From soccer practice to grocery runs, the Chevy Trailblazer is designed to make your everyday outings a breeze.
Here is a riddle: What has two wheels, is a solid way to get around town and doesn’t cost $3.75 a gallon? Give up? Just kidding, too easy, right? The answer is a bicycle. Commonly referred to as a “bike” in today’s day and age, perhaps you’ve heard of it.
Riding a bike is great exercise. It truly allows for a great workout, with many muscles working (quadriceps, calves, etc.). On top of that, riding your bike either individually or as a group around Metro Detroit in the fall is a gorgeous site. The leaves changing colors and falling to the ground as you ride over them—yeah, you can say Michigan does fall right (winter we’re still working on).
Fall is fading fast, though. That evil-spirited winter season is on our heels. Opportunities for riding bikes will soon diminish, but the good news is that there are several bike events in autumn. In the sake of preserving as much time for bike riding weather as possible, let’s get right to upcoming events around southeast Michigan.
Slow Roll meets every Monday night in Detroit. It is currently in its fourth season and according to the website, Slow Roll is Michigan’s largest weekly bike ride with more than 3,000 riders each week and has more Slow Rolls popping up around the world. The next “Monday Slow Roll” takes place this Monday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at The Old Shillelagh. There will also be a “Slow Roll Third Thursday” event next week on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. (meets at Eastern Market). Slow Roll is for all ages and skill levels. Check out the full schedule for more upcoming events.
Palmer Park Bike Rides take place every Thursday night in October at 7 p.m. Ride your cycle through the beautiful park, which is the largest primary forest in the Tri-County area. The ride usually lasts eight to 10 miles and goes at a leisurely pace through trails and neighborhoods. The next event is today at 7 p.m. and repeats the following three Thursdays. After this month, the event takes a hiatus until the spring.
Bike Ypsi has a plethora of events on the horizon. The next one begins at noon this Sunday, Oct. 12 at Arbor Brewing Company. The ride begins at 1 p.m. Following the aforementioned ride is the Devil’s Night Halloween Ride on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. Headlights and rear lights are required for this ride, as you will be rolling through the dark and creepy wooded areas. Bike Ypsi also has rides planned for December and January. A little cold weather never hurt anybody, right?
Bike the Bridge is on Sunday, Oct. 12. Riders will pick up packets at Assumption Park in Windsor at 8 a.m., and then head to the Ambassador Bridge at 9 a.m. sharp. This event gives 500 participants the opportunity to ride across the border on the 1.6-mile-long bridge. Unfortunately, registration is closed for the 2014 event, but keep an eye out for next year’s edition, or come by and watch the action.
Mad Anthony Cyclocross 2014 is on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit. There are several cyclo-cross races on that day for different groups, including men, women and mixed. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers or top five finishers (depending on the race). Race registration fees range from $15 to $30. Registration ends on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Mad Anthony Cyclocross is a USA Cycling sanctioned bike race.
Make sure to get on a bike and take advantage of this rather warm fall we are having (knock on wood). As you know, we live in Michigan, so that can change in an instant. Keep your eyes peeled for other bike events around your area.
