Author: Michael Theodore

Michael Theodore is married to Laureen, and both are devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Michael serves the Azusa StreetRiders Motorcycle Ministry as both National Road Captain and as Ohio District Coordinator. He is passionate not only about riding, but also using motorcycles as a witnessing tool to affect souls for the Lord Jesus.
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Up Coming Events


Aug 30 – 1st Annual Biker Sunday Warren, Ohio
Aug 30 – 1st Annual Biker Sunday Jacksonville, Illinois
Sept 20 – Clendenin Biker Sunday Clendenin, WV

Get ready for a great ASR ride out west in 2021

Rolling Road trip to South Dakota with a Biker Sunday in Omaha, Nebraska Details are being worked out for a June date 2021. We will keep you posted.
National Public Relations Coordinator
Michael Theodore
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State Coordinators

Here is a list of our State Coordinators

Alabama/Mississippi
Mark Markham

Arkansas
Mike Womack

California
Michael Moore

Florida/Georgia
Greg Prey

Illinois
Mark Hardin

Indiana
Tony Sell

Louisiana
Oeland Hanes

Michigan
John Zerbe

Missouri
David Scott

Nebraska
Bill Johnson

New England
Rick Perry

Ohio
Michael Theodore

Texas
North  Urissa Reynolds Goodin
East    Johnny Carr
West   Clarence Earp

West Virginia
Doug Joseph

National Public Relations Coordinator
Michael Theodore

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1st Annual Biker Sunday Warren, Ohio

It’s just 3 weeks away our 1st Biker Sunday. Host hotel is the Hampton INN 5581 Youngstown Warren Rd Niles,Ohio 44446 330-652-1277 JUst tell them your there for the ASR Biker Sunday for a discount room rate. Guest speaker is Rev Randy Hennigan

 

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Up Coming Events

July 29 – Aug 1   ASR National Rally Nashville, Indiana
Aug 30  1st Annual Biker Sunday Warren, Ohio
Sept 20  Clennenin Biker Sunday Clennenin,WV
Sept 22-25 UPCI General Conference HAS BEEN CANCELLED
 
Remember when planning your next biker event. Please give your information to the board. This way we can get your event listed on our National website and on both of our facebook pages and here in rumblings.
 
Thank you,
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
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MOTORCYCLE RIDE / RUN RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT

MOTORCYCLE RIDE / RUN RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT

We will have this waver for everyone to read over and sign at the National Rally.

_____________________________________________________ (Hereinafter referred to as “Event”) Organizers and/or Sponsors: ________________________________________________________________, Azusa StreetRiders, Inc. and other organizations sponsoring the Event (Hereinafter collectively referred to as “Organizers”) Please Print and Complete Entire Form In consideration for being allowed to participate in the Event organized and hosted by the Organizers, I state the following: I acknowledge the dangers and hazards associated with riding motorcycles and understand and accept that all activities related to the Event, including travel to and from the Event, could expose me to numerous and unanticipated risks which could result in personal injury, illness or death or could result in damage to my property and/or the property of others. I hereby: (a) waive, release and hold harmless the Organizers and organizations the Event may benefit (“Beneficiaries”), their boards of directors, officers, members, employees and/or volunteers, from any liability whatsoever, including but not limited to liability for my death, disability, personal injury, property damage, or property theft, as a result of my participation in the Event and related activities; and (b) indemnify and hold harmless the entities or persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of my actions while participating in the Event and related activities. I further promise not to sue the Organizers and Beneficiaries, their boards of directors, officers, members, employees, and/or volunteers and agree to pay all court costs and all reasonable attorney fees that result from my action, civil or otherwise. I agree that the terms of this Motorcycle Ride/Run Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement shall also serve as a release by my heirs, executors, administrators and by all members of my family. Additionally, this Motorcycle Ride/Run Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement shall serve as a release agreement for any family member(s), including minors, who may accompany me on the Event and/or be involved in the related activities. This provision shall be construed broadly to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under applicable law. I acknowledge I will be riding on public highways and am solely responsible for determining the speed and operation of my motorcycle while participating in the Event. I further understand I am solely responsible for the decision to participate in the Event and have freely chosen to participate, despite the risks associated with it. I assume all the risks associated with the Event, as well as the risks of any related activities in which I may participate. I certify that I have motorcycle liability insurance coverage to cover me, my property, and any liabilities that may arise out of any accident and/or injury which may occur involving me or my passenger before, during or after the Event. I certify that I am at least eighteen (18) years of age, have a valid driver’s license to operate a motorcycle, and am competent to operate a motorcycle in a safe manner and that the vehicle I will be riding during the Event is in safe operating condition. – – – Azusa -StreetRiders – – – “The Oneness Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ” MOTORCYCLE RIDE / RUN RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT Page 2 of 2 I understand and agree that all passengers must be at least twelve (12) years of age and if under the age of eighteen (18), must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the Event. I understand and agree that I must obey the helmet laws and traffic laws of the state(s) on the ride route during the Event and that it is my responsibility to know such laws. I acknowledge that the choice of wearing protective gear, when not required by law, is solely my responsibility. I certify that I have no known physical or mental impairment that may affect my ability to operate a motorcycle or that may affect my safety or the safety of other individuals participating in the Event. I further certify that I am not under the influence of any narcotic, alcohol or other substance that may impair my judgment and that I will not at any time during the Event operate my motorcycle under the influence of any narcotic, alcohol or drug. I understand and agree that consuming alcohol and/or other drugs while operating my motorcycle and/or other vehicle(s) associated with this Event, if discovered by the Organizers, will result in immediate termination of my participation in the Event. I agree to operate my motorcycle in a safe manner at all times and to abide by any and all instructions given by the Organizers regarding riding matters. Such instructions may include, but are not limited to, terminating my participation in the remainder of the Event or instructing me to ride in the back of the pack and/or be accompanied by an official representative of the Organizers for the remainder of the Event. I understand that the Organizers are not responsible for any damage or loss of property, including but not limited to my motorcycle and/or personal property. I further understand and agree that the Organizers shall not be liable for any claims, actions, causes of action, injuries, damages (including indirect, special or consequential damages), loss, delays, illnesses, or expenses of any nature whatsoever suffered by me arising out of or resulting from the Event or any related activities. I understand and agree that in the event any dispute about participation in the Event or related activities arise, remedies against the Organizers will be limited to a refund of fees paid by me. As a condition of participation, I agree to waive any other damages other than a refund of fees paid to participate in the Event. I understand that pictures taken during the Event are the property of the Organizers and may be used for advertisement and/or promotion of the Event or similar events in the future whether locally or elsewhere. I hereby release the Organizers from any and all claims based upon or arising out of the use, reproduction, distribution, display or performance of all or any part of the photographs or recording, or any derivative thereof, including any claim of invasion of privacy or right of publicity. I agree that prior to signing this agreement, I have had an adequate opportunity to read and understand it, to consult with an attorney if I desire, and any and all questions have been fully answered to my satisfaction. I have read and understand the terms of this Motorcycle Ride/Run Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement. Effective as of the date signed below, I hereby agree to be bound by this Motorcycle Ride/Run Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement and the policies of the Organizers for the Event. I understand that participation in the Event is non-transferable and all deposits and fees are non-refundable except as provided for here in above. Rider Signature:_____________________________________ Passenger Signature: ______________________________________ Rider Name: ________________________________________ Passenger Name: _________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_______________________________________ City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________ Phone #: ____________________________________________ Phone #: _________________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________________________ Date: ___

You can download the waver and sign it in advance if you like.

https://www.azusastreetriders.com/uploads/ASR-Motorcycle-Ride-Run-Release-and-Waiver-of-Liability-Agreement-2015.pdf

Michael Theodore                                                                                                                      National Road Captain

 

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Up Coming Events

July 29- Aug 1       ASR National Rally Nashville, Indiana
Aug 27- 29            1st Annual Biker Sunday Warren, Ohio
Sept 19- 20          West Virginia Biker Sunday Clennenin, WV
Sept  22-25          UPCI General Conference St Louis, MO
Remember when you are planning your next biker event. Please give your information to the board. This way we can get your event listed on our website and here on the rumblings and on both of our facebook sites.
Thank you,
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
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The Thinking Rider

Article is from the AMA

Applying Knowledge to Circumstances
Riding a motorcycle gives a physical and emotional feeling unlike any other form of transportation and movement, one that, “If you have to ask about it, you wouldn’t understand.” The wind pressing against our bodies and smells of the places we ride, a closeness to the road, the world, and other riders create a craving to get out there and do it again. Most of us have clear mental pictures of our happiness formed by those extraordinary rides. Our souls are calmed and rejuvenated enough to push though another day of hard work to get back in the saddle to become one with our machines again.
One of the reasons we remember great rides is because we operate in the zone, managing the factors that come our way in the environment, the road and the machine. When problems arise, we adjust the ride by using our previous experiences, avoiding the sometimes hazardous situations. All of this works nicely for a thinking rider.
What doesn’t work well is jumping on a motorcycle without considerable thought, experience and maturity. Knowing is half the battle, it takes predetermined thought and sound reflection. Insight can be built in many ways: reading,taking a riders course, talking with other good and safe riders, or being cautious while learning how to manage motorcycle controls.
The bottom line is it takes commitment and work to ride well and more importantly, for loved ones safely.
We can improve the ride though reflection. Reflection is no more than thinking through how we ride, then working towards improvement in our decisions. Thinking is instrumental to riding well – before, during and after riding.
Thinking during the ride is reflection – in – action, and it can be extremely valuable to respond to hazards based on previous experience, before we need to react to them without thought. The challenge is comparing what you already know ( a mind – map )  to what is currently happening ( the present circumstance ) and responding appropriately.
Reflection – in – action is thinking during the ride to adjust your actions compared to the current situation, growing in knowledge and experience enough to modify your mind – map. Being able to change behaviors lower risk, and helps us to enjoy the ride with far less fear of negative consequences.
The most capable motorcycle riders ride the streets and roads within their personal limits, leaving a significant margin to respond to hazards instead of reacting with old thoughts of what some Monday morning quarterback told you to do.
Those who ride beyond their limits are not only dangerous to others on and off the road.
Displaying such un – thinking behavior should be considered entirely unacceptable by others willing to be responsible riders.
Riding within personal limits, using reflective thinking, will help ensure our own continued success in riding. Success creates great memories and allow us to share the pure joy of motorcycling with our loved ones, maintaining internal happiness for ourselves.
Keep the contact patch between the lines
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

 

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Up Coming Events

July 29- Aug 1       ASR National Rally Nashville, Indiana
Aug 27- 29            1st Annual Biker Sunday Warren, Ohio
Sept 19- 20          West Virginia Biker Sunday Clennenin, WV
Sept  22-25          UPCI General Conference St Louis, MO

 

Remember when you are planning your next biker event. Please give your information to the board. This way we can get your event listed on our website and here on the rumblings and on both of our facebook sites.
Thank you,
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

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Motorcycle Touring 101

Article is from the AMA
Getting ready to go the distance.
Motorcycle touring is a wholly different, more exciting and—oftentimes—more surreal experience than plopping down in the driver’s seat of a car or SUV for a road trip. It is a natural extension of the motorcycle lifestyle and accentuates the road riding experience.
If you’ve never gone on an overnight motorcycle trip, don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the concept. Every day, people load up their motorcycles and ride for hours through the elements. You can, too.
If your road riding has been limited to short rides in your hometown, touring helps you become a better rider and often leads to discovering cool places that you didn’t know existed.
Those who have toured will tell you that it’s an immersive way to experience some of the best landscapes the United States has to offer—wholly different from looking out the car window and watching the scenery pass by.
Motorcycle touring also is fun to do with a group, and a lot more fun than piling two or three friends into a sedan. Going on a tour with experienced riders alleviates some of the trip planning and preparation responsibilities, and there’s a bond formed among those who have spent two or more days riding together while stopping to visit landmarks or just rolling through scenic countryside.
You don’t have to ride thousands of miles on your first tour—or ever, for that matter. You can tour as near or far as your family and work commitments and budget allow. Touring isn’t about distance: it’s about living the motorcycling lifestyle to the fullest and using the knowledge you gain from your tours to grow as a motorcyclist and hone your riding skills.
In the following sections, we’ll provide guidance to help you get started on the right foot.
More important than what to pack or where to ride is making sure your bike is ready for a trip, no matter what road-going motorcycle you own.
Many of the motorcycles marketed as touring models feature large-displacement engines, but you don’t need a 1,000cc or larger motorcycle to take a trip. To be clear, big touring rigs do offer advantages, such as torque power, protection from the elements, supple suspension, good luggage capacity and comfort for two.
However, any street-legal motorcycle can be modified for touring duty, as long as it’s a mechanically sound machine you feel comfortable operating. Some bikes’ baseline ergonomics may not suit some riders, but there are so many ways to customize a motorcycle for comfort.
You don’t have to plan 10 hours in the saddle each day. Touring is what you can ride per day. A good start would be about  300- to 400-mile days when  touring. If you seem good you can increase your miles as you see fit.
Less time in the saddle each day (and more time visiting neat places along your route) makes having a purpose-built machine less important. It’s all about the ride and the distention and meeting new people along the way and the scenery. Stop to take pictures along the way.
The first step to getting into motorcycle touring is outfitting you for the ride. You can add all the add- on’s  you want to your bike, but if you don’t have the right gear and right seating position for you, the rest won’t matter.
Remember, what’s uncomfortable after an hour or two becomes unbearable after a full day on the road, even with a lot of stops along the way.
Comfort starts with your head. Make sure you have a properly fitted helmet. Match the helmet to your head size and shape. It’s also a good idea to wear earplugs when touring, where legal.
Two of the most important adjustments you can make are to the motorcycle seat and handlebars. Some riders do just fine with a stock seat, but many prefer to make a change to the part of the motorcycle that bears most of a rider’s weight. Some styles of motorcycle, such as dual sports and sport bikes, often come with small seats that quickly become tiresome.
Seat replacement options are available from a variety of companies, and there are seat accessories made of sheepskin, wood beads or air pockets that can increase rear-end comfort on a budget.
Handlebar height and angle also are big contributors to touring comfort. Most motorcycles use tubular handlebars or “clip-on” bars and mounts that can be changed to match rider preferences.
Tackling the open road also means maximizing your motorcycle’s wind protection. If you’re used to riding country roads for a couple hours at a time, spending hours each day in a turbulent wind blast can be a rude awakening.
The importance of wind protection increases with interstate riding and inclement weather. A fairing or windshield can help reduce riding fatigue when traveling at higher speeds on highways.
This is especially true for cruiser, standard and dual sport machines that feature little (if any) bodywork.
One downside to adding wind protection is hot weather. Without adequate air moving over a rider, temperatures inside a riding jacket can rise quickly. So, be alert, stay hydrated, open the vents in your jacket and consider a wet t-shirt, vest or neck scarf to help cool you down.
 
The more time you spend on the road or at stops along the way, the more challenging the ride may be.
Skipping riding for a day if dark clouds start rolling in may not be an option when you’re in the middle of a tour. Or you may unexpectedly find yourself riding through high winds, hail or heat waves.
It may be 80 degrees and sunny when you leave  but in the 30’s with snow coming down by the time you reach your destination.
Make sure to pack motorcycle-specific rain pants and a rain jacket, as well as at least one set of rain gloves.
Rain gear is the one of the best gears to have. Not only for keeping you dry. But it will keep you warm on the cooler temps and block the wind.You will find out that the rain is more difficult to deal with on two wheels on the highway.
You’ll also want to pack a cleaning kit for your face shield or goggles. Humid conditions, bugs and road grime can gunk up your eye protection very quickly. Having a way to clean them is a safety essential. Having more than one face shield or set of goggles with you makes for quicker visibility stops. (It may be easier to change a shield than try to scrub the bugs off of one.)
It’s also a good idea to apply sunscreen each morning before you take to the road. Areas around a rider’s neck and between the end of a jacket sleeve and the start of riding gloves can be exposed to direct sunlight. And your face can get sunburned through a clear face shield.
Perhaps the most important thing a rider needs to do each day of a tour is hydrate. Even in cool temperatures, the body loses water over the course of a day. Touring riders need to top off their own fluids each morning and drink at least a little water when they stop. It’s far better to over hydrate than under hydrate.
It is better to not drink caffeinated beverages, like soda and coffee, on travel days and sticking to water or sports drinks. Also it is good  making sure you’re in good physical shape before getting into touring.
Something else riders need to be prepared for is a mechanical breakdown. Modern motorcycles are far less prone to failure than older machines, but there’s always the possibility that something will go wrong with your bike. On a tour, being a hundred or more miles away from home can greatly complicate the situation.
At the beginning of each riding season—and after each use—make sure all the components of your bike’s tool kit are accounted for. Pack some extra fuses and other small parts that may be prone to failure. It’s also a good idea to have a flash light and tire pressure gauge. Aftermarket companies offer a wide range of tool kits for touring.
Some problems require having your bike towed and worked on in a shop. One of the best tools you can have in that situation is Roadside Assistance. It’s also a good idea to have a power bank to charge your cell phone in emergencies.
If you’re considering getting into motorcycle touring to take a week-long dream trip of several thousand miles, that’s great. Much like the advice we’ve all heard—“Your first bike shouldn’t be your dream bike”—your first tour shouldn’t be your dream tour. Start with weekend tours that feature 250 miles or fewer each day.
Especially for your first few tours, plan frequent stops. You eventually learn how far you can go before needing a break.
Some motorcycles have short fuel ranges of 140 miles or less, so plan a 15- to 20-minute stop each time you need to fuel up. Some touring bikes have large fuel tanks, but don’t feel obligated to ride fuel-stop-to-fuel-stop without taking a break.
Online mapping sites like Google Maps, and Map Quest take the guesswork out of planning fuel stops and have information about places or events to see along the way.
Another great way to find way points is state or local tourism bureau websites.
The more you tour, the more you’ll discover. When you ride somewhere, you almost always see something that’s worth stopping to see or worth coming back to check out on the next trip                                                                                  Before you leave all the excitement of heading out on your a motorcycle tour can lead to small issues being overlooked. Here are three things you can do to make your tour go smoothly.
Get plenty of rest the night before: The excitement of going on your first tour can make you feel energized, but you’ll need that energy a lot more the next morning when you leave than when you go to bed. Make sure to head to bed a little early and get plenty of rest the night before your first trip.
Don’t pack the night before: One way to help with getting a good night’s sleep is to not leave packing until the last minute. Make a list of the things you’ll need to pack well in advance of the trip, practice packing them into your new luggage and do several test rides around your neighborhood with the loaded luggage mounted to your bike. Do not try packing the night before you leave because forgetting something small can lead to a big problem a long way from home.
T-CLOCS your bike the night before: Make sure to give your motorcycle a once-over before you head out on your first trip. Use the T-CLOCS (tires and wheels, controls, lights/electrics, oil/fluids, chassis, stands) method to make sure your machine is mechanically ready for a couple hundred miles or more of riding. One of the most important aspects of touring is tire life. You don’t want to run out of tread in the middle of a trip. Make sure your tires have more than enough miles left on them before you head out.
Keep the contact patch between the lines.
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain