Summer Riding Season

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.

2025 Upcoming Events

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

Dues Deadline

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.

 

 

President and Treasurer Nominations Open

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 Open

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.

New Members

We want to extend a warm welcome to our new members!

Howard & Julie Goman
Brenham, TX

Nathaniel & Cathy McVey
Bloomington, IN

Trueman & Peggy Hurley
Leesburg, FL

Bryan & Shelby Hughes
Jackson, MI

 

 

God’s Unwavering Protection

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.

2025 National Rally Outreach

 

At this year’s National Rally, there will be a designated local outreach. Pastor Kevin Willis and the Midland MI chapter have been working hard to get things set up for the 2025 National Rally, and have integrated outreach into our rally.

Below you will find some information on the designated outreach, as well as requested items.

It is requested to focus on donation items that can be easily transported, not the larger items. Thank you for your willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

Motorcycles For Missionaries Planning

With 23 motorcycles supplied to the mission field last year, we’re expecting greater things in 2025! Now is the time to begin planning your fundraising opportunities to sow into the work of God across the globe! I’m excited to see what God is going to do with Motorcycles for Missionaries this year. You are making an impact globally with your sacrifice and giving. God bless you for what you are doing to reach the lost, not only in the United States, but all around the world.

The Missed Shift

I know I’ve been there. Sitting at a stop sign or a red light, with the rumble of a v-twin at idle. Waiting on that moment when, with a quick release of the clutch, and a snap of the throttle, all of the available power of that engine will propel you forward with a roar, setting you back in the seat, with the thrill of acceleration.

The rpm’s climb rapidly, you pull the clutch, grab second, and twist the throttle again, only to feel no acceleration. In your attempt to grab second, you grabbed neutral instead. Suddenly, the joy is gone, the excitement fades, as what you intended to be a powerful launch, becomes nothing more than a missed shift.

As defeating as a missed shift on the bike can be, a “missed shift” in your spiritual walk can often result in the same feelings. What you intended to be a powerful step and journey with God, suddenly finds you struggling, feeling like you’re not getting anywhere.

The excitement fades, the zeal is gone, and you’re relegated to just cruising along, afraid to get too involved. You’re left wondering where you went wrong, and maybe this is just how it’s meant to be.

Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down. For, the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.

Don’t let the missed shift be the end of your story. Second gear is still there, just waiting on the opportunity to be used. Third gear is still there, waiting on the chance to move you again.

The power of the Holy Ghost is still available to propel you forward in your ministry, in your outreach, and in your spiritual walk with God. Put your head down, pull the clutch, and grab second.

Remember, it’s only one down, and the rest is up.

Jeremiah Hayes
President
Azusa StreetRiders International