On a bicycle, covering ground is easy, efficient, and free. Cruising anywhere between 8 and 18 miles per hour allows for the best sight seeing possible. Also, touring the city on a bike extends more style-points than touring the city with an expensive and goofy looking segway:
(Lame)
When I was invited on a tour of the city from a friend, I promptly accepted, and made sure to check the "I'm Attending" link on the events Facebook page.
The ride took us through many different areas in Detroit. From neighborhoods featuring alluring decay porn, to the (probably) Heidelberg inspired Disneyland In Hamtramck, to many great bars, and ultimately to the best gyro I've ever had (and I'm half Greek, so that should count for something... right?). Anyway, here are some of the highlights of the trip.
The Thunderdome
Detroit's Dorais Velodrome was built in '69, hosted a bunch of professional races, and was abandoned in the early 90s. While this track suffers many cracks, blemishes, and bruises in the form of graffiti, it has recently been rediscovered. Thanks to The Mower Gang, a group of Detroiters who donate their time to thrash their way through unruly brush that swallows many of Detroit's parks whole, leaving them looking wonderful and usable, we are able to enjoy these parks. The Mower Gang found Dorais Park and got to work.
(Thank you Mower Gang, for making this slab of concrete a source of smiles)
We rode and raced and laughed until we were all out of breath. The Mower Gang Rescues Detroit, one weed-whacked park at a time.
Disneyland in Hamtramck
We continued through Hamtramck (the little city, surrounded by Detroit and filled with amazing cuisine) and stumbled upon a Heidelberg like gem. Set in Hamtramck resident Dmytro Szylak's backyard was a slew of crazy looking stuff, which emits Disneyland-esque vibes. The collage of things is a great piece of eye candy in the city's back alleys.
(My good friend Jenna, surprised and happy at Disneyland in Hamtramck)
(One of many pieces in the yard. This one is a... something... or other...)
The Dequindre Cut and River Walk Greenways
After leaving Disneylang in Hamtramck and enjoying a quick, early morning brew at The New Dodge Lounge, we spun our way over to the The Dequindre Cut (click on this link to "like" their page). The Dequindre Cut is an urban greenway, offering pedestrians and cyclists a little over a mile of perfectly paved trail.
(Riding through the Dequindre Cut)
(Unfortunately, this was the best picture of some of the street art I could capture while riding. For more pictures, click here.)
The trail passes by elegant street art and leads directly into the River Walk. Detroit's River Walk extends over five miles alongside the Detroit River. It is an awesome stretch of trail.
(Colin shows his thumb in approval of the River Walk)
The Golden Fleece
We continued on through the Cut and the Walk and stopped for lunch at The Golden Fleece. This place has been serving Detroit's best gyros for decades. The gyro meat was slowly roasted over an open fire and made the entire restaurant, and most of the block, smell like deliciously spiced lamb.
(The group at The Golden Fleece, giddy and excited and ready to eat)
As we all cheered our beers, Zach--a friend and coworker--explained the meaning of cheers:
(While difficult to hear, the information is invaluable-ish)
The Detroit Crit
After lunch we slowly pedaled our full bellies a few blocks to watch the Detroit Crit: a pro-level bike race. It was intense. While we were averaging amateur speeds in the mid teens, these professionals (which were all riding bikes that cost at least as much as their cars, if not more) were averaging easily over 20 mph. They whizzed by us as we cheered and watched in awe.
(The racers, rounding a turn)
Motor City Brew Works
We brought the day to a close with micro-brewed beer from Motor City Brew Works. My only disappointment was that I was too full of gyro to enjoy one of their delicious thin-crust pizzas. I guess smelling them was good enough. The crisp and citrusy wheat beer made the heat of the sun tolerable and my smile wider. This was a good day.
(The group on the roof at Motor City Brew Works. And one of the riders trying a sit-down version of "Walk Like An Egyptian")
Seeing Detroit from a bike is the best way to see the city. With every stop we made I saw nouns everywhere participating in the rescue of Detroit. So grab your bike and your crotch protecting shorts and head down for a perfectly paced tour of Detroit. With the help of amazing businesses, beautiful greenways, and inspired people, we can all help Rescue Detroit.*
(The Ren Cen welcomes us to the heart of Detroit)
*Yes, I know how cheesy the "Rescue Detroit" bits are, and I don't care.
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