Dave and I completed the Butt Burner 1500 mile ride yesterday. We had to make 1500 miles in less than 36 hours. We made it. I ended up with 1,600 miles. Dave ended up with 1,630.
We won.
We beat the elements. It rained on us from Westphalia, MO to West Plains, MO. Then it was kind of overcast until about Jonesboro, AR. Then the sun came out and it turned hot. On the way back it was hot and descent until we got to about Sikeston, MO. It got overcast and cold. Neither Dave nor I got rained on until he passed Kingdom City west on I70 and I turned Southwest on 54.
We won against our machines. I lost a bolt that secures my windshield somewhere between Tennessee and Mississippi, literally. It was on the border between the two states that I my windshield got weird. It sent me to the nearest Walmart where I had to buy the equipment I needed to fix it.
We won against stubborn credit card companies. You'll have to ask Dave about that one.
We won against ourselves. After the rain and windshield and the other delays, we made it to New Orleans around 11:00 pm. About 4 hours later than what we wanted. I was tempted to eat the $60.00 I had paid for the motel reservation just to find the nearest place to bunk out for the night. We decided to push on and find the hotel, which we did. And I'm glad we did. We crossed a bridge on the expressway that gave us an amazing view of the beautiful city of New Orleans lit up in the night sky. It was truly amazing. And the ride back in the daylight the next morning from the motel was spectacular, too.
We won against all of the challenges we met along the way. We worked it out, step by step, discussing what was the next course of action and making a decision based on our shared insight and needs. We hung together. We supported each other, lifted each other up. It was good to have a partner to share the journey with, the good and the bad.
We made it.
It's interesting some of the things you think about when you're on a bike for 28 hours.
I noticed some interesting things at our stops. In some of the places we stopped for lunch or gas, I could see real apprehension on people's faces. They would see me walk in in my leather chaps and vest, and I could just tell they were uncomfortable. As soon as I turned my back, however, and people saw "Road Riders for Jesus" on my patch with that red cross, the tension would melt away. It was like, once they saw that, they might as well have said out loud, "Oh, Christian. Whew!" There were more smile-filled, relaxed conversations once people saw that I ride for Him.
This made me reflect on 2 things. First, people have an idea of what Christians are supposed to be about. They knew we weren't going to cause trouble. They knew we were "safe." When their relief was especially noticeable, I wanted to say, "Don't let the patch fool you. I'm still a biker." That would have just been my pride, though!
People have an idea of what Christians are supposed to be, right or wrong. I think of Paul's quandary when it came to eating meat sacrificed to idols. Don't give scandal to those whose faith is weak. That was the second thing on my mind during those times on the trip when I wanted to be less than kind, less than patient, maybe a little boastful, arrogant, or rude, maybe even (when I was most tired) a little irritable with Dave who is a great travelling partner. Being Christian means loving one another. We witnessed by our perserverence and fellowship despite the hardships of the journey.
Perseverence and fellowship despite the hardships of the journey.
Sounds like a nice allegory for our Christian life, doesn't it? I hope that I can bring that same relief, that same release from fear and apprehension, that same sense of confidence and peace to everyone I meet, perservering in fellowship (with all my brothers and sisters in this Iron Butt ride of life) despite the hardships of the journey.
May Events
Mark Your Calendars!!!
May 1: Weekly Ride, Kickstands up at 8:30 am. Why don't we go to Cranes? I think that's how you spell it.
May 8: Ride to Boys and Girls Town, St. James, MO: We're leaving from Eastland McDonalds at 7:00 am. Ride to St. James where we will meet with the kids, offer some prayer, eat lunch, and head back, not necessarily in that order.
May 14-15: IBA run to New Orleans, leaving Friday morning at 7:00 am. Riding to the Big Easy. Spending the night. Leaving from NO at 6:00 am and riding back on Saturday. 1500 in 36 hours. Awesome!!
May 20: Picnic at Memorial Park: 6:30 pm, watch email for details.
May 21: RRJ Date Night: Kickstands up from Schulte's at 5:30. Riding to 7 Spring Winery at Lake of the Ozarks, then dessert at Randy's Frozen Custard, then home.
May 22: RRJ State Rally, Eureka, MO
May 29: RRJ meeting at 8:00 am, then ride afterwards.
Busy Month!
May 1: Weekly Ride, Kickstands up at 8:30 am. Why don't we go to Cranes? I think that's how you spell it.
May 8: Ride to Boys and Girls Town, St. James, MO: We're leaving from Eastland McDonalds at 7:00 am. Ride to St. James where we will meet with the kids, offer some prayer, eat lunch, and head back, not necessarily in that order.
May 14-15: IBA run to New Orleans, leaving Friday morning at 7:00 am. Riding to the Big Easy. Spending the night. Leaving from NO at 6:00 am and riding back on Saturday. 1500 in 36 hours. Awesome!!
May 20: Picnic at Memorial Park: 6:30 pm, watch email for details.
May 21: RRJ Date Night: Kickstands up from Schulte's at 5:30. Riding to 7 Spring Winery at Lake of the Ozarks, then dessert at Randy's Frozen Custard, then home.
May 22: RRJ State Rally, Eureka, MO
May 29: RRJ meeting at 8:00 am, then ride afterwards.
Busy Month!
Devotion from April's Meeting
VP "Pretty Boy" gave the devotion at last week's meeting. It's posted here:
Tertullian: 3rd Century Christian Leader wrote a lot, was commenting on the pagans converting to Christianity, and recorded the statement that he heard many pagans make, “See how they love one another.” Tertullian comments that more pagans were won over to Christianity by the witness of Christian fellowship than by any other means.
Biker Culture is about Brotherhood, devotion to the members of the club.
Joining a Motorcycle Club (MC) is earned, not given. A person has to “hang around,” which is a technical term in the club culture for a hopeful member that the club is looking at. A “hang around”, while not a member of the club, needs to show the same devotion to the club activities that a member would show.
Then the club asks the “hang around” if he would like to “prospect” for at least 1 year before becoming a member. The prospect is usually allowed to wear some form of the club’s patch like the name rocker, but not the full patch. The prospect period is a time of service. During that period of time, the prospects take the lowest positions in the club. They ride behind everyone else. They run to get coffee and drinks for everyone else at meetings. They’re the ones you’ll see out in the freezing cold or unbearable heat watching the bikes while the rest of the club is inside comfortable and enjoying each other’s company. They spend at least 1 year being servants of the club before they are allowed to wear the colors. This is why many of the MC’s look down on organizations like ours. The way they say it is, “We (the MC’s) buy our colors with blood, sweat and tears. They (meaning us) buy theirs with money.”
Once a person is a member, they are considered a brother, and this inclusion extends beyond the person to the person’s family, wife and kids are included.
No matter where a member is, no matter what trouble a member is in, he can call someone else who wears the same patch and just know that help is on the way. No matter what. Carl talked about not willing to die for a piece of cloth. An MC member is ready to do that, but it’s not a piece of cloth to them, it’s what the cloth represents to them: Brotherhood, freedom, devotion to their group and cause. The colors of an MC mean to the member of the MC what the American Flag would mean to a soldier who has been in combat for the ideals of America.
An FBI agent infiltrated one of the outlaw MC's, then wroe a book about his experiences. He commented on how when his father died, not a single FBI agent expressed condolences, but club members showed up from all over the state and hugged him and expressed sympathy at his father’s funeral. It was harder for him to leave the club than it was for him to retire from the FBI because of the fellowship of the members.
Ministering to the Biker Culture: We must have that kind of devotion to one another and
to our patch.
In discussing increasing our membership, no one in the biker culture will take us seriously if they don’t see that kind of devotion and love for one another in us. They’ll laugh us out.
They need to see that we ride together, spend time together, help each other out, and lift each other up. They need to see devotion to our patch and to each other. Ultimately, they need to see us fulfill the Lord’s command.
Of everything that Jesus said the night before he died, one of the things he thought it was most important to say was “Love one another.” John 13:35: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples. That you love one another.”
The biker community, those to whom we are called to minister, challenges us.
They challenge us to live out the gospel teaching of Jesus in fellowship. To have the credibility we need to be ministers to the biker community, we need to fulfill the Lord’s command to love one another as Christ has loved us. We need to allow our CHRISTIAN fellowship to be that light set up on a lamp stand, or the city up on a hill. Let our CHRISTIAN fellowship be seen by all, that they may see our good deeds, and give glory to God.
They challenge us to service. I think that a good response to the comment that they earn the right to wear their patch through service is to say that we earn being a servant by wearing our patch. Christ began that final discourse in John, chapters 13-17, by washing the feet of his disciples, an act of service. So while the MC’s have a period of service to earn their patch, our service is a more radical kind that lasts a lifetime. I don’t think just anybody can wear this RRJ patch either, only those who are willing to dedicate themselves to washing the feet of others, only those who are willing to live a life of service.
One last thought about this fellowship and service. In the biker culture, one is in fellowship and service with the members of their club. Who is our “club?” I would answer that by pointing to how Jesus answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” in Luke 10: 30-37, the story of the Good Samaritan. Our “club” is the Church of Jesus Christ, and ultimately the whole world. Any one in need is in our club.
I had been in the habit of only wearing the patch when I was with the group doing a group activity. From now on you will see me wearing the patch every time I’m on my bike. The reason is because the RRJ patch for me is no longer just a piece of cloth. It’s a symbol of Christian faith, Christian fellowship and Christian service. By wearing it, I’m making a public statement about what I’m about, service and fellowship, and WHO I’m about, Jesus Christ.
My personal style of evangelization is not the Ralph Lemongelli style. I’ve never been comfortable preaching on street corners. My evangelization has always been more along the lines of what St. Francis Assisi said, “Preach the gospel always. Use words, only when necessary.” My evangelization is in the fellowship I share with other Christians. What I want and what I hope when those in the biker community see us is that they will say, “See how they love one another. I want to be a part of that.”
Our fellowship and devotion to each other will be as powerful a witness as anything that could be preached.
Tertullian: 3rd Century Christian Leader wrote a lot, was commenting on the pagans converting to Christianity, and recorded the statement that he heard many pagans make, “See how they love one another.” Tertullian comments that more pagans were won over to Christianity by the witness of Christian fellowship than by any other means.
Biker Culture is about Brotherhood, devotion to the members of the club.
Joining a Motorcycle Club (MC) is earned, not given. A person has to “hang around,” which is a technical term in the club culture for a hopeful member that the club is looking at. A “hang around”, while not a member of the club, needs to show the same devotion to the club activities that a member would show.
Then the club asks the “hang around” if he would like to “prospect” for at least 1 year before becoming a member. The prospect is usually allowed to wear some form of the club’s patch like the name rocker, but not the full patch. The prospect period is a time of service. During that period of time, the prospects take the lowest positions in the club. They ride behind everyone else. They run to get coffee and drinks for everyone else at meetings. They’re the ones you’ll see out in the freezing cold or unbearable heat watching the bikes while the rest of the club is inside comfortable and enjoying each other’s company. They spend at least 1 year being servants of the club before they are allowed to wear the colors. This is why many of the MC’s look down on organizations like ours. The way they say it is, “We (the MC’s) buy our colors with blood, sweat and tears. They (meaning us) buy theirs with money.”
Once a person is a member, they are considered a brother, and this inclusion extends beyond the person to the person’s family, wife and kids are included.
No matter where a member is, no matter what trouble a member is in, he can call someone else who wears the same patch and just know that help is on the way. No matter what. Carl talked about not willing to die for a piece of cloth. An MC member is ready to do that, but it’s not a piece of cloth to them, it’s what the cloth represents to them: Brotherhood, freedom, devotion to their group and cause. The colors of an MC mean to the member of the MC what the American Flag would mean to a soldier who has been in combat for the ideals of America.
An FBI agent infiltrated one of the outlaw MC's, then wroe a book about his experiences. He commented on how when his father died, not a single FBI agent expressed condolences, but club members showed up from all over the state and hugged him and expressed sympathy at his father’s funeral. It was harder for him to leave the club than it was for him to retire from the FBI because of the fellowship of the members.
Ministering to the Biker Culture: We must have that kind of devotion to one another and
to our patch.
In discussing increasing our membership, no one in the biker culture will take us seriously if they don’t see that kind of devotion and love for one another in us. They’ll laugh us out.
They need to see that we ride together, spend time together, help each other out, and lift each other up. They need to see devotion to our patch and to each other. Ultimately, they need to see us fulfill the Lord’s command.
Of everything that Jesus said the night before he died, one of the things he thought it was most important to say was “Love one another.” John 13:35: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples. That you love one another.”
The biker community, those to whom we are called to minister, challenges us.
They challenge us to live out the gospel teaching of Jesus in fellowship. To have the credibility we need to be ministers to the biker community, we need to fulfill the Lord’s command to love one another as Christ has loved us. We need to allow our CHRISTIAN fellowship to be that light set up on a lamp stand, or the city up on a hill. Let our CHRISTIAN fellowship be seen by all, that they may see our good deeds, and give glory to God.
They challenge us to service. I think that a good response to the comment that they earn the right to wear their patch through service is to say that we earn being a servant by wearing our patch. Christ began that final discourse in John, chapters 13-17, by washing the feet of his disciples, an act of service. So while the MC’s have a period of service to earn their patch, our service is a more radical kind that lasts a lifetime. I don’t think just anybody can wear this RRJ patch either, only those who are willing to dedicate themselves to washing the feet of others, only those who are willing to live a life of service.
One last thought about this fellowship and service. In the biker culture, one is in fellowship and service with the members of their club. Who is our “club?” I would answer that by pointing to how Jesus answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” in Luke 10: 30-37, the story of the Good Samaritan. Our “club” is the Church of Jesus Christ, and ultimately the whole world. Any one in need is in our club.
I had been in the habit of only wearing the patch when I was with the group doing a group activity. From now on you will see me wearing the patch every time I’m on my bike. The reason is because the RRJ patch for me is no longer just a piece of cloth. It’s a symbol of Christian faith, Christian fellowship and Christian service. By wearing it, I’m making a public statement about what I’m about, service and fellowship, and WHO I’m about, Jesus Christ.
My personal style of evangelization is not the Ralph Lemongelli style. I’ve never been comfortable preaching on street corners. My evangelization has always been more along the lines of what St. Francis Assisi said, “Preach the gospel always. Use words, only when necessary.” My evangelization is in the fellowship I share with other Christians. What I want and what I hope when those in the biker community see us is that they will say, “See how they love one another. I want to be a part of that.”
Our fellowship and devotion to each other will be as powerful a witness as anything that could be preached.
Evening Rides Are Cool
by: Ralph Lemongelli III
Evening Rides Are Cool
What a ride! Our kickstands were up at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Jamie and his wife Lesley led Don, Gary, Patty, and Ralph north out of Jefferson City on Highway 179 up through Cooper County then over to Boone County. There were a few first time events for the group. Lesley rode with Jamie for the first time and Jamie reported that she was a great rider and she felt very relaxed behind him. Hopefully we’ll see more of Lesley this riding season. Patty and I experienced riding on Interstate 70 for the first time as the group crossed over the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to start the southern leg of our trip. Patty, being the good highway department employee that she is, commented that she was very pleased at how smooth the road surface of I-70 was and I, being at the back of the pack, was very pleased that we did not get run over by a semi-truck as we traveled 60 miles per hour along the busy interstate.
The sensations of riding in the evening air were unlike the middle of the day rides. One minute you would feel the warm air rushing past you then as your bike descended in a beautiful Missouri holler the air temperature would instantly drop ten degrees, like someone just handed you a glass of cold lemonade on a warm summer day. At least that’s what I was thinking of, that and buffalo wings. As we rode along enjoying the mid Missouri sunset our senses were filled again and again with the smell of newly mowed grass, fresh cut hay, the fragrant smells of the flowers in peoples yards, and the always overwhelming aroma of two day old road kill. I learned to keep my mouth closed as I passed by the upset swarm of flies partaking in dinner at the road kill café. We saw a deer running away from us across a plowed field, obviously scared of our two wheeled thunder machines invading his world. And about forty feet of the road in someone’s yard I saw what appeared to be a black kitty hunting for a mouse, but on closer observation the kitty was a little pudgy and had a big white stripe running down its back. As we rode by I was hoping that whoever lived in that house didn’t want to go out and play with that kitty. What a surprise they would get, pee you.
We ended up at Summit Lake Winery in Hartsburg a little after 8:00 p.m. to find out that the kitchen was closed, but we were able to enjoy some fellowship over some fruit, chips and salsa, and chips and spinach dip. Gary and I ended our fellowship time like all bad boy bikers do with a piece of cheesecake drizzled with chocolate syrup, yum yum.
A little after 8:30 p.m. we departed Hartsburg with headlights on and as we climbed up from the river bottom town the evening air felt cool and the smell of the honeysuckle blossoms along the roadway excited our senses. An evening ride has so much more to offer a rider and this rider for one is looking forward to his next one with great anticipation.
Joy,
Ralph Lemongelli III
Evening Rides Are Cool
What a ride! Our kickstands were up at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Jamie and his wife Lesley led Don, Gary, Patty, and Ralph north out of Jefferson City on Highway 179 up through Cooper County then over to Boone County. There were a few first time events for the group. Lesley rode with Jamie for the first time and Jamie reported that she was a great rider and she felt very relaxed behind him. Hopefully we’ll see more of Lesley this riding season. Patty and I experienced riding on Interstate 70 for the first time as the group crossed over the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to start the southern leg of our trip. Patty, being the good highway department employee that she is, commented that she was very pleased at how smooth the road surface of I-70 was and I, being at the back of the pack, was very pleased that we did not get run over by a semi-truck as we traveled 60 miles per hour along the busy interstate.
The sensations of riding in the evening air were unlike the middle of the day rides. One minute you would feel the warm air rushing past you then as your bike descended in a beautiful Missouri holler the air temperature would instantly drop ten degrees, like someone just handed you a glass of cold lemonade on a warm summer day. At least that’s what I was thinking of, that and buffalo wings. As we rode along enjoying the mid Missouri sunset our senses were filled again and again with the smell of newly mowed grass, fresh cut hay, the fragrant smells of the flowers in peoples yards, and the always overwhelming aroma of two day old road kill. I learned to keep my mouth closed as I passed by the upset swarm of flies partaking in dinner at the road kill café. We saw a deer running away from us across a plowed field, obviously scared of our two wheeled thunder machines invading his world. And about forty feet of the road in someone’s yard I saw what appeared to be a black kitty hunting for a mouse, but on closer observation the kitty was a little pudgy and had a big white stripe running down its back. As we rode by I was hoping that whoever lived in that house didn’t want to go out and play with that kitty. What a surprise they would get, pee you.
We ended up at Summit Lake Winery in Hartsburg a little after 8:00 p.m. to find out that the kitchen was closed, but we were able to enjoy some fellowship over some fruit, chips and salsa, and chips and spinach dip. Gary and I ended our fellowship time like all bad boy bikers do with a piece of cheesecake drizzled with chocolate syrup, yum yum.
A little after 8:30 p.m. we departed Hartsburg with headlights on and as we climbed up from the river bottom town the evening air felt cool and the smell of the honeysuckle blossoms along the roadway excited our senses. An evening ride has so much more to offer a rider and this rider for one is looking forward to his next one with great anticipation.
Joy,
Ralph Lemongelli III
Activities for May
Saturday, May 9: RRJ State Rally in Eureka, MO
Saturday, May 16: Maifest in Hermann, MO
May 22-25: Mid-America Freedom Rally in Buckhorn, MO
Saturday, May 30: Ride to St. James
Notes from Ron on the STATE RALLY
What a good day and a great ride! The weather was wonderful, although a little cool in the early AM, it turned out nice.
Even Jude said it was better than she was thinking it might have been. She really did say it was a good day, I'm just giving her a hard time.
Thanks to all who led during this ride - Jamie, Dave, Ralph.....it's different being out front and I wanted you to have that experience.
Please give me your response to the STATE RALLY - both pros and cons. I have both, myself, and will be sending a summary of those comments to Mike Burger. This was the 2nd year for the State Rally, so I'm sure the plan is to make it very worthwhile. I've not been to one of these before, so like I said there are some comments I'd like to share with Mike.
A great ride! The ride back on 100/94 was great and more scenic than 50, so we had a good day and time. My count was 202 miles from the time we gassed up at Eastland (round trip).
Enjoy your day tomorrow. THANKS MOMS for all your do and for who you are!
And now from Jamie: If you went to the STATE RALLY and took pictures, I'd love to put them up, so send them to me and I'll post as many as I can. Also, if you'd like to leave comments below, not the pros and cons (send those to Ron), but just a comment on the day or ride or the company, all you have to do is click on the comments button below. I have the "comments moderation" control turned on, so your comment won't appear right away. I'll have to pass it through first. That's to keep "crazies" from putting weird stuff on our blog. But feel free to comment below. Hope everyone had as good a time as I did with the rally ride and fellowship. See you all soon. Jamie
Even Jude said it was better than she was thinking it might have been. She really did say it was a good day, I'm just giving her a hard time.
Thanks to all who led during this ride - Jamie, Dave, Ralph.....it's different being out front and I wanted you to have that experience.
Please give me your response to the STATE RALLY - both pros and cons. I have both, myself, and will be sending a summary of those comments to Mike Burger. This was the 2nd year for the State Rally, so I'm sure the plan is to make it very worthwhile. I've not been to one of these before, so like I said there are some comments I'd like to share with Mike.
A great ride! The ride back on 100/94 was great and more scenic than 50, so we had a good day and time. My count was 202 miles from the time we gassed up at Eastland (round trip).
Enjoy your day tomorrow. THANKS MOMS for all your do and for who you are!
And now from Jamie: If you went to the STATE RALLY and took pictures, I'd love to put them up, so send them to me and I'll post as many as I can. Also, if you'd like to leave comments below, not the pros and cons (send those to Ron), but just a comment on the day or ride or the company, all you have to do is click on the comments button below. I have the "comments moderation" control turned on, so your comment won't appear right away. I'll have to pass it through first. That's to keep "crazies" from putting weird stuff on our blog. But feel free to comment below. Hope everyone had as good a time as I did with the rally ride and fellowship. See you all soon. Jamie
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