Slow Roll Detroit

Another exciting thing to do in Detroit is to participate in the bike tour called slow roll.  This is a great opportunity to explore different areas of Detroit as well.  The tour explores neighborhoods, historic locations, and unique spots around the city.  This activity runs every Monday night in the Spring, Summer, and early Fall from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Riders typically meet starting at 6:00 PM, and rolling starts at 6:30 PM.  The tour is about two hours and covers an average of 9 to 14 miles.  This bike tour is offered to everyone, including kids, because the slow pace keeps everyone together safely.  To ensure safety, volunteers wear yellow shirts and help guide everyone.  A strict rider safety code is provided that every rider must abide by.  One does not need any special skills, or an expensive bike to participate; any bike will do.  The meeting locations are different every week at different bars and restaurants near downtown and midtown.  The routes are never the same either.  Some of them have a theme attached.  For example, tonight is Halloween with a best costume contest.  Even though tonight is the last slow roll of the season, riders participate rain or shine April through October.  Slow Roll is also organized in 8 other cities as well.

When I attended my first event, I could not believe the huge turnout of participants.  There are sometimes thousands of riders!  Organizers want this event to become the largest weekly ride around the world, and have opportunities for others to start a similar event in other cities and states.  There is a nonprofit company that will even help a new organizer get started.  What I enjoyed most about this event was socializing with new people and also getting a good workout at the same time.  At times it can be hard to meet new people and these events give people a chance to hangout before or after the bike tour and develop new friendships.  The best part I forgot to mention is its FREE!!!