A Word From Our Chapter Presidents

Greetings:

It’s a great day to give thanks to God and for all that He has accomplished in our lives. If you have lived for God any period of time, you know that it’s better to live for Him than to be without His presence in your life. For that I give Him all of the glory and honor.

Here in Louisiana we are getting ramped up for the First Annual “Ride to the Ranch.” This fundraiser is for the Lighthouse Ranch for Boys in Loranger, LA. The facility is located just north of Hammond, LA on the outskirts of New Orleans. There is no greater ministry than a soul winning ministry that will direct and redirect lives to God. A ministry that has eternal rewards in the lives of these young men is well deserving of our support. Please, if you can’t make it to this fundraiser, go online and donate something. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Our web site is www.AzusaStreetRidersNOLA.com for the Southeastern Louisiana Chapter of Azusa StreetRiders.

Just one more important fact about “The Ranch.” The Lighthouse Ranch for Boys has a 98% success rate. Out of this Ranch ministry, not only have lives been transformed, but young men have become licensed ministers for our Lord Jesus Christ. What an impact this ministry is for spreading the Gospel. Being raised from what was thought to be unchangeable situations!

What an impact it would make if we could support such a worthy cause. For those of you that will be attending, you are welcome to camp over on Friday night before the run on The Ranch’s 40 plus acres. We have men and women coming in from Georgia to donate their time for this event. They travel to different motorcycle events coordinating games and a motorcycle skills training. There will be a motorcycle contest, food, raffles and music. Please register online for this event.

Thank you for your support in our effort to bless the Lighthouse Ranch for Boys.

 

Ride safely,

Rev. Ed Sears

Azusa Streetriders

Louisiana District Coordinator

 

Packing,Eating And Staying Cool

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Packing,Eating And Staying Cool

Commonsense Ways To Improve The Ride
We’re Not Backpacking
      Unless your hauling a trailer, your entire gear load is probably 40 pounds or less. Don’t get caught up what the backpackers do. When it comes to weight distribution. Instead pack very sensibly, placing items you’ll want to get to at any time during your riding day in very easy-to-access areas. Overnight items -coincidentally the heavier items are best stowed near or at the bottom of your top case or side saddlebags. Your regulars such as rain gear, sunglasses’s, sunscreen and water are best stowed on top near compartment openings.
Eat Light, Eat Whole
A rigorous 300-500 mile a day motorcycle tour is not the time to gorge. Eating lighter will keep your mind in a better place on the road and throughout the day. Eat more whole foods, such as nuts, dried fruits, meats, eggs, whole grains, veggies and fruit and fewer processed foods. I always carry with me power bars as you can eat them as you ride.
Mountain Pass Mentality
Have you ever noticed when your navigating your way up and over a mountain pass, how everything changes once you’ve ascended and start riding down the other side? No longer are you using mostly throttle to work your way up into the pass, but now you’re more focused on using your engine compression ( no throttle) and braking to work your way down the mountain. If you find it uncomfortable to make such an abrupt adjustment, consider pulling off to the side and stopping at the top of the mountain pass for a breather. This break makes it easier to reset your riding awareness and comfort level.
Evaporative Cooling-What is it?
Evaporative cooling is so essential to keeping your mind focused during hot weather riding. If you ride with just a T-shirt instead of long sleeves on a very hot afternoon ride. Sun exposure and wind evaporate perspiration too quickly, leading to dehydration and the build up of excess heat in the body. Wearing a full-coverage riding jacket with the air vents open allows you to control the wicking perspiration and heat from your body. I like to ride with moisture wicking shirts as an undershirt which keeps me completely cool while riding on very hot days. You can also soak a T-shirt in water or use one of those cooling vest or cooling head bands to keep your body cool. Remember to always Hydrate. Wear breathable riding gloves. Wear light colored clothing.
Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

 

Too Long, Too Short…Where is Just Right?

Too Long, Too Short…Where is Just Right?

When I am on a motorcycle tour I often get this question from other riders who may be joining me on this tour or even my wife. How many miles are we riding today? Sometimes, I say  I am just letting the road be the guide, Or I will say  I don’t really know. But usually, I’ve planned the route and know the answer, not counting my many  side trips that may strike my fancy along the way. This exchange, however, often makes me wonder what is the ideal touring mileage for a day in the saddle. In deciding that number, though, there are obviously a number of factors to consider: So when I hear that someone is asking me how long are we riding today? I just smile and say we are on a three hour tour. Which if you know me and have toured with me my three hour tours will be an all day long ride. Got to love it 🙂

My factors in considering how long to be in the saddle.

Riding Environment 

Weather: Because of the more exposed nature on a motorcycle touring (versus a car), checking the weather forecast each morning is a regimen followed by most experienced riders. I study the weather for each ride. For example, the expectation of thunderstorms may dictate altering the day’s route to avoid them. But much of the weather experienced on a tour can’t be avoided in advance. So you have the choice now to either sit out the thunderstorm in a protected place. Or put your rain gear on and ride through the storm. And even riding in a non-threatening steady rain usually means reduced visibility and a slower average speed.

Besides storms, very hot or cold weather may dictate more stops than originally planned for hydration or warming up in a restaurant with a hot drink. High winds can also affect travel mileage and slower speeds. Weather is always a wild card on any motorcycle trip, which can slow your ride rate of progress.

Terrain: Mountain terrain usually means more curves—and more rider smiles—than flat prairie, but lots of curves invariably results in a slower average speed (or at least it should). A two-hundred-mile ride in the mountains will take noticeably longer than a comparable distance with few curves, and it usually will be more tiring for both riders and passengers. Also, mountain terrain is often more scenic, inviting more stops to enjoy and photograph it. Love the longer scenic routes. But then there’s that situation when you want to get to the most desirable riding area as quickly as possible. To maximize the riding time best route then would be the super slab highways. The super slab would be your best bet. Because you can’t  cut time off  on the back roads. So Long story short, riding terrain is a very important consideration in planning the day’s distance.

Type/Condition of Roads: Paved versus unpaved roads will make a large difference in mileage each day. A 100-mile day ride on an adventure bike on challenging, unpaved roads takes much longer and more energy than riding several hundred miles on pavement. Also, I’ve noticed in the North East locations  where roadways are often in poor condition after severe winters, your average speed on  rough pavement is always slower than on smooth tarmac.

Traffic/Construction Delays: Although my planned tours usually avoid metropolitan areas, construction delays on rural two-lane roads and bridges during the warmer months can put a big dent in a your rate of progress. Although there are web sites that can alert travelers to construction projects, and also GPS units. On my Harley I have the traffic alert it works great as long as it is in the construction system. My experience though on back roads is that many of those construction zones appear with little warning. I remember last summer on a trip out west with Bro Showalter. That we came to a  stop on a two-lane back country road. Can’t remember though if it was in Wyoming or Montana. Where our main flag man was many miles distant, and out of sight, from the other end of the construction zone.We were stopped by a worker. And we waited quite a while for the pilot truck to arrive and guide us at low speed along the single lane of asphalt.  Never experienced that in Ohio. And  then there are vehicular accidents, which can stop all traffic (particularly on rural two-lane roads) for an extended period of time. Also, you should expect heavy traffic around resort areas, particularly on weekends. And around Metropolitan area’s.

Touring & Travel Goals

Reservations: Reserved lodging can be an advantage or also a  disadvantage. The main advantage is that you know you have a place to  stay regardless of the arrival time. This is comforting when unexpected delays cause the ride to take longer than planned at the day’s outset. Occasionally on a tour, because of unforeseen circumstances, you may not want to ride the full distance to the reserved room. This may be caused by severe weather,  traffic or what not.Or maybe you discovered off the beaten path an  interesting place you discovered that you want to spend more time exploring. Reservations may or may not be canceled, unless it’s too late to do so.

Planned and Unplanned Stops: On motorcycle tours, try to plan one or two interesting stops each day, which you can include museums, battlefields, national or state parks, historical sites, etc. A must to get some of those great photo shots. And then there are those unplanned, surprise stops, which make motorcycle touring such a spontaneous and enjoyable way to see the world.

It’s not always places or things that prolong an unplanned stop, but the interesting people you meet along the way. Riding a motorcycle cross-country frequently triggers conversations with curious strangers, which driving in an automobile does not. Best part of conversations with people you meet along your way is. Now you have the opportunity to do some outreach as you are wearing your ASR back patch.

Preferences of Other Riders and Passengers: Riding with others means that their preferences have to be considered in planning the day’s route and distance. Some riders only want to hit the curves for as long and intensely as possible each day. Other riders want a more relaxed ride, stopping to smell the roses, so to speak.  Super slab or back roads? Rather than frustrating one or both sets of folks, a good idea may be to split into two riding groups, taking different routes to the same destination. Or to agree on the route with a mix of highway and back roads in the route so everyone is happy.

By now, you’ve probably reached the unavoidable conclusion that, in reality, there is no one ideal number of miles to cover each day on your tour. It’s  just all  depends on your day and how you fill and your group if your touring in a group. As for me if your riding with me.  All just tell you it’s only a three hour tour 🙂

Michael Theodore

National Road Captain

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Membership Dues and Pre-Registration

I want to thank everyone who has already registered for the 2015 Rally. This will definitely make my job easier and allow us to be more prepared at the Rally. The online registration will end on July 1st– cost is $23.00 per person, (includes Rally pin, Saturday snack and lunch), if you have kids that will be attending the lunch it is $7.00 for Teens 12-17 and $5.00 for Children 6-11 .  If you haven’t already registered please do so because after July 1st the registration will be $30.00. I also want to remind you that your dues must be current in order to register.                                                                                                                    Click here to register for the Rally: https://www.azusastreetriders.com/store/2015-early-asr-rally-registration/

This brings me to our next topic. This has been an awesome year for ASR with all the new chapters and members being added but even more spectacular are the members who are renewing their membership. Your dues help us to maintain our supply of items that we use for outreach in the US and Canada as well as other areas.

We were able to supply new converts  with the items they needed to teach and preach the truth. This is what our ministry is about, winning lost souls. We want to continue helping others by giving them the tools they need to bring in the harvest! No one is alone in this ministry! We are a body fitly joined together…..  It goes with the theory: It takes one to (win) reach one to (win) reach one to (win) reach one and so on…….

So If you haven’t paid your dues yet please go online to:                          https://www.azusastreetriders.com/store/2105-membership-renewal/

If you have any online problems or any questions please call me at : 609-742-6539

Thank you to all who support ASR through membership dues, donations to Motorcycles for Missionaries and to the advertising fund!

 

Lydia Diaz—ASR Treasurer

 

 

A Word From Our Chapter Presidents

 

Southeastern Louisiana, Chapter

 

Greetings to all in the name of Jesus!

Today I am filled with optimism. I know that everything that we put our hand to accomplish that God is with us. He is well able to make straight our path, heal our bodies and take care of any situation that we are going through.

I just want to encourage you. Do not give up hope; not for those you are witnessing to, not for family members’ salvation, not for situations that seem as though they will never change.

Read John 6:17-21. The disciples were in the dark rowing across the sea. They were toiling all night long with a destination in mind. It was hard work without having land in sight. But the Bible says in verse 21, when Jesus got in the boat, immediately they were at their destination.

We all are working towards the same purpose. Sometimes it’s dark and we do not always see what God is doing in every situation. But I encourage you. Do not be discouraged. Do not stop praying. Do not give up. Continue to pray. As long as God is in control, the answer, the deliverance, the healing and the miracle is on its way.

Rev. Ed Sears

ASR Chapter President, Southeastern Louisiana

 

A Word From Our Chapter Presidents

 

Northern Kentucky Chapter

Hello Brothers and Sisters in the precious Name of Jesus Christ!

The past few weeks I have been down. Not depressed but not really full of faith. Sorta feeling alone and out. Then today something a preacher once told me came to my mind. The life of a minister is often full of despair. He cited Elijah, after he slaughtered the profits of Baal and Jezebel had sent for his life. Elijah was terrified of one woman after slaying the 450 profits. But for some reason one terrified him. Elijah struggled in himself even after such a powerful display of God’s might. Even though he felt alone, God showed him that he was in fact not alone and he began to realize that the same God that sent down fire from Heaven had not forgotten him! Even though we may feel down or defeated we are still a servant of the Most High. A child of God and joint-heirs with Christ!

Just as David encouraged himself in the Lord, we must do the same thing. We have to open the Ark of Testimonies and remember all that Jesus has done. Israel had the Ten Commandments, Manna, and the rod that sprouted. We all have our own testimonies of things God has brought us through, prayer, and His Word to encourage ourselves with.

Changing gears here; sand often starts off as rock but it’s rock that couldn’t handle the stresses of life; the wind, the storms, and the waves. Those that build there houses upon this failed rock will not only have have their houses torn down but have the foundation washed away as well. They will utterly have nothing after the storm comes by. Those that build there lives on false doctrines and beliefs find themselves here. Unable to coop with life. But those that build their houses on the Rock, the Corner Stone the builders rejected, the Christ that knows not failure, will always have the Rock to fall on to. Even if your life is torn down like Job’s, we have Christ to run to. I said all that to say this. A minister’s life is often full of despair.

Do not think it strange the fiery trials that are to try you. But remember your heritage and lineage. We are joint-heirs with Christ and we are not forgotten. The same spirit that was in Christ is in us. He may have never know failure but failure will come our way. Be quick to repentance and keep a heart after God’s. The only way the enemy can win is if we surrender and allow him to. I’ve seen the back of the Book and it’s already written that we are The Victorious!

Your fellow servant in Christ,
Bro. Andrew T. Storey
Chapter President,
Northern KY Chapter

 

A Word From Our Chapter Presidents

ATLANTIC CANADA CHAPTER

(08 April 2015)

“Greetings” from the only Canadian Chapter of the Azusa StreetRiders.

Our chapter consists of six members, four of whom are Licensed Ministers representing three different Oneness groups. The chapter is centered in Sussex, New Brunswick. “Where’s that”, you may ask? Head to Maine, turn left and head north.

One of our Chapter goals this summer is to double our membership. We sometimes joke that we know exactly what a “Church Plant” minister goes through as we “witness” to prospective members. We’re still overcoming the erroneous idea that we’re a “Biker Gang”.

The chapter members are, for the most part, also involved with the organizing committee for the “Cruzin’ for Christ” Motorcycles for Missions Biker Rally. In the six years of the Rally’s existence, enough funds have been raised to purchase thirteen motorcycles a scooter and a Tuc-Tuc. It’s through searching the net for ways to improve this Rally that I contacted Rev Doug Joseph in Virginia. He put me in contact with Fred Beall and the rest is history…We are now part of Azusa StreetRiders.

We have also made contact with a pastor in the State of Maine. He organizes a “Sheaves for Christ” Biker Event and we would like to meet with his people to share our vision and exchange ideas on improving each other’s Rallies. We also wish to see if we can help to establish a chapter in Maine…Close enough for us to fellowship with!

 

OUR “PLAN OF ACTION” for 2015

# DATE EVENT DESCRIPTION
1 17 & 18 April 2015 Atlantic District UPCI Ladies Retreat – Fredericton, NB Our “Cruzin’” Lady Riders attend the Retreat and have set up a joint “Cruzin’ for Christ” & “Azusa StreetRiders” display, complete with a motorcycle. We are always on the lookout for new riders, participants & ASR members.
2 15, 16 & 17 May 2015 Atlantic District UPCI Youth Convention – Moncton, NB 20’ display featuring a motorcycle. Again, Cruzin’ for Christ & Azusa StreetRiders. We get some teen riders asking questions plus we also get to talk with bikers from previous Rallies. We want to make contact with as many Pastors as possible with the goal of being invited to do a “Cruzin’” presentation in their church.
3 27 June 15 AtlanticAide Motorcycle Rally. About 10,000 bikers expected. We’ve offered to partner with a local UPCI church in Moncton, NB to set up a prayer tent (Similar to the ASR effort in Daytona, Florida) plus do a “Drive-In” Biker church service using the church’s parking lot. Negotiations are still on-going with the local pastor(s).
4 17 & 18 July 2015 1%er organized Toy Ride organized in a community along the Maine / New Brunswick border. Excellent opportunity to wear our vests and explain our ministry. About 400 bikers expected. Tentative plans for a Gospel Music Concert on the evening of 17th. These concerts are usually well attended. Goal is to raise enough funds to purchase another motorcycle for Africa.
5 21, 22 & 23rd Aug 2015 “Cruzin’ for Christ” Motorcycles for Missions Biker Rally weekend. Gospel Music Concert, full day of riding on 22nd and a “Biker Themed” Church Service on 23rd. Canteen at the Concert raises funds to donate to the UPCI “MK” program. Our dollars go toward purchasing bicycles for children of missionaries.
6 19 Sept 15 “Outreach Saturday” for members and invited guests. Travel as a Chapter to support the outreach effort of a “Home Mission” church within the Atlantic District.

 

Our “Cruzin’ for Christ” website is www.cruzinforchrist.ca

Rev. Dave McLeod / Chapter President e-mail: worksafe@nbnet.nb.ca

Motorcycle Ride/Run Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement

waiver-logo

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.

Get Your Bike Ready For Summer

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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