The Pilgrimage 2025 biennial event is behind us and it was a great success! ASR riders from eight states (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, OH, WV, and MI) converged on Myrtle Beach to witness and celebrate ASR’s beginnings. Three of our four ASR national officers were present also!

At Friday’s Meet-n-Greet, we had a commercial taco bar. Following breakfast Saturday, we rode about 1-1/2 hours to a men’s rehab center in Shallotte, NC for a testimony service where we shared our pasts and what God has done to help us. We also provided food for about 80 men. Testimonies were powerful and we’ve been asked to come back. A couple of men from the center want to come to our monthly ASR Bible studies. Pray they are able to come.

After a quick visit to Seabreeze HD, we met for dinner Saturday evening at a Benjamin’s Seafood buffet where Jimmy Frost, one of our future members (believing, in faith), has worked for 30 years as a model maker. He gave us the grand tour of all the ships, airplanes, helicopters and displays he’s built over the years for the restaurant. Very impressive!

For the finale, Biker Sunday topped it all! Howard Ketron (ASR Myrtle Beach) preached “Standing at the Edge of the Promised Land.” Conviction struck and three people were baptized in Jesus’ Name, including Jimmy, our future ASR member! A chili dinner followed the baptisms and a “Blessing of the Bikes.”

A huge THANK YOU to all who came, participated and helped, including our church family at Christian Life Center of Myrtle Beach! May God bless you all!

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!

The event calendar is starting to fill up, and event planning is kicking off in full swing. It is exciting to see the expansion and growth in the ASR ministry!

With this growth, there is usually multiple events going on each month. There is a lot of work that goes into chapter events. From the organization, to food preparation, to route planning, to the outreach planning, it takes a lot of energy to put an event on.

We need each other! I know it’s nearly impossible to make it to every event across the nation, but let’s make an effort to support those events that are within reasonable riding distance. It is encouraging to see the membership showing up to support a chapter in reaching the lost in their area, and many times will give a much needed boost to that local chapter.

One of the things I love about ASR, is the willingness of the membership to travel hours away, to help a local chapter witness in their area, and grow the kingdom of God.

You are ministers of the Gospel, ready to take the Gospel to the streets, not only in your own city, but in every city across the country.

As you begin your planning, be sure to include some form of outreach and ministry into your event. We are a ministry. Our goal is to reach the lost, and be a witness of the grace and mercy of God to a hurting world.

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Luke 14:23

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming riding season. To motorcyclists, there’s nothing like hitting the open road in the summer air. Although riding a motorcycle is exciting and fun for enthusiasts, it is important to be aware that accidents can happen, and those accidents can be deadly. Statistically speaking, most motorcycle accidents happen during the summer months. Here are a few motorcycle safety tips that will you help you stay safe on the roads this coming summer.

HOW DO I INSPECT MY MOTORCYCLE? 

If your bike has been sitting for a while, it is important to give it a once over to make sure that it is safe to take out on the road. Be sure to check these important components:

• tire tread
• tire pressure
• headlights
• turn signals
• brake lights

It is also recommended that you get a tune-up once a year on your motorcycle. This not only keeps you safe on the roads, but it also protects the life of your motorcycle.

SHOULD I RIDE MOTORCYCLES WHEN IT’S HOT?

Heat exhaustion is very common in motorcyclists in the hot summer weather. If you plan to ride in the heat of the day, be sure to stay hydrated well. Take along water that you can drink while riding to make sure you do not become hydrated.

SHOULD I RIDE MOTORCYCLES WHEN IT’S RAINING?

Riding in slippery conditions increase your chances of an accident. Rain not only clouds your visibility, but it also reduces your tires’ grip on the road which can be very dangerous. If you have no choice but to ride in the rain, it is important to know that the most dangerous time is right after the precipitation starts.

This is because the water causes oil residue on the pavement to rise to the top, which can make the roads extra slick. Avoid making any sudden maneuvers, and be sure to be especially gentle with braking and steering. In addition to riding in the rain, be aware that strong side winds can be another hazard. You can be proactive by anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from.

WATCH OUT FOR POTHOLES AND OTHER ROAD HAZARDS!

The transition from winter to summer is an exciting time for riders, but that transition can also do a number on the roads. Motorcycles have less contact with the pavement than cars do. Sand, wet leaves, and stones can easily cause a motorcycle to slide.

It is important to watch out for potholes. Bumps and potholes that you might barely notice in a car can pose serious danger when on a bike. If you can’t avoid them, slow down as much as possible before encountering them, with minimal steering input.

BE SURE THAT YOUR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE IS CURRENT

Before hitting the road, it is important to make sure that your insurance is active. If your motorcycle insurance has lapsed, you will have to purchase a new policy prior to hitting the road. Make sure that you have the maximum bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage available in addition to property damage. If you are injured in an accident, you will want to make sure you have the ability to pay all your medical bills.

REMAIN VISIBLE AND PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING

As you prepare to hit the road this summer riding season, keep defensive driving at the top of mind. Ensure that you keep adequate distance between you and the vehicles around you. You need to be extra alert, especially in this age of epidemic phone use and texting behind the wheel. Keep an eye out for cars suddenly changing lanes or pulling out from side streets. Ensure all of your lights are operational, and run with the high beam headlight on in the daytime to increase visibility.

KNOW THE LIMITS OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE

If you are an experienced motorcyclist, you most likely know what your bike’s limits are and aren’t. It important to keep in mind these limits for safe summer riding. This includes speed, distance, and weather. If you will be taking a road trip or traveling long distances, always have another plan in place for when unexpected road or weather conditions arise.

BE PREPARED FOR PASSENGERS RIDING WITH YOU

If you enjoy riding with a passenger, ensure you are prepared for them accompanying you. This includes investing in another helmet, and secondary riding gear. Also be sure to educate first-time passengers on how your bike moves, your preferred method of communication, and any likes and dislikes you have as the driver.

A ROAD IS A PLACE FOR BOTH CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

The thrill of the open road and unique maneuverability can make it tempting to test your skills and limits. However, safety must come first and foremost. Ensure that you ride respectfully. Do not weave in and out of traffic, and respect the laws of the road. If you want to test your skills, find an off-road course where you can do so in a controlled environment.

Even the most experienced rider should take safety precautions when riding on a hot day. With the help of some preparation and a backup plan, you can take your bike on the road with the knowledge that you are better prepared to handle the summer weather.

May 17
4th Annual Blessing of the Bikes
Toledo, OH

May 30-June 1
Biker Weekend
Zanesville, OH

June 7
Faith Temple Sword Run
Dubuque, IA

June 20-22
Biker Weekend
Wooster, OH

July 11-13
Biker Weekend
NE Indiana Chapter

July 31-Aug 2
2025 National Rally
Midland, MI

August 15-17
Bikers Rally
Dupo, IL

September 12-14
3rd Annual Biker Weekend Motorcycles for Missionaries
Toledo, OH

September 19-21
8th Annual Biker Weekend
Appalachian Chapter, WV

September 23-26
ASR Exhibit UPCI General Conference
St. Louis, MO

The period for accepting 2025 membership dues has closed. Only those who were dues current by midnight on April 30, 2025 will be able to vote by absentee ballot or in person at the Annual Business Meeting on August 2, 2025 in Midland, MI.

 

 

At the ASR annual business meeting on August 2, 2025 in Midland, Michigan offices for President and Treasurer will be elected. Nominations are now open for these positions and will remain open until May 31, 2025. To be qualified for these positions, the nominee must be a dues-paying member in good standing for no less than 2 years. To submit nominations for one or both of these offices, please email a completed nomination form available at the link below to Julie McGhghy at julie.mcghghy@azusastreetriders.com on or before May 31, 2025.

Alternatively, any dues-paying member in good standing for no less than years may declare his or her candidacy no later than June 18, 2025 by notifying Jeremiah Hayes at jeremiah.hayes@azusastreetriders.com or Julie McGhghy at  julie.mcghghy@azusastreetriders.com.

https://azusastreetriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NOMINATION-FORM.docx

Registration is now open for the 2025 National Rally!

Visit the event tab on the website, find the National Rally event to register for the rally and meal plans. Host hotel booking information is also available there. We hope to see you there for a great time in the presence of the Lord!

There will be a full schedule of all rally activities available soon.

Often, people share their testimony of healing or deliverance.  People find peace when God provides in times of financial difficulties and hardship. These are indeed miracles that should glorify God and opportunities to give him praise.  We must also count it a blessing when we are unaware of what God kept us from.  Psalms 121:7-8 says, “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” When we are healthy and not struggling with physical ailments and hardship, we need to praise God. When we have a safe ride without incidents, we need to praise God. God is protecting us from things unseen. A testimony is not merely God restoring us, but it is also God keeping us.