Autumn is the ultimate bike riding season in my opinion. Maybe it’s the rich colors of the leaves or perhaps it’s the gentle and natural potpourri-like scent that they give off. There is refreshment to be found in the crisp temperatures and a sense of close embrace from the texture of the fog, “in this season of rambunctious transitions”, as the Weather Network puts it. Autumn and bicycling just seem to be made for each other. Even a stop for a drink of water seems to be more refreshing than ever as you listen past your heavy breathing and the increasingly present sound of nature’s muted silence to hear the timbre of God’s voice as His Spirit speaks to your spirit. Autumn rides are a powerful way to pursue, explore and celebrate the nature of God and experience how He can invigorate your spirit.
Ready to go? Get started with some tips that will help make your bicycling trips safe and successful. We have some suggestions for great locations to ride but ultimately you need to take some time to identify the best places that work for you. Plan to go both alone and with others for the maximum range of spiritual exercise. AND – if you need some connections with ministries that already have done the work to make your autumn ride truly spiritually invigorating, then read on — We’ve found the rides that are just for you.
TIPS FOR THE TRIPS
While autumn can be an especially inspiring time to ride it can also pose some unique conditions and demanding challenges. Those pretty leaves on the road or trail, especially if they are wet, can be slick and make your ride more dangerous. Rockbros Sport offers some essential tips for safe and enjoyable riding this autumn:
- Pack some snacks – you may need the extra energy.
- Make sure to check all your equipment and have the gear you need for maintenance, repair and safety.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for the autumn’s changing weather dynamics.
- Stretch before you go and as needed and be more mindful of route conditions.
Beyond these important basics, Bruce Beyerly, President of ChristianCycling.org says that apps specializing in backcountry activities can be particularly helpful for bicyclists, especially in remote areas. He says that being prepared for rain means keeping yourself dry as long as possible. Have a plan for not being able to make a planned destination, especially if you are going overnight. He recommends you take a satellite-based communication device. But preparedness for all your autumn bike trips isn’t all cautionary. Bruce offers these important tips, “Stop andenjoy the sights! It’s far too easy to become absorbed in miles-for-the-day, missing out on the beauty around you.”
THE BEST AUTUMN PLACES TO INVIGORATE YOUR SPIRIT
You’ll find that indeed there is beauty all around you when you do any of these autumn rides:
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: This roadway, known as America’s Favorite Drive, extends from the Eastern North Carolina entrance of Smoky Mountain National Park to the Southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia spanning 469 miles. Plan ahead as parts of the parkway may be closed at any given time for any number of reasons. AND, as you might imagine, in the autumn it is an extremely popular drive not just for bicycles but for cars and motorcycles too. There are plenty of campgrounds and other accommodations plus restaurants, entertainment, historical sites and more. It’s hilly – well actually mountainous. So, an e-bike would be a great option for those who need help with the inclines.
Vermont: Yes, the whole state has a reputation for being one of the best places to ride a bike for it’s scenic beauty, variety of biking opportunities and it’s well maintained trails and it’s spectacular colors in the autumn season. If you want to do mountain biking the explore over 100 miles of the Kingdom Trails or the Killington Bike Park. Want to bikepack the entire 302 mile length of Vermont then try the graveled VTXL. There are rail trails and there’s plenty of road biking and bike touring options including the 377 mile Green Mountain Loop.
Suburban and Urban Trails: If it isn’t possible for you to go to a national park or another state to ride this autumn then search for the nearest suburban or urban network of bike trails. They are often nicely maintained, offer great views of communities and give you the chance to meet people. Don’t miss the opportunity to pray for those in the buildings, homes, cars and other places you pass. Plan in advance and time it right and you can make a stop for a church service at a church that’s likely right on the trail. Here are a few networks we found:
- Chicago area bike trails
- Minneapolis area bike trails
- Boston/Cambridge area bike trails
- Atlanta area bike trails
Obviously there are many other cities, towns and communities. Search to find the network nearest to your home. Planning to travel to visit family or friends? Pack that bike because their area may have a network of bike trails. You’ll likely find that some of those areas also have bike rental options.
EXPLORE SOLO OR TOUR WITH A GROUP – BOTH ARE SPIRITUALLY INVIGORATING
When you’re riding alone this fall season there are various practices that can do to make the ride a rich spiritual experience. Bring your headphones and select some different worship music than what you usually choose. A bike ride is also a great time to listen to a Bible app. You’ll be amazed at just how much of The Bible you can cover in a single ride. Pay attention to the details: focus on both the big and small aspects of nature and observe and interact with others. Pray. Yep, solo bike rides are a great time to talk with and listen to God. Most significantly learn to simply be silent. This is one of the greatest values you can gain from a solo ride this autumn.
When riding in a group, ride for a cause, bask in and contribute to the fellowship, take turns praying aloud for each other and for the communities through which you ride. Extended trips can pack in time for deeper conversations, time for group praise and worship and other collaborative activities that will invigorate your spirit.
Groups don’t have to be large. In fact you and a child riding together may be one of the most special rides you do all season. It gives you time to talk, laugh, share, challenge and love. Let God make it one of the most special times you’ve had together.
OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE CHRIST CENTRAL TO YOUR RIDE
Doing an autumn bike ride is a great way to create new friendships, experience Christ-Centered fellowship and do some really amazing good with some awesome bicycle ministries. These organizations have the experience to make your ride incredible while achieving outcomes that honor God by meeting the needs of others. Explore where each group goes, their itinerary, what they do and how they do it. If you can’t join them this autumn season then go ahead and connect with them now to be part of a future scheduled ride.
The Fuller Center Bike Adventure. The Natchez Chase ride is sure to deliver the invigoration your spirit needs this autumn. The 8-day tour offers a great route for both experienced and new cyclists. It goes 350 miles from Nashville, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi. The Natchez Trace bike ride has grown to be a fan favorite Bike Adventure. It has all the components of a perfect Fuller Center ride…great routes, great church hosts, and a great build day! It also includes a free ride back to Nashville at the end.
Ends Cycling exist to promote and resource youth ministries in the nations. They believe everyone deserves the same access to the Gospel, and they are willing to go to the ends of the Earth to see that vision fulfilled by the power of Christ. Join them to impact youth globally. How? Pray, pedal and repeat.
Want to be part of an ongoing local bicycle ministry? ChristianCycling may be just the way for you to get it in gear! ChristianCycling exists to share Christ and celebrate cycling through riding, service and fellowship. The organization is organized by Spokes: a “Fellowship of Ministry” represented by a locally organized group of Christians and dedicated members. Each spoke takes the “flavor” of local members. Every member individually, and every Spoke collectively, is encouraged to impact their local cycling community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Join a spoke or start one.
Many churches have bicycling small groups. So, we encourage you to check with your church and see if it has one. If your church doesn’t, then consider being part of an existing bicycling small group with some other church. Alternatively, consider starting a bicycling small group at your church or among co-workers, neighbors, classmates or others in your community. CONTACT US and let us help you in making your rides Christ-centered.
If none of the ideas above make sense for you, yet you still want to make Christ central to your bicycling we think one of the best ways you can do that is to simply get involved with some bicycling group in your local area or participate in an event like the annual Kelly Brush Ride organized by the Kelly Brush Foundation. The mission of this organization is “to inspire and empower people with spinal cord injuries to live active and engaged lives.”
Shout! OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE preaches an others-minded approach to doing outdoor lifestyle activities. It’s great to bicycle and bicycling with Christians offers unique fellowship, worship, support and spiritual growth. However, beyond all of that, you’ll find that bicycling with the broader community and especially with those who have an injury, disability, disease or other condition can be a powerful experience for you and an incredible opportunity for you to be the life of Christ to others. Consider this too – there are people who do not have access to a bicycle but would enjoy bicycling. Take your interest in bicycling or your passion for the sport and go further by finding ways to be involved with others or give them the ability/access to ride. When the Spirit of God invigorates your autumn rides you’ll find that this is more than just bicycling…
