Trail

Something I love about Onewheeling is the seemingly ceaseless series of challenges that come with the sport. It all begins with “simply” deciding to try to ride one. As you begin to “master” riding around the driveway or yard there’s a road ahead and once you’re comfortable with the road there are sidewalks, curbs, skateparks, and trails ahead. Neverending challenges—all requiring both a decision to try and commitment to surmount.

Once I felt fairly comfortable riding my Onewheel, I had to give trails a shot.  I ran into a biker on my first attempt and he asked, “Can that thing actually do trails?”  I didn’t want an audience but he proceeded to follow me, curious to see what would happen.   After my third time falling off the board (like in the first 50 yards of the trail) the biker went on his way.  That first mile of trail was tough with every root, rock, ascent and descent pushing me toward a conclusion that “trail” was just not possible.  

Returning home I searched for “Onewheel Trail” on YouTube and became enlightened.  Trail riding was totally possible!  I learned that I should have started on an easier trail; I needed to actually hit roots rather than avoid them; and I shouldn’t ever brake going downhill.  I learned from what others had shared, and today trails have become some of my absolute favorite places to ride.  

Like Onewheeling, life includes a seemingly ceaseless series of challenges.  It’s helpful to remember that challenge is not often as impossible as it may seem.  I am thankful for those people who reveal what is truly possible.  I am thankful that God chose to be born and to live facing many similar challenges to the ones we face today.  When Jesus was walking on water and Peter wanted to do it too, He did not say to him, “Peter you can’t walk on water!”  Jesus told him to come out and join Him, and for a moment Peter, too, overcame “impossible”. 

“Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬, ‭29‬ ‭CEB‬‬