29 Southwest to Northwest: Leif Erickson Trail

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.  Psalm 1:3 NIV 

Oregon is a great place to live or visit, and in the summer it offers so many trails that are different from what I’d been used to riding in the great Southwest.  On one particular summer trip, I decided not to ship my mountain bike ahead of me for my week’s vacation in Oregon. Instead, I went to Fat Tire Farm, and the shop crew set me up with a brand new full-suspension Giant to rent. They even cut the seat tube to fit the bike to my needs!

I exited the shop, and decided to ride *Leif Erickson Trail (road), which is located right off Thurman, the street the shop was located on.  I locked up my car, put on my helmet and gear, and peddled up the street.  When I breathlessly arrived at the trailhead, I was greeted by tall trees, ferns, and a view of the Willamette River to the east of the trail.  The path was wet, the air was cool, and the view was amazing. Out and back, the ride is a good 22 miles. I had difficulty wiping the smile off my face, and as I bombed back down the fireroad, I could feel particles of mud sticking not only to my sunglasses, face, and teeth, but also down my back! 

Yes, that was a great “first ride” in Oregon, one which would be followed by many more. I am grateful to Fat Tire Farm in downtown Portland, for their prompt ability to help me size a rental bike, set me up with the equipment I needed, and provide me with the needed information for a fast, beautiful ride. I’ve revisited Leif Erickson Trail many times, and I am always amazed with its beauty and availability for weekday rides, or summer trail runs.  What a great training ride with its long, 7 grade incline. Just enough to build endurance, yet include a fast downhill back!

That was then, this is now: fifteen years later, Fat Tire Farm still does my mountain bike tune ups, and they set up races in the Northwest for all to enjoy! Next time you’re in the area, check it out—and while you’re at it, ride up Leif Erickson Trail.

Lord God, help me to enjoy the trails I ride, and the paths I tread. As I ride by towering trees, peddle around quiet lakes, or past rushing rivers, cause me to remember that I am most blessed when I follow your ways, and choose in your steps.

Challenge 29: My challenge for not only today, but everyday, is to remember that I am truly most happy when I walk in the ways of the Lord my God.  This isn’t about hyper-spirituality, but rather, it’s about walking in a way that I sense God’s presence in everything I do. I choose to get up, go out, and be who God has called me to be, and enjoy what He has called me to do! Will you join me?