Hebel: A Missio Bikepacking Adventure
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By Zach Medlin
What is it?
We're calling it Hebel (הֶבֶל) ride. As a community we've been hearing all about Hebel. You may remember it from our time studying Ecclesiastes. Hebel is the Hebrew word for "vanity" or "vapor" or "absurdity" or "ironic" or "incongruous" or "meaningless." There is not a perfect English word that fully expresses the semantic shape of Hebel, but it is my belief that we can sometimes feel it.
"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." - Ecclesiastes 1:2
Riding a bicycle is an incredible experience. The feeling of gliding or floating along is wonderful. Covering space and time while moving over sacred lands is a blessing. However, there are moments when riding a bicycle is a challenge; when riding a bicycle feels futile, uncomfortable, and even mind-numbingly dull. This is why I think bike packing is a perfect way to explore Hebel. When you have no other distractions but turning pedals, it becomes an accessible way to think about: "What is in my control?" "How can I make peace with my story/history?" "How can I honor this land I am riding on?" "How can I honor myself?" "What does this existence mean to me right now."
Hebel ride will be a two day/ two night bike riding and camping trip exploring some of these ideas. 25-30 miles each day for a total of 50-60 miles over a weekend. Open to all skill levels and all people - happening in September (specific dates and location to come).
1. Who can come on this trip?-- Everyone (who is 18 years or older)! For real. Even if you haven't ridden a bike since you were a kid, this trip is still for you. (Note: Trip will be capped at 15 people)
2. What do I need to do to prepare?-- There is going to be training necessary for this trip. Don't worry, it's not going to be crazy intense or require you to buy a Peloton bike, but we'll each need to be able to cover the distance for both days. Note: In the coming weeks we'll get together and look at training plans for specific people and different levels of cycling ability.
3. What kind of bike do I need?-- This trip will be on gravel roads, meaning that a skinny tire road bike won't work. A mountain bike will be the optimal choice for this trip, though there are other alternatives (ask Zach if you have questions here). If this is going to be your first long bike trip, renting through a store like REI, Wasatch Touring, or renting at the University of Utah will be great options.
4. Date, Time, and Land—
Date: A specific date has not been selected yet, but a weekend in late September is the aim. Ideally the weather will still be warm, but not obstinately hot like August/July.
Time/Itinerary: The itinerary will include leaving Friday night to our destination and camping for the first night. Saturday we ride and camp the second night at a halfway point on the route. Sunday we will ride the final half, pack up, and head back to Salt Lake.
Land/Route: Most of the intermountain west is still covered in snow, so the route has not been selected yet. Know that the route will either be in UT, ID, or even WY.
5. Interested?
Fill out the interest poll here.
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