Bike Detroit

Tonight’s ride was really about the group more than anything else. The two of the three dive bars we made it to will leave a lasting impression on all who ventured out with us. Missing form tonight’s ride was Dan and Val as well as John and Michael, the 4 of them sure did have a positive influence on our last sojourn and hopefully they will be back out with us next week. New to the group was Rick and Amy, Lisa and Scuba ‘motor city brew tours’ Steve made their long awaited return as it has been about a year since they last ventured out with us. Rick was kind enough to map the ride so that people can see the route and more over the circle tour we took around LaSalle Garden Park. Everyone agrees this place is magical and the collection of Architectural Styles is nothing short of Amazing!

Our first stop was quite a haul out to the northwest. Toms Tavern (7 and Wyoming) first opened 4 years before prohibition began. Gus the old Greek’s pictures still adorn the walls as a portrait of the infamous Bill Bonds hangs nearby. Billy boy had a wry smile as he was leaning into a beautiful Blonde many, many moons ago. This place is as old school as it gets. It may very well be the greatest dive Bar in the entire City. If it was up to me it would willing get my vote! The shop keep was startled at first with the some 14+ bikes we asked to bring in? Control freak statements made by both, we streamed them or shall I say, piled them into a corner and ordered a full round of PBR’s for the entire group. If it is not Motor City Brew Works beer then make it a Miller or PBR. There is a spot in the floor near the corner of the bar entry that has settled some -18-22″. That’s right a real dive in no uncertain terms. We think it is the ultimate test to see if one had too much to drink? If you have, you may very well be on your way down, quite literally. My main man James pulled a wheelie as he came through the door opening and with fond fare-thee-wells; we headed out east to find the long since buried Conner Creek Watershed Trail.

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A quick dip south and a left on Clarita we headed east on thru the University district, on up to 7 mile where we made our way through the Palmer Park central trail once again. Snaking around the northern most tennis court we cut across Woodward and onto Nevada Street. Next we heard the roar of a south bound train, then a Whoosh as James sprinted on by, doing his own version of beat the train! He chose wisely, (Indian Jones Last Crusade) and waited for the rest of the group but he swears he could have made it? (Dirty Mary/Crazy Larry) comes to mind. Although my eyes are getting on in age, it looked like a potential ‘T’-bone to me. Waiting on the train big Mike found the opportunity he needed to adjust his seat and with the train gone by we crossed I-75 on East into the old farmland beds that used to follow the Conner Creek watershed trail out from Palmer Park.

Realistically Nevada does not feel particularly good in-between Woodward and old Mt. Elliot, but as a group the Bubble of good intent has a strange and powerful effect on those who perhaps are a wee bit disconnected from the stream? It was Dark as night fall when we all finally arrived at the Two Way Inn. This is the oldest Bar in Detroit, in good working order, not really a dive. For History’s sake we thought it best to include it on tonight’s run. Rick and I spoke about how he was “feeling it a bit” and the group decided to head on back to the Brewery as it was getting near 10:00 p.m. The Comet ride down to the Comet Bar would have to wait until another night. Perhaps we will include it on the return from the Tap Room trail in the near future.

As we all left and headed our way down to Caniff, Brazilian Butt, Jen and the young Bucks Drew and his Pal could not hold back any longer they were gone! 20 something young men chasing hot 30ish tail, sounds about right to me! Out of sight and wonderfully out of their minds, deep down into their lungs looking for Air. Man some of the riders can really fly! By the time the rest of us made it down John R and back to Motor City Brewery they had their beers half way finished and their Pizza’s sitting hot on their plates. Good sprint! Again my special thanks to Amber our group’s unofficial photographer. What her eyes see is truly a beautiful sight and hopefully will be an inspiration to those of you who wish to ride with the group someday. James is a Lucky Man to have found his own tower of Pisa.

Bike Detroit! James Meyers, bike explorer

From Ken, one of our riders: I just wanted to say, thank you VERY MUCH for a great time last night. Granted I wasn’t expecting such a ride, but I feel great today… (a little sore) but I want to say thanks for the guidance, and words of advice to keep me pedaling.

If you’re interested… this is what my phone documented as far as the path we took… it might be off a little bit because it wasn’t keeping constant GPS signal… but still quite a map.

Hope to see you soon!

Tonight’s ride had good anticipation as Amber posted on our Facebook page that her and James were coming down for some Carbs prior to the ride and had asked if we would be joining them? Running a bit late Jen and I relaxed on in as she was excited to see Val and I was excited to see the new Bottling line fresh in from Italy. We all enjoyed talking and sharing as the group assembled. Upstairs I looked out on the open deck and saw Craig Vick out there already enjoying a good conversation with Amber and James. I thought for a minute about ‘Group’? Tonight’s ride was filled with people who had never met nor had been on a ride before. A Doctor, Overseas purchaser, Architect, Artist, Brewers, Salesmen and House wives all assembled. By the end of tonight’s ride it was like we were all old friends. Kids again playing free!

As we swung out of HJ’s parking lot a heavy west wind hit us all firmly in the face. It would have been a hell of a slug out going west against the 25 mph breeze so we put it to the group to ‘Tact’ the wind like we were sailing, north then south. A cry for the ‘Stone House’ went out and we shot north for the first of many sprints. Ms. ‘Brazilian Butt’ on her new composite road bike caught up with me north of Wayne state Campus and she said that I rode pretty fast and her words “let’s go” came next. I did just that I let her go and kept the group in eyesight, her in front the rest in back. In the middle of the bubble as it were. Back and forth, one attack after another we were all pushing hard, Dan flew by then Jen, than John, back and forth we all of the way north of Mc Nichols. Dan sprinted up and said let’s take John by the Orchard that him and Dan donated. Funny thing was John had not been up to the Park since we started all those years ago. I took the group through the Historic Apartment district then turned right on Hamilton so John could see what he had helped create. To the tip and then right around we headed back down, entered into the park near the mounted Police building. I saw my favorite friend ‘Elmo’ and had to say Hi. Next we took people by the composting operation currently underway then on into the woods via the Asphalt trail.

In less than 20 yards in you are quite literally in another world. People are always amazed at the sudden magnificent change that occurs when you step foot or pedal into a Virgin Forest. With one fallen log laying in the way the mountain bikers hopped over where as Ms. Brazilian Butt had to unclip and walk on over, I think she bitched just a little bit. May this be fair warning to all that please come out and join us; we recommend an urban cross over or Mountain bike for our rides. Charting our way north we all scrambled a bit as we made our way through the 12th precinct parking lot on over 7 mile and on into Palmer Woods. John or James, maybe both asked if I could take the group by the ‘Big Houses’. First we rode by the last standing Fisher Brothers mansions then North to see the rest. Along the way we said hi to Barbara Barefield who was out visiting neighbors. Winding our way through, slowing down to take in the trees and the architectural magnificent we finally found our way out to Woodward and with a quick hairpin we soon found ourselves on Ralston sliding on in to the Stone House once again.

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A group of Vespa rider’s (mods) bikes were first to greet us while the larger leather clad Harley’s, (rockers) grouped just north set the tone for what we would be experiencing next. As I strode up the steps first one of the Harley riders said, “We are not going to have any trouble with your gang are we”? I said 2)-Two wheels right as I made the peace sign with my right hand? He said come on in. We made our way past the groups crowded on the famous front porch taking in the Sun and headed in for 3-4 pitchers of beer. The sprinting all the way north had us thirsty and ready for Carbs! (See the pictures). After a good 30 minutes of relaxing and fun the sky north started to turn dark cloud grey. James had the weather chart on his phone saying that a tail whip would be coming in for us shortly. The wind started to swirl and we took it as a sign from above that we should go. Val said lets Hamtramck it on over to the Pink Lady. Sounded like a great idea to me.

We headed wrong way south for a block so we could turn left and head right way east on over to the north south connector that would bring us to Nevada street. Jen and the Brazilian Butt girl blew by me taking away about the triathlon she was getting ready for, (damn hot chick in shape runners, I thought to myself) I practice my middle bubble justification again and simply watched them soar on bye! Needless to say, I did not mind the fleeting view! As we turned right on Joseph Campeau I looked back to see Johns brother Michael falling a bit behind. He had already ridden down earlier from Ferndale and given his old school steel bike, he was perhaps feeling a bit winded. Circling back we talked briefly about bike upgrades as we followed the ‘Hot Chicks’ to the Pink Lady. Back in the 90′s it was called something else as I remember standing like a smelly sardine in an over packed can to watch Buck Cherry sing on about some crazy bitch. Once again the Bar keep said bring um on in as we asked if we could. To coin another musical group phrase we tried, ‘Riding the storm out’ as REO Speed wagon once put it. But after a few pitchers more and James’s ever present radar phone app., we decided we could wait no longer.

John kept going out to check and see and with a brief pause we mounted up and made ourselves ready to embrace whatever Mother Nature aka the ‘Holy Spirit/Shekinah’ had in store. The sky crackled then unzipped and what came down was a bit more than the heavenly flow quite literally it was the heavenly stream! I was sure glad I wore my waterproof sandals, waterproof yah right, maybe the straps but the rest of me including my underwear file dup like water balloons all ready for the fight. We all sprinted through the flooding, swelling, clogged drains that always seem not to work just when they might really be needed. Okay I will admit it, I did not practice group so good from the Pink Lady all the way to MCB. I sprinted all the way back. I trusted that 3-4 of the others new the way back home. When we all got there cold and wet Dan brought out a skimpy mid-drift cut MCB shirt for Ms. Brazilian Butt. Val said what about me? Dan came back with one for each of the ladies. Cold thermometers Val call out- noticed what happen next was an impromptu photo shoot as all of the ‘Motor City Brewing Girls’ worked it for the Camera. Man what a Sight!

Bike Detroit! James Meyers bike explorer

The winds of seasonal change were up and running again and with sunny clear skies predicted this time we were ready for whatever the chill of darkness would bring. Big Mike made time to come on down and join us as we were presently surprised by ‘Honest Jeff’ who came on over from HJ’s. He was stoked and ready in a ‘Specialized’ kind of way. We were all ready for the next great mountain bike adventure. Tonight’s ride was a 32-35 miler scheduled to travel into and through 28 different Parks.

Mike started to Belly ache when he first learned of the proposed distance for tonight’s ride. The words, ‘Heavy Pull’ came whimpering out of his mouth. A word usually associated with describing a female Cat came to mind? Instead I chose silence as Jeff took the stage and said he was ready for it! Blasting canfield to Buchanon west once again we were on our way with map in hand as it would be stuck to my handle bar and consulted often. Crossing over I-94 on Warren we made a quick turn down McGraw and hit three parks right in a row! North bound on Braden Street we entered into Park #8. A quick left onto Kirkwood we headed west to Lanyo then North on into Dearborn traveling down the hidden Mountain bike trail that runs parallel to the Rail road track dumping us out on Wyoming. North across Warren we turned left on Morross St. and headed on up and over to ‘X’ marks the spot. This park is slated as a potential spot for an Urban Farm Hub. ! of the 5 that we feel has a strong enough viable local residential community who might enjoy riding or walking on over to support the park system. In a world without cars, then what? The neighborhood is comprised of the intersection of Esper and Littlefield Blvd. The Masonic Mark and homes that Anchor each corner are unmistakable.

There are 3) ‘X’ mark the spots or in François De-troit. The second visible ‘X’ can be founded northwest in Redford Twp. Fordson Hwy and Plymouth road. The third ‘X’ is hidden but if you trace out the 45 degree alignments it will guide you through the center of U of D Mercy and hit the mark where Mr. Palmers father in laws Log Cabin would have been. Okay back to the ride. Through Anthony Park we turned right on Mark Twain and in through park #11 heading Northwest. Northwest turn through park #12 we turned west on Westfield and made our way to Stopel Park #2, which for us was #13. As luck would have it only two blocks away we were all pushing fast and hard. Westfield eastbound is about 4″ higher than the west bound at the center line crack. Jeff was drifting to his left and did not see the split. He went down hard like someone had tackled him? I stopped dead in my tracks in disbelief? Bloody knee dripping, yet saying he was ready to go, we finished the 2 block jaunt over to Stopel, hopped the kerb and set our bikes up against a virgin oak tree. Dan shared with the group about the proposed ROI urban Farm orchard that had been submitted a few years back. We hope another uncovered and polished Jewel in our proposed emerald necklace. Yet another ROI park initiative expressed as a way to pay for the upkeep and improvements for the park, for the good of everybody.

We ditched on the trail further west and decided to head straight north through Oshea Field crossing over the great I-96 pedestrian bridge we arrived on the ‘Other’ side and stopped to ask Jeff what we should do next? The truth of it was that every time Jeff bent his knee the blood started up once again. The call was to turn right onto Fullerton and head everyone back east along the old Massey Ferguson industrial road. A few miles east we turned right onto Grand river and started slapping the peddles hard all the way back to Midtown. Try as we may we did not find one single bar or watering hole open the entire length down. Grand River is DEAD! 8 miles of waste land. Not at all like it used to be when the Olympia stood its ground.

We all decided to head on over to the Woodbridge Pub to enjoy some fresh Apps and some healthy discussion about People for Palmer Park. Jeff seemed caught in the middle of a good heartfelt sometimes heated discussion but given his gentle demeanor he really did not mine that Dan and I were hogging the show. From there it was back to MCB for one more than back on home to our families.

Bike Detroit! James Meyers bike explorer

Tonight’s ride started with the understanding that by the time we would be making it back to MCB it would be close to freezing temperatures. Dan, Jen, and yours truly assembled in the parking lot to begin the ride with a intense sense of excitement. It was going to be a real adventure for Dan and Jen, as they had never been to most of the 22 parks that were scheduled as a part of our tour. With the NW wind blowing in our face we were kind of glad to be heading into the wind first rather than later. Off like a shot across the pedestrian bridge the Lodge Freeway quickly was put behind us as we made our way west on Buchanan St.

It is not as easy as you would think cutting straight through the center of abandon parks, where the footpath quickly gets lost in peddle high grasslands. Making quick work of our first 4 parks, we stopped for a brief moment near Joy and Dover to take into our sights two original American Elms that stood as a couple. The two that stood as one, in the face of the Dutch Elm disease that claimed the lives of so many of their friends. Another Land grab blocked our proposed route as we made our way west from Rose Lawn down Westfield. When is all the land grabbing going to be put to a stop? Charting our way around down to Joy, two blocks west and then North again is a pain in the rear, literally. Just as we made our way around this obstacle Val called to say I am here and it was at this point Jen wanted to turn back but at Dan’s insistence we carried on with the Journey.

Making our way over 96 just west of Greenfield, we found ourselves on one of if not the longest pedestrian overpass in the city. The view high above the freeway will not soon be forgotten. From there we charted north into the Historic Grandmont neighborhood that neither Jen nor Dan had ever seen. It was as we were crossing Grandriver the NW wind came looking for us and a chance to push us back and down. It was at this point Both Dan and Jen were calling for a break. We stopped for a minute but then thought it best to continue on with the Journey. The next stop was the now abandoned Cody High school were the Full Moon floated over the Moorish influenced Architecture. We slowed down to ponder the significance of the symbols as I elaborated in typical unveiling fashion. From there we could not make it much further and stopped for a Break at the gas station located at the corner of Lyndon and Meyers after our brief tour of Butzel field and the Historic Cemetery that seems to be all but forgotten…

Crossing back over 96 at Cherrylawn we all agreed that this is the longest pedestrian bridge as it spans the Davison interchange as well as the 8 lane freeway. Flying down the ramp on the other side we quickly made a turn into our next Park that had benefited greatly from recent improvements. Standing under the shelter we pondered our next move and with hands and digits starting to freeze we all agreed it was best to get going and get back to meet up with Val. The ride from there was most remarkable with a brief stop at Central High school where once again we pondered the deeper meaning of the English influenced Cathedral turned school in front of us. More symbols revealing the intent of the founders. Understanding symbols unlocks the Mystery. A quick right turn we enjoyed LaSalle Blvd. the Western Pillar to the original Master Plan. We stopped for a minute in the center of ‘Strength’ LaSalle Gardens to take into consideration the Sephera and feel the flow of the underlying tree. From there it was onto Pallister on over and down 3rd, were we slowly made our way back, from where we once began.

Bike Detroit! James Meyers, bike explorer

Spring was quickly getting run out of town with the third day in the 80′s. I was concerned with fruit bearing trees being exposed to another blow of winter breath. Wow it feels like summer! Jen was ready to ride, so was Dan, geese kids again, Yup! As we started to gather around we soon found ourselves joined by Amber, Connie from the Suicide Squad, James and Lauren feeling right and what would it be without late coming Mike, riding in from Ferndale and ready to bike.

Tonight’s ride was a visual honor. Colors of the spoke to the wheel ready to ride; diversity is the celebration of life. The silencer to the monolog that keeps us all apart is the bike, the trail or the ride. Dan was willing to take point as tonight’s ride was not planned out/informal. We sharked by HJ’s to see if anyone was around, circling back we pedestrian bridged our way to Buchannan and headed out to the way west.

Street after street on the outside of Mexican town, which might as well be called Mexican city given how far north and west it really has expanded was alive with community life. The smell of home cooked food was thick floating through the warm air. The view was filled with families spilling over from patios onto steps and walkways, then into their yards, and in some wonderful occasions, right into the street! Sweeping in the back I was able to say hello to so many people 1/2 in English and half Ola if you please. Okay at first maybe there could have been some judgment, or perhaps a little of that conversation in the head? Jen would say “oooh wait”, then the smile, then say hello, sure is a nice day today.

Heading South on Springwells it was feeling a little rushed. Only Charlie’s place left open on the west side. They unlocked the back patio, we brought our bikes in and were picnicking about when Dan emerged with 8) award winning PBR’s. Amber made mention of being here last year, the others smiled on in and soon the much anticipated Taco Truck Debate was upon us. From there we flew south to Jefferson in the Delray. Quick stop Ma Kovacs, circa 1896 and sadly we think the place is presently^ forever closed . Darting down Jefferson, Dan thought he could talk the Ft Wayne security Guard into a quick sharking but we were denied. Continued Bridge underpass, “yeah we closed down Jefferson Ave in the name of fear!” merry-go-around-to- fort right on downtown. Right again at the modified watershed hill, we found Jefferson Again. Back side Post Office sprint behind us; we caught our breath as we all turned onto the river walk for some people surfing.

Unlike other nights, tonight the river walk was wonderfully aglow with many, many people. First the fishermen, then the families, then the lovers, then the clowns, we all surfed on through in and around. Sooner or later designated traffic lanes will have to be addressed and provided, if not it may very well become a Chicago kind of walk. Anyways, we slowly- nicely, (Okay Suicide Connie had every right to speak up) but still felt nice making it our way through, onto to St. Andrews.

Another PBR and soon we were off onto the Sprint Cup Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market and then back onto MCB. Amber was off to her conference call, were as others pow-we-vowed and confirmed the circle.

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers, Bike Explorer

The reminder text was sent out earlier that day. Most cannot help being caught up in the patterns of life. For me it’s 9:30 lights out 5:00 a.m. lights on. The conversation in my head was telling me the Same-o-lame-o. A Bike Detroit ride is always aimed at the silencing the conversation forever. Dan met up at 9:45pm at the Palmer house so we could both catch up and talk about the inspiration of the new moon and why it is so important to us each and every month.

The new Moon represents the doorway that is open, No waxing-waning effect, no weight of la Luna’s water cycle upon us. Abraham knew this and used the cyclic opportunity to open his heart and avail himself to the Heavens divine inspiration. The seekers of heartfelt intent might ought the same.

The police bike came off the hooks, out of the cobwebs and onto the road tonight. We talked about it long enough. Would it fit Dan’s frame or at worst be a loner on and for anyone who was without? A few adjustments to the seat and we were off flying through Streetlight pole’s stripped Palmer, on our way to the Third Ave blast straight on down fast and funning. Dan been off the bike all winter, a few more adjustments were made, while working on downtown.

Needless to say, or yup we were about 10 min late in arriving at MCB, we ‘slight sharked it’ and slid onto HJ’S for a beer and good catch up conversation. The same page of a two sided circle is Harmony and Peace. Seek the doorway and enter there in, a must is a heartfelt friend.

Flat on through WSC, north on second passing the Fisher, the empty silence of the doorways at night, let the starlight shine on down, breathing in, out, up, practicing all the way back to Palmer.

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers, Bike Explorer

What a beautiful Day! Jen called to tell me that even though we have nothing officially scheduled she wanted to do a ride tonight in honor of one of her oldest friends who was in town from Kansas city. Welcome Michelle! Meeting down at MCB Jen had a chance to catch up with one of her earliest childhood friends where as I unexpectedly found myself being interviewed for a proposed documentary film on what we were doing out at Palmer Park? All I could ask is what this fellow’s intent was? He was shocked to learn that the proposed urban Farm was set upon Rudolph Steiner’s Bio-Dynamic farming principals. You never know who or what you will meet or find when you head on in and out for one of our bike rides. Seeing the ‘Good-ness’ of Jens elementary school friend reminded my I really fell in love with my wife. A good heart is truly inspirational!

With lighting streaking up the sky we took off on a simple run down to the river walk and onto Andrews. There was absolutely NOBODY on the river walk. Only us, the wind and the silence of the lazy Detroit river gently flowing by. In the miles that ensued emptiness and peace is what we all experienced. Stopping at Andrews as our turn around spot once again our Big Ole Burly Man bar keep was singing ‘Air-Supply’s’ All out of Love, all I could do is smile and smile as he and his friends were having a Dart throwing competition.

We started to head back and thought a sprint of the Dequindre cut was in order for our out of town guess. She asked why this was the only rail to trail conversion? Wow what a good question? From there we snaked through Eastern Market as we made our way back to MCB, fond-fair-thee-wells ensued and with a quick hug we were on our way back home to our sleeping children.

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers, Bike Explorer

What a beautiful morning! We met up at Palmer Park and jumped on one of our new favorite LaSalle Blvd to enjoy a leisurely ride down to Cork town. It was really hard to believe but big Mike actually was relaxing? The first time I had seen this in quite a while. The goal was to arrive in time to see Jen run in the 5k race and perhaps stick around to enjoy the annual St. Patty Parade. Making it down was silent and peaceful. On Sunday morning it always is, no matter what street you find yourself on in our great city. Mike made a comment on how “good this part of the city feels” and thought it would be great to add this route to one or two of our scheduled rides this year.

Arriving around 10:00 a.m., way early, it was great to see some of the eventual 7000+ runners warming up in their green running shirts. No cars just people, Now We Getting Somewhere as Donkey would say. Mike made a quick call to his lovely wife Lisa seeing if she wanted to join us downtown? We headed back up to Honest Johns for a quick break and from there Mike headed north back to Palmer and onto his home. I spun about and headed back to Cork town in just enough time to see my Sister in Law, Kelly chug on by where Michigan Ave meets Trumbull; Go Sis!!!

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers, Bike Explorer

41 outside sun was shining, I knew this was a rare afternoon in early February season. Inspired from the Annual Bike-Detroit meeting from 10 days ago I was set, bound and determined to ride this newly proposed mid range bike route. Basically a 23 mile route that interconnects 20 Parks along the path less traveled. This was our proposed ‘Inner’ loop of our 3 part offering of the ‘Emerald Necklace’ plan we have been working on for the past 3 years.

It was a great first time out, many Parks were open and others were land grabbed shut? I wonder who I can contact at the city about this? Do any of you know where I might send an email to? Okay back to the trail…. I found 4 great pedestrian ways of getting over the expressways and railroads. A few of the areas out near west Chicago and Wyoming did not particularly feel that good. The route was edited earlier this morning! All told 28 miles traveled including turn around. One historic footnote to bring high end camera, shoot and share Cooley High School etching and symbolism left in and over many an outside wall, so that in turn we can share with all of our friends.

I am thinking 1 more edit session and 2 more test runs to make complete. Our hope is to finally have all of our maps published by March 15th, just in time for the 2012 season.

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers, Bike Explorer

Thanks again to brother Dan, today’s exploration ride was once again inspired by his research and intuition. We have been talking about the original city founder’s intentions for the Boulevard systems as of late and have amended our 2012 rides this season to share with people the original trails created by these remarkable men. For me, staring at the maps that had been so badly scarred by the freeway systems, it was hard for me to imagine the reasoning beyond the French influence of design, most notably the Boulevards of Paris and France and how wonderful they felt. Yet again my good friend was on to something so I decided once again to travel down a trail as of yet unexplored by our group.

In honor of the French Connection today’s journey started out the old Log Cabin Farm as it appears to me, time and again that many a Masonic trail concluded here, the old Log Cabin sitting center to the Old Log Cabin Farm, lost for ever as it once set amongst the fairways and Greens of the now private Golf club. The clock read 2:30 as I started out from the Palmer house and made my way to La Salle Boulevard. Today’s journey would be French in a couple of different ways. French for the Boulevard, La Salle named after one of the founders and thanks to my Grandma the 25% Francis flowing through yours truly. Skipping around the Northwest corner of Highland Park at Log Cabin road a few blocks further west and I found my street and turned left and entered on in.

A beautiful collection of classic 20’s residential architecture waits for the traveler just south of McNichols. I said to myself wow this is beautiful and yet another viable collection of homes that must be added to the ‘University District’ conversation. Crossing over Puritan the tune changes a bit. As I approached the Lodge Freeway I wondered east one block so I could catch the pedestrian bridge/overpass that was waiting for me, all-be-it without a Kerb cuts, just at the end of Baylis. A quick jump up and over the Kerb I darted left up and onto the overpass. I once again found myself smiling at the joy of an elevated view over a sea of endless automobiles. I wondered to myself if people would ever see how urban sprawl, commuting and burning fossil fuel really doesn’t work? Once across I found La Salle again and headed across Fenkell Ave. and on down La Salle Ct to see if there was a trail thru all of the apparent land grab, make shift barricades and illegal dumping piles. Nope, just another armpit of neglect, in need of a good cleaning and a shave. I looped back North to Fenkell and headed west on the south sidewalk turning left onto Linwood Ave. A quick left onto Oakman and I soon found myself back on the La Salle Trail.

From Oakman down to Buena Vista the traveler will be delighted to find another beautiful collection of apartment buildings similar to the Historic Palmer Park collection. Similar in differentiated style’s, set upon a smaller scale or footprint if you will. All of the lawns were cut and trimmed, no weed trees devouring fence lines. Another sight for History’s sore eyes, as the group managing this space seemed to have not lost the fight.. I continued south through a somewhat debilitated section but as I approached Courtland Ave the tune started to change. What greeted me next made me slow down. The site before me was Central High School!

The Masons once again left a mark, so clear and so concise that it made me stop in my tracks to Marvel the Cathedral/Lodge Room that stood silent before me. The center portion of the old school building felt like I was back in Europe on one of my study tours. Adorned in full symbolic array and constructed from Magical proportions, that would make Pythagoras smile, I wondered if any of the students could feel the energy of the amplified space or ever had cause to wonder what all of the Symbolic accents and Latin words meant? Slowly I circled the entire structure, enjoying the message from the still in good working order sidewalk that surrounds. From there I continued on South to the K-8th grade school, made smaller in scale yet set with Magical proportions and symbolism from the Quatrefoil to the founders Latin cryptic message still in plain site. With our kids faces stuck in hand held media streams I wondered if any, would get the founders message?

Smiling with yet another beautiful discovery, to carry with me in my heart, I continued on and down the grand old Boulevard anxiously awaiting what ever would meet me next. Boston Edison is most beautiful west of the Lodge. The sections near Woodward perhaps are grander in scale but the overall feel and sense of community, at least to me, appears warmer west of the ‘Lodge’ freeway. West Chicago, Longfellow all of the way to Blain all sang in similar tunes. With a brief zone of decay passed on thru, I was floored but what came at me next. ‘La Salle Gardens’ might just be the most beautiful neighborhood in all of the city of Detroit! That’s right, that’s what I just said and to think of it before today was unimaginable, as I had never seen what now stood beautifully set before me!

La Salle Blvd. South dead ends and or becomes interrupted by the beautiful La Salle Park set as a center square surrounded by a magnificent residential collection. I ditched on the idea of the central sidewalk and decided to drive around the square, not once but twice so I could marvel at the beautiful collection and expressions of Architectural history that stood there in front of me. Before today I could not even imagine the phrase Colonial-Art Deco but believe as you may, two incredible examples of this only-ever-seen style can be found on this square. To that you can add everything else you can imagine. Colonial, Art Deco, Spanish, Moorish, Tudor, Tudor Revival, Greek Revival, Stream Line, Modern and all points in-between can all be found in this one beautiful place. No other neighborhood I have ever seen, throughout the entire world, could ever boast such a display of residential Architecture!

Shocked and still amazed I continued on South through the narrows, La Salle becomes 16th or 15th it is rally hard to say. I crossed over I-94 on 14th and found my way back to 15th and took it till it dead-ended into Grand River. From there I did kind of a ‘Boomerang’ move northwest on Grand River one block to 16th and then swung in and continued south again. Crossing Warren, Forest and Buchanan the area is empty with a few houses darted inbetween the fields waiting the plow. I made my way to Butternut, (yes the white form of Walnut tree) and headed back east to 14th and on down to the River.

From that point it was a sprint, as the new viewing/recording was now done, as fast as I could peddle I passed many a mail truck rig along Jefferson Ave, onto the River walk, up the GM ramp and on through Greek town. I sharked on by the Park Bar and made my way to MCB for a break, water and refreshment. From there it was a sprint through Wayne State all the way back up 2nd to our new Palmer Home.

Bike Detroit! James Meyers bike explorer