For my first 100,000 miles on a bike, I rode old-style: twist and adjust the throttle to match the need for speed. Frankly, that caused some cramping on long rides, and my third bike, a ’78 Goldwing, had a throttle lock that I loved. Get to the speed you want, set the throttle lock, and it held it there, saving your hand and wrist muscles. But when a hill arrived, you slowed down going up, and sped up going down. Not ideal! The first pic shows the throttle lock on my ST1300.
Then I saw a Cramp Buster, a lever that attached to the throttle where you rest the butt of your hand. That’s also on the first pic, and it helped to ease the grip. But I had a little bit of envy for my Goldwing friends with REAL cruise control. Find your speed, set it, and it held it. Now, I loved my ST more than their Wings, but when my balance changed and the ST tempted me to corner like I used to, I picked up a used Wing. With cruise. That’s the second pic.
Needless to say, on last summer’s 3,700 mile ride to Alaska, much of it on interstates, I loved it. Especially the + and – to adjust the speed. And I followed the advice of a previous rider on the 40 mile leg from Kitwanga Junction BC to Stewart BC, right next to Hyder Alaska, to set it at 50, enjoy the scenery, and keep watch for the grizzlies.
I learned many miles back to always pay attention while riding, but the cruise taught me a new lesson. It’s great on straight roads or long sweeping curves. It gives better gas mileage, saved my wrist, and is easier for those behind to follow my now consistent speed. And, I don’t need to pay quite as much attention.
But. And there’s just about always a but. I swear when a tighter turn came up, one where you couldn’t see the entire curve, that sucker sped the bike up. So I’d have to quickly brake or pull in the clutch to release the control. Got a bit dicey a few times, so I learned in the mountains to turn off the cruise.
The hook here? As a given, we always pay attention to our spiritual journey, but the degree can vary. So let’s determine the needed level. When it comes to temptations to gluttony, I can easily cruise past a plate of zucchini. But replace it with baby back ribs where the meat falls off the bones, and off goes the cruise control. Some years back I got into soft porn, and though I’m forgiven, I need to pay closer attention in this area. I suspect we all have some of these.
The key? Always pay attention to the spiritual influences around us, and increase the level when it’s needed. Sometimes, easier just opens the door to danger.
Kick Starting the Application
What areas do you just cruise and not pay full attention? Has that inattention ever bitten you on your butt? How do you identify areas to either cruise or keep your hand on the throttle? How can you improve how you pay attention in life? Where does God and his values fit in?