Author: Pastor Jeff Keck

As we welcome warmer weather and longer days and shake off the stiffness and blow out the cobwebs of a long off season, we must recognize many motorist are not looking for us on the roadways. Ultimate it is up to us to make we Ride S.M.A.R.T. so here are some reminders.

Stay Alert

• Momentary inattention is a major cause of motorcycle incidents, keep your head up and eyes scanning everything in front of you.
• Watch for road hazards (e.g., tar snakes, loose gravel, grooved roads, potholes, grass clippings, railroad tracks, painted direcglass, shoulder debris, and uneven pavement.)
• Do not wear earbuds (in both ears) and stay off your phone while riding.
• Stop frequently for comfort breaks to stretch and hydrate as this will lessen bouts of dangerous fatigue, muscle cramps, and arm pump.

Maintain Space

• Maintain a two second gap between you and other vehicles on highways and freeways.
• Ride in the left-track or right-track of the lane to avoid oil, debris, and to be seen in motorists mirrors.
• Move as far off to the shoulder as possible when stopping on the roadside or freeway.
• Leave enough room in front of you to avoid debris, vehicles, and hazards.
• Merge by using on ramps to match traffic speed (or a bit faster) before merging, and avoid riding the far-right lane near busy exits to avoid oncoming and merging traffic.

Act Safely and Predictably

• Wear a properly fitted helmet and note that eye protection is required in many jurisdictions.
• Don’t override your skill level. Understand your sense of speed and comfort zone.
• Use proper hand signals and turn indicators.
• Be visible but ride like you are invisible. Make eye contact with motorist especially those making left hand turns. Remember if you can see someone in their mirrors, they cannot see you.
• Be courteous and a good witness as an ASR ambassador.

Respect the Rules of the Road

• Be aware and obey local traffic laws. However, while riding on freeways riding in the number one lane at the top allowable speed by local highway patrol is recommended.
• Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane, but some motorist may encroach so be aware and ride with your head on a swivel.
• California and Minnesota are the only U.S. states where full lane splitting (riding between lanes of moving traffic) is explicitly legal. However, several states have legalized “lane filtering” (passing stopped or slow traffic at low speeds or filtering to the front of the line at signal lights or stop signs.) At the time of this article these states are Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Utah.
• Most organized rides insist that riders use a staggered formation. However, most states it is legal for motorcycles to ride side-by-side (parade formation) in a single lane, but they cannot share a lane with a car.
• Always yield to pedestrians, they have the right of way.

Think Ahead and Talk

• Keep your head up scanning the road ahead anticipating what others will do.
• Signal to fellow riders road hazards with right foot or left hand.
• Approach uneven pavement at an angle whenever possible.
• Utilize trail breaking for improved stability, this will keep your suspension loaded for better traction, and allows faster tighter cornering.

Enjoy the freedom of the road as we take the Gospel to our communities and beyond.

Let’s Go!

We are pleased to announce a fantastic new ministry partnership with Sages Ministry. Sages is an exciting ministry that exists to provide resources and ministry outlets to those who are over the age of 55.

We give a shout out to Brother Fred Beall for arranging a sit-down meeting with Bishop Carlton Coon, Director of Sages Ministry UPCI in which we were able to share our vision and mission.
Bishop Coon expressed his enthusiasm at the opportunity of joining ministry forces to enlarge our footprint and engage more people in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting Azusa StreetRiders.

Bishop Coon has invited us to their premiere conference SAGES SUMMIT March 18-20 in Branson, MO. We will set up our full ministry display and ASR membership information center.

If you would like more information about Sages Ministry please visit: https://www.upcisages.com/events/sages-summit-2026

Bienvenido, Willkommen, Bienvenue, Добро пожаловать, ようこそ, Benvenuto, and Welcome to all of new members!

We are so excited to have you as an integral member of Azusa StreetRiders, The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ. The ministry opportunities that you have as a biker are unlimited. We have seen the phenomenal growth of motorcycle ministries over the past 25 years.

Increasing numbers of church and mission leaders are sensing that we could be on the verge of the next Great Awakening, and many of us are praying and believing for it. We are in a unique position as oneness Apostolics to bring the message of salvation to this great community of bikers. We want to encourage you to be open to the moving of the Spirit and be sensitive to miraculous moments.

We are reminded when Peter and John were on their way to afternoon prayer. As they approached the Temple, there was a lame man who stood every day at the beautiful gate of the Temple. This was an optimal place to beg from the people going into to worship.

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, this was their miraculous moment. Peter said, “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

Then Peter reached out in faith and took the lame man by the right hand and lifted him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were healed instantly. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began walking, and leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple and worship with them.

When we have miracle moments let’s make the most of them and see the harvest God desires to give us.

Let’s Go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What biker among us has not be greatly moved by the Great Commission as we travel the highways and backroads of the U.S. and beyond.

“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” . (Mark 16:15)

The Greek word, ktisis-creature, is by definition all inclusive. It means everyone made/created in the image of God.

Simply put, our responsibility to our Lord and Savior is to GO!

We are to go and preach the everlasting gospel to every person on the earth: to every nation, race, language, and local neighborhood without exception.

This past week at the 80th UPCI General Conference I was reminded of this very thing as Professor Jerry Jones read the purpose statement from the UPCI Ministers Manuel:

“The purpose of the United Pentecostal Church International is to take “the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church,” effectively and in an organized manner; to encourage the establishment of new works; to evangelize the world by every righteous means possible; and to produce and maintain a morally clean ministry and strong fellowship.”

We have at our disposal (in my estimation) one of the most righteous means possible for evangelism-discipleship, motorcycles.

There is a certain passion that resides in most bikers and I would say this is enhanced in Apostolic bikers. We use this passion to build genuine trust with others around us, especially those in the greater motorcycle community. This passion becomes an open door for us to share the love of Jesus and the power of His resurrection.

Motorcycles Connects Us To Others

• Building common ground: Sharing a love for motorcycles creates an immediate connection and a starting point for conversation. We have all experienced that instant connection with other bikers and non-bikers alike. This is especially true at fuel stops, rallies or events where the common interest of motorcycles builds a bridge with which we are able share the gospel.

• Ministering to the biker subculture: We are “The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ” and are founded on the principle of preaching the full gospel message to fellow bikers who may not attend traditional church services. By showing up in the same subculture, we are able break down walls and connect with people who are naturally suspicious of religion and otherwise hard to reach with the gospel.

• Dispelling negative stereotypes: For many outside the biker world, the culture is associated with outlaw gangs. Azusa StreetRiders’s Apostolic distinctives and genuine persona cuts through these negative perceptions where we are able to show a compassionate and Godly side of the subculture.

• Creating a visible witness: The sight and sound of a group of riders with Acts 2:38 emblazed at the center of our colors when we are on the road, at events, or at national rallies serves as a public declaration of the Apostolic faith and draws attention to our unique ministry efforts.

It was the Apostle Paul that said, “I am made (created in character) all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)

We too are to become all things; that means to us, we accommodate ourselves to others in all things. We evangelize the world by every righteous means possible, that at least someone might be saved.

SAVE THE DATE!

We are going to Asia on a Worldwide Ministry Tour to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand March 16-31, 2026. If you are interested in riding with us and doing ministry in these revival countries please contact: Jeff Keck @ Jeff.Keck@azusastreetriders.com

We are excited to invite everyone be a part of the Route 66 Centennial Ministry Tour. We will begin in Chicago on Monday, July 27th and ride to Springfield, IL and on Tuesday to St. Louis and then we are on to our ASR NAT’L RALLY in Rolla, MO arriving on Wednesday July 29 and continue to close of business Saturday, August, 1st.
Sunday, August 1st we will begin the western leg of the Ministry Tour with a service in Springfield, MO and down the Historic Route 66 to Los Angeles where we will be ministering in few services and churches along the way concluding with a dynamic service on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at the original revival site 312 Azusa Street Los Angels, CA.
We look forward to everyone joining us for part or all of the tour!

I want to give a special shout out to all of our wonderful State and Area Coordinators for the amazing work they are doing!

We are experiencing growth in many of our regions and this will mean more opportunities to serve as State/Area Coordinators.

Some of the responsibilities are as follows:
o Assist local churches navigate the start-up process for new ASR Chapters
o Support your states chapters organize events
o Work closely with local chapters with elections and meetings
o Promote ASR at Men’s Meetings and District events.

As a State/Area Coordinator you will play a vital role in strengthening and growing ASR’s ministry and influence in your state.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of serving in this ministry opportunity, please let us know. I can be reached via email: jeff.keck@azusastreetriders.com

I want to give a special shout out to all of our wonderful State and Area Coordinators for the amazing work they are doing!

We are experiencing growth in many of our regions and this will mean more opportunities to serve as State/Area Coordinators.

Some of the responsibilities are as follows:
o Assist local churches navigate the start-up process for new ASR Chapters
o Support your states chapters organize events
o Work closely with local chapters with elections and meetings
o Promote ASR at Men’s Meetings and District events.

As a State/Area Coordinator you will play a vital role in strengthening and growing ASR’s ministry and influence in your state.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of serving in this ministry opportunity, please let us know. I can be reached via email: jeff.keck@azusastreetriders.com

As we spiritedly make our way back to the highways, byways, and black ribbon canyon roads, allow me to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of staying clear-eyed and focused whether you’re on two or three wheels.

Every May, there is a national effort to bring greater awareness to the driving public of our small, fast, and often unseen bikes. I have always found the old adage to be true: “Ride like you are invisible.” Because much of the time, we are!

Here are nine quick tips to keep in mind while riding:

1. We bikers have the same rights to the road as any other motorist. You have the right to the entire lane, so position yourself in the left half of the lane. If you are in the number one lane on a divided highway/freeway, position yourself near the divided white line to possess the entire lane and remain visible.

2. When passing a semi-truck, bus, camper, or other large vehicles, remember, if you cannot see the driver in the driver side mirror, THEY CANNOT SEE YOU.

3. I’m not your mama. . . but consider wearing a DOT compliant helmet when riding. Studies indicate that helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to riders and 41% effective for passengers.

4. Equip your bike with proper lighting and wear reflective gear when possible as this will heighten your visibility.

5. Be aware of your road conditions. This is especially true in the springtime or after heavy rains. Loose gravel and sand accumulates at stop signs and canyon corners. I knew a CHP motor officer who was highly embarrassed when he laid his bike down on a rain slick white painted traffic arrow, oops! Painted stop lines and directional indicators are not your friends.

6. Keep a safe following distance and ride staggered (approx. two bike lengths) on group rides. This is especially important when following semi-truck; a blowout can change your world in a heartbeat.

7. Check the weather and do not ride beyond your skill. Wet and slippery conditions are even more dangerous for bikers because we are exposed to all the elements. Play it safe and wait it out before hitting the road on icy or flooded roads.

8. Make sure you and your bike are in good working order: tire pressure, oil, battery, and top off your tank. This also means that you are properly licensed, have motorcycle insurance, and are physically road ready. If you haven’t ridden in a while, it would be a great idea to take a refresher riders course and avail yourself of he many instructional videos on YouTube, including “MotoJitsu,” “Ride Like a Pro,” and “Be The Boss Of Your Motorcycle.”

9. Keep your wits about you and don’t ride distracted or angry. It is never worth the risk of injuring yourself or someone else.

These are just a few safety tips to consider while scootin’ down the road and remember: Love Like Jesus, Preach Like Paul, and Ride Like Jehu!

On February 19, 2025, a ASR bylaws committee convened at the behest of the members following the Annual Azusa StreetRiders business meeting 2024. This group met to systemize the current ASR Bylaws and bring our current legal language up to date to protect our organization and clearly state our mission as a non-profit motorcycle ministry.

We were graciously hosted by Pastor Hattabaugh of The Pentecostals of Cooper City, FL. The meeting was attended by Fred Beall, Ron Thwing, Howard Ketron, Julie McGhghy, National Secretary, and chairman Jeff Keck, National Vice President.

Over two and a half days, the committee revised the language of our bylaws, addressed unnecessary liabilities, clarified membership requirements, further defined organizational jurisdiction, governance, fees, and chapter authority.

By the end of the meeting, we addressed questions concerning particular articles of our Bylaws that were raised at the 2024 ASR annual meeting. The committee will be meeting again via Zoom in April to codify updates, corrections, and changes so they are ready to be presented to the 2025 Resolution Committee.

Many thanks to the Bylaws Committee members for their time, effort, and for providing their own travel expenses. This was a successful endeavor and we look forward to next steps.