Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1504291
24 | WheelsOfGrace.com | #68 SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS & ADVERTISERS! THEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE MOTORCYCLE COMMUNITY BY SUPPORTING WHEELS OF GRACE SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS & ADVERTISERS! By Steve Merrill Onramp Onramp Before COVID, I went with a group for a 350-mile ride through the Coastal Range of Central California. Beautiful scenery in green, which as most people know, is not how California got the nickname of "The Golden State". If we were to ride the same route in mid-August, it'll be the golden state, unless a California wildfire rages through and turns it into "The Cinder and Ash State". It's happened before. Part of that ride included 45 miles of perfect Great American Freeway slab, from CA-198's intersection with US-101, south to CA-46, taking us down to the Central Coast. Yes, that 101! Much to my surprise, an internet search turned up a Country Rock Band named Highway 101. They had recorded more than 40 songs. Being something of a cultural illiterate, I never heard of them. They had several chart-toppers, and also recorded 'classics' such as these timeless hits: 'Walkin' Talkin' Cryin' Barely Beating Broken Heart', 'Midnight Angel', and 'Bing Bang Boom'. Sober warnings are included in these songs. This gem of relational wisdom is from 'Bing Bang Boom: "Gather around me and lend an ear, 'Cause I got somethin' you ought to hear. I'm tellin' you that you ought to fear a certain kind of love. Now it can strike in the day or night. And just as quick as a rattler's bite You've got a case of love at first sight. And it's what you're dyin' of." Where to go with these few remaining moments? Let's talk about the moment we fell in love at first sight with the Harley model you always wanted, or the woman you met and knew was the right one for you. Recently, a buddy told me about meeting his future wife and knew she was the right one because she could field-strip an AR15 in the dark. It was love at first gun sight! Instead, I want to take a little different angle of attack and focus on the real-world wisdom of not forgetting the basic rules of riding your HOG. Little things like obeying the speed laws. It's time for a bit of soul-cleansing confession; pushing my '06 Road King to its limit. Topspeed.com says its 105, and on US-101, I did that. Only later, when chatting with a retired Police Officer, did I realize that wasn't my best choice for the day. Bike could have been impounded, I could have gone to jail for up to six months, and probably a hefty fine, suspended license, insurance going up, etc. Seems I forgot some foundational words of wisdom found in Philippians 3:16; Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Did I know better? Of course, but we all need periodic sobering reminders, while riding our HOGs or negotiating our lives, to live up to what we have already attained. How are you doing in that area? Does your walk match your talk? Are you living out all you already know about the Lord? Off the main highway: US-101 has three unique roadside attractions found nowhere else in the lower 48; drive-through trees. All in the Northern California Coastal area. They are the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree in Myers Flat, and the Tour Thru Tree in Klamath. I'd probably be better off driving through trees than doing 105 on US-101. Gotta remember that! Milepost 11 on the Highway to the 316 Highway to the 316 Highway 105 ON 101 105 ON 101