We give thanks to God for his wisdom and the ability to serve and be appreciated… Are you ready to ride? Team CSBA was ready and stepped up to the challenge and plate in a big way this month. Russ (aka Rusty Bucket) Bugge gives us the report this month:

As has been the case all this year, the story of the June CSBA ride was the weather. With the first two events of the year canceled because of rain and recent tropical heat, the forecast of afternoon rain for this event was a touchy subject. As it turned out, it was a beautiful day to ride in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with near-perfect weather (until later in the afternoon, anyway).

We gathered at the Starlite Diner without our usual senior leadership. A last minute call to the bullpen had, Russ (aka, “Rusty Bucket”) hosting the morning and afternoon gatherings for messages of encouragement for the day. We started off the ride with 16 riders (or, thereabouts) split into 2 groups. Matko lead the faster group on his trusty FZ-08 and Russ led the following group on his brother’s V-Max.

We all started off a bit subdued, primarily because none of us had been able to practice the routes ahead of time, thanks to the weather, and because most of us haven’t had much seat time so far this year. We spent much of the morning studiously following slow-moving car traffic, giving us ample opportunity to appreciate the beautiful scenery on such a nice day. Later in the route, the faster group stopped to refuel as the following group motored by and got to the lunch stop first. Thankfully, this year, despite not having any veteran ride leaders or route practice, no one got lost or fooled by GPS mis-routes.

We arrived at The Dock on Lake Wallenpaupack shortly before Noon to a perfect setting for dining on their deck, outdoors. We enjoyed an ideal view of the lake while catching up with each other and getting to know 2 new riders. After lunch, Rusty shared John’s message prepared from 1 Tim 4:8 and 1 Cor 6:19-20, with some of his personal experience mixed in. We then refueled and headed north as one group toward the Hawk’s Nest. Along the way, we enjoyed the chance to follow a couple Milwaukee iron riders taking a leisurely pace to the State line. Once at the Hawk’s Nest, we happened upon another group of riders who had just arrived from Kearney and Long Branch, NJ. After discussing each other’s bikes, and some time in the warming afternoon sun, we regrouped and began our return trips; the NY/NJ riders in our group headed straight home from there and most of the PA riders headed back for a lap around Lake Wallenpaupack.

Most of us experienced some kind of rain shower on our return; the NY/NJ riders in their respective trips home, and the PA riders as we rounded the west side of the lake. After rounding the lake, we again split into groups with one heading home on the highways and the other sticking to local roads. Overall, it was a terrific day for a ride and a great time of fellowship and making new friends, especially after such a long hiatus for the winter.

We’ve crafted these rides 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. Big thanks go out to all the ride leaders and Russ for stepping up and making the day a big success.

For more great pictures of this event, visit the Facebook event page for our “Poconos Screamer” Ride here: [www.facebook.com/events/1695419914008855/], the CSBA member’s forum on Facebook [ www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianSportbike/] or on our website at www.pacsba.org.

Mark your calendar for our upcoming events: Day @ the Races: www.facebook.com/events/1013501765408719/ Dive into Delaware: www.facebook.com/events/205269976501923/

Hopefully, we'll see you at one of these events… Blessings to you all!

PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” 1 TIMOTHY 4:8 NIV8

Eating right, exercising regularly, and sleeping adequately – these are some of the components and staples of a physically healthy life. God wants us to take care of the body He has given us. The Bible says, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV).

I’ve recently decided its time to submit and subscribe to a healthier lifestyle of eating; actually joining a “biggest losers” challenge at work. If you’re like me, I struggle with food cravings since our flesh is weak. Wouldn’t it be nice for all of us to be super model thin, athletic shape and beautiful? Here’s the thing to remember – you can have all things with God. We are all created with God’s beauty and in his likeness. Let us not give too much attention to our bodies and almost worship them by giving them the amount of attention that only God deserves. We can sometimes focus on our physical health (and many other things) so much that we ignore the health of our soul and spirit.

Only God should have first place in your life, for He is worthy of your worship. Be mindful of your body and eating habits, but don’t become obsessed with them (or anything for that matter). Someday your life will be over, no matter how much attention you give your health. Will you look back with regret, because you nourished your body but starved your soul? We are encouraged to do both, with God at the head.

Are you tired and feeling frustrated, worried or burdened with weight or eating binges? God intended for us to help each other – don’t burden yourself with all the weight of everything – Literally. God is there to help (through others) to lighten the load. Your Brothers and Sisters are here with you and for you - seek them out, as we’re always stronger together than apart. Of course, my door is also always open - Blessings!