We open by giving thanks for God for his presence and protection throughout the day. He always provides our needs and his blessings pour over us. This marks our second track day event this year and in keeping with our tradition, it was marvelous. As I sat in waiting on the highway for my road convoy and support crew at 4:45a, I was putting up the prayers for a dry clear safe day; and God provided! Greetings and thanks are extended to everyone in attendance, with a special thanks to all our sponsors that continue to support us and make our “Day @ the Races” such a blessing. Scott D from Moto-D actually stopped in, hung out with us and snapped a few pictures for his upcoming promotions. Always cool when a sponsor stops in to say hi! We also give thanks for the wonderful fellowship with all our friends and family, with blessings of protection experienced during our "Day @ the Races" event this day – we had no downed riders, which was a feat into itself since there were a few crashes on the day.
As I mentioned previously, the weather couldn't have been better; it was absolutely perfect. We reached the gate by 6am, and just as we anticipated, within minutes we had others waiting behind us. Mike H met us at the gate first thing, bringing his track equipment and ICE! (What a blessing that was – thanks Mike). He then ran home since he is only less than 3 miles away and grabbed his bike. He was back shortly and helped setup Camp CSBA and along with Kat R and Hector B. With all in attendance and everyone pitching in to lend a hand, our "Camp CSBA" Hospitality tent was ready for action well within time for bike tech inspection and the riders meeting. I later remarking how well and quickly the team can now setup and tear down our Camp CSBA; they remarked, “We have it down to an exact science now”. We were blessed to have a great location (directly next to the concession canopies) so we had built in shade for our families and friends. It was a good thing things came together timely as I had our monthly CSBA Conference call to man at 8:30a, along with the riders meeting – so everyone went to his or her respective activity and we regrouped prior to the first ride. I raised the flags marking the official opening of our presence and then huddled up for our opening prayer and blessing for the day’s ride.
With our goal in 2014 to reach even more people for attendance and fellowship than 2013, we encouraged all our friends to come down and hangout with us at our "Hospitality Camp CSBA" tent. As on our opening day, I’m proud to report we saw both track riders and non-track riders come down as a show of support and love for our mission. The best addition this time was we had families in attendance. Among our non-track riders that came to show their support were Nelson’s wife Lisa and their children (who by the way also celebrated husband and wife dual birthdays – very cool indeed), Charles and Jessica were in attendance with their children, Kathleen R and Hector B (road crew), Lori C and her friend Tim S (who later had to give me first aid for a second degree burn I suffered when not paying attention and tapped the exhaust on my bike) along with our very own Ron W (Panda) and Leon H who also made cameo appearances to hang out with us and talk bikes. Track riders in attendance where CSBA members Nelson F (Frindle), Jim M (J-Mac), Sanal P (Immortal Riders), Back Roads Only Riders: Mike H. (BROs). We also had several folks visit our tent for a cold drink and a yummy hotdog, along with what I was told were great baked beans from our racing red crock pot and chips, etc. (lol).
This day saw us on the South East Pocono Track. The park was busy with plenty of activity as there was a benefit run (run or dye) happening along with NASCAR running the big track. There was something there for everyone, that’s for sure. Shortly after lunch I shared my message with those available to listen, and mentioned I would also post it for all that missed it. It was hard to gather people since there was so much happening and all our riders were riding in the same group, with me riding in an adjacent group. Never the less, we found time to enjoy each other’s company. All in all, everyone reported a great time and the fact that we had families with us made it feel like a true family event.
In our ever growing task to build on this venue and introduce more riders to controlled track day racing, we support our continued vision of what the CSBA "Day @ the Races" mission is all about: "...to enjoy a joyful spirit and fellowship with fellow riders, while always learning and testing our limits for this passion we have for 2 wheeled movement. We shouldn't be afraid to test our limits as that's how true growth in anything is experienced..." If you've never done a track day, do yourself a favor and try to get in at least one session. It will surely make you a better street rider. The pace is yours to set; grab a partner and explore.
Thanks again for everyone's support in our ride/event and our efforts for the CSBA "Day @ the Races" venue. Come out and enjoy our next riding event, which is the "Dive Into Delaware" on July 5th, 2014. Hopefully we'll see you there! We weren’t able to have Laurence (The XIII) with us as he had to work, but I tried to capture a few pictures of our day. I'll post up more pictures as I receive them here and also on our Facebook Forum Page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChristianSportbike/) and at this event's Facebook Event Page (https://www.facebook.com/events/1415270175408478/)
See you out there - Lets Ride!
camp csba hospitality tent in action
Scripture for Track Day Event - June 21th, 2014
The Poison of Pride“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5 NIV)
The pride that God loathes is not a healthy self-respect or a legitimate sense of personal dignity. It is the haughty, undue self-esteem out of all proportion to our actual worth that he detests. It is the repugnant egotism that is repulsive to both man and God. It is that revolting conceit that swaggers before men and struts in the presence of the Almighty; and God hates it.
Pride may take various forms. Spiritual pride trusts in one’s own virtue rather than in the grace of God. Intellectual pride gives its possessor self-confidence rather than God-confidence. Pride in material things enthrones self and displaces God; secondary things are exalted to the place of the first importance. Social pride manifests itself in arrogance and status. All forms of pride emanate from the haughty human heart, and pride is the sin that God hates most.
What can you do about it? Confess your pride; humble yourself in the sight of God (and your fellow man). Look then at Christ, who “humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross” (Philippians’ 2:8 NIV)
In closing, as I’ve mentioned in previous tracks and accounts; no matter how fast you run your race, or how great your skills are (on and off the track), we are all created for God's purpose and should humble ourselves in our gifts and not over shadow those with lesser talent in our excellence areas. Be kind to your neighbor; be of good fruit and a helping hand; at the same time remember to shed the bad rotten fruit and negativity.
Blessings to all!
Nelson (frindle) and Lisa with their girls
Charles and Jessica's Children
