Lance Armstrong wrote a book called It’s Not About the Bike, where he detailed his struggle with cancer and recovery from it. He’s a survivor of testicular cancer. Seven-time consecutive winner of the Tour de France, one of the most grueling annual cycling races ever, Armstrong tells a story that is both compelling and inspirational. The book will touch your heart; it’s about life and choosing to live.

100 miles—10 hours

Last year I had an opportunity to discover the fulfillment that comes with cycling. On September 25, 2005, I rode 100 miles in the Apple Cider Century, which took place in Three Oaks, Michigan. The first 45 miles were sunny with beautiful, tranquil scenery to enjoy—including apple orchards, vast stretches of farmland, vineyards that filled the air with the sweet aroma of Welch’s grape juice and breathtaking waterfront properties along Lake Michigan. The remaining 55 miles it rained—not a pelting rain, but not a drizzle or a sprinkle either—more like a steady, consistent good-for-the-grass rain.

Successfully riding 100 miles in one day on a bicycle brought about a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. After all, sitting on a bike, pedaling for 10 hours is not exactly comfortable. Everything ends up sore.

But, it’s not about being sore and, as Lance Armstrong wrote, “it’s not about the bike.”

What’s important about the experience is what led up to the day of the ride. I committed to the Century ride when I bought my bike in April and registered for the event. Six months of training—with a plan to focus on frequency of riding, distance and speed—required dedication and perseverance.

It’s about living

Cycling is a rewarding sport—it affords quality “think time” and an opportunity to enjoy God’s creation, while releasing stress and tension. But as beneficial as it is, it’s really not about the bike. It’s about living. There is a much greater reward in living God’s way of life.

There’s a parallel spiritual analogy to consider, because God’s way of life, too, requires training, dedication and perseverance. We commit our lives to God at baptism. As we strive to be more like Jesus Christ, we must train our minds to think like Him by spending a great deal of time studying the Bible, communicating with Him through prayer, fasting, and fellowshipping with like minds.

Having a plan for becoming more like Christ keeps us focused when we become distracted, tired and discouraged. When we persevere through trials, we demonstrate our dedication to Christianity. Not only are we strengthened physically and mentally, but we also receive blessings of peace of mind and contentment.

No, it’s not about the bike. It’s about Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers” (Revised Standard Version).

It means choosing life.

Recommended reading

For further information on living God’s way of life, read our booklet Making Life Work.