The gentle glow of pre-dawn light pulled me from slumber. The air had a chill, and I lingered in the comfort of the hammock for a moment longer before unzipping the bug mesh and slipping on my slightly frosty shoes. While stretching, I gave thanks for another day biking on the Ohio-to-Erie Trail (OTET), from Cincinnati to Cleveland. Puffs of my breath followed me around camp as I packed and prepared my bike. Another 40 miles lay ahead of me. On the other side: My Columbus-based family and a shower.
During the pandemic, I found my way into cycle touring (also known as bikepacking) when I felt the need to be outdoors. While this is not an unusual story, I was such an indoor person that it surprised me. Yet, I fell in love with being out
on my bicycle. I progressed from riding a mile to riding 15 miles to riding all day — so long as gummy bear fueling stops were included. The trip along the 326 miles of the OTET has been one of my more challenging adventures.
As I pedaled along, I realized that cycling is more than just a physical activity. It’s a way for me to actively use spiritual practices. The rhythm of the ride, the challenges faced and the simplicity of life on the road revealed several lessons that I carry with me beyond the trail. Here’s some of what I’ve learned:
1. Embrace the pilgrimage mindset
Much like a pilgrimage, long-distance cycling follows a rhythm of movement and rest. This rhythm reminds me of Jesus’ promise in John 14 to go ahead of the disciples and prepare a place for them (v. 1-4). In Greek, Jesus prepared one of the monai, “dwelling places,” or “waystations.”
Whenever I set up camp while bikepacking, I go through many of the same motions and routines as ancient pilgrims — picking a spot for my shelter, finding a source of water, and preparing a meal before moving on the next day. The routine is comforting, no matter where I find myself for the night. A routine establishes a rhythm, and it’s important to me to include prayer in that rhythm (and sometimes song, if I’m alone at the campsite). Whether through physical shelter or spiritual peace, I am reminded that God goes before me, preparing a place along the way.
2. Unpack your fears
In the world of outdoor adventures, it’s common to hear someone speak about “packing our fears” — carrying too much gear because you’re afraid of being unprepared. This mirrors the emotional baggage we carry in life. On the bike, I’ve learned the value of leaving behind what’s unnecessary and unpacking my fears. For me, cycling offers a time to explore, evaluate and release burdens; each mile gives me the space to confront the fears I’ve tucked away, to lighten my spiritual load.
3. Meet Jesus in unexpected people
Psalm 107:4-7 speaks of wandering in a wilderness until God leads us to human habitation. God’s grace and provision are greater than we imagine. When we feel lost and separated, when we call out to God for help, God leads us to others who can help us along the way.
This was made clear to me on the OTET. A couple of days after Columbus, when the wet weather and cold temps were starting to get to me, I pulled into a diner for some breakfast and met an Amish man, Herr Yoder, who was also waiting to be seated. We talked about our journeys – by horse and buggy and by bike – and how we experienced God’s love in creation. The combination of physical and spiritual nourishment was exactly what I needed to get back on the trail.
4. Treat daily tasks as sacred
The Celtic Christian tradition includes prayers for everyday activities, from milking cows to kindling fires. The concept of connecting with God in prayer while going about your daily routines is powerful, and I enjoy engaging this practice on the trail. As I go about camp chores, I use the time to pray, to sing, and to listen to the creation around me. It brings me peace and joy. My tasks become a reminder to see the sacred in the ordinary, transforming the mundane into moments of communion with the Divine.
5. Remember that Jesus is the Way
Just like cycling routes vary between smooth stretches and difficult hills, life has its easy moments and its struggles. On the OTET, there’s a fair bit of road riding, and the occasional dirt or gravel hill to climb. There are also sections shared with horse-and-buggy folks, meaning that there’s a need to dodge “road apples” left behind by the beasts of burden. There were times I despaired of reaching my campsite for the night – and times I took shelter in places I wouldn’t have dreamed of.
In the same way, we often encounter obstacles in life. Jesus’ words in John 14:6 – “I am the Way…” remind me that Jesus is with us not only at the destination but also in every twist and turn of the journey. Whether on the trail or in life, we can take strength in knowing that Jesus is with us every step of the way, for Jesus is the Way.
6. Rest and recover
On a long cycling trip, rest is essential. Whether it’s a quick break to grab some calories and take in the beauty of creation or stopping for the night, these pauses are what allow us to keep going. Spiritually, the same is true. Jesus calls us to rest in him, reminding us to take time to pause, reflect and renew ourselves. As I learned on the trail, rest isn’t a weakness — it’s an opportunity to connect with God’s Sabbath.
