This past week I participated in the last Slow Roll of the season. I’ve made an effort to participate in as many rides as I could since I moved to Detroit in mid-August. However, I really wanted to use this month’s post to reflect on how unbelievably awesome this movement is—for Detroit and for communities everywhere.

My first Slow Roll.

Diversity | My first ever Slow Roll I could barely ride in a straight line without falling over. I caught myself staring in amazement and intrigued by everything going on around me; there was so much to look at! Now, when I say “diversity” I am referencing every aspect of this crowd of bikers: age, gender, attitude, bike style, music choice (blaring from the back of their bike), even geographic origin–there were people riding in the crowd that actually traveled from another city just to see what the Slow Roll in Detroit is all about. Now if that’s not powerful, I don’t know what is.

FUN | A couple weeks ago, there was a woman who started a chant in the crowd: “I say ‘Sloww’ and you say ‘Rollll'” which was then echoed by the massive community of bikers surrounding her. She then took it one step further and improvised her chant: “I say ‘Don’t Stop’ you say ‘Get it, get it!'” and you better believe that every single person and then some joined in on the echo with a amused smile on their face. None of these people, or intermingled clusters of people, knew each other, but biking together week after week creates this unexplainable bond throughout this once-a-week route that you can’t understand until you’re right smack dab in the middle of it.

Pride | Although many of these groups of people may not previously know each other, everyone participating in the Slow Roll has at least one thing in common: Detroit. It didn’t take me long to catch on that the Slow Roll was so much more than a bike ride, it’s a movement. It’s a statement to show that you are proud to live in Detroit. And to those that aren’t from Detroit, it’s an effort to show your support for the city and its community. People line on the streets and families wait on their front porch to see the parade of bikers go by. Support comes from all different kinds of communities throughout Detroit, pushing for success; we all want each other to succeed.

Sneak peak at the District Detroit breaking grounds.

Opportunity | I’ve gotten so many opportunities to see the city from these Slow Roll bike routes. When I first moved to the city, it was a great opportunity to explore some of the neighborhoods and see what lied beyond the Midtown area that I became familiar with. I got the inside look of District Detroit and their new plans for the new Red Wings arena. I even got the chance to wear my old homecoming dress for the Prom Night Slow Roll in early October!

I could say so much more about the Slow Roll. I could write an entire blog just about the bikes themselves. But I’m going to give my rant a rest and conclude by saying that I am proud to be here in Detroit. And it’s unique movements like the Slow Roll that remind me why Detroit is such an awesome place to be.