Today’s Journey brought us straight north through Wayne state campus on our way to second ave all the way North into the tails of Palmer Park.  We made an honoree loop around Mr. Palmers Log Cabin which is starting to show signs of dis-repair.  A large poison ivy vine has been climbing on the chimney and is breaking down the pitch that connects and seals the logs of the cabin.  This Saturday My hope is to cut this vine off and stop the decay before it gets too bad.  With all of the History of this man we all could not believe the city was going to stand by and watch this happen?  Is there anyone out there that could champion the restoring and elucidate the citizenry of the historical significance of the land and the man who donated it to us?

With the loop being made we headed into the forest to show Dan and Derek where the trail heads were and where we would be, come Saturday morning.  From there on we headed further north to the area that we have proposed building an Urban Farm Hub in conjunction with the Cities Department of Recreation. Our meeting is scheduled for May 13th and we will post what happens so that all may enjoy the transformation that is afoot.  Stepping into the meadow expanse we were all excited by what the canvas that stood before us could be. 

Making our way South along the East side forest line Derek discovered first the native woodland understory masses including a nice cloud of trillium.  From there we were back on the asphalt trail and out onto 7 mile.  Heading west we made our way to Parkside and turn left down the mile long residential road that abuts and forms the western boundary of the Detroit Country Club Golf Course.  The old growth trees and magnificent homes are well worth the visit as we found that one could exit onto 6 mile by foot if you just simply opened the gate to do so. 

With the gate closed behind us we were off west on 6 mile to the first side street.  Turning right we made our way back north to Curtis a.k.a. 61/2 mile.  Turning left we made our way past Wyoming to the first Side Street then North to Tom’s Tavern once again.  There we met one of the founders of Wolverine Brewing Company.  At 70 plus Earl still plays hockey and offered many a fine tail of his own.  Bob Ericson was on hand and a welcome sight from 7 or so years ago as a once neighbor and a part of my life’s history it was good to catch up with him after all these years, (side note Bob was directly responsible for introducing me to Honest John which is how I became involved with bike riding in the city).

From there we were oft heading East then South down Cherrylawn.  As Cherrylawn was about to become a dead end we slid further east and made our way to Greenlawn whereas we turned and headed South and onto the South bound Lodge Service Drive.  Surprisingly enough the service drive had zero, yes that means nada, zilch, zip cars.  Apart from being a little loud it was clear and fun as we all took turns sweeping back and forth across both lanes in lazy ‘S’ arch’s which were freeing as well as fun! 

From there we made our way down to the Woodbridge tavern that we had been hearing so much about especially the food reviews.  Well they were right the food was fantastic as the Asparagus tart slowly disappeared from my plate not leaving a crumb or trace of its prior position in front of me, I thought tha this place is great!  Our waitress leaned over the table to comment on Derek’s tattoo’s and then you will never guess what happened next?  Thunder, naa na na na na naaa, Thunder strike!  I had to back my chair up to get out of the way of electricity that was flowing across the table.  Needless to say Derek ditched us or was it we that left him there?  In any event as a single and available good hearted man all we could do is wish him well and we were on our way.

Bike Detroit!  J. Meyers bike explorer

With our friendly Icelandic Volcano keeping many a traveler at bay we were joined by a British fellow who had been stuck in the suburbs and was interested in joining us on our ride this evening.  We had a decent group turn out with Jen, Matt, Tom & Sal, Ted, Dan and the Brit who was about my size and fit well on one of my bikes from the collection.  Practicing group I abandoned my preset course to take people north on thru Palmer Park to show them the woodland trails we will be working on May 8^th and instead brought everyone east down Canfield.

The Heidelberg project felt ominous today, more like a church or a cemetery, peaceful and profound!  We stopped and took a few photos while enjoying the energy of peace and reverence, ala the street- scape temple.  From there it was down to the waterfront for some fast and slick cornering all the way to Andrews pub were we stopped for a brew. 

Abba was playing and the big burly bar tender was elucidating our minds with, “feel good music”.  Ted on the other hand could not stop complaining about the tunes?  Whatever, to each his own and do please enjoy!  From there on we dragged raced down Jefferson on up and past the Ren Cen.  From there we made our way back north and onto the Brewery for some food and suds.  Not Epic, not strenuous, just a group effort that took in a Brit, showed him around and had a good time.

Bike Detroit!  J. Meyers

Sunday morning Matt showed up on his bike, knocked on the door and said lets go for a ride!  Of course he was not to be denied.  Today’s recon actually started in January with our city of Detroit parks tour.  Our goal was to explore on bike a way to connect people from west to south Detroit with the suburbs via trail and side streets so that the existing Mountain bike trail in Rouge Park could be interconnected all the way out into Southfield, Beverly Hills and Birmingham trials that we frequent.  Starting form Lathrup Village it was great to be headed out to the woods again.  Crossing over the Lodge on Mt. Vernon we snaked our way through the neighborhoods and into a woodland section at the corner of 9 mile and Evergreen.  A wonderful place that took 7 weekends to re-open all of the trails last year.

With the dry spring so far this year the trails were hard and fast.  If you have never been you do not know what you are missing!  There is a parking lot off of 9 mile for those who are interested in taking a hike or brining your bike to ride.  Entering in from the East we made our way through the forest to the Western edge boundary it was there we turned left on the asphalt walkway and exited into the adjacent neighborhood.  Following the bike path route signs we made our way onto Lasher and with a quick left we found our way across 8 mile once again.

The way along Lasher south to 8 mile is wide enough for a bike lane so we felt at ease with the space that was afforded to us as the amped up spring air brought out a few ‘would be’ fellows kind of close for an automobile revved up look se- exhaust  spray.  Next time we will jump on the first side street to avoid all the commotion and fumes.  Crossing over 7 mile along Billy Rogell golf course we made the first right turning onto Margareta following the edge of the boundary fence of the golf course.  It is here that the rhythm of the watershed topography has remained intact and starts to flow up and down.  Huge trees overshadow the magnificent homes that skirt the Rouge tributary.  The finest Split field stone house I have seen in the City is situated there resplendent in its historic magnificence!  Flowing left then right then left again we made our way onto Beaverland and slide across McNichols without even needing to look both ways.

Bevearland south of 6 mile is an old river ridge trail.  The homes here begin to reveal the history of cottage’s as one can easily understand by the scale and periods of architecture that the cottages now turned homes were built to take in the peaceful splendor of the flowing river back in the day.  The ridge is about 50’ higher than the Rouge River below.  Up and down we made a flowing hard right onto Ridge road and took it back north over the river to the sidewalk that runs adjacent to 6 mile.  Turning left we headed up hill to the first side street River Dale Drive West.   This is beautiful; you can feel the old cottage atmosphere as you snake along the western ridge.  Avoiding a washed out section of road we came down hill to the corner of River Dale where Dehner Park can be found.  There is a trail entrance that leads along the water’s edge that is just begging for a Ranger run and some volunteers to open this up.  It appears that this was a Park that was developed after WW II and that after they built it nobody came to play?  The original Baseball backstop has trees that are plus 30 years old growing through it.  Climbing up on Dehner Street there is a beautiful historic Catalpa Allie’ that lines both sides of the street creating an imposing over-story atmosphere, a fine magnificent collection worthy of the viewing.  As we came around the corner and turned left on Riverview we came to a section that must be opened up to make the bike route viable. 

Verne Street is where the old Riverview trail used to continue and soon as we can schedule it, will continue once more.   But for now we had to make a hard right and turn left again on the Alley that runs parallel to Telegraph road.  Turning left onto Florence east you can see right were the trail will eventually come through.  Flowing right onto Riverview once more you have to keep your eyes open for a partially washed out access road that leads down to a fence section over a large storm water discharge shoot that vents into the Rouge.  We got off the bikes and walked down the steep slope and in-between the wood retainer wall and fence along what little side walk was left as provided.  A little work here and she will be open once more.  Stopping to take a break Matt pointed out numerous Buck rubs and huge track marks from what Matt suggest is a ‘Monstrous Buck’.  Along the river heading south it truly looks like and feels like up north as you travel down what could easily be mistaken as a rail for trail conversion path.  This path exits at Fenkell right across from the east exit of Eliza Howell Park.

Entering into the park we took the roadway to the right and enjoyed saying hello to the folks out walking hiking with dogs and golf clubs and sticks.  As we came around the Western Edge Matt caught out of the corner of his eye a huge Virgin Oak Tree.  (Okay, next time I will be bringing a camera proper so that I can post the pictures right here, sadly I cannot email from my Black berry this morning and in turn add it to the blog) You can count on the fact that this is simply the largest Virgin Oak I have ever seen within the confines of the city.  It is situated high on the Bluff along the Rouge tributary that comes in from the west, carrying along with it Livonia and parts of Redford water shed.  The base is 10-12’ in diameter as measured 12” up from the ground, the crown soars to 100’ x 100’ as I estimate it to be some 350-375 years old.  For the Pagan in you please venture forth and feel-to-receive the power!  Down below along the far rivers edge is an equally magnificent triple Sycamore that soars even higher in search of the light. Hugging and photo’s all done we picked up the obvious car trail that led into the forest and continued on with our journey of discovery.  Yet again we saw more monsters.  A somewhat matching pair of Father and son just 40 years younger, red Oaks 275+ years old. Turning left then a quick right down hill Matt stopped to talk to a fine fellow who was out with binoculars in hand, bird watching.  Crossing over the Rouge on a Pedestrian only Bridge that has been there from the 40-50’s we made our way across and turned left on the trail and into a magnificent Forest section.

For those of you that have been following our journeys The Ridge in Southfield I once held as the most magnificent forest in Metro Detroit.  The elevated perspective is a release point back unto Mother Earth but this place a little down river I now hold to be in equal stature to the Ridge area some 7-8 miles to the North.  I had to stop peddling and get off my bike and walk, WOW!  More of a clearing than a release point, many a magnificent fellow stand tall and wide.  A true Climax collection of Oak, Sugar Maple and Beech right here in our city.  Ok stop the press, if you get this then get out there as soon as you can and get it in person.

Heading up the east slope we came upon a ridge and a new trail indicated by a rainbow colored hand painted neighborhood sign which said “Welcome to the Eliza Howell Nature Trail” as fresh wood chips painted the way North West we exited out to the east and into the awaiting subdivision to say hello to many a fine citizen.

From there we crossed over Lasher/Outer drive and made our way to Burgess where we turned left towards Old Redford.  Burgess as do most of the streets near Redford flow with the lay of the land as the once farmers fields never succumbed to the railroad engineers turned street planners philosophy of gradients all over the land-Spam place.

Into Old Redford we snaked our way around Grand River and back onto Burgess were we went until the dead end had us turning east to Bentler Street from there we again went left and headed north.  Crossing North of Seven mile we made our way to Trojan and turned right in search of Tuttle Park.  Looping around the entire Park I explained to Matt that this is the only true Virgin Oak Beech Climax Savanna I have seen within the city limits.  Even the text books I have studied will suggest the only place you can still experience virgin landscapes is on Walpole Island.  Ooops myth dispelled all you have to do is explore Detroit.   From there we headed further east along Trojan crossing over Evergreen and on by Henry Fiord High School we entered in from the North and on into the Nature Preserve where big Mike and me re-opened the trails 6 weeks earlier.  In the Center of this forest we stopped to do a set of pushups, stretched and enjoyed the feelings that surrounded us.  Matt was amazed.

From there on we headed north and out onto 8 mile were we turned right and made our way down to the Roseland Bar for a beer and the first period of the Red Wings game.  Yet again another great place to stop and once again our bikes came welcomed in along with us.  From there on we headed up hill and back home with the great memories and experience carried with us from this day forward.

Bike Detroit 

J. Meyers bike explorer

With the chill wind howling out of the west I was not quite sure how many people were going to show up for our first ride of the season?   Dan was ready, Big Mike showed up a little late and Derek was inspired and walked-run home to get his bike and come back and join us.  Today’s ride was a first down many a new street as we attempted to find a section of town on Springwells Street that had been recently discovered during over the winter City Park tour.Our destination was viable and intense community south of Vernor and North of I-75 tucked in near Patton Park. 

We crossed over the Lodge following the Canfield footbridge.  Sliding around the intersection of Grand River Ave we turned right and made our way for the first time onto Buchanan.  Charting southwest on Buchanan we passed by Victorian era- old now out buildings, with meadowlands and a few blighted sculptures or paintings that always seem toreappear, etched in-between.  Many were the vast expansions of simplistic fresh-new natures growth, now owning were ‘real estate?’ once stood. 

Okay there were a few ‘One Ways’ I did not know about and perhaps I unlike others who shall remain unnamed, still strongly believe that we should flow with traffic on the right and not head on in the left.  With those two jaunts behind us we slid around Michigan Ave and made a hard fast right onto Edward Street.  (Okay I will admit that the intersection of Livernois and Mich. Ave is a little amped up, none the less it was worth passing through).  Edward brought us again Southwest and dead-ended into Central Ave. Crossing over John Kronk and the vast rail yard we continued on and over Dix 1 block south to Pitt we turned right and soon found ourselves on Springwells heading southeast.

Passing by 3-4 interesting establishments we ended up at Charlie’s Place circa 1933. Authentic bar and counters from 1933 art deco/modern, you tell me?  We asked if we could bring our bikes in and yes once again were welcomed in heartily. (Not one place has turned us down yet)!  The motorcycle guys gave us some ribbings as Mike and I had our self serving bikedetroit.com jerseys.  They suggested that “’Colors’ are not welcomed in here”, to that I said we are on two wheels without any motors so our colors did not apply!  A few laughs and Dan step forward and ordered us a round of award winning, pabst blue ribbon beer.  Good place, good energy, we were, as I think all will be welcomed-received!

From there our journey continued onto Jefferson and unto ma Kovac’s place.  Taking Jefferson, onto the railroad tracks, Derek did not like the mud and potholes for his sleek, clean, retro, flier ten-speed!  We blasted on through as he snaked his way all over avoiding getting his machine dirty.  On by the foundry which seemed quite this night?  Past the Joe and the Ren Cen we headed northwest and back home. Passing on the way Jacobi’s, Greek town, nearby the stadium the gathering opening day crowed was alive with the energy of anticipation. 

Is this a real city alive tonight?

Bike Detroit! J. Meyers bike explorer 

I was out in the garden most of the morning and was in the garage when Jen came around the corner and said, “let’s do an epic Ride today”!  I looked at her and said Epic?  Are you sure you are up for that?  Well…… after what seemed like a long pause I decided to speak and said epic in the spring sense of the word, is at least 45-50 miles.  A pause for a few seconds from then out of the silence she mention that perhaps we could do a modified down and back???  Okay, an hour later we were oft.

As we started our journey I described to her that there are numerous ways south into the city and by turning right on Central Ave we could ride all the way down into Mexican Town before turning left to head over to see our friends in Mid Town.  Most people do not really understand the street layout of the city, its mystical origins, its historic parallels nor the fact that you have to be east of Livernois before the intersecting streets run South-East as a parallelogram to Woodward Ave.  Ahhh those French Mystics, Lafayette, Walpole’s, St. Clair’s, the original finical supporting families of the Knights Templar… Ok back to our ride.

As we came across 8 mile Central Ave jogs out to the west before it resumes on down south, with the wind in our face Jen was feeling her legs from all of her Gym work outs throughout the week,  she “suggested” maybe we should head East and down as usual?  With such complete beauty how could she be denied?  Entering into Sherwood Forest, soon across 7 mile I took her into Palmer Park via the asphalt bike path to show her some of the work we have done on cleaning the main trail while pointing out the inner woodland trail system that we are currently working on opening up for mountain bikers and hikers.  If you can ever find the time to delve into the history of the Park and the “Sage of the log cabin” I suggest you take the journey. 

Mr. Palmer was a graduate student of the secrete mysteries, one who decided to effect the greater good with his deeds and eventual donation of his families entire farm/estate to the city of Detroit as a Park.  The original Log Cabin home is still there waiting to have its History revealed.   The tails of traveling the world and sending an agent to Europe to bring back Arabian horses and raise them on his land is quite a story to read.  Numerous quotes can be found with respects to his vision and the way he lived his life.  Here is my favorite; “Senator Palmer holds the view that Heaven is on earth to all who know how to make a Heaven of the earthly life. He thinks that a man’s spiritual life is progressive and continues to grow after it pass out of the animal body, and that the further advanced it is when transition takes place the higher will be its starting point in the spirit world. Hence it follows that the time spent in cultivating and building up the spiritual life while on earth will not be lost”. For the complete story click on the link

http://www.archive.org/stream/souvenirhistoryo00mcel/souvenirhistoryo00mcel_djvu.txt 

Through the Park and once again on Third Ave., we huffed it on down to Canfield and turned left to enjoy the rumble of the historic hand cut cobblestone street.  Today we decided to stop at the Traffic Jams Brewery and try out the Owosso Wheat beer we had read about in the Detroit News.  Tasty if wheat beer is your style we recommend you stop in, say hello and enjoy.  The steak that Jen ordered, well let’s just say that was a different story, smashed out overcooked shoebox leather creates an accurate picture of what showed up on the plate.  The home made cheese and breads were tasty and for me hit the spot rather well.

With Jen re-filled we were oft and headed back north enjoying the moment, smiling, breathing, enjoying each other’s good company all the way home…. Bike Detroit!  J.& J. Meyers

Critical Mass is alive and well in the “D”!  Unlike last year when cold and wet weather had rained out the event, today’s efforts were in full swing.  I think the face book avenue of communicating is working well.  Riding down from Mid-town I arrived at the entry arch of Heart Plaza around 6:45.  The scene was awash with about 75 cyclists with more arriving every minute.  Blue jeans a plenty no one was wearing a helmets, biker shorts or jersey’s, well everybody but yours truly.  Alas I had grown up enough to perhaps become/represent the man?

A few quips were sent off in my direction as I circled with others trying to stay warm in the 36 degree sunlight.  Wow I thought to myself how out of place I was and moreover how apparent my maturity, (fancy way of saying big-old-middle-aged-man) was by comparison.  The view was a rebellious one, College kids, tattoos, dark clothing, facial hair, mountain bikes, sexy single speeds and a few roadies thrown in with jeans for good measure.  The proposed ride seemed to be more of an anti-establishment rally than an exercise tour. 

What has always fascinated me about these last Friday of the month bike rides was the tale that whoever takes the lead in turn leads the group on a ride through a city, taking over the roads so that cars and their drivers would become more aware as the rights associated with bikers and biking.  The fact of the matter was that I knew I was sadly out of place, as I was not going to lead this beautiful youthful group anywhere!

As 7:10 was upon the moment and the ride still congregating around the entry Arch, I thought it best that the “Man”, in his blatant commercial advertisement bike Detroit gear should slip out silently and let the young activist have their day free from the likes of organized anything, including me.  Oh yea did I mention it was cold as ice and I did not wear a jacket?

Cruised back up to my usual haunt and as the first Cider was touching my lips I happened on a fellow awaiting his carryout order.  Meet Bill Lusa one of the founding members of the Tour de Troit!  What a fine fellow indeed.  We talked at length about the tour and the fact that all of the money that they charge and raise goes directly to promote biking in the city and for paying for the likes of bike lane line striping.  The word beautiful is all I could muster.  What a great group of Detroiters.  

Bike Detroit!  J. Meyers bike explorer

With the proposals written I was ready early, to leave the work day behind me and get back on the bike.  64 degrees and 2:00 p.m.,  I put the shorts on and took the old Diamond Back down from the garage storage hooks.  A quick check on tire pressure and I was off. 

Today I decide to take the Lincoln way through Royal Oak and down on John R.  I have not gone this way in over 5 months, a mile into the journey I once again realized why.  Lincoln is broken and choppy from Southfield Road all the way to Coolidge.  More suited for mountain bike tires than thin road tires.  Once across Coolidge the road runs smooth and for a mile or so, teeth chattering and forearm jolts are nonexistent.   Making my way through Royal Oak, down to Hilton, Woodward Hgts. and then South I joined John R three Blocks North of 8 mile, it is there I crossed over.

In less than a minute you enter into a world of prostitution, street walking and drug dealing.  Focusing on the road ahead so as to avoid the glass and debris I had to shake my head at the blatant solicitation.  Let me get this straight, I have been riding for about 9-10 miles, soaking with sweat and you would like to do what to me…?  Eyes facing forward with my view and force bending around each corner I crossed over 6mile and made my usual left at the dead end.  Once around the old Model T Ford plant and across the Davison is where the John R. trail becomes interesting.  As you cross over and enter into the Boston Edison district the rest of the way down to the stadium is wonderful.  My thought is from now to come in from the west and cross over Woodward once into the Boston Edison District.

As I made my way down to the Tiger Stadium the place was awash with activity, many employees were washing, cleaning, setting up and making ready for opening day on April 9^th.  All of the activity felt great and went hand in hand with the anticipation of spring.  20 miles in, I turned west and made my way up to my usual pit stop, the Motor City Brewery for some water and Cider.  Great conversation as always and a good rest I saddled up and headed northwest back to my home and incredible family.  All in all hassle free and for the most part free from cars.

Bike Detroit!  Jim Meyers

With big Mike schedule you never know when he will be in town but he was here for a spur of the moment trail reconstruction day.  Mike arrived at 9:00a.m. on Sunday and I had the Ranger all loaded up for our trip down to Pembrooke Sunderland Park, (located behind Henry Ford High School south of 8 mile and East of Evergreen).  This is one of the Parks that we toured when we were investigating Park conversions into our ROI Urban Farm Concept on Behalf of the City of Detroit.

The existing trails were encumbered by our old friends the Ash trees which had appeared to have fallen quite a few years ago.

Apart from the garbage along the outskirts of the forest the trails are now open with 4 ways in and 4 ways out!

Numerous other trails are waiting to be opened up or created.  So the boys from Beat the train or other groups have at it!  Our focus will be on re-opening the primary paths or trails for what we have discovered.  More open trails and pictures to come real soon.

Bike Detroit! 

J. Meyers (behind the Camera) and Big M. Folster (hugging the tree)

I think it goes without saying the weather was incredible and not to be denied and with Andrea hanging with the wee ones we were all set and out the door around 2:00 in the afternoon.  Jen led most of the way down exceeding 30mph at times we both slapped um hard and flew with the winds out of the West we felt like we were flying at times!  Making our way through Sherwood Forest and Palmer Park once again taking in the warm hellos and the nice early summer like air the smiles on our faces were tattooed on!

There always to be a better chance to open up and talk when people are relaxed and doing something that they enjoy.  At least for us it was a chance to further the dance of surrender as I opened up about a subject that had been troubling me for a while.  Without doubt, exception or taking it personally we both went back and forth talking, listening and seeing as we furthered on down the path of intimacy.  Ahh the affects of the church of the rolling wheel were once again upon us…. Now back to the ride.

Down on Third we started to get pushed a little by amped up auto guys who felt the spring energy as well and decided once again to let the world know they were there by revving there motors and coming close on the way bye.  A few deep breaths on we pushed on taking a new way across Wayne State over to Cass then down to Canfield and the brewery once more.  58 minutes, 17 miles later it was once of Jens best times!  Yaa right you are not in shape give me a break!  Our main man Dan meet us with a fond hello as Jen returned his sunglasses to him the smile that came across his face was delightful!

Ciders down and open conversation had we headed off West to take an adventure trail back this time.  Canfield overpass and on our way to Grand River our hope was to take it all the way ut to Lahser so I could show Jen Tuttle Park and the Historic Virgin Oak Beech Climax Forest.  The wind was at about 20mph and was pushing in our face.  We decided to ditch near Wyoming and start to head North through the side streets.  As we approached 7 mile an idea came to me that was just to good to be ignored!

Welcome to Tom’s Tavern circa 1928.  An old Blind Pig that is still in operation today where you have to be buzzed then properly eye-bald to gain entry.  Owned by the infamous Greek Gus, aka. ‘Tom’ this is one of if not the most Historic Dive bar in the city.  Jen felt right at home talking to Ron who took over for Gus after he passed away in 1991 speaking a few words in Greek the feeling that was shared was undeniable.  Jen stated to clear the bottles away from all the tables, obvious leftovers from St Patty’s day celebration.  Since Ron was busy cooking Jen helped herself to the beer fridge and told Ron the count would be well maintained.  The quips were few but funny none the less.  The next thing I know Ron was out of the kitchen with a bag of shrimp, cutting board, bowls and a knife and was instructing Jen in the proper art of de-veining and de-tailing so that she could help with prepping the meal for the day.  An hour later with the bar tender and many a patron arrival we said our goodbyes and made our way back home.

Bike Detroit!  Jenny and James Meyers bike explorers

The sun was shining in such a way that it almost seemed to have a voice.  The voice was calling out to me saying let’s go for a ride!  Well I did not need even a small push to make that happen. I left the office early and made may way home to fetch my fair lady, load the bikes and head on down to the waiting streets.

My fair lady a.k.a. Jenny really does not really want to define herself metaphorically by  riding her bike in the realm of below freezing temperatures , such as Big Mike Andy or I do.  As she puts it “it’s just not something I am interested in”.  Well today she had no excuses for the thermometer was hitting 38 and the warm rays of the sun just could not be denied.  We parked at HJ’s and headed up to the Brewery to catch up with our good friends John and Dan.  As we entered into the parking lot we spotted John up atop the patio and he greeted us by saying Cabin fever no more! 

Again I will say that no matter whom you are what you drive or the color of paint on your skin the motor city brewery is a place of community.  No judgment, no exclusion only welcoming bright smiles and the some of the best of healthy food, cider or beer that Detroit has to offer.   After an hour of good conversation, (okay we were supposed to only stop for a minute but…) we were finally on our way.

Canfield East to John R a quick right turn and my fair lady took off South like a rocket ship catching the breeze amplified by the surrounding buildings; the red Felt was off towards Tiger stadium as I hit the mountain bike peddles hard in an attempt to catch her, I knew I should have brought that cross over bike.  I thought to myself shut up and ride!

Flying through the mix area of old to new lofts Jenny commented on how she could live here as it felt good and looked like it was on the comeback.  Left and around the Tiger stadium and Ford field we split Greek Town in two and made our way down onto the river walk once again.  The place was ours, the river, the flow and the sky.  I yelled up ahead, “and you think that the Stony Creek Circle Jerk Ride is better than this?  You have got to be kidding me”!

Through the new State of Michigan Park we made our way past the Coast Guard Station and out to Jefferson Ave.  Crossing over the bridge I shouted out ahead, “look right and catch the view”.  Finally she slowed down just a little to take in the magnificent Sun, illuminating the Ambassador Bridge, bouncing rays across the water creating ripples of reflections that made their way into our hearts.   Onto the Isle Jenny was flying up ahead as we began our trip around.  Save only a couple of cars we had the entire place to ourselves!  Past our friends the Golden Weeping Willow Tres adjacent to the Botanical Garden Lagoon we continued on and made a slight left as we came near to the Islands Coast Guard Station.

We stopped in the shelter and took in the reflections of light and the view of a far off cloud cluster framed by two buildings of the Windsor sky line.  The cluster looked like a mountain range way off in the distance.  Back onto the bikes again we slowed down to say hello to a barbecue-er who just had lit his coals.  From there back out onto the circle road we made a quick left and went down the center lane, through the woods for our first time. 

Crossing back over the bridge Jenny finally learned how to draft as the North wind was smacking us in the face, I encouraged her to slid in behind my rear wheel and enjoy the suction/bubble.   Turning right back out on Jefferson she said thanks!  Back onto the river walk we made a brief stop at Andrews.  Warm and again ready night fall was slowly dropping its curtain once again.  Blasting back we found Cass Ave and made our way back to HJ’s parking lot.  Bikes stowed firmly on the rack we made our way in for a Black Bean Burger and a Red Stripe.  Bike Detroit!

J. and J. Meyers bike explorers