21 Mountain Bike Meccas

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

There are so many great memories associated with Moab, Utah.  The first time I met Kokopelli was in Moab. What an icon for a great mountain-biking destination.  Year one of riding in the “mecca” of mountain-biking, meant getting up at 4:30 a.m. to hit the trails before the temperature-rise. At the end of rides, the local water park became a haven of survival in the desert!  On the flip-side, there are memories of the 15 mile (seven hour), when half way through the ride, we all stopped at the top of the mountain and had a snowball fight–and yes, it was summer and we were still in Moab!  Other years, my experiences in Moab included a ride with Shaun’s March. He was doing a photoshoot, but he and his team took time out of their busy schedule to ride with us. I vividly recall how easy Shaums made all the drops seem; it’s no wonder he is a world-known competitor and coach.  His mountain bike was impressive as well. It seemed his suspension had no limits, and his skills had no boundaries.

Accommodations were always varied and diverse in Moab. The D/D crew camped at Slick Rock, set up tents at different campsites, rented cabins, reserved condos, you name it, we’d done it.  The end of each ride-day gave way to swimming, trips to the Jacuzzi, a walk around downtown, or dinner and a movie. Whatever we chose to do, we enjoyed ourselves off the bikes, as well as on. It’s no wonder Moab, Utah is pegged, a mountain-biker’s mecca.  There is nowhere else in the world quite like it.

Lord God, I give to my our times and seasons, my ups and downs, the local fun I enjoy, and my trips to ‘’bike meccas.”  I will remember to show gratitude for all you have done in my life, and I will not forget to share your amazing story: Jesus Christ my great Redeemer.

Challenge 21: Do you have your own mountain-biking mecca?  Write about it—tell someone, or even better, invite a friend and go hit that awesome trail!

*D/D  Dawn to Dust Mt. Bike Club of AZ