Becky and I took a quick road trip this weekend to a family reunion. I thought you might appreciate this story from 2012 about climbing steep hills.
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Why does someone ride a bike up hills like this?
Better question: why did I climb this hill in West Virginia on a handcycle?
Becky shot this video from the car. The team was probably five miles ahead. You’ll notice the dangerous road – too much traffic, no shoulder, and a very slow rider.
Can’t see the video? Click here.
I suppose some folks tackle challenges like this to prove they can do it. I understand, but that’s not what it’s about for me.
I enjoy riding, but there wasn’t much joy on this slope. On this day there wasn’t even much excitement in reaching the top, because all I saw was a steep decline and another tough climb.
One teammate asked what I thought about as I crawled up this hill. It’s a good question. Aside from wondering whether I’ll ever reach the top, I suppose I try to keep two things in mind.
First, I think about the people who helped me get to this point, those who’ve encouraged and supported me and kept me going when it would have been easy to quit.
Second, I think about those for whom I’m riding, the victims of oppression, injustice, and poverty. Those folks face adversity that’s much tougher than a hill, and I want to believe if I keep going I can make a difference in their lives.
For me, the hill is a symbol of the dream I’m following and the new thing God’s doing in my life.
What’s a hill you’re climbing? What keeps you going?