Blessing of the Bicycles

[Raymo853]

@ShawnoftheDread 98446 wrote:

What kid-related events need to start banning instead of beer is crappy DJs.

I have always hated, even as a teenager, the need people have to have music at every event. People go to events to talk to each other, but end up looking for places to hide from over-amped bands and DJ who all think they are the next Tiësto.

It was like that at the DCCX, each time you came around you could not hear the announcer talking about the leaders because of the music.

[ShawnoftheDread]

Arlington Fun Ride is even worse than DCCX. Club music at 10:00 in the morning on Sunday at an event specifically marketed to families in a small space.

And none of these DJs has the stones to play Panic. They know we might take the chorus to heart.

[dkel]

If you like, I can play some nice hymns on the organ after the ride this Sunday…just sayin’.

[Raymo853]

Maybe there is some sort personality trait that the type of person inclined to organize events likes music and not conversation.

Another horrid example, the MoCo Epic two years ago. The band was freak awful and so over amped for the space. You could not hear the people working the chow line and no way could you talk to anyone while eating. It did discourage me from getting seconds and I took off without lingering.

Maybe that is one reason they do it.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@dkel 98477 wrote:

If you like, I can play some nice hymns on the organ after the ride this Sunday…just sayin’.

Now that I would like.

[dkel]

I knew I liked bikes, but I just looked over the short liturgy for blessing bikes (and riders), and I admit, I got a bit emotional. I must really like bikes (and riders). I’m really looking forward to this, and I hope some of you fine forum folks can be there to share it with me. Guaranteed, I will be crying before it’s over! (Did I mention I really like bikes [and riders]?)

[rcannon100]

BTW I do have a Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. I am perfectly glad to bless anyone’s bike for a cup of Jo at FCCII. For a muffin, I will throw in a sprinkling of holy-lube.

[lordofthemark]

Another joke

So what do the Hebrew letters on Yale’s seal mean? “No more than 10 per cent”

(yes, you may have to be really old to get that one)

[Riley Casey]

Just one question and if you have the right answer you just may convert an atheist to your way of thinking. Will this make the hills significantly easier?

[hozn]

I don’t think it makes them easier, but you will certainly go faster

I will admit to having no idea why you would bless a bicycle; however, as a Lutheran missionary kid I do remember a great deal of ambiguity expressed about whether the Catholics would actually be joining the Lutherans in Heaven. Something about the worship of false idols; my father just let me know people had been condemned to damnation for less and left me to draw my own 8-year-old conclusions from that.

[dkel]

@hozn 98539 wrote:

I will admit to having no idea why you would bless a bicycle;

Same reason you would bless anything: meals, marriages, Communion, whatever. Keep in mind this is not something done in private: the act of gathering together for this common purpose has the power to change hearts and lives, and the blessing is carried with each person as they go their way. Think of it another way: when I started riding to work at the church, there wasn’t a lot of talking about bikes around there; this congregation has gone on from there to thinking I’m crazy for riding all the time, to thinking that riding is a positive thing for the community, and they are now acting on it by making it an expression of their faith. This has got to be a good thing, even if you’re not sure how the whole blessing thing works, or whether it works at all. Chalk it up to “mysterious ways.”

[dkel]

@Riley Casey 98538 wrote:

Just one question and if you have the right answer you just may convert an atheist to your way of thinking. Will this make the hills significantly easier?

“Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” Isaiah 40:4. Unfortunately, that’s prophesy, so I don’t think it will help you on the hills. Sorry. Maybe you’ll feel lighter after you come out for the event…

[hozn]

@dkel 98542 wrote:

the act of gathering together for this common purpose has the power to change hearts and lives

Yeah, I was being half serious, I guess. As frivolous as it may sound to compare a transportation tool or sport equipment to a lifelong vow of matrimony or the body/blood of Christ, I realize that is not the point; this is a social ritual. If it makes people feel good or makes them like cycling more, it can’t be bad. More blessings all around!

[dkel]

We had a nice bike blessing yesterday, despite the wind. Probably 20 people there, though not everyone went for a ride with us. Saw GB with two of his bikes, and enjoyed meeting and riding with bikesnick. The reception was lavish: fresh fruit, water, tea, Gatorade, crackers and cheese, and Cliff bars! If I remember, I’ll post the little service leaflet so everyone can see it. It was a fun event!

[bobco85]

@dkel 98623 wrote:

We had a nice bike blessing yesterday, despite the wind. Probably 20 people there, though not everyone went for a ride with us. Saw GB with two of his bikes, and enjoyed meeting and riding with bikesnick. The reception was lavish: fresh fruit, water, tea, Gatorade, crackers and cheese, and Cliff bars! If I remember, I’ll post the little service leaflet so everyone can see it. It was a fun event!

That explains why GB’s bike had a slight glow to it when I saw him this morning (saw each other at the bike racks)!

[Author]

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