Cruising in the “Green Cruise”

   People came from all directions last Saturday morning to participate in the annual Green Cruise, an event for non-motorized vehicles that was held in some of the suburbs surrounding Detroit. There must have been close to 180 bicyclists involved in the two rides offered: a forty-four mile loop that went south to the Detroit River; and a shorter twenty-two mile route north passing close to our house before looping back to the starting point at the city hall in Ferndale.

   Al had signed us up for the shorter of the two rides which was starting an hour after the first group had departed. We arrived early, signed in at the registration table and waited for the official starting time with about seventy other people. This was the first time either of us had ridden with so many bicyclists. I felt just a few jitters!

   Just before taking off, the woman who was to lead the ride was introduced and given an award for her involvement in starting up biking groups in her community, her skill in fixing broken bikes and her contagious enthusiasm. Then there was a short “Blessing of the Bikes” led by a local pastor...and at the sound of a whistle, we were on our way. I was especially appreciative of that prayer.

   Because there were so many riders who showed up, the pace was slower than what we had expected and I was able to keep up pretty well with the group. The hardest part for me turned out to be avoiding collisions with others. Thankfully there weren’t any collisions; but I had to concentrate on keeping my bike steady and also had to use the side mirrors constantly.

   In addition to beautiful weather, the unexpected prayer and the inspiring community leader, there were many other highlights of the ride. One of them was a bit of advice a man shared as he rode alongside of me: common courtesy and good common sense always make things go better!

   Even though the leaders sometimes called out specific directions, most people ignored them. Whenever the large group approached an intersection, we were told to fill in the gaps between us. However, some riders didn’t listen, forcing the leaders to hold back the traffic even after the light had changed so that everyone could get through. The man with the good advice as well as our team of leaders were definitely part of making the cruise a safe and special event.

   Another highlight happened when we reached a stretch of the route close to our daughter’s house and suddenly saw her along with two of our grandsons, Nate and Elliot, standing on the sidewalk, waving and cheering us on. That was a big energy booster!

   Finally, there was the seven-year old boy named Grant, who was also participating for the first time in the Green Cruise. His father told me that Grant was inexperienced about riding with a large group of people and only knew one speed—fast! Grant really got into the ride, echoing the leaders’ commands in a high pitched voice. His dad always kept a few yards away, watching his every move and prompting him when needed.

   Grant listened and responded right away when his dad told him to do something. There was a question of whether he could make the whole distance; however, the little guy had no trouble keeping up with the pace of the group, even inching towards the front of the pack. His good attitude and determination inspired me, a grandma ten times his age!

   After about three hours, including time out for a break and changing two flat tires, we all rolled back into the parking lot at the Ferndale City Hall. Al was a great riding partner, very supportive and encouraging the whole way. We said our good-byes to many new friends, then went home to shower and change clothes for a celebratory breakfast of blueberry pancakes at a diner near our house. It was a special morning. Praise the Lord!

   “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4 NIV