Saturday, September 29, 2007, I was toodling along the River Road in Baton Rouge, LA with no particular destination. Just simply enjoying the beautiful day and having a nice ride on the backroads, just on the outskirts of LSU. I was headed from Baton Rouge to Prairieville or Gonzales or whereever the day might bring me.
On the left shoulder of the road, I pass an assortment of 20 to 30 Hondas and Harleys and other miscellaneous bikes, and their owners taking a little bike breather. Ahem, this assortment of bikes is fairly uncommon around these parts because most parts of Louisiana are prodominately "Harley towns." Either you're in, or you're out. Usually you don't see a mixture of bikes. I came to the quick assumption that these folks must be pretty friendly bikers to allow all the different brands and styles of bikes, so maybe I'll just tag along. I made a u-turn and headed back to the heard of bikes.
I pulled over on the shoulder and asked the first person I saw what their destination was, and if they minded if I tagged along. Rider #1 says, "I'm riding with my pastor."
"Hmmm....", I think to myself, "wonder why this man can't tell me where they're going or if I can ride." I wait for a minute, and ask again where they are headed. Again, "I'm riding with my pastor."
I begin to wonder just who this pastor is that no one can answer my freaking question. To my surprise, Pastor Leroy Thompson emerges from the heard. I recognize him immediately because he is somewhat of a local celebrity. He writes books and all, so that makes him somewhat famous, I guess. So, for a split second, I am somewhat excited to be possibly riding with Pastor Leroy Thompson, whose books I have purchased in the past.
I initiate conversation again, curious if I can tag along, and what their destination is. "Hi, Pastor Thompson, I'm just wondering if you mind if I tag along and where ya'll are going."
He responded, "What's you're name?"
I said, "Hope"
He asked, "Do you attend church?"
I said, "yes, I go to Walker Baptist Church"
He asked, "Are you a Christian?"
I answered "Yes"
He asked, "Have you ever been to my church?"
I answered, "Yes, when Kenneth and Gloria Copeland were there."
He stated, "That's been many years. How long have you been riding?"
I said, "Ever since I could walk good."
After a long pause, he said, "This here is a men's fellowship. The ladies are having fellowship back at the church. You can go to the church and have fellowship with the ladies. Sorry, we're not inviting you to ride today"
I thought to myself, "fellowship with the ladies?!?!? do the ladies have their bikes at the church? The chances are not likely. The 'ladies' are probably knitting an afghan or sewing a quilt or something." Instead of saying anything sarcastic or rude, I said "Yes, sir. I understand."
I cranked Cassandra up, and rode all day until my little heart was content.
I lost all respect for Pastor Leroy Thompson, and wished that he had told me anything but the reason that I couldn't ride because I am female.
He could have told me that my bike's too old, scare it won't make the trip... or that he and his men were riding to Mississippi, which would have been too far for me to tagalong... or that they were headed to a meeting and only had a certain time to get there....
In any case, I will not be buying any more of his books...
I thought times had changed.
Apparently, they haven't changed that much. Very Christian of him to turn down a fellow Christian woman biker.
