-Group Morning Picture – 10 in attendance - (Alan got cut off – sorry!) -

It’s always a blessing to serve and be appreciated. We give thanks to God for his wisdom and harvest….

The day was overcast, but we were in great spirits. We were missing our trigger-man on the camera (Larry), but Nelson and family came out to join us for breakfast. He filled in and snapped a few shots to capture the launch of our morning send off. We had 10 riders report for duty for our “Pounding the Poconos” ride; our National President Mark Hamm was present, Jim M, John K, Allan C, Kairi P, Rusty Bucket, Nicholas B, Chris L, Jesse and yours truly. We had just enough to fill up 2 ranks, which meant a quick pace since all riders were on their “A” game.

During the morning jaunt, one of the riders started having chain problems and had to gracefully bow out. We did hear from him later in the morning and I’m happy to report he was home safe and sound by the time we pulled up for our lunch stop. The roads were slightly damp in the morning and full of cinders, so the standard complaint was getting peppered with gravel spray. Another issue we had to deal with were several deer on the mountain roads. I had one jump out in front of me while at pace, and we had several other sightings along our route.

Preparing for Launch - Pounding the Poconos

The F1 group was small and tight. We were moving like the Blue Angels across the mountain passes. We even had time to stop and take a bathroom break along the route, with each guy grabbing his own tree for support. We quickly mounted up and pulled into the lunch stop with time to spare. Within about 10 minutes the chase group pulled in behind us.

We enjoyed an awesome lunch at Barley Creek Brewing Company in Tannersville. The management knew we were coming and we had a great table. Our arrival was timely since by the time we were leaving, it was standing room only.

We received the word (see below) and then mounted up for part 2. Allan and I had commitments, so Mark took the troops and headed west to finish out the day. I’m sure they had a blast, as it was grand to have him with us again. As usual, we enjoyed the day with our friends. We exchanged information for new friends and made plans about December and our Breaking Bread series for 2016.

Today’s message focused on being stronger together - I take this moment to thank everyone for your participation, involvement and giving attitudes on our rides. These rides are designed for you, our riders, to enjoy the roads with us. We’re promoting a fellowship and an environment in which we want you to come and enjoy your love with others that share your passion of riding.

We look forward to enjoying your company at our last scheduled street event of the year, the “Berks’s County Blitz” Ride/Run. [ https://www.facebook.com/events/599664860133191/] . This will be our last scheduled ride for 2015, so try to make it out - weather permitting. For more great pictures of our “Pounding the Poconos” Ride - click here: [ Pounding the Poconos Photos] or visit us on our website at www.pacsba.org.

Yes, the R1 Raffle is still in full swing – For tickets or additional information concerning the “Day at the Races R1” raffle, reach out to John LaSure or check the CSBA member’s forum on Facebook for additional information.

It was great to have everyone with us. For those that missed this one, we look forward to seeing you in December, weather permitting. Blessings to you all!

Scripture for Pounding the Poconos - November 7th, 2015

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. ROMANS 12:4-5 NKJV

It’s a known fact that two (2) are better than one (1), but did you know that 2 working together are better than four (4) working apart? Oddly enough a study was made to disprove this fact with horses, but validated. Two (2) equally healthy horses were rated independently for their pulling capacity; with each pulling approximately 7,000 pounds on their own. However, when joined together their pulling power wasn’t 14,000; 15,000; 20,000 or even 25,000 – but a whopping 30,000 lbs. The physics are uncanny, but it’s a proven and documented fact.

To this fact, we are also designed to be connected to one another and not lone wolves or individual contributors. Even wolves run in packs because they know they are stronger together, working as one. When we act in a sole or individual contributor mode, we isolate ourselves from His true blessings in our lives. By being connected and working as a team, we are always stronger, more resilient and better equipped – in short, we’re always better together. We see this time and time again. God puts it clearly: Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. (EPHESIANS 2:19 NKJV). When we actively engage in an activity, we fully enjoy the fullness of not only the activity itself, but the fellowship and comradely that God created within mankind to share.

Are you a lone wolf at times – convinced that the only way to achieve is on your own? Don’t be deceived; we can accomplish four (4) times the effort than working alone when we partner, while also enjoying the fellowship God intended for us to have with each other. These rides we enjoy are a perfect example – I enjoy our rides, but I love the company of each of you with me during the ride. If you’re carrying a burden – remember, you are not alone. Your Brothers and Sisters are here with you and for you - seek them out as we’re always strong together than apart. My door is also always open - Blessings!