18 at Sunrise Park, AZ.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11(NIV)

At 4:30 a.m., it’s difficult to be sure you’ve included all the right equipment and placed it into your riding bag, before hitting an epic ride like Snow Bowl at Sunrise, Park, the only lift-served biking trails destination in Arizona.  I tried to remember to include the usual: gear grease, an Alien, a Park wrench, and 4 or more spare tubes. For this trip, I made sure to wear warm winter gear, heavy-duty downhill pants, shin-guards, and elbow pads. Most riders included a downhill helmet, but I only had my regular helmet. I packed my shoes, and protective full-finger gloves, and sera eye protection. I put my water-filled camelback in the vehicle next to my bags, loaded into the vehicle and my friends and I took off.

Our destination was Snow Bowl, Sunrise Park, about 4 hours drive from Tucson, AZ.  Before dawn, the landscape was a blur at first, but the vehicles were filled with laughter, the smell of coffee, nervous anticipation, and excitement; the sun had barely begun to peak its crown over the horizon after a few minutes of driving. Then as I looked out the window; cactus began to disappear and were replaced with grassy fields, hills, and pine trees.  The smell of Apache fry bread filled the cold mountain-air when we exited our vehicles, and each of us hurriedly took our gear out of the trucks. 

It took several minutes for everyone to suit-up for the downhill, but no one left the parking lot until the last helmet clicked, and gloves, shoes, and the armor were all in place.  This seems like such a needless ritual until, after you ride the ski lift up, you find yourself at the top of a ski slope, looking down at steep drops, winding trails, and the parking lot dotted with vehicles at a distance. My heart was pounding and adrenaline pumping in my veins. I could hear nothing but shouts and see smiles as riders made their descents.  We experienced accidents on these trips; bones broken, skin thrashed, and cracked helmets, and I never heard anyone say, “I wish I hadn’t worn all that gear!” It’s not out of fear riders gear up before dropping onto a downhill trail. Rather, it’s the experienced rider that knows what is needed to be ready to “tackle the monster!” I needed the full armor!

LORD God, I consciously suit up with the armor you’ve provided, and I remember the love You include. *The helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, and “Gospel shoes,” are the starters. To finish, you’ve given me the shield of faith, and the Sword of the Spirit.

Challenge 18: Today, remember that your battle is not against flesh and blood, but against an enemy not necessarily seen with natural eyes.  Put on that armor that has been provided for life, and when you ride, don’t forget to “suit up” for the occasion.

Any memories of an awesome downhill trail you’d like to share? Feel free to join in on the “downhill” conversation below in the comments! I would definitely appreciate it!