34 New Beginnings Portland, OR: Keep Riding

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

2 Corinthians 2:14  NAS@1995

Moving to Portland, Oregon brought about many changes in my  life.  Having grown up in the arid southwest, I came to realize I wouldn’t melt during Portland’s constant, soft, winter rain.  The moderate climate in Portland took some time to get used to, since the long hot summers in Arizona always seem to end with July monsoon rains and lightning shows.  On the other hand, Oregon rains end in July, and summer sun begins right around July 4th with sunshine, and warm temperatures.  Everyone welcomes the sun by spending most of their ‘’off’’ time outside at markets, camping, kayaking, fishing, running, hiking, and of course, cycling and mountain biking. 

Oregonians are careful to maintain trails for hikers and bikers, and there is rarely a mixing of the two. The weather dictates the caretaking of trails in order to upkeep beautiful forest paths. That took some getting used to as well.  I was accustomed to “tearing it up,” and ripping down mountain bike trails on the rugged southwest mountains.

Mountain biking has been a journey that has taken me to numerous places, introduced me to many people, and given me opportunities to make lifelong friends.  I will always appreciate the privilege and time afforded me for small beginnings, years of training and racing, as well as leisure time for riding.  It is my hope that mountain biking will continue to be a great sport accepted by generations to come, and that trails will remain open to riders for many, many years.  My views of places and rides is intended to allow readers to gather a sense of the many places not so far from home  that are conducive to mountain biking, and to inspire riding, as well as living life to the fullest.  My expectation is that the challenges given in my blog, although basic, will prompt readers to get up, suit up, and aspire to reach new heights.

I am grateful for the many years of riding I have experienced.  I appreciate all of the people who made it possible for me to participate in the great sport of mountain biking, and I admire the passion of each rider to maintain integrity on and off the trails.  With each challenge, I press on to the mark set before me–and will resist the temptation to choose the easy road.

Challenge: Ride. Give life your best. Share it with others.