Rumblings

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State Watch Motorcycle Legation

 

I am going to be posting something new in the rumblings newsletter each month which has to do with motorcycle laws and bills. I will be posting a few states every month. If your like me a motorcyclist you want to know what your state or other states are doing to help with motorcycle safety and motorcycle riders.

Did you know that some state’s have motorcycle -only checkpoints?
Hawaii
Bill HB 727 is in legalization that would authorize the state department of transportation to allow motorcycles and motor scooters the use of shoulder lanes when congested.
Massachusetts
Bill H 1917 flied by state Rep .Timothy Whelan (R-Brewster), would allow motorcyclist to proceed through red lights after stopping and “exercising due care,” if the signal is controlled by a vehicle detection device that is not triggered by the motorcycle.
Massachusetts
Motorcyclist are attempting to get the state’s mandatory helmet law repealed again this year, with S.1923 would do just that. The bill was introduced bt state Sen. Anne Gobi There was about 175 riders showed up at the state capital to lobby in favor of this bill.
Michigan
The state Senate voted to raise registration and training fees for motorcyclist. The annual registration fee goes from $23 to $25. Initial endorsement fees go from $13.50 to $16,and renewals from $5 to $7. The additional registration fee revenue will go to the motorcycle safety education program, while some of the endorsement fee revenue will fund a new program promoting motorcycle awareness.
Oregon
The Governor signed into law H.B 2598, which extends the offense of vehicular assault to include contact with a motorcycle operator or motorcycle passenger.
Pennsylvania
The state’s House Consumer Affairs Committee approved a measure that would cover motorcycles under Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law. H.B. 74, introduced by state Rep Pam Snyder would include motorcycles in the law’s definition of a “new motor vehicle” and require manufacturers to correct any defects that impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle and occurs within one year following delivery, within the first 12,000 miles of use or during the term of the warranty, whichever comes first.
Pennsylvania
The state House passed H.B.831 which gives motorcycles processions the same rights as funeral processions. State Rep Mark Keller, the bill’s sponsor, said, “As an avid motorcycle rider who has taken part in many large group rides, said his legislation would bring group riders into compliance with the state vehicle code and make them safer for both the participants and other motorists.” If passed by the state Senate and signed into law, the bill would allow motorcycle processions to proceed through red lights and stop signs, control and direct traffic and bypass motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Minnesota
S.F.2405 would permit motorcyclists to split lanes on public roads within the state if the rider does not exceed 40 mph and travels no more than 15 mph faster than surrounding traffic.The bill was referred to the Transportation Finance and Policy committee.
Louisiana
Lawmakers have passed H.B.161, which provides exceptions to Louisiana’s anti-masking law, and sent the bill to the governor for signing. The bill exempts motorcyclist from the state law that prohibits the wearing of masks in public, except on holidays, such as Halloween. Motorcyclist in Louisiana said some overly zealous law enforcement officers have been using the anti-mask law to stop and cite bikers who were using face shields on their helmets.
Washington
A state law that bans the use of hand-held devices while driving a car took effect on July 23. Under the new law, anyone older than 18 may no longer hold a phone while driving,except to call 911 for emergencies or to activate or deactivate a call or select GPS navigation. Those younger than 18 already fell under those restrictions.
Nebraska
Nebraska  officials deployed eight trucks featuring safety messaging around the state as part of a 10-week program to promote motorcycle safety. The campaign by Nebraska Highway Safety Council was promoted by a spate of fatal motorcycle crashes this past summer. The state Department of Transportation, law enforcement agencies and motorcycle safety groups help with the campaign.
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

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Ridin’ in the Rain

 

Many, if not most, of us consider riding in the rain a necessary inconvenience when we’re caught out in it while going from point A to point B. The experience is frequently made more burdensome because of: inadequate riding gear, reduced vision of scenery and road hazards, loss of traction, increased navigational challenges, and fogged glasses and face shield—just to name a few. Often we discover too late that we forgot to pack defogger, rain mittens, Rain-X, or some other item critical to reducing the discomfort and increased risk of riding in the rain.

It’s my contention, however, that riding in the rain is often less pleasant than it really has to be, partially because we avoid doing it unless forced to ride in the wet. But like most of motorcycling’s other acquired skills, practice almost always leads to a better riding experience. In that vein, here are my top ten tips for improving your rain proficiency and, yes, even enjoyment:

Expect Rain: Even if the sun is out, and there’s not a cloud in the sky before leaving home, expect the possibility of rain during any ride that lasts more than a couple of hours. That means riders should almost always pack rain gear. And, by the way, most textile riding gear that says it’s rain resistant, or even waterproof, usually isn’t in a long, soaking rainfall. My rain gear is 100% waterproof and if I’m riding all day long in the rain 6 or more hours it the rain does find a way to creep in.

Trust Your Tires: One of the biggest phobias of inexperienced riders, once pavement becomes wet, is that their tires will rapidly lose traction. The soft rubber composition of motorcycle tires (especially compared to car tires) means that most of them retain about 80-percent of their traction on wet pavement. The presence of oil, antifreeze, or any one of a number of other chemical substances on rain-slick roads, however, can significantly compromise traction. If wet asphalt appears to have a reflective sheen, these chemicals may be present. One way to evaluate a road surface is to lightly drag the sole of one riding boot to determine if pavement is actually slippery. I must add that I forgot this my own practice what you preach stuff this summer. And  I laid my bike down one summer on fresh paved Wet asphalt. While riding in a storm. Came in contact with not one but two oil slicks.
Avoid Plastic Strips on Pavement: Pedestrian crossings and some other road markings are actually white plastic strips adhered to the concrete. These strips become slippery when wet. The same is true for metal road surface coverings, tar snakes, wooden planks at railroad crossings, and other similar road materials not made of asphalt or concrete. If these hazards cannot be avoided, then ride over them at a right angle, at moderate speed, with the bike perpendicular to the road surface.
Treat Your Face Shield: Recently On a face shield treated with Rain-X (which works better on glass than it does on plastic) or some other chemical that increases surface slipperiness, wind will largely clear the raindrops from view. It’s also not a bad idea to treat your shield before beginning any ride. If your shield fogs up, don’t open it completely, because that will enable rain to deposit on the inside, which is hard to clear without stopping and removing the helmet to do so. Make sure all helmet vents are open and only crack the shield slightly to increase airflow and exhaust condensation. There is anti fog spray for the inside of your face shield to stop fogging also.
Inspect Rain Gear Integrity: Over time rain gear can loose its ability to repel water. I learned this lesson once, the hard way, when my out dated rain gear began leaking during a daylong ride in heavy rain. The combination of riding wet in the wind caused me to lose body heat, become chilled, and then sick enough that I couldn’t continue riding the next day. Now I replace  worn rain gear and buy suits with heavier gauge material.
Be Visible: I will never understand why some companies make black rain gear, particularly the jacket. It’s hard enough to see riders in rainy, low light conditions without making them virtually invisible to human sight. If your rain gear top isn’t especially colorful or visible, wear a hi-viz vest over it. Because most other vehicles will have their lights turned on in the rain, reflectors also will improve other motorist’s ability to see and avoid you.
Slow Down: Although a relatively small amount of traction is lost on clean wet pavement, it still makes sense to ride more carefully in the rain by avoiding: (1) excessive speed; (2) steep lean angles; (3) close proximity to other vehicles and (4) aggressive stopping maneuvers.
Don’t Push Your Luck: It’s one thing to ride in rain, but quite another to ride into a thunderstorm or even a heavy downpour. If I listen to myself preach I would of not had that accident this summer. Because your riding risk factors are already heightened in rainy conditions, know when to get off the road and take shelter. Remember, your rubber tires won’t provide any protection in the event of a lightening strike and there’s nothing between you and flying debris picked up by high winds. Common sense should tell you when it’s time to “fold ’em.”
Practice: Here’s a radical idea: go riding in the rain, even when you don’t have to! As is true with most other motorcycle riding skills, practice improves ability, confidence, and enjoyment of the experience. The same is true for riding in the rain. Practice effective rain riding techniques close to home so they will be second nature when you need them on a road trip.
Learn to Enjoy the Experience: The rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops, while ensconced in a warm dry cocoon, can be both enjoyable and relaxing. It only can be so, though, after mastering tips one through nine above. I’ve heard of some motorcyclists who enjoy rain riding so much, they actually look forward to rainy days in the saddle. Ok OK This is Me I like rain riding yes I’m a Nut a Buckeye nut LOL. I would ride to work almost everyday rain or shine.

Long story short, a rainy day doesn’t mean that your two-wheeled adventure has to stop being fun.

Michael Theodore

National Road Captain

 

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Amazon Smile

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please remember to use Azusa StreetRiders as your charitable organization to donate to when you use Amazon Smile!!
Make sure that you are using the Amazon Smile portion of Amazon when you purchase online products and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to the charitable organization of your choice. Just go to your settings and search for Azusa StreetRiders and select them to donate to.
Please contact myself or Sis Theodore with any questions.

Pastor Randy Hennigan
National VP

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Welcome These New Chapters to Azusa StreetRiders Ministry

  • Southwest Ohio Chapter
    • Brother Scott Culver – President
    • Todd Brown – Vise President
    • Mike McGhghy – Sec / Trea.
    • Julie McGhghy – Member (National Ladies Chaplin)
  • Larry Walker – Member – Road Captain
    _______________________________________________________

Azusa StreetRiders are very please to announce the establishment of the Azusa StreetRiders Philippines International Chapter to be known as from this day forth

  • ASR Philippines

Azusa StreetRiders Ministry would first like to Welcome the ASR Advisors and Pastors of the newly established ASR Philippines Chapter and Thank them for their support:

  • ASR Advisers
    • Bishop Celedonio C. Ompad
    • Rev. Gadiel C. Ompad
    • Rev Lorenzo Reyes
  • Members – Pastors
    • Pastor Romy Villanueva
    • Pastor Medel Zarsuelo
    • Pastor Brentson Bago
    • Pastor Marcos Prieto
  • Azusa Street Riders Philippines Officers
    • Rodante D. de Guzman
      • Chapter President
      • Philippeans Area Coordimator
    • Bernelito C. Gavero – Chapter Vice President
    • Eleazar Villaraza – Secretary
    • Dan Carlo M. Coloma – Treasurer
  • Philippines Chapter Road Crew
    • Danilo L. de Guzman – New Rider Mentor
    • Billie Joel C. Gavero – Sweeper/Marshal
    • Jacob Paniza – Sweeper/Marshal
  • Members
    • Virgilio Escobia
    • Federico L. Padawang
    • Jose G. Labong
    • Jose A. Padernos
    • Emmanuel A. Piedad
    • Erwin C. Bernardo
    • Alvin M. Godito
    • Danmark Joseph C. Labong
    • El John C. Labong
    • Julius C. Labong
    • Aldrin M. Arellano
    • Moises Alcontin
    • Harris Manzo
    • Joel Ampan
    • James Alvin R. Masilang
    • JirahRuire  M. Teja
    • Estaniel C. Soriano
Robert Thompson
President Azusa StreetRiders International
The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ
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Momma Don’t Let Your Kid Grow Up To Be A Biker!

I can remember the early conversations that occurred between myself and my parents about wanting a motorcycle when I reached the age of 15. Now understand that my Dad’s sister had been killed in a motorcycle accident when in her 20’s. You can imagine how the conversation turned out! Obeying those that have the rule (or ruler) over you is so difficult! The only horse that I was riding until many years later was one that ate a lot of hay! As the years progressed my life separated from home, I found myself buying a few bikes and learning through a couple of accidents that did no damage to myself the reasons why Mom & Dad were trying to keep me from getting hurt. Motorcycle and other forms of riding entertainment is certainly dangerous and have the potential of great bodily harm so please remember to be careful and keep your head on a swivel! Bike safety however is not my intent in this article. One of my earliest conversations with my Pastor centered around the idea of obeying parents when the directive was not seemingly in my interest or not based in sound judgement! (Tic) His counsel has stayed with me and has keep me from making some very stupid decisions in my life. One of the greatest feelings in the world is to be riding down the road with the wind in your face and feeling the freedom that being on a motorcycle makes you free! You feel as if you don’t have any problems. You can feel as if you are the king of the world for a while. This feeling is part of the heritage of motorcycles and while the feeling can be addictive and certainly entertaining, it will also leave one with a false sense of self and life as it really is. You see, the truth is that while we are here living in this world, the only real freedom is found in our relationship with God and our sense of self is determined by the condition of our soul. As the ASR ministry grows and become more impactful in our society, we must fight against the false sense of worldly worth and false freedoms! The Bible tells of things that would seem to be right in the eyes of a righteous man to do and sometime that gives us pause. Would God really give humanity that much control over what our actions should be? I believe that the believer is also given the kind of decision making power that can change not only them, but the world around them! As we make decisions as to what direction and what kind of ministry that ASR will become, we should always make the decisions by prayer first and then (what seemeth right) decisions will be made with a real freedom of the spirit and with confidence in what God has for his ministers (of whom each ASR member becomes when he places that patch on his cut). If we only view the ASR as a way to get together with other bikers and have some windy fun, then we have missed the ministry and influence that I believe that Jesus has directed us to try and pursue! In every event, in every club ride, in every chapter meeting, let God direct you and find a way to minister to a lost and dying world that is seeking for a way to fill the void in their life left by satan. Remember that we are a Holy Ghost filled, baptized in Jesus name, Apostolic, and world changing motorcycle ministers! Our standards cannot change and our vision cannot dim! Our voices must be heard above the roar of our pipes! Our representation of Jesus to this world must be without blemish or spot!  We may be the only link to that MC member for them to find a way to Jesus! We cannot be less than Jesus wants us to be and that is a CHRISTIAN! Our ASR ranks will continue to grow but we must be careful in that growth. We must never lose our Apostolic identity for when we become like the ones that we are trying to reach, we have camouflaged what we are trying to show them. I would encourage you, the ASR ministry, to be of good cheer, to be of great faith, and to be of intense focus. As we focus on Christ, then our eyes will not become dim nor our character become weak! Don’t let us grow and become just bikers but let us grow and become ministers (who ride bikes)!! Our field is the highway but our destination is still Heaven! As you have elected me to be your Vice President, I can only hope to help ASR have the kind of impact that will allow Him to say well done, my good and faithful servant. Please know that I am praying for each of you in your endeavors for this ministry and am available to each of you as needed.

Pastor Randy Hennigan

ASR International VP

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Assemblies of The Lord Jesus Christ National Men’s Conference

2017 Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ Menistry National Men’s Conference Maryville, TN September 15th & 16th.

The Maryville Azusa Streets Ministry will be sponsoring a motorcycle ride Friday the 15th This should prove to be a very beautiful ride through the mountains and valleys of east tennessee, getting back to Maryville mid afternoon with plenty of time to prepare for the evening service. We will be meeting at Shoney’s 1021 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy Maryville TN at 9:00 am kickstands up at 10:00 am. If you ride please come and be a part of this day of fellowship we look forward to seeing you there. For more information contact Bro Donnie Grider @ 936-648-1143 or email donnie.grider@gmail.com

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Thank You for all Your Support

I wanted to take just a moment and thank everyone that participated in the 2017 Azusa StreetRiders National Conference in Denison, TX. In addition, I extend appreciation to Pastor and Sister Gilbert for their gracious hospitality in allowing Azusa StreetRiders to host this year’s conference at Truth Tabernacle Church. Also very special thanks to Sister Urissa Goodin, Brother Clarence Earp, and all of those who supported their efforts. Job well done! It was a great conference.

As many of you already know, this year’s elections yielded three new board members for the Azusa StreetRiders Ministry. The new board consists of:

Robert Thompson, President
Randy Hennigan, Vice President
Laureen Theodore, Treasurer
Michel Luttrell, Secretary

We are all being diligent during this transition period to continue the good work that Brother Anthony Storey, Brother James Curley and Sister Lydia Diaz have done over the last several years, and I take my hat off to them. Moving forward, we’re getting ready for the annual ALJC (Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ) Men’s Conference, to be held in Maryville, Tennessee, September 15 and 16. We have been asked to sponsor a day ride, and I have been asked to speak at that conference about the ASR ministry. Everyone is invited, of course. Next on the agenda is the UPCI (United Pentecostal Church International) General Conference, in Kansas City, Missouri, September 26-29. We will have a booth set up there, so if you plan to attend, please stop by.

Moving into 2018 we’re already looking forward to the “Bind the Strong Man” event sponsored by Christian Faith Outreach Church in Ashland, Kentucky, March 2-3. Please plan to be there.

I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support for the new board. The response is welcomed, and I for one am humbled by it all. I appreciate the confidence you have for us, but I covet your prayers more. In closing, I wish to make myself available to anyone that needs me. Therefore I have included my contact information below. Please feel free to contact me at any time.

God bless you all, and God bless America.

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Human Vision

Drivers often say, “I didn’t see it” — after hitting a motorcycle!

I bring this up because one day last month I was at a stop sign, and while stopped I looked left then right, and then left then right. As I thought “all is clear” I then attempted  to move forward — only to realize a smaller motorcycle was in my path. I clearly did not see him at all. No, I did not hit him, but I know I gave him a huge scare, which brings me to this: Looking in the direction of something does not mean that we see it!

In general, we only see what we expect to see, or what we’ve trained ourselves to see. Our brain is wired to filter out much of what our eyes receive, focusing on specific items based on each individual’s experience and judgment, taking into account the relevance of the input to the task at hand, its location, perceived threat level, and any movement, and then prioritizing takes place even if important information is directly in front of us. Also, we have visual clarity in only a  three-degree cone in the center of our vision (“central vision”).

Some people believe they get better information from their peripheral vision then they actually do. To have a useful “big picture,” our central vision must be consciously directed to capture the important details. In other words, instead of our eyes passively transmitting images to our brain, our brain needs to direct our eyes to scan the environment, like a searchlight. Successful scanning strategies involve moving attention far-and-near, and side-to-side, to identify relevant factors, especially those that have little or no movement of their own.

The more effectively we gather information, the better we can make decisions and take appropriate action. This continuous process is called “S.E.E.” — Search, Evaluate, Execute. If searching identifies a hazard, and evaluation determines the hazard that should be avoided and suggests various ways to avoid it, the next step is executing an action. If you are lax with your eye movement, the visual field can “stagnate,” and less conspicuous items, such as motorcycles coming straight at you in an inter section, are rendered virtually invisible. Eye movement is critical, because, as hard as it is to notice and act on important clues in the central vision, imagine if those clues are outside that three-degree cone!

Just as hazardous as not focusing on the right thing in your visual environment is focusing on a single, wrong thing. Good riders keep their eyes moving, so they are able to detect and evaluate factors several seconds ahead and to the sides. This includes giving extra attention to known problem areas, such as intersections (including driveways) and blind corners, and periodically checking your mirrors to construct a “big picture” of the environment. I am always moving my head and eyes — scanning and checking my mirrors. Are you? Just ask my wife, and she will tell you: my head is always moving. Just remember your motorcycle may not be categorized as a ‘threat’ by the CAR/SUV driver’s brain, so your image is filtered out.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

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Thank You!!

Praise the Lord Azusa StreetRiders:

We had another awesome National Rally this year. The church services were superb. The Holy Ghost visited us in a mighty way!! We had an awesome turn out this year. Thank you to all that helped put this rally together. I got to meet a lot of our new members. Putting faces with the names is always my favorite part.

I would like to thank  the individuals that served on the board with me.

Rev. Lydia Diaz

Rev. Jim Curley

Bro. Michael Luttrell

I love you guys. Thank you so very much! We will always be family.

Special thanks to Rev. Doug Joseph for all the direction and wisdom he shared.

I am looking forward to seeing what is next in my ministry and what is next for the Azusa StreetRiders.

Now I would like to introduce the new ASR Board of Directors.

President: Bro. Robert Thompson

Vice President: Rev. Randy Hennigan

Treasurer: Sis. Lauren Theodore

Secretary: Bro. Michael Luttrell

If you follow God and work as a team, you will have great success. I’m here if you need any help getting adjusted to the job.

God Bless,
Rev. Anthony Storey
Exiting  Azusa StreetRiders International President