30 Hwy 6: The Wilson River Trail

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 NIV

If you drive west toward Tillamook, Oregon, and parallel Hwy. 6, you’ll find one of the most beautiful single track mtb trails in Oregon.  I still remember riding the Wilson River mtb trail with my daughter. The trail was wet that day, and except for a short section that had a sheer drop off with no trees, the trail was fast, and exhilarating! I had to get used to riding over the small waterfalls, and riding my bike over eroded spots in the narrow single track; it took me a few minutes to carry my bike and jump over a small crevice, the drop-off filled my gut with butterflies!   For 15 miles the trail was nothing but tall trees, ferns, wooden bridges, long, narrow waterfalls, and of course, the Wilson River below. It was spectacular.

While riding, I was reminded that regardless of all my gym workouts, spin classes, and weight lifting, there is nothing that prepares me for a good trail except for actually riding it.  Mountain biking is not the usual aerobic workout.

With all the ups and downs, my body becomes anaerobic in a matter of minutes, and I always appreciate short breaks.  I love the sense of being able to hear nothing except for my tires spinning on dirt, and my heart beating in my chest.  I had to consciously tell myself to look up at the sky, to listen to the sounds of the Coastal Ridge, and breathe it all in. The effort put into making it up rocky sections, and the thrill of bombing downhill, sometimes distracts me from amazing landscapes. I still have memories etched in my mind of the grassy fireroad at the end; trees that began so far down and reached so high up I couldn’t see either end. There had been no sound of traffic, people talking, dogs barking, or cells ringing on this ride. What a precious gift I had been given–a smile on my face, and a deep calm that comes from being on my bike and riding the Wilson River Trail. 

Remembering the **people and places who mark our lives is a significant practice. If life is short, then rides are but brief moments to give us pleasure, and are not to be overlooked.  I pray for an attitude that causes my blessings to be highlighted. Lord Jesus, let the story of my life be that I share my joy, give away smiles, and remember people and places as a legacy to be passed on.  

Challenge 30: Do some work on your bike, or take it to a shop to have it tuned up.  Then, ride a trail that has left a mark (and I don’t only mean a scar), on you. Look around, breath deeply, and, if you have the time, take a photo or ten.  Then, share your story with someone else. You may inspire riders to get out there and live!

**When I wrote this, I didn’t know riding the Wilson Trail with my youngest daughter would be the first and last time I would enjoy it. I could not have imagined that she would one day be gone (in heaven), and this ride would be more meaningful to me than just a beautiful trail. Missing her, and grateful to have had her lead this ride.