What in the world is a Riceburnermonk? That's actually a long story but I will try to keep it bite sized. Since I was young I have always charted a course against the current. I'm not sure why because it's always harder to go upstream. I have heard that the struggle will make you stronger. Sometimes I think it's going to kill me instead.

Well cutting to the chase. Harley Davidson is the most popular motorcycle around. The heritage and connection with being made in the great USA is enough to attract any country loving rider. The style and sound is unmistakable as they tour the high ways of the countryside. The camaraderie among the HOG riders is unshakable. These attributes alone are enough to draw most riders into the fold. It's actually an event just to go into any Harley dealership. The one drawback is that they can be a bit pricey. This is also connected to their maintenance expenses. The competitors from the other side of the pond are mostly Asian and consist of companies like Honda and Yamaha. The Harley owners are fiercely loyal and have strong opinions about their bikes and all other brands. The slang name for all the Asian bikes is "Riceburner". This is where I enter into the motorcycle story.
I started riding late in life. I'm not sure if it was a midlife crisis but I do know that it helps clear out all the cobwebs. Anyway, as I looked for my first bike I stayed away from the more expensive Harley because, well, my income for one and the other was that I was not sure if I would keep up this new hobby. I stumbled on a great deal on a 1988 Yamaha Venture. Let me tell you it was one sweet ride. I have sense bought another Yamaha which is a Road Star, and I have to say that I love my bike. About 18 months ago I started a Star Riding and Touring chapter in Rockwall, Tx. My personal desire is to live out my faith in Jesus Christ in such a way to prove that faith in Christ is anything but boring or irrelevant. My calling in this life is to proclaim the good news of a saving relationship with God that is provided through faith in Jesus Christ. In the process of mixing my love for motorcycles and faith in Christ I came up with a name to relate to that strange mixture. Thus the name "Riceburnermonk" was born.

For all of you Harley owners out there, you do in fact ride a nice ride. As usual I simply find myself riding upstream. In my small way I hope I can make a difference in the lives of those I encounter in this short life. I hope that people will learn to respect those of us out there on the roads that are not in a car. I hope that people can learn to not judge me or you by the actions of larger groups that we may or may not even ride with. I think that true believers in Christ deserve to be heard but most struggle to find a way that others will take the time to listen. If you see me going down the road on my "riceburner" I hope you will take the time to listen and hear my heart. BTW, even though it's not a Harley I think my Road * has a nice sound in her heart as well.

See you out there on the road and as always remember,
"Life's too short to be boreing and too precious to waste"

Riceburnermonk