Drive My Bike

This will probably be my last post for a bit, as we are headed out to spend time with our extended family for the holidays.

I don’t think I’ll be riding any bikes for a couple of weeks, unless maybe I find an exercise bike in a gym somewhere. After riding a bike on a regular basis since May of this year I’m sure it will be a bit odd not to ride. We’ll be doing a lot of walking on this vacation, so I’m sure all that riding will pay off, and hopefully the walking will help maintain some level of exercise.

Discovering biking again has been a great part of this year for me. It’s given me a new hobby which I have come to really enjoy. It has given me “accidental fitness”, as I have lost a little weight, and feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for a long time. I’ve learned I can do all kinds of things I didn’t think I could, and it’s been fun to do things that a lot of people think are a little crazy. I’ve discovered a community of very cool people that share a common interest. Probably best of all it has helped me to slow down and enjoy the simpler things in life. Who would’ve thought that a simple two-wheeled machine could do so much? Think I’m overstating it a bit? Just ask someone who rides their bike a lot… they’ll understand.

Thanks to those of you out there who are blogging about your biking experiences. I have learned so much from you all, and have had a lot of fun “getting to know you”, even if it is just in the virtual sense.

I realize that there are a lot of different opinions on Christmas in our world today, but Christmas to me still represents the birth of Jesus Christ, whom I believe to be the Son of God. In the bigger picture, this birth tells me that there is a Creator of all that we know, and that Creator deeply loves those He created, you and me, and desires to have a loving relationship with us. I believe that Baby Jesus born around 2000 years ago is The Way, the Creator Himself somehow mysteriously entering His creation to enable that relationship with us. I base these beliefs on The Bible, which I believe to be a message from the Creator to His creation.

I don’t say this to offend, and I realize that many think this a “fairy tale”, and would consider me a fool for my beliefs. Nonetheless, my beliefs are deeply rooted, well thought out, and I would love to discuss them with anyone… but that is for another time and place.

Whatever Christmas represents to you, I hope and pray that this year will be different. Our nation and our world are in a great deal of chaos. By most reports things are going to get much worse before they get better. I pray that this year your focus will not be on Santa, Gifts, Decorations, Shopping… but instead will be on People… Family, Friends, Strangers, Human Beings. Be a blessing to others this season. Our world desperately needs people who will reach outside of themselves and begin to make a positive difference. I have seen that spirit in the bicycling community… may it continue and grow.

Merry Christmas!