Taking pictures/video from the back of a motorcycle takes skill, precision, guts, and lunacy
Isn't it cool how you meet people "by accident" and then realize that maybe it wasn't an accident that you met them? I think it is more than just coincidence.
That's how we met Dr. Henry Armington, the pastor of Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA.
Chris & Pastor Armington
It all started when my husband decided to sell his first motorcycle, a maroon '01 Ultra Classic. He put the bike on Ebay and waited for a nibble.
No nibble. He waited a little while and then decided to relist it. Shortly thereafter, he was contacted by Dr. A through the Ebay message center. They corresponded and the deal was done.
The DH and Dr. A have been corresponding ever since. They always have good conversations and Chris enjoys hearing about everything that is going on with his church. He invited us to participate in the Jericho ride and that's how our trip came about.
Saturday morning, the weather was still threatening and we thought the ride might be canceled, but fortunately, everything was still on go. The skies cleared up, the sun came out, and over 75 motorcycle folks joined together to ride around the city of Shreveport/Bossier City and pray for God's will to be done.
We made several stops and different pastors prayed for different things. It was very powerful to witness all different denominations, churches, and races join hands in a big circle and pray for the Lord to bring down walls of division, prejudices, and pride.
Central Assembly of God
Bossier City, LA
Stop # 2
Of all of the group motorcycle rides I have ever been on, this one was the most organized, most planned out, safest, and best-executed events ever...hands-down.
We had police escorts through the cities and the road captains were phenomenal. No one got hurt and every one had a great time.
Let me take a moment to explain group riding protocol.
(Stepping on soap box)
When riding in big groups, it is important that everyone stays together. In order to do this, the bikes ride in a staggered formation. Road captains or blockers are typically used to hold back traffic while the group proceeds through an intersection. These folks should be wearing brightly colored vests to identify them as such. As the leader approaches the intersection, he signals his blockers to positions where they can hold cars while the group moves through. Sometimes, not all car drivers will be accommodating. I have seen many a driver shake their fist or drive around a blocker and nearly cause an accident. If you are ever in that position, chill out for a few seconds and let the bikes pass. It's better than taking a chance of running over somebody.
Road Captains in neon vests
(Stepping off soap box)
At the end of the ride, we wound up at a beautiful park where food, music, and shade was waiting. We visited, laughed, and relaxed after riding 100+ miles around the perimeter of Shreveport/Bossier City.
Chillin' at the park
Then, it was on the road again as we headed home. We experienced 2 more light rain showers and drove into our garage tired, happy, and lonesome for our baby girl.
What I learned:
1. It's good to get away and have a change of scenery. Believe you me, I saw a lot of scenery...450 miles round trip of scenery.
2. I'm not as young as I used to be and my lower quarters are not able to withstand that kind of mileage on that kind of bike. My lower quarters have been through a lot, car accident, surgery, and birthin' a baby.
3. We are headed to Tennessee for 5 days in June, and you better bet your bee-hind I will be on the Ultra. Yep, me and my Ibuprofen.
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