Recovery Conference 2024

What is the Recovery Conference?

This conference is designed to equip those involved, or who desire to be involved, in the Recovery Ministry.

This is also an opportunity to network and connect with others involved in the Recovery Ministry for future collaboration.

Sessions will include: Understanding Addiction, Genesis Process Facilitator Training, Why Real Recovery is a Process, Creating a Safe Environment for Recovery, Whole Life Treatment Plan, M.A.P. – Mentoring and Accountability Plan, How to Help, Not Enable an Addict, Recognizing Your Role in the Recovery Process, Merging Recovery Ministry with the Church, A Recovering Addict’s Accountability, Networking with Other Recovery Ministries, Program Policies and Procedures, Substance Abuse Prevention, Recovery Management, Lifeline-community/Non-residential Recovery Program, Navigate – How to Facilitate Faith-Based Recovery Meeting, Recovery Tools Workshop, Preventing “Burnout” and Developing Long-Term Stability in Recovery Ministry, and more…..

For More Information Call: Les Cotton – 217-367-5433 Ext: 3

Register today!

Early Registration – Single Rate – $169

Registration includes: All sessions, printed handouts, dinner on Thursday, and lunch on Friday. Drinks and refreshments will be provided throughout the conference.

Early Registration – Group Rate- 3 Or More – $130

To qualify for the group rate, attendees must be from the same organization. Registration includes:  All sessions, printed handouts, dinner on Thursday, and lunch on Friday. Drinks and refreshments will be provided throughout the conference.

After March 30, 2024

Group Rate- 3 Or More – $150

To qualify for the group rate, attendees must be from the same organization. Registration includes: all sessions, printed handouts, dinner on Thursday, and lunch on Friday. Drinks and refreshments provided throughout the conference.

General Registration – Single Rate – $189

Registration includes: all sessions, printed handouts, dinner on Thursday, and lunch on Friday. Drinks and refreshments provided throughout the conference.

Conference Schedule:

Event Starts Thursday, May 2 @6:00pm and Concludes on Saturday, May 4 @1pm

Recommended Accommodations: 

Comfort Suites Urbana Champaign, University Area
2001 North Lincoln Ave
Urbana, IL 61801

Phone (217) 328-3500
Mention “Lifeline-connect” for discounted rate. 

 

Bind The Strong Man

Time is getting close for us to gather for the Annual Bind the Strong Man prayer session. This is a time for us to come together in corporate prayer to ready ourselves for the riding season. This year’s event will be held in four locations on March 1, 2024. All Locations will start at 7:00 PM. I encourage you to seek a location that is close to you to attend. You will be motivated, encouraged, and nourished to prepare for the riding season.

  1. New Life Church, 825 Bellaire St, Jacksonville TX 75766 Host Pastor Micah Jones
  2. Victory Life Church, 1502 Rose Ave. New Haven, IN 46774 Host Pastor Greg Fries
  3. New Life Church, 21789 Eastern Vally Rd., McCalla, AL 35111 Host Pastor Greg Brock
  4. Clendenin Pentecostal Church, 7602 Elk River Rd., Clendenin, WV 25045. Host Pastor Bill Monk:

     

 

Letter from the Pres.

 

Praise the Lord. Wow another Azusa StreetRiders year is in the books. The older I get the faster the days just slip away. I would say that 2023 was a very successful year for ASR. With a huge increase in membership. To a record of events. And the tremendous support in giving to motorcycles for missionaries. But we do though leave December on a sad note. With the passing of Lydia Diaz. She will truly be missed by all. With Lydia’s help in the beginning years of ASR. She has helped build ASR by doing so many things behind the scenes to keep ASR flowing. Please keep Extor and his family in prayer.
Moving forward into 2024. I am extremely excited for our ministry. Can’t wait to see what the Lord has for us. And to see what new doors will be opened for us. The theme for 2024 will be Taking It To The Streets. Looking forward to hearing about what each state chapters have set for the year. The key is being active. On another note what I have noticed. Is that there are quite a few facebook group chapter pages that are not active at all. I am not going to list them. You should know if your chapter page is active or not. For the ones that are not. I ask for the group admins to start to get active on those pages. We use facebook to communicate and get information out there.  All right March 1st kicks off our season with Bind The Strong Man. The locations are posted on both facebook group pages and on the web site. Last this board  would like to wish you all a very blessed New Year.

Michael Theodore (Theo)
International President

That I Might Know Him

Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

It’s that time, when people begin to look forward to a new year, and what it may bring. They will begin to make resolutions, plan their new diet, begin that exercise regimen,  or make a financial plan. These are all good things to endeavor for. However, many people will focus on their natural lives and what they need to do, but let the needs in their spiritual life suffer. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul was transparent in his writing, saying, to paraphrase, I know I haven’t made it yet, but this is my plan to make sure I do. Sometimes we tend to dwell on past failures and mistakes, and think that they define our future. And, if we continually dwell on them and give them that power in our lives, they very well may define our future. One of the enemy’s greatest weapons on a child of God, is using their past against them. He will bring up faults and failures in an attempt to derail your walk with God. I love the scripture in Micah 7:8; Rejoice not against me, o mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. If we want to walk in victory, make sure you don’t use your past as a place of residence, but only a point of reference for where God has brought you from. Paul would say in Philippians chapter 3 verse 10, “that I might know Him.” If this great man of God, Paul, could pen the words, “that I might know Him”, where does that leave me? My desire is for the year 2024 to be a year of my closest walk with God that I have ever had. I want to grow in God, to learn of Him, to seek after Him, to know Him! That is also my prayer and hope for every member of this Azusa Street Riders ministry. As we enter the new year, let’s leave everything that may hinder your relationship with Jesus Christ back in 2023, and step into 2024 with a made up mind, to grow our relationship with God to the point, that this ministry becomes an unstoppable, soul winning, hell shaking, force for the Kingdom of God! I wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year, and may the blessings of God rest upon you and your family.

Jeremiah Hayes
Vice President
Azusa Streetriders International

“17 INCHES”

 

From David Showalter

Written by college baseball coach Chris Sperry…

A quarter century ago, in Nashville, Tennessee, during the first week of January, 1996, more than 4,000 baseball coaches descended upon the Opryland Hotel for the 52nd annual ABCA’s convention.

While I waited in line to register with the hotel staff, I heard other more veteran coaches rumbling about the lineup of speakers scheduled to present during the weekend. One name kept resurfacing, always with the same sentiment — “John Scolinos is here? Oh, man, worth every penny of my airfare.”

Who is John Scolinos, I wondered. No matter; I was just happy to be there.

In 1996, Coach Scolinos was 78 years old and five years retired from a college coaching career that began in 1948. He shuffled to the stage to an impressive standing ovation, wearing dark polyester pants, a light blue shirt, and a string around his neck from which home plate hung — a full-sized, stark-white home plate.

Seriously, I wondered, who is this guy?

After speaking for twenty-five minutes, not once mentioning the prop hanging around his neck, Coach Scolinos appeared to notice the snickering among some of the coaches. Even those who knew Coach Scolinos had to wonder exactly where he was going with this, or if he had simply forgotten about home plate since he’d gotten on stage.

Then, finally …“You’re probably all wondering why I’m wearing home plate around my neck,” he said, his voice growing a bit angry… “I may be old, but I’m not crazy. The reason I stand before you today is to share with you baseball people what I’ve learned in my life, what I’ve learned about home plate in my 78 years.”

Several hands went up when Scolinos asked how many Little League coaches were in the room. “Do you know how wide home plate is in Little League?”

After a pause, someone offered, “Seventeen inches?”, more of a question than answer.

“That’s right,” he said. “How about in Babe Ruth’s day? Any Babe Ruth coaches in the house?”

Another long pause.

“Seventeen inches?” a guess from another reluctant coach.

“That’s right,” said Scolinos. “Now, how many high school coaches do we have in the room?”

Hundreds of hands shot up, as the pattern began to appear. “How wide is home plate in high school baseball?” “Seventeen inches,” they said, sounding more confident.

“You’re right!” Scolinos barked.

“And you college coaches, how wide is home plate in college?”

“Seventeen inches!” we said, in unison.

“Any Minor League coaches here? How wide is home plate in pro ball?”…………“Seventeen inches!”

“RIGHT! And in the Major Leagues, how wide home plate is in the Major Leagues?

“Seventeen inches!”

“SEV-EN-TEEN INCHES!” he confirmed, his voice bellowing off the walls.

“And what do they do with a Big League pitcher who can’t throw the ball over seventeen inches?” Pause. “They send him to Pocatello!” he hollered, drawing raucous laughter. “What they don’t do is this: they don’t say, ‘Ah, that’s okay, Jimmy. If you can’t hit a seventeen-inch target? We’ll make it eighteen inches or nineteen inches. We’ll make it twenty inches so you have a better chance of hitting it. If you can’t hit that, let us know so we can make it wider still, say twenty-five inches.’”

Pause. “Coaches… what do we do when your best player shows up late to

practice? or when our team rules forbid facial hair and a guy shows up unshaven? What if he gets caught drinking? Do we hold him accountable? Or do we change the rules to fit him? Do we widen home plate? ”

The chuckles gradually faded as four thousand coaches grew quiet, the fog lifting as the old coach’s message began to unfold. He turned the plate toward himself and, using a Sharpie, began to draw something. When he turned it toward the crowd, point up, a house was revealed, complete with a freshly drawn door and two windows. “This is the problem in our homes today. With our marriages, with the way we parent our kids. With our discipline.

We don’t teach accountability to our kids, and there is no consequence for failing to meet standards. We just widen the plate!”

Pause. Then, to the point at the top of the house he added a small American flag. “This is the problem in our schools today. The quality of our education is going downhill fast and teachers have been stripped of the tools they need to be successful, and to educate and discipline our young people. We are allowing others to widen home plate! Where is that getting us?”

Silence. He replaced the flag with a Cross. “And this is the problem in the Church, where powerful people in positions of authority have taken advantage of young children, only to have such an atrocity swept under the rug for years. Our church leaders are widening home plate for themselves! And we allow it.”

“And the same is true with our government. Our so-called representatives make rules for us that don’t apply to themselves. They take bribes from lobbyists and foreign countries. They no longer serve us. And we allow them to widen home plate! We see our country falling into a dark abyss while we just watch.”

I was amazed. At a baseball convention where I expected to learn something about curve balls and bunting and how to run better practices, I had learned something far more valuable.

From an old man with home plate strung around his neck, I had learned something about life, about myself, about my own weaknesses and about my responsibilities as a leader. I had to hold myself and others accountable to that which I knew to be right, lest our families, our faith, and our society continue down an undesirable path.

“If I am lucky,” Coach Scolinos concluded, “you will remember one thing from this old coach today. It is this: “If we fail to hold ourselves to a higher standard, a standard of what we know to be right; if we fail to hold our spouses and our children to the same standards, if we are unwilling or unable to provide a consequence when they do not meet the standard; and if our schools & churches & our government fail to hold themselves accountable to those they serve, there is but one thing to look forward to …”

With that, he held home plate in front of his chest, turned it around, and revealed its dark black backside, “…We have dark days ahead!.”

Note: Coach Scolinos died in 2009 at the age of 91, but not before touching the lives of hundreds of players and coaches, including mine. Meeting him at my first ABCA convention kept me returning year after year, looking for similar wisdom and inspiration from other coaches. He is the best clinic speaker the ABCA has ever known because he was so much more than a baseball coach. His message was clear: “Coaches, keep your players—no matter how good they are—your own children, your churches, your government, and most of all, keep yourself at seventeen inches.”

 

The following are my notes.

Jesus made a statement to His disciples one day. Matthew 24:35 MEV. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

I’ve live for quite a few years now and in my time I’ve seen many changes. We didn’t have cell phones when I was a boy. Our phones had rotary dial on them and either sat on a desk or were attached to the wall.

Many of our cars didn’t have automatic transmissions, we had a clutch that had to be pushed while shifting the transmission. No automatic windows, no automatic seat adjustments, and the headlights had a switch on the floor that you pushed down to change from dim to bright or bright to dim. We didn’t have air conditioning in our cars because we didn’t even have it in our homes.

There were no interstates to drive on just mostly two lane highways with a speed limit of 55 mph.

My wife lived in many homes that had no running water and had an outhouse out back when you needed to go to the bathroom.

We didn’t travel by jet because there were no passenger jets.

Some refrigerators required a block of ice to cool everything inside.

Many homes raised their own food in a garden out back. Some folks were even lucky enough to have chickens so they would have fresh eggs to fry in the morning for breakfast.

Milk was delivered by a milkman who carried it to your front door.

We never locked our homes because our neighbors always kept an eye out for strangers who came into the neighborhood.

We didn’t have computers or any kind of electronic games. Our games were played outdoor with the kids in the neighborhood. Hide and go seek, kick the can, and red rover were a few of the games we played. Baseball, jump rope, hop scotch, and jacks are some more games we played.

Moms were mostly stay at home moms. They had meals to fix, dishes to clean, clothes to wash, the house to clean, groceries that needed picked up because meals were not fixed by opening a can or a box.

In many neighborhoods, if you got in trouble, the mom a block down would call your mom and tell what you did. Then mom would call you in the house and correct you followed by a spanking. Then when dad got home from work, you’d get another lecture and another spanking.

Teachers in school would stand misbehaving kids in a corner, and after class send them to the principals office for his choice of correction. Sometimes he would call your parents and you would get it from them when you got home.

Yep, things have changed through the years. Some for the good and some for the bad.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the books I used when I was in school, those are ancient history for kids today. They don’t use them anymore. But I have a book that has remained the same ever since it was written. It’s one book with different writers, but only one author. It was written over a time span of 1,500 – 1,600 years. That book is the Bible. Thank God it has never changed.

Don’t you hate playing a game where someone always changes the rules while you are playing? Anyone hear of the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes? They played a game I call Calvin Ball where he and Hobbes change the rules in their own favor while playing.

God doesn’t change his rules. I’ve seen many churches change the rules in my life time. When I was a boy the majority of churches in those days, the pastor would preach that is was wrong to smoke, to cuss, and to drink alcohol. It was certainly wrong to live with someone you weren’t married to. Today, you hear very few church pastors preach about these things.

If we were to change the width of home plate from 17 inches from when I was a boy, and make them acceptable to people’s standards today, I wonder how wide it would be.

What the Apostles preached in the Bible that we needed to do to be saved has never changed. Remember, God’s word will never pass away. They preached that it was necessary to repent of our sins. They preached that it was necessary to be baptized in Jesus name for the removal of your sins. They preached that once you did those things, God would fill you with His spirit and He would speak through you in a language you’ve never spoken before. I’m happy to know, that God’s 17 inches has never changed.

Psalm 119:89. Forever, O Lord, Your word is established in heaven.

Anyone hear of climate change? Here’s what God has to say about that.

Genesis 8:22 While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.

I read an article where scientist declare that time is becoming shorter. They say, we have lost an average of 3 milliseconds daily. Those lost seconds could severely alter computer systems we use on a daily basis, as most are set to interact with a 24-hour time period. Even a few seconds lost could be catastrophic. In contrast, the dinosaurs enjoyed slower days. Again God promised in the verse I just read that day and night will not cease. In fact, there are folks that know the exact time the sun will rise and set next year on any given day.

For your peace of mind, there are 31,557,600,000 milliseconds in a year.

We serve an unchanging God. He never changes.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

David Showalter

 

 

In Memory: Lydia Diaz

With a very sad heart, Azusa StreetRiders lost one amazing wonderful woman of God. Lydia Diaz passed away a few weeks ago. She finally made it to her heavenly home. Lydia did so much for ASR. In the beginning stages of ASR she was brother Bealls right hand in taking care of so much behind the scenes in keeping ASR running. Lydia will be truly missed by this entire membership.  I ask that you please pray fro Extor Diaz and his family.

Wise Men Worship

 

Wise Men Worship

Matthew 2:1-11 KJV

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

My pastor preached a message called “Wise Men Worship” a few weeks ago and it has stuck with me, and I want to try and convey what God has been dealing with me from his sermon.

We are now on the other side of Christmas, and many have made Christmas into different things but there is one thing that we need to be reminded about in this time that we celebrate, this time of the invisible God coming in flesh and that is worship.

We read in the text Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

These men left everything they had and all their responsibilities to look for this baby to be born King of the Jews to worship him. This was no small task as some say it may have taken up to two years to travel to reach their destination to worship him.

Nowadays if we don’t receive an immediate response or receive our answer quickly, we start to try and figure things out ourselves. Think of this long journey that these men traveled, never giving up on the mission to worship the King of the Jews.

Why do we worship Jesus? Is it because of what he has done for you? Is it because you need something? Will you worship if you lose everything? Do you worship if you’re sick? What is your reason to worship the King?

Jesus is worthy of all worship even if He did nothing for you! Jesus is worthy of worship just because He is God!

We thank God that He came to this earth manifest in the flesh, because scripture tells us He is touched by the feelings of our infirmities. Because He came in that manger and in the flesh, He has experienced loneliness, betrayal, hurt, pain.

Hebrew 4:15-16 KJV

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We face many things in this life that depends on how we respond to the situation is what we get.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Scripture says to be anxious for nothing, That’s a commandment for the LORD!

You say but you don’t know what I’m going through…

Does it fall in the category of ANYTHING? Then scripture says be anxious for nothing!

But I have bills to pay, my fridge broke down, I’ve got this going on or that going on.

So, this is like telling someone to not be angry anymore, If I could stop being angry, I’d stop being angry. If I could stop being anxious I would.

But Paul didn’t stop at don’t be anxious but went on to say; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Doesn’t matter what is going on! but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Get in your prayer closet and with thanksgiving/worship let your request be made known to God! Yes, God already knows what you’re going through but He wants to hear it from you with thanksgiving! That you know where your help comes from! That you know who to worship! The posture of your prayer is crucial. Let your supplications be known unto Him but when you do it do it with an attitude of worship, an attitude of praise, with an attitude of thanksgiving!

Why do we do this? Because the rest of the scripture says, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

If we stop complaining and get into the presence of Jesus, the peace of God will come into your life! Why? Because He is the Prince of Peace, Prince of Shalom! The peace that doesn’t make any sense! He will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus!

Why do you worship? Let me tell you why I worship, because that baby that came in a manger is worthy of ALL my worship, He is worthy of ALL the worship! Before he ever does one thing in my life, He is worthy of praise and worship!

The wise men traveled for up to 2 years to find Him and when they get there, they offer the gift of gold (which is the gift given to kings), they understand that this little baby in the manger was the King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s.

They gave him frankincense (which is what priest used in temple worship), they understand that he was more than just a man, but the High Priest.

They gave him myrrh (which was something to take pain away and for embalming), which they might not have fully understood that Jesus was not only the King, not only the High Priest, but He was also the sacrifice.

They worshipped Him before He did one miracle, healing, feed 5,000.

I come to worship Him as King, as my High Priest, and as the sacrifice that took my sins away.

They came to worship Him not being empty handed but having gifts to offer. And after they worshipped Him, they got up and left a different way (after being warned of God in a dream).

This is what I know about worshippers, that when you come as a worshipper, you come and give God the praise of which He is worthy. It does not matter what you have been through, how long the journey has been, how tired you are, but when you get in the presence of Jesus, I promise you that you will leave differently than the way that you came!

My prayer today is that we all can worship Jesus the way He deserves worshipped!

REV. Thomas Whitmore   

ChaplinToledo Chapter

 

 

 

 

A Fun day out at a State Penitentiary

I posted this up on our two Facebook group pages. This is for anyone who is not on Facebook.

For the last two months I have been trying to work on having a fun ASR day outing at a state penitentiary. Not just to show up and take in a tour. But really thought about how neat it would be to have a big group inside the walls with our bikes on a cell block floor for one really great photo shoot. So here is where I am at with this so far. Of course my first pick was the
Ohio State Reformatory.
This is where they filmed the movie Shawshank Redemption. This is really a great place to tour.  So much history here. Well after reaching out to the director of operations of the reformatory. They loved the idea but I was told sorry that this would be a safety issue and well basically it was a no. But then they said we can have the front main entrance to use as a background photo shoot. This is not what I wanted to hear. But this very doable of course with a nice tour.
Alright I did not stop here. On to #2 which I then called
Moundsville West Virginia Penitentiary.
They told me that no group has ever asked about something like this and they loved the idea. But again was I was told no. That this is a safety issue. They also said we can set up out front of course for a great group photo shoot. They also told me about that they have group games that they play inside the penitentiary. I was told that they have a cool game where they take a group and they lock them into a cell. And then you and your group has to work as a team to figure out the clues on how to get out of the cell and the find your way back out to the starting point. Now this could be a really fun day for ASR with a tour also.
OK on to #3. I was told that this next penitentiary would work. It is
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Tennessee. I was told that this place  actually let’s motorcycles and cars into the penitentiary. At this time I can’t confirm this.  The reason for this is that they are closed for the season. And no one has returned my phone calls or emails at this time. They open back up in March.  So if this is true and this place allows a big group inside a cell block. How many would be Interested in having a fun day at a penitentiary in Tennessee. And doing a big cell block group photo. If it is a go most likely I would be trying to schedule this for sometime in fall.
If most are just Interested in The Ohio Reformatory or the penitentiary in West Virginia. I can then plan on something in the spring for either one Ohio or WV. I just would need to know who is all in on a fun ASR day outing at a penitentiary.

Michael Theodore (Theo)

International President

 

 

 

Tips on not to over pack on a ride

Over the years I have seen a lot of our members who over pack on our rides to events. You know that old saying. Lot’s is not always best??
If you pack smarter, you can actually take more items with you without over packing and over-loading your motorcycle. Smaller panniers, smaller camping gear and clothing items, compression bags and packing cubes, as well as using multi functional gear are all great ways to avoid over packing for a motorcycle journey. I have seen way to many of our members so over packed on our trips to events. It is basically trial and error.  Not to just keep repeated it.
Here is some Tips for Packing Your Motorcycle for a Long Trip.
A motorcycle can take you just about anywhere, from the coast to the mountains to the desert, and everywhere in between. But every experienced traveler knows that preparation and good packing are key for getting to your destination. So, when you’re working with the space constraints of packing a motorcycle, how can you make sure to get it right?
Packing luggage on a motorcycle takes a little bit of know-how, but most of it is common sense once you understand.
1. Slim it down.
Packing light should be your guiding principle. Evaluate every bit of space you can save and what the trade offs for doing so are. Be discerning about what you do need and what you don’t, and learn to do more with less wherever possible. Do you need Bluetooth motorcycle speakers and a pair of headphones? Maybe you do, but make yourself justify it if so.
2. Heavy stuff goes on the bottom.
Always put the heaviest items into your luggage first and then stack on top of them, rather than vice versa. This will help keep the weight balanced and avoid making it top-heavy. Your heaviest items should also be in the bag that’s closest to the bike, preferably one that’s attached to it directly.
3. Roll up your clothes instead of folding them.
Your clothes can take up a lot of space in your luggage, especially bulky things like jeans. That’s why it’s a great idea to roll up your clothes when you pack rather than folding them. By rolling them into a burrito-like form, you can conserve a substantial amount of space in your bag. This tip works for packing in general, not just for a motorcycle trip!
4. Pack for versatility.
You can reduce what you need by packing more rugged and versatile gear. An all-weather motorcycle jacket with a removable liner can eliminate the need for extra outerwear. A good pair of motorcycle touring boots, meanwhile, should be waterproof and made of durable materials that can withstand bad weather conditions.
5. Leave a little room.
Avoid packing your luggage so tightly that there’s not a smidgen of room left anywhere. You might want to bring some souvenirs home from your trip. Plus, a fully packed out bag can become progressively harder to work with as your trip goes on and your careful packing system will tend to become more disorderly.
6. Put things inside your shoes.
If you’re packing an extra pair of shoes, don’t forget to use the space inside them to store other things. A normal pair of shoes can often hold some shirts or underwear, and boots may be able to hold even more.
7. Don’t forget about entertainment.
Think about how you’ll keep yourself amused, both on the road and during downtime. A pair of Bluetooth motorcycle helmet speakers is an invaluable addition to your kit for listening to music or podcasts, and a book is great if you’re going to have some time to yourself in nature or downtime in the hotel. Plus, a book never requires Wi-Fi or 4G, which might be scarce where you’re going.
8. Go easy on the backpack.
Even if you have a great motorcycle backpack, resist the temptation to overload it. Riding with a heavy load in your backpack can make your ride significantly less comfortable and tire you out more quickly. Also, if you don’t have a proper motorcycle backpack, get one. They’re designed to be ergonomic for riders, and many have extra strap adjustment features that make them more comfy to ride with.
9. Organize and categorize.
Nobody likes fishing through an overstuffed bag for an item they really need. Instead, try bringing multiple pieces of smaller luggage, or use luggage that has compartments. Then, break down your packing into categories, such as a bag for on-the-road essentials, a bag for clothes, a bag for toiletries, etc.
10. Share essentials if you’re riding with a group.
Doing a cross-country tour with friends or family? You might be able to share certain essentials. One person might be able to bring sunscreen, another could take care of toothpaste and a third could carry a basic repair kit. There’s no need to occupy extra space by duplicating things you only really need one of.
11. Use compression dry sacks /seal bags.
Compression dry sacks are an outdoor adventurer’s best friend, and they work great for motorcyclists, too. These amazing bags help you pack more stuff into a smaller space, and they’re also waterproof so they help keep the items that you pack into them dry. They’re perfect for things like clothes that are both bulky and vulnerable to getting wet. And also your laptop.
12. Don’t neglect security.
Think about how you’re going to secure your luggage. Some riders like to use saddlebags with built-in locks or padlocks, at least for their most valuable items—if not their whole kit. Try to always have things like your phone, wallet and keys on you any time you get off the bike. And, of course, make sure that your bike itself is secured with a robust security mechanism like a disc lock or an alarm system.
13. Remember your chargers.
If you’re like most people, you’ve got a ton of personal electronic devices, each with its own charger. Your phone, your tablet, your motorcycle Bluetooth communication system—they all need power and they all need chargers, so have a specific place you put them in your luggage and make sure they’re all accounted for every day. Don’t forget that you might be able to charge your Bluetooth motorcycle helmet intercom through your bike itself.
14. Zip ties and Bungee cords and ROK  straps will get you out of a jam.
Even if you don’t think you need these things, bring some anyway. They take up very little space, and they can be used in a mind-boggling variety of different ways to secure your luggage. In an unexpected situation involving your luggage, bungee cords and zip ties or ROK straps can prove to be your best friends. This goes for your tools also and a battery jump starter plus a small air compressor. Remember you don’t need to bring along a complete tool set. Just the correct tools for your bike.
Just remember for each ride that you can buy an item on the trip as you need it. And you can also throw away an item if you don’t need it. No need to keep it packed and taking up space.  Remember it is trail and error at first. But once you get the hang of less is best packing becomes so much easier.
Keep the contact patch between the lines.
Michael Theodore (Theo)
International President