On My Own, but Not Alone!

Mission Statement
What is a Rosary Run?
Ride Report

Given the late winter's harsh weather and today's unusually cool temperatures, the first Rosary Run of 2008 was solo. I have much to say about today's run, but am publishing some photos for now. Don't worry! On May 3, we will return to the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation. If you can join us by motorcycle or car, I highly recommend this pilgrimage. Sign up at the Columbus Catholic Men's Conference on April 26 or simply show up at St. Agatha Church in Upper Arlington at 9:00 AM, May 3.

Your soul will find Peace in northwest Ohio. Imagine that!

Many thanks to the Shrine Park staff for granting access to me and "RC", my 2003 Buell XB9S Lightning.

Go to the Ride Report



Station I



Holy Family (and RC)



The Holy Family



The Shrine Park Altar



The Shrine Altar



Our Lady of Consolation



Stained Glass, Oh My!



Holy Water Font

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Ride Report (In Process)
March 29, 2008 9:40 AM
US Rt. 23 North, several miles north of Delaware, OH
Sunny, calm winds, about 33 Degrees F. Despite the cold weather gear, including full-face helmet, pant liner, jacket liner, neck gaiter, and gauntlet gloves, I feel really cold. The bright sun yields little warmth. Frost glistens on the foliage near the roadside.

Because of that frost, I choose Rt. 23 instead of a rural route. Rural roads, surrounded by sun blocking trees, often retain frost through the morning on days like this one. And today I ride alone. Several people wanted to make today's Rosary Run, but lacked the gear to ride in this weather. One dedicated rider with a bad back got a steroid shot for his pain yesterday. On March 8, the Columbus Catholic Men's conference was postponed because of blizzard. I expected about ten riders to sign up at the conference, which was rescheduled for April 26.

So why do I ride today? Well, I promised Our Lady to pray her Rosary at The National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation today, if at all possible. It's possible, but uncomfortable. I didn't promise anything about discomfort. Note to self... Yes, Dad, I'll offer it up! Anyway, I'm cold, but encouraged. Why? (WARNING: CATHOLIC CONTENT: This might sound a bit unusual to people who do not regularly pray the Rosary.) I am absolutely filled with joy at visiting Our Lady of Consolation! I'm on my own today, but not alone. Having opened my heart to Jesus and Mary, they have filled it with the joy achieved through activities that tend toward them. The Rosary is the best method of meditation on the lives of Jesus and his Mother at any time. To pray the Rosary at a Shrine dedicated to Our Lady must surely enhance the meditative and contemplative depths to which we can pray. Today, I'll find out!

To be continued...

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13.14

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Men's Conference Rescheduled! New Date and New Location!

Mission Statement
What is a Rosary Run?
Register for Our First Rosary Run of 2008!

The Columbus Catholic Men's Conference, postponed by blizzard on March 8, has been rescheduled for April 26, 2008 at The Church of the Resurrection in New Albany. The Catholic Motorcyclist will be there to sign you up for the Rosary Run to The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation on May 3!

Please visit the Columbus Catholic Men's web site for more details about the 11th Annual Men's Conference.

In Christ,
The Catholic Motorcyclist


May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13.14

Click this link to send an email to The Catholic Motorcyclist

Commuting with Nature

Mission Statement
What is a Rosary Run?
Register for Our First Rosary Run of 2008!


06:18
Where's my coat? Oh, it's where I left it, in the closet. Perform departure checklist. 1) Wallet, 2) Keys, 3) Rosary. Check. 4) Hair is combed? Check. 5) Computer, 6) Phone. Check, Check.

06:21
Pay attention. I've got to move it or be late for Mass. Hop in Jeep (cage). Fire it up. Go.

06:29
Rats. I have one minute for prayers before Mass. How quickly can I pray the Apostle's Creed? Oh, never mind.

06:58
There's nothing like a little Heaven on earth first thing in the morning. But it's another winter's day. It's cold and dark. I'm tired and driving the cage. Work looms ahead. Yawn.

07:09
St. Gabriel Radio is playing a segment of "Life is Worth Living". But I'm driving out of the station's range. Just as Archbishop Sheen is about to wrap up an argument in a gift box of logic, love, and Spirit, static emerges, followed by a laxative commercial on another, more powerful station. Sigh.

07:18
The office parking lot. Gather stuff, exit Jeep. A few stars are out, but the sun will rise shortly. Is that Venus rising in the east? Hey, it seems a bit warmer. There's a cardinal singing. Lots of birds are singing. Not bad. To work.

11:42
Voice from another cubicle: "Hey, Pat, it's getting hot in here. Would you close your blinds, please?" Say, it is warm in here. The sun is bright. Closing the blinds, I notice the snow from last weekend's blizzard. It's melting! In fact, the roads are clear. Weather.com says it's 48 degrees F. out there. I've gotta get out of here. I'll go home for lunch!

11:56
The gas station's sign says $3.45 for regular. Ouch. This cage gets about 18-20 MPG. I'm spending $7.90 by going home for lunch. Nice work, Einstein.

12:04
Home. I'm in range of St. Gabriel Radio again. Fr. Corapi is expounding on Immortal Combat. "Pray the Rosary!", he implores, and "I have five degrees in Theology. Remember to be humble!" That Corapi guy could inspire the dead, and probably does! He has certainly inspired me today. That's it! Enough! I'm riding the Buell back to work!

12:27
Where are my cool-weather gloves? Oh, in the closet, right where I left them. Perform departure checklist. Lights: Good. Brakes: Good. Side stand: OK. Electrics: Fine. Tire pressure: Nominal. Helmet and Gear: OK. Ignition on. Shift to neutral. Starter on, engine start, idle at 1,000 RPM.

12:38
Departure Prayer: My Dear Lord Jesus Christ, Blessed Virgin Mary, my Glorious Guardian Angel and Dad, I ride with you! Won't you please ride with me?

12:39
Twist the throttle, raise the side stand, release the clutch. GO!

12:58
Wearing the mischievous smile of the satisfied motorcyclist, carrying my helmet and gear, I strut into the office. It's March 12. It's been a long winter. And now we ride!

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May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13.14

Click this link to send an email to The Catholic Motorcyclist

"Heaven On Wheels 2008" Poster!

Mission Statement
What is a Rosary Run?
Register for Our First Rosary Run of 2008!

Download the Heaven on Wheels 2008 poster art. Look for these posters at Catholic parishes and events throughout Central Ohio. The poster emphasizes the importance of the Most Holy Rosary and Christian Fellowship.

I hope to see you at one or more of the seven Rosary Runs this year!

Until then...

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13.14

Click this link to send an email to The Catholic Motorcyclist

Snow Storm Freezes Columbus! Catholic Men's Conference Postponed!

Mission Statement
What is a Rosary Run?
Register for Our First Rosary Run of 2008!

Today, amid the worst snow storm of Central Ohio in decades, the Columbus Catholic Men's Conference was postponed to a date yet to be determined.

I will post more information when it becomes available.

Update...

The Catholic Motorcyclist (right) and Helpful Friend (left)


Mrs. The Catholic Motorcyclist

Friends, Central Ohio is not used to 20.2" of snow in one day!
Now, The Catholic Motorcyclist considers himself to be a "rounder", someone who rides year round. But my Pirelli Stradas do not take well to nearly two feet of the white stuff.

So, let's pray for the safety of travellers and await the melt. In the meantime...

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13.14

Click this link to send an email to The Catholic Motorcyclist