Circuit Riders Motorcycle Ministry

The Circuit Riders are First Church's Motorcycle Ministry.  Our mission is to enjoy Christian fellowship with others who share a common interest in motorcycle riding, cruising and touring... with some good works thrown in along the way!

Imagine a beautiful day with the wind in your face, good fellowship and adventure on the road.  Get your motor running!  Come join us!

Reserved parking for motorcycles is located in front of the Sanctuary.  Look for the marked spaces.

Contacts - Rides - FAQs - Road Rules

Contact and Joining Information

For more information or to join Circuit Riders, contact:

Stu Spencer

817-491-1711

captainstu@sbcglobal.net 

Rides

There are no rides currently scheduled. Please check back often.

Being Doers and Sharing God’s Love
By Leslie Hillhouse

You ever have that feeling that you’re right where God wants you to be?   Maybe it’s not where you normally are on a Sunday morning; in church listening to the word of God, but yet you know you’re where you should be.  We are reminded in James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (NIV) 

On Sunday morning, September 21, Circuit Riders Mark Ingersoll and Leslie Hillhouse, along with about 25 other members of the Patriot Guard Riders were right where God wanted us to be.  Sharing His love with the family of Sgt. Wesley Durbin as we escorted his body from DFW Airport to Restland Funeral Home.

Words cannot adequately convey the emotions felt by those who stood in respectful silence on the tarmac at DFW as the flag draped coffin sat between the plane and the hearse, and the family of Sgt. Durbin moved to greet their husband, father, and son.  Even the roar of commercial jets taking off on the adjacent runway couldn’t cover the sound of breaking hearts.  And the tears shed for someone who died while sharing God’s blessed gift of freedom, which we as Americans too often take for granted, seemed to burn more intensely as they slid slowly down our cheeks and left fading spots on the hot asphalt.

Sharing Gods love isn’t only about inviting friends to church.  Sometimes it’s about being there for one another when their world has shattered around them.  For those who’s loved one has given the full measure of sacrifice in service to our country, God’s love is shown by the Patriot Guard Riders who take the time to be right where God wants us to be; standing in respectful silence, lifting these families up with our prayers and our presence, and embracing them in our hearts as we escort their loved one on the final leg of their long journey home.

As we listen to God’s word, let us not forget that His command is to share His love.  Let us join together with our prayers, our presence, our gifts of time and commitment, and humbly bow in service to one another.  Let us be doers of the word and not merely hearers only

Circuit Riders Go Green
By Leslie Hillhouse

So what’s the MPG on your vehicle that you take on a trip to breakfast?   Well Circuit Riders average well over 40 MPG.  So when we go green it’s more than just heading out to the Green Frog in Jacksboro for a great small town breakfast.   This trip was organized and led by tourmeister Jeff Irwin and his navigator Nancy.  Leslie Hillhouse, Stu Spencer, and Don Myers joined in, and were met at the Green Frog by Jeff’s friend Kerry McCombs.

This ride was on Saturday, August 30, and the Circuit Riders headed west to open the fall riding season.  Is it really fall when it’s still 90o+?  Well in the early morning at 7:00 it was still cool.  The fog was crawling across the ground in the low-lying areas along the creeks and in the hollows.  There were thin clouds reflecting the dawn in shades of gray and pink, and the morning air was cool and damp.  Did you slip out for quiet time to see the beauty that God gives us?  Or did you sleep through it?  In Matthew 1:35 we are reminded that “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”  As Circuit Riders, we rose while it was still dark, and the solitary place we seek is the privacy of our own helmets, and the prayers are quietly our own. 

Yeah, there’s camaraderie in the road, but there’s also the solitude that allows time to reflect and examine, that which is personal, cherished, and sacred.  At this point I usually issue an invitation to others to join us.  But this time I would just like to thank my riding partners for all the wonderful memories and for the future rides that I know will bless us all.

Circuit Riders are OK!
By Leslie Hillhouse

Well, actually the Circuit Riders are better than just OK, but that was the destination for the last foray. Ride Captain Jeff Irwin lead the group up to Oklahoma to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwest Oklahoma.. Following close behind were Stu Spencer, Leslie Hillhouse and newcomer Don Myers. This was Don’s second ride with the Circuit Riders so he’s an old road horse now.

The crew headed out on Thursday afternoon, May 15 to get a jump on weekend traffic, and spent the night in Lawton, OK. On Friday morning, May 16, they took a tour of the Refuge and surrounding community of Medicine Park, a “Cobblestone Community”. But the real beauty was the scenic view from the top of Mt. Scott. What a vista! And the surprising view of the Quanah Parker Lake and dam was an additional plus.

The consensus of those who took both rides is that the Wichita Mountains beat the Hill country for scenic beauty. While the roads are not as winding, challenging or hilly, the scenery is nonetheless quite striking.

If you’re looking for a great weekend get away, head north and west. If you’re looking for a great get away that doesn’t take a lot of gas, head out with the Circuit Riders.

Circuit Riders Back on the Road Again
By  Leslie Hillhouse

Well it’s springtime and the Circuit Riders regrouped to start the riding season off with a short Sunday afternoon ride.  Since our last group ride some time ago, the Circuit Riders have all been out riding, although usually in small groups or with other organizations.   But on Sunday, April 6 the Circuit Riders took the scenic route to Denton.

Along the way they stopped at the Old Alton Bridge.  The rumor is that the bridge is haunted.  But on Sunday afternoon there was nothing scarier than a man fishing below the bridge with his two kids.

The bridge, and old iron and plank structure, was erected in 1884, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior in 1988.

After a nice leisurely ride through Copper Canyon and other scenic back roads, ride captain Jeff Irwin led the group of Stu Spencer, Mark Ingersoll,  Wendy Ingersoll, Leslie Hillhouse and new Circuit Rider Don Myers as well as Circuit Rider from Abundant Life Church Jack McGeough, to Denton for lunch.  After an unintentionally long lunch the crew mounted up for the ride home in time to be back for Sunday evening activities. 

What a great way to start spring.   Good friends and a good ride through some winding country roads of North Texas. 

The Circuit Riders will be planning more rides in the near future with a couple of over-nighters in the mix.  If you’d like more information on joining the Circuit Riders, contact Stu Spencer at captainstu@sbcglobal.net   He’ll get you on the distribution list for information on upcoming rides. 

Special thanks to Mark Ingersoll for remembering to bring a camera and providing the photos.

Circuit Riders Head for the Hills
By Leslie Hillhouse

If you remember the old 1960’s song that goes; “Where have all the flowers gone?”  Then you’re probably old enough to be a seasoned Circuit Rider.   Well, as the Circuit Riders found out, the wild flowers must have migrated north this year because there weren’t many in the Texas Hill Country.   But what we did find, were miles and miles of God’s beauty.   The hills were green from the spring rains and the roads were wide open and twisting.   Other than being blessed with “an over abundance of air”, the trip was pretty close to perfect.

There are roads in the Hill Country that motorcyclists talk about with that far off look of memories of great rides, which people who only drive cars just can’t fully appreciate.  If you’ve ever been skiing and enjoyed slaloming down a hill where you can get a good rhythm of smooth right and left turns, then you have an idea of what the “Three Sisters” roads are all about.   But imagine that smooth swaying motion going both uphill and downhill at 40 to 60 mph and you’ll know why these roads are listed some of the best motorcycling roads in Texas.

Jeff Irwin was ride captain for this three-day tour of the hill country and he laid out a beautiful trip.  In order to beat the weekend traffic, the group headed out on Wednesday morning, April 16th, and returned on Friday evening the 18th.  We based out of Fredericksburg, which is a beautiful little town with a rich German heritage.  Stu Spencer and Leslie Hillhouse rounded out this small group and enjoyed the camaraderie of good friends and fellowship that continues after the ride is done for the day.  

Trips like this are one of those things that one treasures for years to come.  The great rides, Christian fellowship, conversation, jokes, pranks and always lots of smiles and laughter.  No better way to recharge one’s batteries and take stock of all the blessings we enjoy.

The Circuit Riders will be planning more rides in the near future including another over nighter to the Ouachita mountains in Oklahoma, as well as short day trips to ensure that all who want to get out and ride have the opportunity to do so. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Circuit Riders?

We are the FUMC Motorcycle Ministry.  we are members and parishioners of FUMC who share a common interest in motorcycles and motorcycling.  Our group takes its name from the roaming Pastors of old who rode from church to church on horseback.  FUMC Grapevine was founded in 1866 and we wished to reflect that pioneering heritage of the old west.  Our "colors" have been carefully created to reflect that strong Methodist heritage as well.

Is this a "Harley" only club?  

No, although some members might own Harleys which are very popular, the group is open to any marquee.  BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati, etc. The idea is "it doesn't matter what you ride, but that you RIDE!"

Is this a men's only group?

Absolutely NOT!  We are open to all who are interested in the sport.  There are several women motorcycle owners and riders at FUMC and we hope to interest many more.

What if I don't have a motorcycle?

while it would be ideal to have your own ride, what is important is that you desire to get one.  You might have had riding experience before and are contemplating riding again, or you might like to start riding for the first time now.  This is a great opportunity for exposure to the sport,  and a great place to gain some knowledge and advice from more experienced members.  A good used bike won't break the bank.  We want to be your excuse to buy a bike!

Is this a stand alone group?  

Yes.  Our group at FUMC is just starting and we need interested people to be a success.  There is a national Methodist Riders Group called the UMME with several active chapters at other churches around Texas.  Alignment with any group is at the discretion of our members.  The UMME coordinates rallies and rides throughout Texas.

Are there groups at other denominations as well?  

Yes.  There are many active rider groups at other denominations, several in the Mid-Cities.  All are organized in the spirit of Christian fellowship and good works.

Good Works?

Yes, at the discretion of our group, we can host toy rides,  poker runs, events to raise money for charity, etc.

What about the "Hells Angel" image?  

At FUMC?  I don't think so!  Actually we are very careful with our image both within our church and the community as we strive to represent FUMC with dignity and purpose while actively enjoying our sport.

What about safety?

Safety is first and foremost!  While motorcycling has some inherent risk, safe operating practices will always be required.  The Circuit Riders adhere to "Road Rules" similar to the H.O.G. or Blue Knight rules of the road.

Road Rules

There are three components to a safe and enjoyable group ride:  Personal Preparation,  Group Preparation, and the Ride.

Personal Preparation

You are responsible for making sure you and your bike are ready for the ride.  

• Check yourself to make sure you are rested, alert and feeling well.
• Perform a safety and mechanical check on your bike.
• Check your tire pressure, oil level, turn signals and lights.  It is also advisable to check for any parts that may have loosened due to vibration
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.

Make sure you arrive for the ride at the designated meeting time.  We will have a rally time and a leave time which will be 15 minutes later.  This will insure that everyone is ready to go on an agreed-upon time.  We will leave on time with or without you.

Group Preparation

• Headlights to low beam, other "running" lights off: All riders except the Drag Road Captain should set their headlights to low bean and turn off any other "running" lights.  This makes it much easier for the Lead Road Captain to see the Drag Road Captain and determine if a problem has occurred requiring the Drag Road Captain to stop.
• Ride within your ability and comfort level.  Let the rest of us know if you have concerns.  If you don't we cannot address them.  Riding within your ability and comfort level is very important for the safety of the group.  If at any time you feel that the ride has exceeded your riding ability or comfort level, or you have safety concerns, you should consider pulling off to the side at a safe place.  The Drag Road Captain will stop with you.
• Obey all laws (speed limits, stop signs, stop lights, etc.):  Obey all laws, including traffic regulations and the helmet law.  If you do not wear a helmet, you are legally responsible for this decision.

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The Ride

Riding with a group can be fun and exciting, but only when everyone in the group observes the same rules.  When we are riding together, everyone is expected to observe the following rules so that the ride will be fun, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Maintain Formation: Ride in staggered formation with approximately two-second spacing.  Make sure you can see the person's face in his or her mirror.  Stay in your own lane unless someone drops out or you have an emergency.  If you fall out for any reason, your new spot is in the back.  In the event a bike drops our of the ride and creates a gap in a column, each bike immediately diagonal to the gap changes column and moves up to fill the gap.

Use Hand Signals:  The Road Captain will use hand signals to indicate a change of course, hazards and other information to the group.  Each rider should use the same signal to pass the information back through the group.  The common hand signals we will use are:

• Road Hazard:  Left arm angled down with the index finger pointing at the hazard.  right side hazzard point with right foot.  This allows you to keep your hands on the throttle.
• Slow Down:  Left arm angled down waving back and forth with open palm.
• Single File: Left arm straight up with index finger pointing up.
• Stagger:  Left arm straight up with index and pinky fingers up, twisting motion.

Keep the Group Together Without Heroics:  Often the group will get separated by a stop light, traffic congestion, etc.  It is not necessary or advisable to take heroic or exceptional steps to regroup.  In the event the group is separated,  the Lead Road Captain will adjust the ride (either by slowing down or stopping at a safe location) until the ride is regrouped.  Let cars merge and don't rush to catch up.