This ride marks our first official gathering without our CSBA National President (Mark Hamm), of which his presence was missed. He has been called to lead and Sheppard another group (Central PA Chapter), so we celebrate his decision and look forward to his visits with us again as time permits for him. To assure all were greeted with our presence on arrival, I made sure I was at our meet-up spot (Starlight diner) by 7:50a. A good feat for even me since I was up the greater part of the previous evening, affecting repairs on the “Mothership” to assure I was ready to ride Saturday morning. My efforts were not in vain and I was present and ready to get it in.
Shortly after my arrival, I was greeted by our old friend Rick J. He stopped in to enjoy fellowship and breakfast with us, but would not be riding this time. He’s still healing from a recent skiing accident, but I was extremely glad to enjoy his company. We will be looking for him to rejoin the ranks (and possibly lead a group) in June for our ever popular “Pocono Screamer” ride/event. In short order, Luis pulled up and relaxed outside, greeting others that came. Kairi and Rusty Bucket (Russ) joined Rick and I at our table for breakfast. The diner was quite busy so I wasn’t able to secure adjoining tables, so folks sat in pockets and not altogether. The Immortal’s [Derek aka Tiny, Sanal & Ron] were there to support the ride with plans of cutting out after lunch to join up with a large group of riders participating in SBI’s [Sport BikeMagazine Inc] Hosting of their very popular Philly Shutdown season opener ride. With an estimated 1000 plus riders planning to attend, it was a key event for most to see and be seen at, with the destination ending at Geno’s in Philly. Our friend Sydney S [recently awarded the official Iron Butt Rider award] from NY came down for the morning and also brought two of his fellow NY riding buddies [Elena and Dawn]. I also found friends Steven and Chris A loitering near the Immortals and the breakfast bar, enjoying lively conversations. We all poked fun & caught up for lost time apart, settled our meal bills and then headed outside to see more friends waiting to get started with the ride.
I was so excited to see Carl ready to ride and prepared to enjoy the day with us. Andy and Chris R. were also outside, waiting to get started. Our old BRO (Back Roads Only) group rider Bill was representing with his full face man fur in splendid order and Daniel G. was present and accounted for in his cool matching Team Kawasaki green colors. We had 17 participating riders all together, which was a great group size to enjoy the roads with for 2 groups.
I assembled the troops and reviewed the “Rules of the Road” and “Rules of the Ride”. Big thanks go out to everyone that preselected their riding groups from the Facebook event forum. I split up the riders into 2 groups (based on desired selections), gave a quick prayer for safety and we were on our way to enjoy the roads. The Tip of the Day offered was “Cinders and Loose Gravel”, be on the look-out…. and there was plenty of it along the routes.
The day was absolutely perfect weather-wise for riding. Clear, sunny and temps in the 70s. Our new friends from NY reported a cold ride down first thing in the morning, so I made sure I heated things up for them during our ride to keep things interesting. Kudos to Andy for the GPS routes; they were flawless in execution. The first group arrived to the lunch spot by 11:45a , with the chase group hot on their heels, arriving just before noon. With no falls, no one lost and no run-ins with Police, we enjoyed a perfect morning. We had some riders planning to leave to join up with the Philly Shutdown event, so we hung outside for a bit to have fellowship with those leaving, took a few pictures with everyone and said our good-byes to those parting. For those remaining, we headed inside the restaurant to enjoy a well deserve lunch and break.
Sydney was one of the riders leaving, but his NY friends (Elena and Dawn) were having too much fun so they later came in to the lunch spot and announced they would be remaining with us for the afternoon. We pulled up a table and include them with our group. Carl was also feeling strong and continued with us for the afternoon. We enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Roadhouse and then we assembled outside to receive my message.
Road House Group (Dawn took the picture)
With our long standing spiritual leader (Mark H) moving on to bigger and newer challenges, it was time for me to lead our group in a spiritual message. My message was focused on “What are you Pursuing” as a person? [Read the message below]
John giving the word
After the word was shared, we all headed over to gas up our machines, split back up into 2 smaller groups and then we hit the roads for part 2. The afternoon segment of the “Blue Mountain Run” was short [approx. 40 miles] but surely sweet! It was steeped in some great roads; that’s for sure. Some commented that an assortment of the roads and turns reminded them of the 45 degree banked turns at Daytona; others mentioned that the steep evaluation changes and 5 MPH banked turns made them feel like they were running into a brick wall (lol). All in all, we tried to give everyone a fun and great experience. We finished the ride all safe with everyone accounted for, which is always a blessing. We exchanged information for new friends and everyone remarked that they couldn’t wait till our June Ride, which is our famous “Poconos Screamer” event. [ https://www.facebook.com/events/938679612837713/ ] . This is one you surely won’t want to miss. We said our goodbyes – paired up and headed home. I had the pleasure of riding shotgun with Chris R all the way back to the Lehigh Valley. It was so great to have everyone with us. For those that missed this one, we look forward to seeing you in the ranks for June. Blessings to you all!
Full Group (Tiny took the picture)
What are you pursuing?
I denied myself nothing…. Yet, when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless.
ECCLESIATES 2:10-11 NIV
King Solomon was convinced he knew how to find happiness – and with his vast resources, he was able to pursue it. Wealth, fame, pleasure, power, lavish houses, a reputation for wisdom – you name it, King Solomon had it. Yet after gaining everything he had ever wanted, he reluctantly concluded that his life was still empty and without meaning. His search for lasting happiness had failed; his soul was empty.
Are you like King Solomon – convinced that the things of this world will bring you happiness and peace; and pursuing them with all your might? I know I struggle with this myself. Don’t be deceived; things of this world never will give you true happiness. And the reason is because you were made to know God.
Later, King Solomon realized this. He should have known it sooner; after all, his father (David) was a man after God’s own heart. Solomon himself had vowed to live according to God’s wisdom. Don’t be misled (as Solomon once was). Make Christ the center and foundation of your life – beginning today.
