I'm sorry for this being late, I have had a busy week. This month's ride started with a cold morning and temperatures close to freezing in some areas. However, the faithful still came out, some later than others. We had a good turn out, with about 28 riders attending the ride, and a few who just came for breakfast. It was good to see many people who we haven't seen in months. Thankfully, I had four other skilled riders who were willing to lead a group, plus me, made 5 groups of 5-6 riders each. So, that was a huge improvement from years ago when it was just me and big convoy of people. Thanks to Cowboy6, andyr, jlasure, and rktec for leading groups; you guys did very well. I learned from this ride what I am NOT good at doing. One thing I am not good at doing is making up route sheets, rktec's sheet seemed to be the one most people favored. We did have a few groups get sidetracked due to my directions, sorry all. We started the ride after breakfast with a safety meeting and then I assigned riders that I knew into groups according to pace that I thought they would like. The folks who I didn't know I put in my group. That seemed to work pretty well and it eliminated a lot of confusion at the start of the ride. The route worked pretty well, thanks to jlasure for reconning this ride and andyr for recommending the lunch stop. We saw some neat scenery, some interesting livestock (a camel in Kutztown??), and lunch was at a neat place. We all enjoyed sitting on the deck and having a good lunch. After lunch, right before we left for the second half of the ride, a group of 6-7 riders on H-D's came into the lot and parked. Looking around and realizing they were outnumbered 4-1 with sportbikes, got back on their bikes and went to leave. One guys' bike wouldn't start, so Seven took over his amazing bike (what doesn't he have on that bike?) and used his jumper cables to get the guy on his way. I do ride with some cool people. About 20% of the group headed for home after lunch due to obligations, and that was a shame because those roads after lunch were kickin'. Once we slabbed it to get over the Susquehanna River, it was mostly corners after that. We ended the ride at a local service station/mini market, everyone said their goodbyes, split into groups according to the route home, then set off for the long way back. It was over 325 miles, but it was worth it. I dont' know about you, but I am looking forward to next month. I'll see you there.
Scripture Readings for April 2012
This month's Scriptures talk about how some people choose not to seek out a relationship with God because they see too many "hypocrites" as Christians. The first Scripture that addresses this is Job 8:11-13 which says:11 “Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh? Can marsh grass flourish without water?
12 While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither more quickly than grass.
13 The same happens to all who forget God. The hopes of the godless evaporate.
In reading this Scripture we can see that we can't write God out of our life without consequence. He is someone we need each and every day, just like marsh grass needs water. Out next passage of Scripture is from Matthew 7:1-2 which states, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. The way we judge others is how we'll be judged according to these verses, and that's a sobering thought. When I read this, I want to step back and give people and whole lot more slack, because I know I will need it. In reading Romans 14:12, I get kind of nervous. It says, 12 "Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God". In reflecting on this, I see myself less wanting to judge others so I don't get myself into more trouble! Our final Scripture passage is from I Peter 4:8-9 which states, "8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay." In conclusion, those who wish to judge Christians for their shortcomings; beware, for you too will be judged. Instead, be humble, accepting, and loving to cover for your own sins. May God's grace and peace be with you this month.
