CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

In spite of what you many think, Hwy 44 in Citrus County near Crystal River, Florida, has not in recent years become an unsanctioned race track. When I was working I used to travel Hwy 44 twice a day and more often on weekends. When my wife and I first noticed the change in how many people were proclaiming themselves as the “King of the Road,” we were shocked. I’ve seen NASCAR races where the drivers were safer and more considerate of others. As unnerving as this situation is, it is vastly multiplied when you are on a bike.

One maneuver made in the chaos, and usually without using a turn signal, is when someone makes a right hand turn from the left hand lane. It has been mind-numbing to see this happen during heavy traffic, and without regard to how many lanes of bumper-to-bumper cars are present.

Another favorite challenge is when you stop at a light, sitting on a full dressed hog with multiple extra lights. The monster truck that just pulled in behind you, almost touching the bike’s running lights, is so close you can see the truck’s nuts and bolts under the truck’s carriage. If you try rolling forward a few feet to get some space, the person behind you pulls right back almost on top of your ride.

The last problem occurs when traffic is staggered, or when a bike ride of fifteen to twenty riders is in formation, and along comes someone who just can’t be patient or safe. That rider is splitting lanes, with mere inches to spare, and manages not to hit a car or another bike, causing a number of drivers to slam on their brakes to avoid having an accident. Unfortunately, such rude riding reflects on all bikers, it gives all of us a bad name.

Yes, I know what your initial reaction might be, and it isn’t always pretty. I’ve been there, I’ve blocked lane splitters just to force them to slow down, but that is wrong. You may find yourself thinking negative thoughts and letting a stranger control your attitude as they carry on down the road.

Here’s a thought, forgive them. It is harder to do than you think, but you regain control over your day. So just ease off the throttle and let that dangerous hotrodder disappear into the sunset.

In the Bible, in Luke 23:34 it says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” The religious leaders and soldiers of that day had no concept of what they were doing, but Jesus forgave them anyway. When we see in the Bible that Jesus took on our sin and forgave us, and even forgave those actively persecuting Him, they didn’t know what they were doing.

Just like the dangerous riders in traffic on Highway 44, they had no realistic concept of the harm they create. Forgive them anyway! If you need forgiveness and hope, ask Jesus, He’ll forgive you anyway.

In the Wind,
Denny Dingler