From Townie to Trek: a Look Behind the Bicycle

Growing up, I romanticized the idea of living in a small, beachside town where bicycles are everybody's main form of transportation. I fantasized riding a light blue Townie down tree-lined streets to go pick up groceries or maybe buy a book from the local bookstore. But recently, that idea of fun has slightly changed. I still want to be a biker, but now I want to be a mountain biker, taking on trails with a Trek (say that 5x fast ☻).

I have the pleasure of mountain biking with my dad, and let me tell you, it's not a walk in the park. Ask him about our trips. Half of the time all you hear is the sound of my screams as we go downhill and the aggressive phrase "fruits-in-a-blender!", which has become my favorite expletive over the years. But it's a challenge; it's an adventure, and I love it. And the best part is, I get to see a visual example of what pursuing Christ looks like every time I hit the trails. Here's how:

Armor Up

Before you even hit the trail it's important to get geared up. Typically you can catch me wearing biker shorts, a Camelbak, cycling gloves, a helmet, and sunglasses. All of these items serve a purpose and make the ride much more enjoyable. In our walk with Christ, the same thing applies! Before embarking on whatever journey God has in-store, you want to be prepared. Ephesians 6:13-17 helps us out and gives a pretty thorough list of what we need:

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

We’re called to put on the full armor of God -not just half of it- and that includes truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word.

For instance, putting on truth and the Word can be translated into memorizing scripture! It’s one thing (and a great thing) to read the Bible, but it’s a whole other thing to store the word in your heart. Do that and when the lies come, your mind will already be ready to combat them with ~straight facts~.

Stay Hydrated

On the ride, 90% of the time you’ll see me riding along with the water tube thing of my off-brand CamelBak clenched in between my teeth (I tried to include a picture for reference because that sentence was incomprehensible).

Is it safe to drink water and bike down a hill at 20 mph simultaneously? I have no idea, but I do it anyway. Staying hydrated is of the utmost importance and helps sustain endurance to get through the expedition. In life, we have to stay hydrated to survive. In John 4 Jesus says,

“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst. The water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

[aka “Joyously draw water from the springs of salvation” Isaiah 12:3!!]

Finding salvation and life in Jesus tastes like that first drink of cold water you take after a workout or being dehydrated on a hot summer’s day. It is refreshing, liberating, fulfilling. Jesus is The Water of Life. Turn to Him when you’re thirsty then continuously rest in his presence and never thirst again.

Take on the Trail

Now that you’re geared up and staying hydrated it’s time to take on the trail! It can seem daunting at first, but man is it fun. Plus, it’s nice to go with my dad because he researches the trail beforehand, knows what route is going to match our skill level, and leads the way. There are twists and turns and branches and rocks and spiderwebs and so many unknowns, but there is solace knowing he is on the trail with me- and that the trail he picked is perfect for where I’m at. And it’s funny, because every time I catch myself taking my eyes off of my dad I veer off course… but when I keep my eyes fixed on him, it's easy to stay on track. Sound familiar...?

“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” Proverbs 3:6 ESV

[Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take" NLV]

When we take our eyes off of God, we get scared and disoriented and end up running head-on into trees… but when our eyes are fixated on Him there is peace and stability. Do I know where the trail leads? No. But I know I can trust who’s leading me through it. And do I know what my future holds? No idea. But I know who holds the future.

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God is with us. God is for us. And God loves us enough to give us opportunities that push us out of our comfort zone, allowing us to experience life to the fullest and glorify His name. Mountain biking reminds me of this, and I hope in the metaphors of gearing up, staying hydrated, and taking on the trails of life you’re inspired to get into the word, quench your thirst with Jesus, and keep your eyes fixated on God no matter where you’re going.

Thanks for reading- y'all are the best :)

Love, Erica

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"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" Psalm 23:4