Motorcycle Ride/Run Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement

New for 2015 “next level” — we suggest & recommend that all ride event planners /organizers/coordinators use a “Waiver of Liability” agreement form at your ride event. In order to help with this, we are providing a form that you can use. Why should you use such a form? While we hope that nothing goes wrong (such as an injury or accident) during your ride, just in case something does go wrong, you will want to stress to all riders in advance (via such a form) that they are personally accepting all liability for their decision to ride with you, and they are not to hold your chapter/group liable. This is a step ASR suggests for you to take as an added precaution for safety as we move forward. Again, we strongly suggest that you have all riders sign a waiver. Below is a link to download the waiver and print it. You may also access this file at any time via the main ASR website, under “Ministry Tools.”

-Michael Theodore
ASR National Road Captain

Ride Liability Waiver Forms

Download: ASR-Motorcycle-Ride-Run-Release-and-Waiver-of-Liability-Agreement-2015 (PDF format, 54 KB).

Info: This file (linked above) is a waiver (a type of legal form) that is suggested for use by all ASR chapters / groups hosting an official, organized run. Suggested use: Download, print it out, and have all riders and passengers sign it before the ride. This is intended to insure your chapter/group is protected from liability in case of any accident or injury during the ride.

April 11, 2015

Get Your Bike Ready For Summer

After sitting for months motorcycles need attention before returning to service, which can also help avoid breakdowns and ensure safety. Refer to the owner’s and service manuals for inspection lists before giving your bike a thorough going over.

Look for any signs of leakage, such as stains underneath that indicate problems. Check steering head bearings for looseness or binding. To get the best performance out of a hydraulic fork change the fluid every year or two.

Clean the battery terminals. Check the electrolyte level (if caps are removable) and add distilled water as needed. (Warning: Electrolyte contains acid so avoid contact and wear eye protection. Baking soda and water will neutralize the acid.) If the battery wasn’t on a maintenance charger it’ll probably be weak or dead. Turn on the ignition briefly and note how bright the lights are. If the lights are dim or don’t work, charge the battery. If the battery was fully discharged it’s likely sulfated and needs replacement.

Unless you put in fuel-stabilizer additives before storage, after several months the gasoline may begin to form deposits in carburetor jets and passages, and may also clog injectors and electric fuel pumps. Remove the gas cap and peer into the tank with a small flashlight (switch it on first to avoid sparks), look for rust in steel tanks, and note if the fuel has sediment or other contamination. Give the gas a quick sniff. If it smells like old varnish the fuel system may need to be drained, flushed, and the fuel filter replaced. Carburetor float bowls (if equipped) must also be drained before new gas is added. If a motorcycle won’t start because the fuel system is gummed up it may require disassembly and a thorough cleaning.

Check the oil level and note the color of the oil, as old, dirty oil leaves sludge and deposits in the engine. If it is dark or the level is low change the oil and filter before starting the engine. If the oil isn’t too bad it’s better to start the engine and allow it to warm up to allow contaminants to be suspended in the oil, and then drain it. If your motorcycle has a separate transmission or primary-chain case oil supply, service that, too. Always recycle used oil and dispose of filters properly.

Inspect tires for cracks, wear, and damage. Tires more than about five or six years old should be replaced even if they aren’t worn out. After a thorough inspection inflate the tires to the recommended pressure in the owner’s manual.

Check your maintenance records and schedule to determine if the motorcycle is due for a major service, including a tune-up and valve adjustment. If not it’s still a good idea to check the spark plugs for condition and measure the gap. Put a little anti-seize compound on the threads and torque properly – do not over-tighten them. Inspect the plug wires and boots and clean or replace them if they look worn or cracked. Also check the air filter and replace as needed.

Liquid-cooled engines should have the antifreeze/coolant checked, flushed, and replaced every two years, as old coolant causes corrosion. Also replace the hoses, thermostat, and radiator cap every five years. After starting the engine test the operation of the electric cooling fan. It should come on during extended idling.

Inspect the brake linings and rotors or drums for wear. Check the brake fluid, which should be changed every two years, and if it looks dark replace it. Refer to the shop manual for the bleeding procedure, especially on ABS systems.

Control cables should be serviced every year. Check the throttle cables and clutch cable (if equipped) for free travel and lube with special cable lubricant.

Inspect the sprockets and chain (if equipped) and make sure they are properly lubed and adjusted. Belt drives and sprockets should be inspected and adjustment checked. Shaft-drive machines should have the gear lube level checked and changed if it has been several years since this was done.

Start the engine and allow it to warm up gently without revving. After the engine is up to normal operating temperature, check the idle speed and adjust if needed. Test all controls, lights, and accessories to ensure they’re working properly. Addressing these items before you ride can save a lot trouble down the road.

Michael Theodore
Azusa StreetRiders National Road Captain

April 8, 2015

Touring Tip: Planning and Preparation

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, snow is melting and it’s time to get out and explore new roads and destinations. Before leaving home, though, some planning and preparation is in order.

Planning
1. Roads: I am an avid collector of moto-roads, particularly those that haven’t been ridden by me—but need to be. They’ re identified by reading the accounts of other riders and by—obsessively—perusing paper and computerized maps over the winter months. My primary sources of information include:

MotorcycleRoads.com
AmericaRideMaps.com
H-D Ride Planner
MotorcycleRoads.US
SundayMorningRides.com
OpenRoadJourney.com
And the good old paper Road Atlas

There is a wealth of information available to uncover the best moto-roads. My favorite roads usually have one or more of the following characteristics:

Lots of curves,

A rural, bucolic landscape,

Interesting scenery,

Areas not previously visited,

Frequent elevation changes,

Off the beaten path,

Lightly trafficked, and/or

An interesting destination.

The moto-roads of greatest interest can be catalogued on a simple list or, preferably, on a multi-state road atlas or a computerized mapping program.

2. Destinations: Obviously, motorcycle touring isn’t just about the roads. Interesting destinations are also important, particularly when they can be combined with a favorite road to get there. Accumulating destinations can involve the same resources listed above for identifying favorite roads. But, the list of other resources for targeting destinations is virtually limitless. Various state and national travel publications can be highly useful. I frequently cut out selected destinations in the travel section of the newspaper. Every state and many municipalities have dedicated tourism web sites that can be helpful in identifying destinations and also lodgings and restaurants.

Once you have established all your destinations which will be interesting for you the rider. You can keep track of all the most interesting ones. By placing them in a paper folder with tabs for each state.Or install your all your maps,roads, and destinations on your computer.

As riders we think about where to go and what to see, the maps of favorite roads and destinations can then be used to focus on particular geographic regions in order to get the most out of a planned tour.

Preparation
It almost goes without saying that before leaving on a multi-day trip, the motorcycle and its rider should be in tip-top condition.

1. Motorcycle: If the bike has been idle for several months, certain maintenance steps should be taken before departing on a tour:

Consult the owner’s manual and service records,

Check fluids and replace as necessary,

Check brake pad wear and replace if needed,

Lubricate the clutch cable and other external moving components,

Check tire condition and adequacy of tread depth and replace, if required,

Inspect hand and foot controls for proper functioning,

Check torque settings of key threaded fasteners, like those on axles, brake calipers, etc.,

Be sure that lights, switches, gauges, and other electrical components are operating properly,

Check age of battery and replace if several years old, and perform a detailed visual inspection and do a test ride to determine if the bike has any other mechanical or electrical issues that should be addressed before departure.

2. Rider: While daydreaming about routes, roads, and destinations during the winter months, I’m often overly optimistic in planning trips for the coming season. Let’s face it riding a motorcycle is more exhausting than driving a similar distance in a car. So it’s important that riders be realistic about their physical and other capabilities when planning trips. Here are some things to consider and do:

Get a physical check up,

Remain physically active during the riding off-season, with particular emphasis on core body strength and general stamina,

Make sure there has been no uncorrected diminution of eyesight,

Do some parking lot practice drills to re-sharpen key riding safety skills, including panic stops, negotiating tight corners, taking evasive maneuvers like swerves, slow riding maneuvers, etc.,

Go on one or more day rides with a fully loaded bike (and passenger) and re-familiarize yourself with the bike’s handling characteristics when it’s carrying greater weight, and

Practice on-road safety techniques, like looking far ahead of the front wheel, spotting potential hazards, 360º threat awareness, defensive lane positioning, looking through curves, etc.

Well, now you should be ready to enjoy another exhilarating season of motorcycle touring.

Michael Theodore
Azusa StreetRiders National Road Captain

March 31, 2015

Psalm 119 – Part 1

Consider Psalm 119 to determine why knowing and understanding God’s Word is so important.

March 31, 2015

ASR 2015 National Rally Registration

Now is the time to register for the upcoming rally in Maryville, TN. If you register now for $23.00 you will save instead of $30.00 at the door. Registration includes name tag, Saturday morning snack, lunch and ASR Rally pin.

I have also added prices for children’s lunch.Teen 12-17 $7.00 Children 6-11 $5.00 under 6 FREE.
Please click on this link:
https://www.azusastreetriders.com/store/2015-early-asr-rally-registration/

Online registration ends July 1, 2015 and will be $30.00 at the door so hurry and Pre-Register to get our first rally pin. We need to make sure we have plenty on hand.

If you want to send in a check please send it to:

Azusa StreetRiders, PO Box 375, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Please include:

Name of Registrant, Address, Email and Phone#

Please remember that we will be voting for President and Treasurer this year. Your dues must be current prior to the rally to vote.

Evangelist Lydia Diaz
ASR Treasurer

March 31, 2015

3rd Annual Bind The StrongMan

Our 3rd Annual Bind The Strongman was held in Eminence KY at the Eminence United Pentecostal Church on March 6 – 7. We had a nice turnout with people in attendance from as far away as South Carolina and several other states; Missouri, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and many from Kentucky. There was an awesome presence of the Holy Ghost all through the night. This year we had a live feed over the Internet and there were 74 people who logged in from 12 different states to watch and pray with us. We had many of our ASR chapter members that could not attend gather at their churches and pray through the night along with us.

This year Bro. Tony Stoddart from Joplin, MO preached the Saturday morning message following our all-night prayer. The Holy Ghost moved through the house. Bro. Stoddart is one of our newest members and is working to start a chapter in his hometown.

We are already looking forward to Bind The Strongman in 2016. Although the date and location have not been set at this time, plans should be finalized by this year’s ASR National Rally in Maryville, TN.

We would like to thank Pastor Robert Eades and the Eminence UPC for hosting Bind The Strongman this year. They did a wonderful job of taking care of us throughout the night.

Rev. Anthony Storey

Azusa StreetRiders, International Vice President

March 31, 2015

Being Prepared for All Types of Riding Weather

Being Prepared for All Types of Riding Weather

Let’s take a look at how riding weather can affect your plans and how you can manage with it. Rain, ice and snow are the most obvious weather related issues you can run into while on the bike, but heat, wind, altitude can also adversely affect your trip. Below are some tips on how to cope with weather while on the road.

RAIN is by far the most common problem for most of us and here are a few things that can help make your ride safer. Do not ride in lightning storms. They can be pretty fierce. When lightning starts flashing, head for cover…time for a short break. Since your bike is not grounded, it is very unsafe to ride while lightning is present. If you are on the road, exit immediately to a gas station or other covered area. If that’s not possible, the next best cover can be a highway overpass if there is no other safe place to stop. Overpasses stay relatively dry and generally you can find a nice place to rest. Just pay attention to possible water flows and flash floods and Do not stay beside your bike when stopped. Walk a few feet away from the road in case a driver not paying attention comes to close to you and your bike. Bikers have been hit and killed under overpasses trying to wait out storms. Activate the four way flashers on your bike and keep them on so motorists can see the bike.

When you must ride in the rain there are several things that you can do to make things safer. First is rain gear. Try to buy 100% waterproof gear. Pack it so that it is easy to get to in your bags. Waterproof boots are really good to wear. If your feet get wet and cold, you can become miserable very quickly and this causes you not to be focused on the road. Gloves…Leather gloves get water logged real fast in rain. You can spray your gloves with leather water proofing before the ride to help, but this is only a temporary fix and your fingers and hands will soon become cold and wet. It’s better to have a pair of waterproof gloves. They work great I keep a pair with me on all rides. Or you can buy a pair of cheap rubber kitchen gloves they also work well and if you get large ones, you can put them over your leather gloves. You may get some grief from fashion-Nazis, but safety is the focus here. Absolutely the most important thing while riding in bad weather is to slow down. Ride with your four-way flashers on and always have your high beam light on. Never ride faster than the distance you can see. If you can’t stop in time you’re going too fast. I made this big mistake on my trip out west to the ASR National Rally in Colorado. Instead of slowing down while riding in a storm, I hit some oil patches and the rest was…well no more road trip…no more bike. I did not take my own advice. A lesson learned the hard way!

Ice and snow? Most riders just flat out avoid it. They say, If there is any snow or ice on the roads it just makes no sense at all to be out on the bikes. And then there is me! I ride in the winter here in the snow belt in NE Ohio. It’s not that bad! Some of my best rides have been in the winter months. I always ride slow and do not ride when it gets icy. Wait for the road crew to clean the roads. Also, I do not ride at night during winter months. Heated gear for winter riding is a must if you want to stay out and ride all day. If you don’t have the heated gear, dress for the weather and make frequent stops to warm up.

Heat can get nasty; from the dry heat that roasts you in the deserts and prairie areas to the “so humid you feel like you’re riding through a wall of water” type heat of the east and south east. There are three things to remember…water, water, water. Dehydration can knock you down quickly while on a bike. Moisture is wicked away by the wind and further dehydrates you without you even knowing it. The hot dry areas can bake you with the wind and dry heat. Opening clothing and helmet vents to allow air when the temperature is over 100 degrees can create a blast furnace effect, so close up and cover up to keep the sun off as well. Try to take breaks more often in hot riding weather and again, drink a lot of fluids. It’s good to have a moisture wicking shirt on while riding during the hot months.

Cross winds can be difficult to handle. Sometimes you spend hours leaning into them as you ride. It can become physically exhausting. Most motorists don’t even understand what wind does to a bike, from simple head on winds that just knock down your speed to winds that blow off the 18-wheelers and buffet you around in the lanes like a jumping bean. Its best to slow down a bit so you have full control of your bike and give any motorist some additional room. If you are on a four lane highway and have to ride in hard cross winds. Move your bike into the left lane. Then take up the middle of that lane to give yourself more room to handle the cross winds and ease the limit of the passing winds by the other motorist now passing you on the right lane. This is safer for all.

Altitude is something that can cause all sorts of interesting situations. If you are cruising through the Smokey Mountains or the White Mountains in the East, the elevation changes are not too drastic. At about 6,000. Going up to the mountain peaks from there is not a big elevation change. However if you are out West and go from sea level to 10,000 feet, that is a big change. At over 14,000 feet at Pikes Peak in Colorado, you will need to be aware of altitude sickness and less oxygen. Take your time when you ride in the mountains and slow it down. Taking breaks often as you climb will help reduce those effects. Also consider temperature changes and storms that can come up quickly. Always pack the right gear.

By being prepared for all types of riding weather in the different areas you ride in, you can avoid hazards and still enjoy awesome rides. Wherever you ride, I suggest you watch the Weather Channel forecast before you head out.

Michael Theodore

Azusa StreetRiders National Road Captain

March 27, 2015

An Amazing Journey

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says it so well. My season as President of Azusa StreetRiders is about to end. My wife, Diane, and I have been actively involved since the formation of this ministry in 1999 and its time for new leadership!

We have been blessed to use “God’s motorcycle” (everything belongs to Him) to help evangelize the biking world and have seen growth of ASR from inception as a local church outreach using motorcycles, to now having 27 chapters (23 in US, 1 in Canada, 1 in Philippines, 2 in India) with members covering 34 US States and 3 Canadian Provinces. Additionally, Azusa StreetRiders have provided funds to global missionaries in 11 countries enabling them to purchase approximately 25 motorcycles…motorcycles that are used to spread the Oneness Apostolic, Acts 2:38 message of salvation on their fields of burden! When we first started, nearly 700 Trinitarian motorcycle ministries/clubs were identified and ASR was the only Oneness Apostolic ministry to be found. Today, the same is still true! Through prayer, God has opened doors and potential splintering of this ministry has not occurred. We are still the only Oneness Apostolic motorcycle ministry in the world! God is Good!

As an organization, faithful Azusa StreetRiders have forged relationships with Christian motorcycle ministries, secular motorcycle clubs/members and outlaw motorcycle clubs/members. We’ve won some and planted seeds with others. We’ve professed our Oneness Apostolic heritage and beliefs and are now seeing new friendships formed that will, in Jesus’ name, result in acceptance of God’s only salvation plan. We’ve also seen recognition of a motorcycle ministry as truly having merit within the Oneness Apostolic community. At our Azusa StreetRiders International Rallies, we’ve been blessed to have some of the top leaders and theologians in our movement as guest speakers; Paul Mooney, Garland Hansom, Jonathan Sanders, and Cortt Chavis. And this year, David Bernard will be our guest speaker!

Our growth and acceptance has occurred due to much prayer and the dedication of our truly amazing members. Nobody has ever taken a penny for anything they do concerning this ministry. Even travel, food and lodging for every event attended, is a non-reimbursable personal expense! All donations go to missionaries and we are supported solely by membership dues and product sales.

Diane and I believe our organizational “purpose” (Ecc. 3:1) has been fulfilled and that for Azusa StreetRiders to get to the next level, we must step aside and let those with new ideas direct the future of ASR. That doesn’t mean we won’t be attending every event possible, only that we’ll be doing so as “members” not “leadership.” We have faith that God will guide and lead those who are voted into position at our Annual Business Meeting at the end of our ASR National Rally in Maryville, TN on August 1st. Please jump in and fully support the new leadership. Help them grow this ministry into all states, provinces and countries, anywhere you find motorcycles moving lost souls about their daily lives.

Thank you Jesus and thank you to all our friends. Words cannot express our heartfelt love for each of you. LH&R (Love, Honor & Respect)! Rest assured that you will continue to be in our prayers. This has truly been an amazing journey!

Yours in Christ,
Fred & Diane Beall
Azusa StreetRiders, Myrtle Beach, SC USA

March 27, 2015

2015 NEXT LEVEL

Praise the Lord Azusa StreetRiders:

I just wanted to share a few thoughts with you this month. 2015 has started off with tremendous growth. We’ve added several new ASR chapters and quite a few new members. The Lord is truly blessing our ministry each and every day.

When we hit the roads, we MUST remember to wear our backpatches, even for a short ride. To be effective, we must stay visible! And remember, we are about the ministry, sharing God’s Word allowing His light to shine though us!

Luke 14:23…And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.

The Lord has a place for every one of us in this ministry; be it a pulpit ministry, outreach, Sunday school teacher, ministry of helps. (Building maintenance, cleaning, praying….).Each type is just as important as the other!!! We must find our place within our churches and go to work.

Here is some things that help us with success:
Be friendly…Talk to people about what God has done for you. This is the most powerful thing anyone can do.
Tell people what God has been doing during your services and at the Azusa StreetRiders events.

Be consistent…We must be the same out of church as we are in church. People are watching to see if we are what we claim to be.
Be excited about God and the Azusa StreetRiders…Excitement creates Excitement!!!

Acts 20:24
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

AMEN, AMEN…I want to hear the Lord say, well done, my good and faithful servant!!

God Bless you all for your work and dedication to His Kingdom and to the Azusa StreetRiders Ministy

Rev. Anthony T Storey
Azusa StreetRiders National Vice President

February 13, 2015

God’s Word Part IV

In this survey of God’s word, we consider scriptural examples of proper and improper handling of God’s word and the consequences of properly handling it.