7 Epic Rides

Out-and-Back to Parker Lake

 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-3 NKJV

I think that anyone who has done a forty mile mountain bike trail-ride can be thankful for products like Power gels and drinks, Cliff Shots, Cliff Bars, Paydays, Camelbacks, Alien wrenches and PADDED SHORTS! 

Gratefulness comes easy for me when I take off over a mountain pass at 6:00 a.m. to ride the un-manicured Arizona Trail, which includes fire roads, creeks, single tracks, rocky inclines and even rougher down-hills, and then to take a break.  Ah—respites never felt so good, and a PayDay candy bar never tasted as sweet.  Jokes are funnier, the ground is softer; leaning your back against a tree for a minute’s rest is never more peaceful.

Just when I think I’ll catch some “zzzs,” it’s time to jump back on the bike and hammer up the mountain.  Along with flat tires and broken chains, comes the reminder that life brings its trials as well;  I feel blessed and thankful for the hard work and sweet rewards I have received, even if they aren’t well-deserved.

Lord God, help me to remember the joy of a challenge, and the life-reward it builds in me.  Make me conscious of your inner workings through the trials I experience.

Challenge 7: It’s time for you to record an epic ride—and that means, you need to go on one!  Take photos and post them on instagram, on a blog or on a local bike shop’s bulletin board.  You’ll remember the ride over and over, and possibly do it again with someone who has never had the opportunity to do a ride like that one.  Do some drops you’ve avoided, climb a wall you’ve not been able to conquer, and dig a little deeper next time you find yourself on that out-of-the-ordinary trail.

It’s time to comment—We’re you able to go on an epic ride lately? How did it go? Share some memories and bring on the inspiration! Thank you.