What a week, 80+ hours in, Palmer Forest Trails re-opened and now at the end of it all another bike ride? At first I just wanted to go home and sleep, but at Dan and Derek’s insistence I showed up around 6:15 and joined the Motor City Brewery Group that had been assembled. We all made our way over to Warren and Trumble Leaving the MCB parking lot around 6:30. A short 5 minute ride and we joined the massive group that was assembling for the Critical Mass Ride.
I lay down on the grassy field and joined Dan, who plopped down on the Burm in close proximity and began to stretch and talk about the weeks event. I told him that I needed to relax and thankfully he reminded me that that is exactly what I was doing at that very moment! Sometimes we get so caught up in our own invention we do not even realize when we are attempting to stand down and relax our way out of it. When good friends state the obvious we would all do wise to listen.

With a whistle blow we were all up, scurrying into our saddles, amazed at the watching of some 600+ bikes make their way around the Hair Pin turn as the Group began heading East on Warren. Complete disregard for cars was tonight’s mantra in-carnata. The anarchy was a little too strong for me, as I always hope to find a middle ground or in other words a way that feels good to the world around me as I made my way through. The path in accordance to my lovely wife Jen who had taught me this way, year’s earlier as we had begun our journey of the dance of surrender. Tonight’s ride was a statement of defiance. Cars were told without any attempt at conversation being made, that the way was blocked and that the wait was, what it was.

With the rush of all of the pedestrian energy excitement around me I started to push my peddles slowly at first. It did not take long for me to build up some speed as I began to slice my way through the masses. Just then Jim and Andy from Beat the Train fame said there hello’s and asked me how things were going? I slowed down for a minute and said my hellos but the time for catching up would have to wait until a later date. With the stress of one of the longest weeks I have had in years still clouding my internal sky I decided to put the tree trunks to good use and push up the speed just a few notches.

From the back forty to the front line I started to fly. Caught up in the excitement and in my own need to blow off steam, I selfishly abandoned the MCB Group and decided I would just air it all out and leave whatever was there locked inside on the streets of the Motor City. Soaring past the lead group I pushed up my speed past 25 and kept on going for a mile or so. For a moment I caught myself thinking about the group and slowed down and waited at Mack Ave doing my own version of blocking the path of cars as the lead group plus 150 riders passed on by. Just then a fine fellow came up to relieve me from my post and from there It was an all out selfish sprint, to reel the group back in and take off around the East end of Tiger Stadium.

I looked back and saw nobody coming. It was then I decided to head west for 4-5 miles and then back again up to the Brewery as fast as I could possibly go. I convinced myself this is what would be best for me, which was perhaps the first time all week that it was not about what is best for the clients, the family or the groups for which I am apart. It was what I needed. Making my way back into the parking lot I felt lighter, the weight of my overcommitted cloudy storm sky had turned blue once again! A quick glass and I said my goodbyes. I was off home again to the children that did not get a chance to feel their father for most of the week, I think it was me who was hurting the most as the connection to their energy stream is what my heart longed for.

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers bike explorer

Tonight’s ride was a longtime in coming. We were joined by Shawn and Joe who were first timers for this year’s rides. A total of Seven of us headed out North in pursuit of the official Mountain Bike trail that has been built in Rouge Park. Dan led the Group out as Shawn and Joe were attached to his wheel, then Derek, Ted, Matt and yours truly followed.

The way north and then west was a make it up as we went kind of event. Nobody was to anal about the map that had been prepared as we all flowed and followed suit to the route that Dan was laying down. We made our way into the Park via Tiremen and had no trouble finding the trail head that Dan and Derek scouted earlier in the day.

The trial is tight and full of twisty. In one instance Dan led the group down into a dead-end hollow, but with no blood or bruises nobody was worst for the wear. Derek and Ted took off down the road in a vain attempt to meet us where the trail came out of the woods. After about 30 minutes of cell phones and riding around the group was finally back together as we made our exit from the Park via Spinoza and headed East on Warren for about a ¼ mile and then made our way south onto Whitlock. Whitlock was a good secondary road that took us east for about 4 miles until we had to ratchet down onto Paul Street and back on home to the Brewery.

When we arrived the Green Alley was quite the community scene as Mr. Cockerel took center stage with Todd Scott and other fellows. The conversation was cordial and relaxed with Mr. Cockerel quipping that he would soon join us on one of our Thursday night rides. With a few suds down and the 30 mile trip behind us we soon turned our sites for home and our families waiting there.

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers bike explorer.

Tonight was Dan’s Birthday and it was his turn and honor to create the ride. Today’s exploration took us almost due west as we were aiming for the ‘Other’ side of telegraph road. What, not in Detroit anymore sounded like a lot of fun to me. We took off on McGraw as Dan brought us west we all took turns swinging high and low along numerous side streets that flank Michigan Ave. He led us into a back road that circumnavigates to the South of the City of Dearborn Municipal Complex. Wow this is way cool and to all of us, unknown until just then.

Making our way across Telegraph and sidewalks that travel in the opposite direction is always a bit unnerving for me but what the hell? I mean the Beatles sang about being one’s birthday. We landed at a Glass Making Factory/Education Training Center which was hosting an open house party/fundraiser so that locals could see what was going on. The work was great, the Artist were talented-cool, the directors had light beaming out of their eyes and of course the Beer was great for Motor City Brewery had donated most of it. It was a bit obvious that we were not dressed for the part but none the less were all well received. First by virtue of our travels and then again as the word got out, by the virtue and purity of the beverage’s all were enjoying.

Dan’s lovely wife Val showed up with their two almost twin like butterfly children they created. The butterfly dance engulfed Dan’o in a cloud of loving irresistibility as he was ushered away off from us to look, see and check out the event, Val and I had a chance to talk and enjoy some wonderfully honest conversation. Hate to break it to all the studs out there, without the balance and reason of a good woman a man cannot transcend the distance between his head, then to his heart and finally onto his feelings. Their beauty is the center of the tree of life and to which only confronted with are we inspired to change.

A few minutes on I had to wonder about Jen and our butterflies? Man I wish I had learned more about the plan and had been able to invite them in to visit with their two friends and enjoy Dan’s birthday with a night all out together. Feeling homesick I started to chide a little saying that I was going to take off and head home. Remembering and listening to the children’s voices, my own self created heartache was tugging and pulling at my legs, calling me home. Dan asked for a few minutes more and was not to be denied. The way home was similar to the way there as we darted and swooped in an explorative manner. The roads to the north and south of Michigan Ave., all the way back home.
Bike Detroit! J. Meyers bike explorer.

All loaded up I hit the trial and first made my way to Chanticleer. A pleasure garden, located about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia it was a nice beginning to another fine day. From there I made my way over to Longwood Gardens. A beautiful and expansive collection of historic and interpretive gardens, left to us all by the DuPont family. This is the greatest garden in the USA. Surpassing the French inspired indulgence of the Biltmore Estate, stepping away from the Draconian undertones of Kykuit this place is spiritual. On no less than 4 separate occasions the spiritual shivers befell upon me, making my hair stand on end. This place is magical, not about the house but perhaps rather about bringing the Kingdom of Heaven down to the Earthly plain, just below our feet? This is a must see for everyone!

From there I made my way into Delaware and onto Winterthur gardens, Museum and Estate. I hold this place to be one of if not the finest example of the Naturalist Garden Design Style in North America. The place and the garden additions were set in harmony amongst the indigenous trees. The collection even sported a few specimens that had been brought over from the Arnold Arboretum some 80 years ago, the same one I had just visited near Boston two days earlier. As I made my way out to the Turn Pike I passed by many a fine school donated and built by the DuPont family. Unlike others, they did not need to use charity later on in life, as a vain attempt to balance and payoff the karmatic debt incurred, prior to earthly departure. Numerous families from the Gilded Age attempted to make right the misdeeds of self interest, speaking the sacred words to have the Earth open up, (in of all places Cleveland Ohio), forcing her to reveal her treasures, not the DuPont’s! No fan fare, no ‘Centers’ needed. The daily lineal and lingering deeds of the house that is true, this is what defined this French families heritage.

From there on I made my way into Washington D.C. and into Dumbarton Oaks. Yet another great American garden, sadly on the verge of disrepair, from there it was just a short drive to the Hotel and like Superman and the Phone Both I was changed and peddling fast down onto the Mall. Entering in east of the White House I made my way down onto the road that runs in-between the Mall and the White House. Three peddle cycles down and in, a Federal Agent barked, “The road was closed” and “turn around”, I quickly said yes sir and saluted on my way back around. Just then out of the corner of my eye I saw two additional Federal Agents on their mountain bikes make a move to intercept me. I said to myself, there was no sign or barricade, I did exactly as instructed, and I pay taxes, do I have nothing to say to these two fellows? Nope! I hit the peddles hard and they both gave up after about a mile. I can only guess that they both agreed with my logic stream? I sure did hope so.

From there I was on my way around the Washington Monument/Obelisk/Nimrods Tower as I made my way towards Capitol Hill, the Senate Building and on past the Supreme Court. All of the Agents guarding these venues were friendly as I continued to wave to everyone, just in case they had received an earlier radio call about some Bike Detroit Mission Recon Guy?

Man this was fun. I headed back down the other side of the Mall and made my way down to the Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials. Past the Korean War memorial I made my way down to the Air mail Marker, crossing over on into the Lady Bird Johnson Memorial Park on my way back up the river. Circling around the Arlington I felt a true heartfelt appreciation for all of those fine men who followed tough orders so that I could freely ride my bike today. All politics aside I am Proud to be an American.
Bike Washington D.C.! J. Meyers bike explorer

The morning car ride out of Boston was effortless as one can imagine cars were flowing into the city and not out. My continued travels took me through Hartford then on to the Sleepy Hollow/Hudson River area. It was to Kykuit first the once home of the Rockefeller family country estate. The journey was well worth the travel as the gardens that surround the home were filled with symbolic communication, complete with a Pagan/Masonic Temple/Lodge room, buried beneath the temple of Venus. After my 2 hour tour I was off to Lyndhurst just a few miles downriver, another fine if not the countries best example of a Gothic Revival styled Mansion.
Tours behind me the long trail to Philadelphia lay ahead, first across the George Washington Bridge with the skyline of Manhattan in plan site, then into New Jersey via the Turn Pike. Tip toeing across Delaware I crossed into Philadelphia around 4:45 in the afternoon. It did not take me long to check in with the concierge as I quickly learned what and where bike was friendly. He pointed the way around the city center, past the Masonic Temple, then right on to The Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The parkway as it is referred heads Northwest at the perfect degree.

Numerous large Fountains were flowing heavy, symbolic and loud. It reminded me of Paris with the fountains and the ‘Ley’ Alignments of Avenues and Roads. Hmmm maybe Benjamin brought back more from Paris than has ever been revealed? Out past Eakins Circle, sliding right of the Museum of Art I made may way into Fairmont park, just past the rowing Boathouses I was on the trial flowing the river North.

Under Hwy 1 I followed the trail NW past the Philadelphia University continuing along on the river side bike trial. I passed many an ancient house/farm, numerous of which dated from the 1700’s and had become a permanent fixtures in this expansive Park. The trail climbed up and down, sliding all around passing by a large tree and rope hanging near the stream. Three college guys were shirtless and swinging like Tarzan, letting out a yell as they all released as high up as they could. Splash, boom what summertime fun. The asphalt trail gave way to another 5 miles of gravel mountain bike trial. My odometer said 17 so I decided to turn around and find another way back.

I turned right and headed Southwest over the Schuylkill river upon a bridge that was built in the 1890’s. It was an Historic crossing indeed. Now I was on the other side of the river enjoying the opposing trail. Numerous old city buildings dot the route with a few historic photos and words which brought good light to bear on the history of the place. I crossed back over the river near the 676-76 interchange and made my way back onto the river trail. I continued and headed south on down to South St and it was there that I decided to head on back.

Heading east till 5th street I turned into the old part of the city. I made my way past the Liberty Bell and dismounted and walked along the old river bed/cobble stone streets. I found my way into The City Tavern, which opened its doors back in 1773. All of the servers were wearing colonial outfits as the place felt and smelled like it was and still is from another time. From there I made my way through the independence National Historic Park and on through Washington Square. Three hours later I mounted back up and made my way through the city blocks back to the Hard Rock Café across the street from my hotel, for just a single solitary beer. I toasted my friends and family back home, wishing that everyone I loved could have been on today’s ride.
Bike Philadelphia! J. Meyers bike explorer

With the office in order and with the blessing from my wonderful wife I loaded up and hit the trail around 9:00 p.m. after the kids went to sleep. For years I have always wanted to do a great North American garden tour. Finally my time was at hand! After canvassing the world in search of great classic and botanical gardens I decided it was finally time to see what the gilded age netted upon the land in my own country. Ever since biking had become my health/release hobby and passion the time was now at hand, I could do both.

I drove through Canada and ended up sleeping Near Rochester New York. The following morning I was up and on my way Naumkeag Garden outside of Stockbridge MA. And yes the Blue and White staircase set amongst the Birch is as magnificent as you would see in the books you may have read. The garden was eclectic yet unique in its location and elevation changes. Influences from all over the world could be seen and felt.

From there on it was on to Boston a town that had so much history from the revolution, the storied universities and the Emerald Necklace Park System that brought me there. I arrived in town around three o’clock and it did not take me long to get my gear on and call my vehicle back from valet so I could retrieve my bike. I was off to Commonwealth Street and into the Central Park of Boston. Darn, no bikes allowed! I stepped off of my peddles and walked on through towards the Golden Dome of the Capitol Building. Just then some choice lines from the move ‘The Departed’ entered into my head and I knew where I was going next.

Down into the ‘Southey Projects’ as Matt Damon put it, was as simple as crossing over a bridge. I toured the area and thought to myself, projects? They must be kidding? The Projects as they are referred look better than the city of Ferndale and in no way reflected the Brewster or others that once dotted our city sky line? From there I made my way back across the bridge and rode by the Gillette world headquarters I nodded as I went by saying thanks for the close shaves, my wife really enjoys it!

From there it was down Commonwealth heading towards Fenway and the Green Monster. I looped around twice letting all that would see, a fine fellow from Detroit, Mission Recon Jersey on and the Tigers coming in the next night. The place was right in the thick of things, with the backside of the Green monster facing the freeway; the other sides were all tucked in and surrounded by gritty bars and restaurants. From there I made my way into the Emerald Necklace Park System that Olmsted had designed in the late 1800’s. Numerous trails crossed over the asphalt path for which they were not to be denied! Up down all around the bridges looked almost exact to that of the ones in New York’s Central Park.

From there it was onto the Arnold Arboretum and the campus of Harvard University. The Arnold Arboretum is one of our countries oldest and it felt like it too. They had closed off all car entry access points, (Hey Detroit Get a Clue) which made for a free and wonderful journey all the way around. Monster upon Monster stood large tall and proud, but can someone mow the damn lawn? I climbed the hills and enjoyed the view as I made my way through and on up to Harvard Campus. Beautiful Blonds everywhere, all running and working hard to keep the surfaces thin. Where are all of the Nubian Queens which is so much a part of the inner Detroit seen? Blonds were never my style but if it is yours then Boston is the place for you!

Back onto the trial up to Freemont Park the last in the formal necklace grouping. Freemont Park was a dingy conclusion, some prostitutes and drug action but what the hell without dim lights, bright lights could not exist and who am I to Judge? From there it was back all the way round rolling as fast as I could. I was passed three times as the locals were ripping the trail. Back at the hotel I took a second small step as I dismounted my bike, the hills of Boston are a little bit different than the flat lands of Detroit. From there it was into the Hotel bar for a beer then up to the showers to put my walking shoes on so I could continue my exploration via foot.
Bike Boston! J. Meyers bike explorer

Tonight’s ride had long been coming as we finally answered numerous requests to take a tour into some of the less favorable areas of the city. What I will loosely term the dark shadowy places. To honor the request I charted the map and set the course through one of the city’s worst sections. Home to ‘White Boy Rick’ and the once headquarters of the infamous ‘Chamber Bros’, (for those of us from the area, we all remember the police videos and the faces associated with the Crack Epidemic that swept through the city in the early 1980’s). Oddly enough the same 6 mile and Gratiot area was also once home to Dan from Motor City Brewery.

We set off East on Canfield and then charted north to Palmer street as we soon made our way to Grand Blvd. up to St. Cyril, which to me still looks like an old wagon trail each time I ride on thru. From there we made our way over the Chandler Park and our first stop at a picnic table that Dan rested with his family just three weeks ago. From there we charted up Dickerson St. on our way Long View. As we all gazed around it was apparent that we were entering into an area that somehow just did not feel right?

From Longview we made our way north on Queen and stopped at the corner of Huston and found ourselves at Gracie’s. We were ‘Buzzed’ in and warmly welcomed by a friendly fellow who held the door open for us as we brought our bikes in. The Bartender our gracious host and the rest of the crowed gathered there were all in good spirits and friendly from the first moment we walked in. Many a tale was told with heartfelt well wishes for the city being expressed by everyone. From there our host informed us all that he was a retired State Policeman and impressed us with his belt buckle push button holster which promptly dropped a 22 cal. Pistol into his right hand. The best way to fight against crime, he said, was to be prepared, just then he raised his shirt to reveal his gold-plated 45. attached just off his right hip. He went on to tell us that this fellow and that fellow and the female Bartender and that guy way over there will all card carrying members and were loaded for bare! Man what a place, the citizens here have laid claim to the corner and will not be intimidated by gangs, thugs or anyone else for that matter.

He held the door for us and followed us outside inquiring were we were oft to next, once revealed he asked if we wanted his cell number and remarked that maybe we should go that way? It was then that I said faith and light would be our guide and when in doubt, there are fanny pack holsters, packing 40’s and not 45’s. With a good laugh we were off to tour where Dan grew up and from there we stopped by Ted’s childhood home in Indian Village where his Mum still lives. With a drag race down the riverside sidewalk and one more stop in-between we all made it back to our point of origin, the entire group better for it.
Bike Detroit! J. Meyers bike explorer

With the heat in the mid nineties I knew tonight’s training ride was going to be sweaty one. The past few days I had spent out in the field at various sites, pushing crews and people who did not want to be pushed through humidity which felt like walking through a cloud of glue. I was looking forward to tonight’s ride to blow out the pipes and let go of myself created steam.
When I arrived home from the field I took a shower before putting my bike riding gear on, (something that seems to always puzzle my wife)? I could not stand the smell of myself and the last thing I was going to do was subject the patrons at my midway point with a double blast of B.O.

The way down I found myself faced with a battle of winds. The hot south was pushing north right into my face, while the cool northwest breeze was fighting to find a way in, in hopes of making its own presence felt. The threat of severe thunderstorms was at hand, as the battle of opposing fronts was all around, making me the subject of their confrontation. I did not break any records on the way down and made it to the Brewery in about 65 minutes. Once there I had to walk around a bit as I was at the point of overheating and wanted to find my balance before I went in to say hi.

After a few waters and 2 summers ale’s the clouds started to turn dark as the cool North West was starting to win the battle. Derek asked if I wanted a ride back as the weather channel was calling for some dicey action. I told him if you’re only going to go half way you might as well stay home. With that being said I was off to greet the incoming storm. I made it through Wayne State Campus when a crack of electricity unzipped the dark brooding sky, letting a flood of water fall down upon the land. Most people are paralyzed by fear, unable to take action because of a misguided belief that the physical plain and form is the only reality they will ever know. I can tell you that people are much easier to control when they live there life in fear. Not me.
Well it didn’t start with a sprinkle, nope it was almost horizontal as I had to duck and tuck in so as not to be blown into the adjacent kerb like a dingy out in the ocean with too large of a sail. Instead of running, hiding or seeking shelter I open my heart and embraced the rain. I imagined it was a gift to be in that moment and somehow or another it was a trial of faith over fear for which my reward was to have any lingering sin washed away. Pushing my peddles hard, my shoes filled up with water I was ahhhh finally cool from all those hot sticky days in the field. Branches breaking, leaves and twigs flying through the air all around with big ole me slapping the peddles hard without even a care. From my heart I reached up to the heavens, with a wonton prayer, asking the angels and the ethereal water elemental creatures to take me apart and wash away any lingering sin or stain.

By the time I reached Palmer Park the heavens started to settle down. From there on it was one flooded street lake after another that my tires had to swim through. I felt like a kid again! When I was a young boy we used to run for our bikes to meet the rain, finding the biggest puddle we could, ride through and jump in to sit and swim. Something happened to me on this ride, something magical and special. Upon my return home my psychically gifted wife noted the change. She gently asked what happened out there, you have not felt this good for over a year? I told her I opened up my heart and the heavens cleansed me.
Bike Detroit! J. Meyers bike explorer

With the threat of rain and over committed schedules that consume a chance at balance I was the only rider on tonight’s adventure.  The energy of the city was dark and angry as the violence and pain could be felt by everyone.  The voice in my head said ahh relax why ride?  Take it easy bla bla bla.  I thought to myself what the hex I can leave my phone in the car so it would not get wet.  I mounted up and headed due west along the Canfield trail around 6:15.

No less than three occasions I had to dodge, duck, dive, dip and dodge cars driven by amped up men who simply thought that stop signs had nothing to do with them or their vehicles, WOW!  Geese’s maybe riding tonight was not such a good idea?  I made my way onto to Central Ave near John Kronk and was literally driven into the gutter underneath the rail road bridge by yet again another angry 20 something male, who wanted to control the things around him and make sure that no one was going to get ahead of his position in line!  While in the muddy puddle of a gutter I picked up a commercial staple in my front tire and before you knew it my front tire was going flat.  I turned left onto Dix and made my way into the gas station to get some change for the phone.  Weird looks, dark lighting in many eyes that had grown dim, I was instantly alert and on guard, only as a few times before in all of the years of riding through the city.  The first two calls got me nowhere as everybody these days seems to not answer the phone unless they know the number or the caller is part of their address book.  I got back on the bike and the hell out of there.

A few blocks back I noticed an Irish Pub called Casey’s and I said to myself an Irish Bar would always be a safe haven no matter what the neighborhood might be.  When I walked in the place it went silent as the locals were wondering what and the hell was this big wet cat doing dragging his bike in on their Thursday night pool league? I quickly made fun of myself letting everyone know what a door knob I was for not bringing my phone or my repair kit.  I was invited to sit down at the bar and struck up a conversation as the bar keep called the local cab company on my behalf.  The local guys were talkative and honest about having too much to drink to give me a ride.  An hour and a half passed and two more calls were made to no avail.  Just then a tall fellow walked in with his Bulls basketball jersey on and started to eyeball me wondering what I was about.  Turns out ‘Franco’ was from Uruguay and was a chef at the MGM Casino.  He insisted on helping me out as I later learned he had been blessed with good fortune most of his life and felt that it was his duty to pay it back by helping people out whenever he could!   I helped him move the cases of Clams he had just picked up for tomorrows soup and took my bike apart to fit into his newer Lincoln town car.  As we drove through the neighborhoods on the way back to MCB he asked if I was crazy riding through these neighborhoods?  Thinking out loud he asked if I had a death wish?  I told him it was my mission of sorts, in the most non pedestrian friendly city in the world, to show people that did not have to own a car to be free nor did they have to willingly submit to a drive-thru life style becoming fat and unhealthy.  As an artist-architect it is my statement.  With goodbyes being said and many a thank you being extended I was back in my rig loaded up and heading home.

Bike Detroit!  J. Meyers bike explorer