city of Carlton population around 330.

From Carlton there are many county roads that offer great motorcycling.