Day One: Bismarck , ND to Billings,MT

DAY ONE

Today was day one for a group of Evangel Assembly of God motorcycle riders from Bismarck, ND and what a day it was.

However, before I go into detail let me tell you about the group. Some may have called this the "Wild Hogs" adventure of some older than average motorcycel riders trying to take back their youth! Well yeah because one does not get younger and needs to ride whenever you can! Especially if you live in North Dakota and the riding season is short.

Coming along on the first Annual EAG ride were: Roger and Edie Will, Bruce and Sharon Walth, Jim and Peggy Harms, Jon Patch and his daughter Taylor, Forrest Ecklund, Jeff Roper and Rob Keller (me). Now the average age may be in the 50s however, Taylor Patch (an 8th grader) brought our average age to somewhere in the 30s which is where most of us feel right now on this ride. We are rejuvinated.

I digressed so back to day one.

Before we left Bismarck we had a little devotional regarding Mark 6:31. Jesus had been surrounded by lots of people who were anxious to see him. He said to his disciples that he needed to go to a quiet place and get some rest. So they went by boat to a solitary place but the crowds found them as well. Bottom line is that Jesus needed a place to get away and rest. We all do. We have become so busy every day and our lives so tightly scheduled, that we never seem to have an opportunity to just relax and allow our minds and bodies to refresh.

Well that is what this motorcycle trip is about. To relax, reduce the stress and see some of God's great creation.

We left Bisamrck on Wednesday, June 17 at 9:30 am with overcast skies, humid and around 63 degrees. After having record rainfall in Bismarck the previous two days, we were not sure what was ahead regarding the weather. The 400 mile ride to Billings, our first overnight stop was pretty routine.

Everyone got used to riding in formation, keeping a safe distance and calculating their miles per gallon so that we could schedule gas stops. It turns out that about 100 miles is when the majority of the bikes need the petro fuel.

We ate a hearty lunch at a place in Glendive, MT called CC's Cafe. It was simply down-home cooking. We were all amazed at the huge portions we all received and the apple crisp desert was definately home made. Next time you are in Glendive, check it out.

It turns out the weather forecast called for scattered thunderstorms and they were all around us. We were able to avoid all of them, that is until we were less than 3 miles from our hotel in Billings when it started to let loose. We did get wet but not soaked. In fact, we pulled into the overhang at the Billings Country Inn and Suites and then it let loose. We had guardian angels all around:)

Jon and Taylor went on ahead to Red Lodge and are camping out. I think it may get down to 40 degrees tonight so hope they have good sleeping bags. He said the Beartooth Pass will get cold tomorrow when we ascend to the 10,000 foot mark...could even be some snow. We will see what tomorrow holds.

But for now, we are all safe and with lots of fresh air for the last 400 miles, are very tired. I don't think we will have problems falling asleep tonight. Some are hitting the hot tub at the hotel.

My advice for everyone today was "slow down". Not on the highway but in our lives. God never intended for us to live this way. Productivity is fine but to never stop and relax or allow ourselves the time to recharge is destructive. Make time each day for fellowship with God.

We are having a blast and getting to know each other better. We are already talking about EAG Ride #2 to Duluth and the North Shore area...so start planning for next year.

Tommorrow we hit the mountains so I should have lots of pictures ready to send.

Take care all and be sure and leave us a comment on the travel blog.

Rob and Company....

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Part of trip: Evangel AG Motocycle Adventure (Jun 17-20, 2009)

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