Some days are certainly harder than others and even though you may feel well-prepared for the adventure, there’ll be some days you definitely can’t anticipate what challenges will come your way.

Most of us are pretty careful about checking the daily mileage and route each day, and take a look at the weather to know how many layers to put on, but we don’t always get it right. 88 miles might not sound that tough for some cyclists, but 88 miles in steady traffic or stressful conditions can feel challenging at the outset—especially for those who’ve never traveled that far on a bike in one day before.

Generally, a little rain can feel refreshing when you’re on a long bike ride, but if you didn’t pack a rain jacket (like me!), and the rain is in combination with cooler temps and a steady wind, it may feel more annoying than refreshing by the end of the ride.

And 88 flat miles can be a different experience from 88 miles with unexpected elevation changes. The first time I cycled across the panhandle of Florida I mistakenly remarked that “it’ll all be downhill from here!” not realizing that the tail end of the Appalachian spine extends as far south as Florida, too, and the bluffs you ride along coming into Pensacola can feel more like true hills on tired legs.

So we plan and prepare the best we can for a Bike Adventure but have to be ready—as we do in life—to re-route around construction, ride through the rain, and deal with stressful road conditions or a path that may be different from our expectations.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11

We have to trust that God is in control—on this bike adventure, and in life.