Many folk didn't make it out to this ride, some due to other obligations and others afraid of the forecast. We expected 40+ but we rolled with 28 and what a ride we had! With the exception of a Law enforcement officer being involved (which we didn't have, thank God), almost everything else went wrong. It was a challenging day, 3 crashed and one off road adventure. One rider had significant body damage and a mechanical issue, the other crashes were cosmetic. The best thing, no one left in an ambulance! We had a group get lost, one make three U-turns (not me!) and another group had one rider turn back due to mechanical issues and had the major crash.
But despite all this, and the heat/humidity, everyone had a good time. We were blessed with the skill of Cowboy6 and Plasticweld on this ride and they were soon helping out folk in no time! They helped make adjustments on bikes, perform roadside post-crash repair, and hung out with folk. I think we all learned a lot today, I know I did. I need to research my rides a bit more and give some mileage detail on the route sheet. Many people were asking questions, giving answers, sharing stories and laughs. Regardless of the struggle, we came out ahead in the end and for a 300+ mile ride that's a bonus.
The Scripture for today is below:Scripture Readings for June 2010
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. [a]
4 Their voice [b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
The first six verses of this passage talk about how God is evident in His creation. We definitely saw that today, with some beautiful scenery and some wildlife in action. The next eight verses talk about the laws and commands of the Lord. How they are right, perfect, trustworthy, and radiant; not exactly ways we describe commands! In fact, we often bristle at commands, saying, "no one's going to boss me around". However, when we let someone lead a ride, we obey their commands and instruction. We enjoy that someone else did all the leg work; setting up the ride, selecting fuel stops, having a lunch or breakfast place to eat, and generally taking care of things. The same thing happens when we travel, we go on a tour, and someone else tells us where to go and what to do. Why do we like this? Because someone else is taking care of things for us. In the same way, when we have a relationship with God and we let Him take care of things for us, we find peace. When we play by His rules, life becomes enjoyable. It's like playing a game with no rules, is seems fun at first, but it quickly gets old. When we enter into a relationship with God and we apply His Word to our life, things begin to change for the good.
Thanks for your time. The next ride is July 3rd, I hope you can make it.
