Knee Knocker Hill: Moab, Utah

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 NIV

Fast-paced with scenic views and a challenging end, is how the trail leading to “Knee-knocker” hill can be described.  The question I asked myself before riding up the hill was, “I wonder why it’s called Knee Knocker hill?”  It wasn’t until I reached the pinnacle, and pulled over to the side for a breather and a snack, was I able to laugh and shout out, “Now I know!” 

I remember eyeing the hill on my approach.  My heart was racing because of the fast single track I had just finished. The uphill was in full view and it was a sharp vertical climb up the side of the mountain. It was as if my bike had come to a screeching crawl because of the hammering I had to do to inch my way up; intense heat was beating down on my back and shoulders. I knew (as I peddled up behind several riders), if I stopped I would have to fight to start up again.  It was too steep to do anything other than keep the pace and spin, spin, spin.  Once I caught up to the group, and we all had reached the top, our shouts of triumph were audible for miles around, so it seemed. The downhill was fast, and at the end, the trail welcomed us to rest. We spent our time lobbying for the three-foot parcel of shade provided by a small directional signpost placed at the roadside, in the middle of the dry landscape.  Once again all we could do was smile, and think about the hot tub we would enjoy back at camp. 

When it comes to life, there are both “fast-lane” experiences, and times when we can only see a little of the steep, foreboding uphill ahead, and it can be frightening at times.  That is when we clip-in, bear down, and just spin, spin, and spin. It is by your grace oh God, and by your loving hands, we gain confidence to work through those troubled times and shout in triumph at the top!

Challenge 24: Find your “Knee-knocker hill,” and spin to the top.  When you get there, before you bomb downhill, shout across the valley to let yourself know it feels great to have hammered this one out.  While you’re at it, think of a situation you are encountering right now, and face it head on!  Know that by God’s grace you’ll get through it, and by his power, you can shout out when you find yourself on the other side.