Go

Through the misty haze of the early morning fog, two moto riders crawl to a stop at a four-way traffic light.  The light had just turned red.  The riders patiently await their turn to go through the intersection.  Glancing off to their right, they take note that the cross traffic's light has changed from yellow to red, indicating that their own light should be signaling green at any moment.  They wait...and wait.  But instead of their own light turning green, the cross traffic's light switches from red back to green.  Abe and Rowe look at each other and shake their heads.  "We've been skipped over!" is the thought racing through their minds.  They try to maneuver their bikes back over the traffic loop detector on the ground.  The cross traffic's light slowly switches from green, to yellow, then red.  "Yay, we've been detected!" the riders assume.  They switch their bikes from neutral to first, ready to take off.  But instead of their light turning green, it skips over them once again.  The cross traffic's light switches from red back to green, while their own light remains red.  Abe turns to Rowe and yells above the roar of their engines, "We could either sit here all day, or just go ahead and cross the intersection!"

One of the frustrations of being a moto rider is being stuck at a red light that never changes.  This happens at intersections that use loop detectors in the pavement.  In motorcycle school, we are taught that in these circumstances, as long as traffic is clear, you should carefully cross the intersection.

The "traffic light" may be red or the "loop detector" doesn't detect you.  So you sit and wait.  At some point, God says to simply trust Him and go.  Such was the case with Abraham when God told him to leave everything and go to a place He would show him.  There was no map, no gameplan, only God's prompting.  At aHbe Racer, God is leading us to go.  Find His lost and lonely riders.  Help them join His ride.  Helping others along the way.  We're happy to announce our website is now live! We're on the go...over the loop detector, past the red light, through the intersection, following Him while the wheels are spinning...

always
Him
before
everything

Look up

"I can't see!" Rowe complained as her goggles fogged up.  She sits in the dark, waiting for Abe to roll his bike out of the garage.  Looking up, she wonders why the moon is still shining.  6:00am...early Saturday...a very chilly morning.  The day of the Riverside Airshow.  To help with driving, Larissa and Julius had arrived bright and early.  All was set to go.  In the loaded aHbe Racer truck is Julius, and following, in their yellow car, sits Larissa.  All is quiet in the neighborhood except for the rumble of Rowe's bike.  Anticipatory waiting.  As Abe rolls his bike down the driveway, he turns on his engine.  The thunder of the two bikes' engines awakens the neighborhood as the foursome proceeds out.

Chilled to the bone, lips numb, fog rising from their breath...it is a cold ride to the airfield.  Upon arrival, though, their excitement could hardly be contained, "This is our biggest venue yet!  We have an awesome spot!"  With help from Julius, Larissa, Cassie, and Victoria, the aHbe Racer booth is up in no time...

All day long, heads were tilted, looking up...watching amazing aerial aerobatic planes and skydivers.  Numerous attendees stopped by the aHbe Racer booth - taking pictures of the aHbe Racer motorcycles, asking information about the clothing line and website, sharing stories of cross-country motorcycle rides.  Excited to see friends from Sandals Church.  Grateful to have community group members help with tear-down: Jay B., Rachel, Cristin M., and Nicole. 

Tired, cold, and exhausted.  aHbe Racer wishes they could say they sold a ton of shirts and raised enough money to donate ten boxes to Treasure Box.  But only a single shirt was sold that day.  Looking up at their Father, they wait in expectant hope of what will come next.  "How will that look like???", they ask Him. 

At church this past Sunday, Pastor Matt spoke on the feeding of the 5000.  The disciples were tired and hungry, but Jesus asked them to feed the hungry before feeding themselves.  Trusting Him, they did as He asked.  They weren't sure whether there would be enough to feed the multitudes, much less themselves.  But after the 5000 were fed, there were 12 bushels of leftovers, more than enough for each one of the disciples...

In our weakness, God works through us.  Our engines are on...we sit and wait.  Looking up to Him, we trust He will provide.  After all, this is His ride, and His wheels are spinning...

Flying

Haze envelops the base of Big Bear Mountain.  The morning dew shimmering sparkles as the sun lightly touches the silver edges of the clouds.  Glistening.  Through the mist, a rumble could be heard.  Growing louder and louder.  Two moto riders, Abe and Rowe, on their bikes, break through the fog.  Whipping breeze, a glorious landscape encircles them, thunderous roaring engines, a subtle scent of deciduous trees...even the gentle wind tastes delectable.  As if on cue, Abe takes both of his hands off the handlebars, extending them outwards.  Flying.  His arms remain outstretched for a full minute.  No fear of losing control...ultimate submission.  Worshipping our magnificent King, amidst His scenic creation... 

Riding a motorcycle is analogous to flying.  Free as a bird.  Every sensation is heightened: sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste.  God gives wind to our ride, gliding free from the shackles of this world.  As He says, "...but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles..."

This Saturday will be aHbe Racer's third event, held at the Riverside Airshow.  Excited anticipation, "Do we have enough shirts to sell??  Who will be there??  Will our booth be in a good location?  Is it going to rain??"  Momentarily putting our queries aside, we let Him do the flying.  Our arms remain outstretched, humbled to be on His ride...through the fog, soaring...as the wheels are spinning...

Motorcycles

"Should I??  Nah, I shouldn't...but, maybe I should??"  Rowe stood, helmet in hand, and stared at both bikes pulled out of the garage.  A Harley Davidson Iron 883 and a Honda CBR 600RR.  She had already planned on taking her own bike to work, the Iron 883.  But the CBR 600RR enticed her.  Abe piped up, "Just take the CBR, it's a motorcycle..."  A few moments later, Rowe is slowly taking off on the CBR, delicately feeling the differences in the position of the shifter and foot brake.  On her Iron 883, her feet are in front of the bike, instead of behind.  "This feels weird...and the cornering is tighter...and I feel higher up off the ground."  Rowe noted the differences in the bike's handling.  Perspiration beads up on her forehead as she tenaciously rides the side streets to work on the CBR...

By the time the weekend arrives, Rowe is flying down the freeway on the CBR.  Thinking the speedometer is off, she wonders why going 90 mph feels effortless...

Cruisers, choppers, sportbikes, bobbers - all motorcycles.  Tensions exist between some moto riders, but in times of need, we help one another.  Sportbikes, such as Suzuki and Honda, with manufacturing plants in Japan, have been hard hit due to the earthquake.  But it's awesome to hear that Harley Davidson has donated towards their relief.  No barriers...

Team aHbe Racer is comprised of a cruiser, a sportster and a sportbike; our solidarity is the love of the ride.  As God says, "...pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences..."  Hot off the press: just found out Skip Fordyce in Riverside will soon be carrying aHbe Racer!  Join us in following a good Father through His wondrous journey, building His kingdom, as the wheels are spinning...

Grooves

Smooth riding.  An open road free from roughness, ridges or bumps.  The moto riders practically glide on the freeway.  The sweet humming from the moto engines is all that can be heard.  Then suddenly, droooommmmmm, droooommmmmm, droooommmmmm.  Abe and Rowe had reached a stretch of unpaved, course-textured road, lined with deep grooves.  Their speed decreases considerably, and the moto riders move their bikes to the far right-hand lane.  Above the drone of their engines could be heard the deep sound of the grooves beneath their bikes.  Droooommmmmm.   The grooves in the road make their handlebars wobbly.  Their arms tire as they struggle to keep their bikes steady.  Increasing anxiety with each grooved mile.  Time seemed to be at a standstill. 

Our "ride" following Christ is not always smooth.  Our ride "wobbles" as "grooves" arise on our path, slowing us down, and giving us anxiety.  His Word says, "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done."

Ten miles later, the moto riders finally pass the grooves, and are back on smooth road.  Relieved, Abe and Rowe rev their engines, pick up speed, and continue their race down the freeway...

At aHbe Racer, we've reached a patch of grooved road on our journey.  As we worry about business funding, our anxiety is heightened.  We focus on how our "bikes" feel unsteady and how tired we're getting as we keep the "handlebars" steady.  How quickly we forget the smooth roads He's already provided for us throughout this journey.  He assures us smoother roads lay just around the corner.  Grateful for His leading, we continue following Him, through grooved roads and rough patches, as the wheels are spinning...

Rising sun

Overcast.  A concealed sun attempts to peek through the clouds.  Brief glimpses of the hidden sun's rays.  Headed to the Irwindale Speedway for aHbe Racer's second event: the XDC Drift Circuit.  Driving the aHbe Racer truck, loaded down with event equipment, are Jay B. and Leo.  Cruising on the  freeway.  In front of the truck, Abe, Jay W. and Rowe ride their bikes slightly tucked in, bracing themselves from the cool wind.  "Wasn't it supposed to be sunny today???"  the moto riders wondered.

All day, aHbe Racer waited for the sun to rise.  Still, a chill lingered in the air.  In the aHbe Racer booth, friends helped out in distinct ways:  Leo had constructed copper back pieces so the aHbe Racer banner was seen above the crowds.  Jay B. drove the truck all the way back home for some forgotten aHbe Racer stickers, even after getting a ticket en route to the speedway.  Nicole lifted everyone's spirits with conversation and Bible verse memorization.  Jay W. mingled with the crowd, drawing people to the booth.

Cars drifted around the speedway.  Smoke filled the air from the squealing car tires.  Drifting as a motor sport began in Japan and as we watched the race, the recent devastation in Japan laid heavy on our hearts.  Between aHbe Racer's two events so far, enough has been raised to provide a meal box for a local needy family through Treasure Box.  Next, God is calling us to give a portion of all sales to the relief efforts in Japan through World Vision.  As His family, we each have distinct ways to help our Japanese brothers and sisters.  Let's follow Him together on this ride across the Pacific, past the rubble, through the clouds.  Japan's sun will rise again, as the wheels are spinning...

Glory

Awe-inspiring.  Majestic snow-capped mountains to the north...a vibrant cerulean sky with puffy white clouds...an invigorating chill envelops Team aHbe Racer as they race towards Los Angeles.  The broad city landscape an intense, rich, deep color.  The overhead sun's rays granting each rider a toasty feeling as they slice through the freeway.  Abe, Rowe, and Sammy feeling a deep sense of gratitude as they ride together...contentment...on such a glorious day...flying as free as a bird.

God delights in giving His children glimpses of His glory on our "ride" through life.  But heaven's ride will be far beyond comparison.  A regal entourage of collective moto engines rumbling...a thunderous worship...riding in unity, following the King Himself.  Racing down heaven's freeways.  No more worries about crashing, potholes, traffic or bad weather.  Soaring.  Simply glorious...

Awestruck...as we witness God leading aHbe Racer on His ride.  Just recently, Glory Sales, an amazing motorcycle apparel boutique in Hollywood, said they'd be pleased to carry the clothing line.  aHbe Racer will be available for purchase at Glory Sales in about a month.  We're so grateful and honored to be reaching the people of Hollywood!  As we bask in His glory, we're eager to see where He's headed next.  Kicking our bikes into gear, we follow Him on His journey, while the wheels are spinning...

Open it up!

"JEEE-SUS!!! Yahhh, dawg!!!" Kelly yells above the roar of the bikes' engines.  Euphoria...elation...exhilaration.  Abe in the lead on his Harley Deluxe 1584, Rowe riding second on Jay's Honda CBR 600 and Kelly in third on Rowe's Harley Iron 883.  Johannes driving the F-150 truck loaded down with shirts and set-up equipment.   Headed down to Mihali Cycles for aHbe Racer's pre-launch event.  Over the railroad tracks, approaching an open stretch of road to Riverside: Van Buren Blvd.  Instantaneously, Abe takes off...50 mph...60 mph...70 mph...80 mph...within a few seconds.  Racing down the straightaway.  Rowe and Kelly left in his dust.  They eventually catch up to Abe a few moments later.  Upon arriving at Mihali Cycles, Kelly bounds off his bike and gently scolds Rowe, "You gotta open it up, Rowe!!  That sportbike is made to accelerate quickly!  It needs speed!"  Rowe nodded in agreement, "I know, I know...I'll admit, this sportsbike intimidates me...but next time I'll open it up for sure!!"

A flurry of excitement.  The morning began with Johannes bounding down the stairs, yelling, "Wake up, wake up!!" Abe running around, shouting "Hurry, let's go...let's go!".  Kelly and Mel coming over to load up the truck...Rowe making breakfast tacos...Kelly leading group prayer...Rachel waiting at Mihali Cycles to help with set-up...Johannes running to get change.  Setting up the tent...folding the shirts, arranging the booth display. 

Bikes rumbled in and out of the parking lot throughout the day.  aHbe Racer's community from Sandals arrived for fellowship, including prayer behind the aHbe Racer tent.  Mihali Cycles provided yummy hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and soda.  Excitement surrounded the tent as people viewed aHbe Racer's new clothing line.  Shirts were sold and pre-orders taken.  aHbe Racer is happy to say they're halfway towards their goal:  for every 20 shirts sold, a box meal from Treasure Box is donated to a needy family! 

End of the day.  Exhaustion.  With the help of Clint, Johannes and Jay B., breaking down the tent and riding the bikes home was done at lightning speed.  The day was amazing.

Leading this ride is our Lord Jesus and He's "opening it up", increasing His speed.  Two months ago, He instructed us to find His lost, reach His people, feed the hungry, clothe the naked with aHbe Racer as the tool.  We ask that He increase our faith.  He powers the "engine", so we can't be afraid to "open it up" on the straightaways.  We're so grateful for our community group and supporters.  Shifting from first gear...to second...to third...to fourth.  Acceleration on His ride while the wheels are spinning...

Take off

North San Diego County...10pm at night...a still night, the moon shines bright.  Yet, above the tranquility could be heard a high revving sound.  A lone Suzuki GSXR 759 sportbike.  Yaowww...yaowwwww...then the engine idles.  Yaowww...yaowwwww...the engine idles.  Again and again.  As our scene draws closer, we see Sammy riding around a neighborhood cul de sac: taking off, practicing his turns, shifting through the gears, speeding up. slowing down, stopping...taking off again...

Earlier in the evening, Sammy was sitting on his bike, in his garage, staring at his bike's odometer, contemplating,  "Seriously?  I can't be scared.  Okay, I've had this bike for a year now, and I only have 15 miles on it.  How sad is that??  I just have to ride.  Now."  This is how it went every night, for two weeks.  Sammy honing his riding skills.  Over and over.  In the beginning, his top speed was no more than 25 mph, but with each night's practice session, his proficiency increased.  Today, more than seven years later, Sammy can be seen slicing through the freeway on his GSXR 1000, effortlessly handling tight curves, speeding at 100 mph...racing...

aHbe Racer's pre-launch will be at Mihali Cycles on March 5th.  Only three more days.  Mild anxiety creeping in.  Doubts try to emerge.  "Can we really do this??  What if no one comes??  How will this look like??"  Two months of preparation, riding around the block practicing, so to speak.  Following Him on this journey and He's led us to this place. We're humbled, grateful and excited.  Moto-inspired apparel, reaching across communities en route.  always Him before everything.  Three...two...one...take off...while the wheels are spinning...