Sweet Summertime!

Being in the Midwest of the USA, this is a special time of year. A time to be out and about. I enjoy a leisurely walk, bike ride, and car ride through the city and countryside. Whether it’s an exciting street ride or a peaceful wetland, biking seems to be the perfect pace to observe things around you—and to find a restroom when nature calls.

The Detroit riverfront is a good way to enjoy the city and nature. But it does have its complications. And we all can probably agree that people are often what causes complications in our lives. You know, people who are walking, standing, gawking while I am trying to do my biking thing on the same path. People whose children and dogs are left to wander while I am attempting to slide past. I’m not trying to go particularly fast, just faster than them!

And how about the complications that a group of saunters, chatting it up, five wide, and two or three deep present, taking up the breadth of the pathway? Add to this that people are going both directions. And let’s not forget about other bikers at breakneck speeds and electric scooters with low experienced riders.

I’ve been yelled at for going too fast and too slow. I too have been the walker with a little child wishing those bikers would find a different route. Or, in a group observing a bird while a biker wants to just keep moving.

This all speaks of different intents and purposes. Different paces. Different ways of journeying. And I haven’t even mentioned the attitudes that each person brings to the pathway with them – factors of life that cause each of us to justify our present mindset – hurried, frazzled, or otherwise.

Sometimes I’m the guy that wants to slowly take it all in. Other times, I want to take in as much as I can in a short window of time. Or burn some calories and get my heart rate up in the beauty of the RiverWalk with others around. But don’t slow me down, please.

The other day a guy yelled at me to slow down as I was riding in an “isolated” bike path between where he was standing on the sidewalk and his car in the street. Seemed safe to me and ultimately was. But it sure ticked him off. He had a different perspective.

I suppose now we are talking about a sense of conscience for my well-being and others. Going alone on an empty pathway is often the fastest. While being with others may be enjoyable or at least necessary to see and do what we desire.

And there it is. Desire – what do I, and we as individuals and a community, truly desire? 

I’m learning that I and my neighbors want a little respect. Respect for what I am trying to enjoy on this RiverWalk that we are on “together.”

Mike