1 The Mountain Biker

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 ESV

What does the term “mountain biker” really mean? I learned by way of example. When I began mountain biking, my experience of riding began with a mountain bike club, and racing was my “school” of learning. I gained the idea that when those two words (mountain and biker), are put together, it conjures up a sense of pride. The kind of pride that denotes a job-well-done, diligence, and seeing a thing through to the end. The name mustered thoughts of painstaking trail maintenance, riding etiquette, and diehard athleticism.

I was shown that a mountain biker has the responsibility of promoting out-door sportsmanship, even on the shortest, most insignificant mountain bike ride. Because of this responsibility, none of my rides could be considered a vacation from courtesy, no opportunity for conceits, and no situation which allows stepping on the slow guy to get to the top. Regardless of how I rode, whether solo on a single track, with friends bombing downhill, or with a club while on tour, my bike and the rides were not to be taken for granted, and the aftertaste should be considered sweet! I pursued following by example, to keep that good name intact from start to finish, and these lessons didn’t come easy!

Father God, my prayer is that I glorify you in all I do, whether it be on my bike, hiking a trail, or walking the streets. My hope is that my reputation for hard work, diligence, skill, kindness and consideration would go before me, and linger in the thoughts of others well after I am gone. I ask forgiveness for the times I was bull headed and competitive. I am grateful for the beautiful chance I’ve had to learn from mountain biking.

Challenge 2: Today, whatever you do, choose to leave a trail of encouragement, steps of restoration, and leaps of faith for others to follow. Be intentional about leaving a “good taste” in the minds of those you spend time with; esteem others before yourself and stop to observe the benefits that come from a life well-lived.

*Jot down a few thoughts you have about what you read. Share it with me, and add to the journey.