Riding a bike has become a faith-filled experience

Copyright 2017 Pam Spano. All rights reserved.[/caption] Last year I participated in Bike the Drive here in Chicago. Now I'm in the process of preparing for this year's ride. Besides the clothing I've chosen to wear, a new bike, accessories and the food I'll take along, I had the idea that this may also be a spiritual journey. I'm not a Bible geek, but Allison Gringas is. I contacted her about Bible verses pertaining to riding a bike. She was very helpful and recommended two. Here's the first one:

"Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley." Isaiah 40:4

The Bike the Drive will take place on Lake Shore Drive. The Drive looks flat, but as I pedaled along during last year's event there were some slight hills and a few turns. Just like my faith journey. The second Bible verse made me pause and my heart pounded a little harder:

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8

Knowing that God is ahead of me not only while I ride my bike in this event, but during my lifetime made me reflect on the love that God has for me. It's not often that I contemplate that.

Copyright 2017 Pam Spano. All rights reserved.[/caption] The biggest surprise while preparing for the ride was finding a patron saint of cycling. I casually Googled it and found out that St. Madonna Del Ghisallo is the patron saint for cyclists! Here is the prayer to St. Madonna Del Ghisallo:

"Lord, protect us from harm as we go on this bike ride. Guide us away from accidents. Instill in us a level of awareness to thwart others who are inconsiderate to our vulnerability on the roadways. In your name we pray. Amen."

As a convert, my faith journey has been an interesting one. Even after thirty-plus years, I'm still learning about my Catholic faith. Who knew that riding a bike would be a faith-filled experience? Please pray for me and all those who participate in Bike the Drive.