Minutes, April 14, 2003
The April meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by John McGinn, Vice President of the MooCow Bikers. Over 60 people attended this meeting with many new guest/members. Thanks to the following individual and families for attending this meeting: Tim Moores, Mike Ellerby, Larry and Linda Hambric, Gus Deardoff, Shay Bentley and many more names that were missed by the Secretary Cow.
There was no B&F update this meeting.
Wayne Farr presented some information on upcoming "casual" rides in the North Georgia Mountains. Right now all rides plan to depart and return to Greybeard's Restaurant, Unicoi, Georgia. Some Saturdays might include two rides, one leaving at 10 AM and the second at 2 PM. More information will follow, but mark your calendars for April 26, May 10, and Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25). For details as they develop email Wayne at ewfarr@Comcast.net. Wayne told us about Larry Hiscox breaking his foot, and reminded us to remember him and Claire in our prayers.
Mark Trail gave some information on the 2003 Georgia Police Memorial Ride. This is the 12th annual ride for fallen officers in Georgia. This year the ride is scheduled for April 26, 2003. It leaves Turner Field and goes to Atlanta Beach at Clayton County National Park, Jonesboro. The ride registration starts at 9:00 AM, and leaves Turner Field at 11:30 AM. Cost is $25.00 per rider and $15.00 for passenger. Lunch, commemorative t-shirt, and a ride pin will be provided for your ride cost. For more information call 770-452-8720 or visit www.georgiablueknights.org.
The Biltmore House Ride is scheduled for May 16-18, leaving Friday morning. The Vice Cow will announce more details, as the ride gets closer. But currently if you plan on attending room reservations need to be made now. The hotel information is Holiday Inn Express, 1-828-665-6519. Room rates are $63.75, which includes breakfast each morning. Ensure you register under the "MooCow Biker" group rate.
If you have any suggested ride "ideas" provide the information to one of the officers or the Vice Cow at jcmcginn01@aol.com. Mark Trail remains our chief Ride Captain and primary organizer for rides. Give any info to Mark at mtrail@dch.state.ga.us.
- Next meeting dates for Calendar Year 2003 are May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, and December 8.
The minutes for March 2003 are posted on the website at http://www.moocowbikers.org.
a. Membership: No new membership report was provided.
b. Budget/Funds: : John Pekarskae's budget report for March included a $1,043.00 donation to B&F. Additionally, Dennis' church on Sunday provided a "special" offering of $1,600.00 to B&F.
Wayne provided some samples of our new "riding apparel". The leather vest will be approximately $75.00 and long sleeve t-shirts $20.00 or $25.00. Hats and shirts are also ready to be ordered. The patches have still not been received but are expected soon.
No new agenda items were discussed.
No safety brief was presented.
Ride Captains are reminded they are responsible for a safety brief before each scheduled group ride. Everyone should check out the website for safety information on riding in groups, hand signals, etc. http://www.moocowbikers.org/handsignals.htm
The group presented Dan Cathy, Head Cow, with a small Bible for his belated 50th birthday. The Bible cover is engraved with the words "Biker Dan." Dan introduced a special guest, well known sport bike racer, Shay Bentley. Dan just recently met Shay and invited him to our meeting. He encouraged us to not miss an opportunity to "pull someone over or wave someone down" and introduce them to the MooCow Bikers. Dan reminded everyone that we are ambassadors for Chick-fil-A too! Dan asked that we all take a copy of his "Burning Brush" book on his fire accident experience and recovery afterwards at Grady Hospital. He asked that we share it with someone who might be going through a traumatic experience or bad times in the hopes that it will provide encouragement to them.
Dan shared a short devotional scripture passage he is currently studying now in the Gospel of Luke. Dan says that God's word is like a "cavern" when you delve deep inside you discover how rich and beautiful each passage is. In Luke 5:27, Jesus says to the tax collector Levi, "Follow me,"….and "Levi got up, left everything and followed Him." Just two simple words, "follow me," but what a powerful conversation that must have been and what an awesome personality Jesus was for Levi to immediately get up, leave everything and do as Jesus asked. What would you have done? The Pharisees and the teachers of the law admonished Jesus for his association with tax collectors and "sinners." But Jesus said he didn't come to save the "righteous" but the sinners. He wanted those to specifically follow Him.
We need to be like Jesus and get outside our normal circle of association, follow Him ourselves, and encourage others to follow Him. Let God's light shine through you to others as Jesus did. You can't be a beacon if your light don't shine!
_____________/signed/_________________
Dan Cathy, President