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

Big Mike had made the call late Saturday afternoon as he was hoping to break out his single speed, ala Andy Ericson from Beat the Train.  With the thought of icy corners on his mind Mike gave a call declaring that perhaps it was Mountain bike time once again and that he would meet me at H J’s at 10:00 a.m.

Out of the cars early we were on our ride by 10:00 and had an interesting time getting use to the Vancouver- esque cool and foggy extra moist air.  Each breath was filled with water vapor, the amplified form, the kind to ignite with amplified light…?  Okay back to our story…  We road on by the G.M. head Quarters and made our way down to the waterfront riverside.  Slow thick air pushed down on the ice pack flow, slowing the current down to almost still, ice silently stuck in a lazy tour.

We made our way through the new state of Michigan park and ended up on the Dequindre cut heading north through the thick silence.  From there we blasted wee bit North on Mt. Elliot and then headed over to West Grand Blvd. and from there onto Belle isle.  Numerous people, some with four legged friends were witnessed walking along the water’s edge enjoying the thick silence as well.  We pulled off and walked out onto the revealed shore line as the water levels were lower than usual and as we turned to remount a group of 6-7 fellow riders whizzed on by on modified mountain bikes?  Who ever you were great to see you out on the trail!

From there we made it back around, over the bridge, left onto Jefferson and down onto the river walk.  Snaking around the Coast Guard Station we ripped up the trail back out to the road near Andrews Saloon.  From there we headed on past the cut and onto the river walk once again.  Passing the Joe and auto show traffic we made our way back onto Cass Ave. and blasted back to HJ’s.

Bike Detroit!

J. Meyers bike explorer

With the Conversation in my head being silenced last week , I could have thought of no better way to enjoy the start of the weekend then to get on the bike and ride on down to the city once again.  The journey this time was much warmer than last.  As the Boston Edison district was upon me so was the remnants from Mondays snow, I gripped and started to pull on the handlebars and rip it old school mountain climbing style.

I seemed to have forgotten of the power than can be generated from riding that way.  I guess I lost it in the city last year during my imaginary speed/time trials and my upper body had missed it for sure.  I rode the rest of the way down to the Brewery that way, gripping it/ripping on it until I was out of breath only to start over again.  Great work out!  Where was I thinking?

Lots of water this time with a cool glass of Cider to boot I headed back as soon as my under-layers were dry.  The grip rip ride style was great until about 5 miles from home.  Arms and legs both felt like flat tires and the speed over the ground reflected the muscle-mandatory slowdown-showdown.  When I walked in the door to see the warmly lit eyes of Sephera and the Grin from my wife, all I could say was, “that ride kicked my ass”.

Bike Detroit!

J. Meyers bike explorer

The tail of today’s journey really starts with Mohamed, not the profit of Islam but rather a bike mechanic who works at the D&D Bikes in Berkley MI.  Mohamed never has owned a car.  He rides his bike to and from work every day 12 months out of the year.  According to him he has known no other way and at 60 some plus years he is as fit as fiddle and ready for action. 

Long before REI came to town and graced us with the awareness of all weather gear, Mohamed was riding his bike form Wayne Mi to Berkley Mi every day.  He had long ago silenced the conversation in his head about what was reasonable or possible with respects to riding, weather conditins or gear.  He in turn became my inspiration to take on whatever was left inside my own conversation and join him in the ranks of weather? Who cares!

I spent the 60 bucks on a studded front tire, split my left thumb putting it on the rim, filled it up with 45-50lbs of air, got on my gear and headed out once again.  It was 17 degrees when I had left but with the Northwest wind at my back it was like setting my sail and catching a bit of a ride on down.  For those of you who ‘clip in’ always winter snow/ice ridding is not for you.  Ditch the clips as the metal to metal surface interface transfer the chilling energy directly into your shoe and into your foot  regardless if you are wearing a  ‘booty over cover’.  I recommend you change your peddles to a BMX platform and put on some -40 hiking boots that are waterproof and thinsulated. That way when the slip and slid happens you extend your leg and slid stiff legged until the curvy-survey is over.  (For the men from Beat The Train, this is why I ride in sandals).

It was crisp to begin but I warmed up well by the time Oak Park was upon me, the roads were good all the way through Ferndale and down back across 8 mile and into Sherwood Forest.  It was a little tough at first but the road cleared up after a few blocks.  Once I crossed over Six Mile this is where the fun really started.  No plows no salt except for a few hit or miss intersections were the salt did nothing but make it marblely.  I picked a car tire track and held it true and for the most part that new front tire worked wonderfully.  A few times I came close to going down and out but that quick release to a stiff leg slide worked!  No garage sale, no salt stains no bruises just fun and challenging as you have to pull on those handle bars to rip it!

Snow riding is sort of like sand trap riding, for those of us who mountain bike you know what I mean. The sand grabs you sucks in your front tire in, survey curvy as you quickly step up on the peddles in an attempt to get out of the trap before you fall on down and in.  I imagined that I was on a trail again as there were no people to be found.  All the way down Third Ave I turned left on West Grand Blvd and made my way East to Cass Ave.  From there it was a quick right and a sprint the rest of the way down to Canfield on over to Motor City for some more Cider and good conversation. 

Once again, as Jim Senska aptly put it the day of our Tour Detroit ride the ‘Church of the Rolling Wheel’, continues to be an inspiration.  When the conversation in your head is silenced what more is the excuse to stay stuck in the life that you invented?  End the conversation in your head and realize you are the Architect of your experience and whatever you truly believe is what is possible.

Bike Detroit!

J. Meyers bike explorer

The tradition has been to do our ride downtown the morning of the New Year but this year we decided that we should get our ride in before the year was over.  Big Mike came down from the hills once again as the roads around our place were less encumbered with the fluffy white stuff.  We had no set course in mind only that the trip made it south of 8mile for as long as we were able.

Drifting through familiar trails we ended up on Livernois and crossed over 8 mile and headed once again into Sherwood Forest me Ladies!  A few hearty folks were out taking a walk through the neighborhood and greeted us with a warm happy new year as our garb and action took them a bit by surprise.

Finding our way into Palmer Park once again by the time the ‘Y’ in the road was upon us I asked big Mike what he thought about taking 3^rd all the way down and in.  I am glad he said what I had been thinking since entering into the Park, as the 10 miles behind us was already having its effect on the chilling of certain surfaces associated with our forms.

With Third and Second Avenue gone bye-bye we stayed on the main Park road arching on through the green light that allows for a flow through onto North bound Woodward.  We took an immediate right and headed over to John R to see if the Dakota Inn was open to receive a couple of cold ass adventures? Nope.

Flipping a ‘U’ we made our way back out onto North bound Woodward and slapped the peddles hard past seven mile onto Ralston Street making our way North to the new and improved Stone House.  Closed as well, darn, shucks s—t.  From there on we continued North to State Fair, made a left and turning right found ourselves back on Woodward heading north back across 8mile.  I thought to myself there must be some place in Ferndale that will be open?

On the West side of Woodward there is can be found Machpelah Cemetery.  I have always wanted to check-er-out, so freezing cold we crossed Woodward at the turn-a-round and made our way in.  Narrow cart paths for roads with 99% of the headstones facing East?  Interesting fact that I never knew, facing the east as the Muslims often do the departed avail themselves to the 6 open portals in hopes of gaining admission once the light has left the form.  Interesting, very interesting.

Leaving the Cemetery we turned left on the South bound side walk and made our way through the neighborhoods and onto Rosie O’ Grady’s.  Peeling off all of the layers so that they could be dry upon the return it took a good ½ hour to warm up again. From there we slapped um hard and took the sidewalk trail that runs in conjunction with 696.  Once back home again a fond fair thee well was shared as we turned home towards our families to welcome in the New Year.

Bike Detroit!

J. Meyers bike explorer

Finally Jen was inspired to get back up on the bike and ride on out to the ridge to enjoy the new route we discovered earlier on in the year.  For those of you who are friends or have been following along, Jen has been preoccupied with the manufacturing of 2 magnificent children, (Sephera and Raphael) for the past 2 years and has been hit or miss on our bike rides.  But today we celebrated our reunion of sorts. 

With the new snow on the ground and the streets well covered we put away the Felt and pulled down from the rafters the old Trek 4500 mountain bike that literally started our relationship all those years ago.  With layers upon layers we moved somewhat stiff legged-ly onto our bikes and out on to the side walk.  Crossing Southfield road at Lincoln we snaked our way through Lathrup Village once again and made our way out to the Ridge.

The naked Forest and snow covered hills made us both smile as we realized how special our life was and delighted in what we both have work so hard to create.  As the chill started to set in we turned around and made our way back home laughing and enjoying the rhythm of the peddles and the knobby Hum singing its tune.

Bike Metro Detroit Trails!

J & J Meyers bike explorers

Bike riding for me has been an arena of application, a metaphor of sorts, as a test of mind over matter, especially when it comes to riding in December.  Today’s Journey was to be no different.  With the temperatures just hovering at 30 degrees I broke out some of the REI gear I have collected over the years and decided to Mountain bike down to the city once again.

The past few months I have been preoccupied with the concept of speed rather than enjoyment of the road, or in today’s case, the trail less traveled.   With full winter snowmobile gloves on my hands I first took to the trail south off of Lincoln and just east were Pierce Street would have been if 696 had not been constructed.  In, over, up and down I made my way through this little trail section prior to jumping back on the side walk trail which leeds through the Parks above those large tunnel expanses associated with the I-696 freeway.

Crossing over Greenfield then again Coolidge I forgot how much fun this up and down little burner can be!  Crossing over 696 via Scotia I snake through the neighborhoods down onto Livernois 1 block north of 8 mile.  Crossing over and a quick left I was back in Sherwood Forest smiling and having fun! Turning left on seven mile I made may way past the road park entry of Palmer Woods and headed onto the asphalt trail that flows into the forest. 

Inside of Palmer Woods Forest, original Oak stands can be found along with some unadulterated watershed topography.  Something special that can never be seen while in your car on Woodward Ave. or golf cart if you are playing on the public course nearby.  I slowed down to notice numerous trails that have been forgotten and blocked off by the falling ash trees.  This winter we will be spending some time opening up the mountain bike/hiking trails once again for all to enjoy.

Out of the park and onto Third Ave I started to head southeast once again down into the heart of the city.  This time I started to explore the railroad tracks and alleys that did not look like flat tire city, so as to see if I could really create an all off road trial adventure ride in and out of the city, (more of this will be published in our upcoming map sections real soon).  I plan on hitting the trails again with the Ranger and the GPS Mapping unit mounted up so that we can shoot video and record the map simultaneously.

Once at my turn around destination I had to shed all my layers and let them dry out before I could even think about the journey home.  Boots off as well, I rubbed my left toes back into warm shape enjoying some cider and ice waters while I slowly started to warm up.  The journey home included fingers and hands coiled up into a fist inside my gloves upon the handlebars as it took a while to get the body up to being warm.

The pushes up stops were not dreaded as they usually are.  This time they were used as warming stations on the various point’s in-between.      Once home it took my core a good hour to come back up to a normal temperature as I reflected on what additional layers to wear next time.  No matter the time of day, weather it by night or day, nor if the skies are sunny, warm cloudy or Gray, a ride is just one good decision away!

Bike Detroit

J. Meyers bike explorer

Chasing the Sun was on my mind as I left the office early to enjoy what would probably be the last warm day of the year.  With a smile and a kiss goodbye I was off once again down to the city that I have come to love.  Today’s ride was going to be without my usual pushups as I was more interested in a time trial of sorts.  Pushing into the face of the wind I did my best to keep it under 55 minutes as I made it to the Brewery for some Cider and good conversation with Dan.

The past few weeks we have been getting favorable responses from various city officials on our ROI Urban Farm concept.  We spoke at length about what we would grow and what Dan wanted to experiment with their upcoming Spiritus compositions.  What heartfelt excitement and joy towards a subject that we both have been involved with for very a long time.  With forth coming emails to continue our exchange I said good bye to John and Dan and started the journey back home again.

With the Southern wind at my back I sailed home in just under 49 minutes.  This is my best time yet.

Bike Detroit!

J. Meyers bike explorer

There have been a few ‘Bike’ rides during the month of November, most of which were typical rides downtown along similar routes as I have mentioned earlier.  The past two weeks I have been on a different ride, another kind of ride altogether.  In conjunction with the Dr. David Cotton Family, Health Plan of Michigan, Greening of Detroit, and the Artist of Historical Courtyards and Gardens, I was afforded an opportunity to be an instrument of profound good will and intent.  For a past few weeks I donated my time and took a mini-excavator ride up and down Jefferson Ave., from Alter to I-375 and back again.  A slow moving journey, an instrument of application and a chance for a great field study.  The Jefferson Ave Re-Forestation Tree Project is still under way, contact greening of Detroit if you have time to help.There are rhythms or currents associated with various intersections and points along this trail can only be perceived on the pedestrian level.  Even if you ride your bike slow down to and reach out with your feelings some day and see what you perceive.  Past the Dequindre cut, next to the woodshop on the way to the Belle Isle Bridge, you will find another cut.  An old rail line that use to feed the warehouse district from the river as the Dequindre cut once did back 1890’s.  During a break in digging cycles I took a hike on down to the softwood tree infested trail.  This would make an excellent mountain biking and hiking trail; I will be back to hike and perhaps clear one day during our upcoming winter trail work.Owen Park is a Gem that is invisible unless you are participating-moving-experiencing on a pedestrian level.  If not you will never have a chance to see the Owen Park from a car on Jefferson Ave.  Owen Park was donated to a City by on early history family and was a historic Ribbon Farm back in its day.  Sloped Virgin watershed topography is still reminiscent of its original rhythm and form.  Hi slanting slopes and embankments to the side funnel the cold air to the center for venting down to the lake side.  There is no more perfect place in our area to grow an Orchard or Urban Farm. This was the staging area for the tree planting project.  You have to look hard as no formal Kerb Cut exist. An old country like road leads down to a sidewalk and break wall where many a fishermen spend time practicing their art.Erma Henderson Park, almost next door is a beauty as well.  Old trees, Historic Architecture in the form of a restroom, wide expanse for games and events, ample parking, low cut waterside rail, entry and view.  Along the South East Sidewalk, Conner to Terminal there has been for the past several years a piece of sidewalk that was left on top of the usable space of sidewalk, across the way from a iron street lamp. 

Three years ago, December my good man Peter Frowley was on one of our impromptu Thursday night rides, hit this piece of concrete and ‘Endo-ed’ hard and had to pick glass out of his bottom for a week.  We found this section once again, scraped hard all of the weeds, cement sidewalk and dirt in-between, loaded it all up, including this chunk of concrete, and took it off to the recycling center.  I called Pete from the excavator at 7:30 in the morning, laughing hard.  He thanked me, for everyone else.  The next week the rain had washed away what was left and the surface almost looked shinny and new.

Get out of your car, slowdown, excavate re-new.  Bike DetroitJ. Meyers  bike explorer