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By Brett Matheny ’15 | Staff Writer
I first began Slow Roll this past spring when the weather was still cold. My first slow roll was one of the best experiences of my life, and the diversity of people, bikes and sights never ceases to amaze me.
Detroit’s Slow Rolls last from early spring until late in the fall, and will take place usually rain or shine unless the weather presents a serious threat to safety. We ride through some of the roughest but arguably some of the most beautiful places in Detroit.
Even though the areas we drive through may be somewhat desolate, 7,000 people on bikes create smiling faces everywhere. The thousands of slow rollers also help to spark the economy in the city by visiting restaurants and casinos along the ride.
For those who haven’t experienced the food of Detroit, I recommend taking the opportunity to experience it. The Slow Roll stops in places known for restaurants such as Greek Town and Mid-Town.
For me, the Slow Roll is a gate into the world many fear, and it is also a place to do some photography homework. The sights are incredible, ranging from the beautiful houses in Indian Village to the abandoned Packard Plant and sometimes the Heidelberg Project.
The good times are endless. I have found that many friendly, interesting people and many unique bikes show up to Slow Rolls. The community at this event is so helpful that there is no need to worry. For instance, I have seen the community help many people including a little girl who blew out her tire. They changed her tube in no time, and she was ready to roll.
I’ve met many people who I speak to and recognize every trip, and I have seen many places that I will never forget. The Slow Roll is like riding through a war zone with a bunch of your best friends. In fact, being in such a large, tight-knit group creates a great sense of safety for me going through places that have been said to be the among the most dangerous in Michigan.
Before the Slow Roll, the slow rollers gather in a designated location disclosed by the Slow Roll Facebook page typically with a week’s notice. There is also an official website (slowroll.bike) where potential riders can get schedule information from.
We gather at 6:30 p.m. and try to ride at 7 p.m., sometimes slightly later. At the beginning of each Slow Roll, Co-Founder Mike Makool provides instructions on how to be courteous on the road, and we typically begin at the Old Shillelagh in Detroit.
Every ride includes a Slow Roll Squad dressed in yellow shirts to ensure the safety of the ride. And this Squad also enforces the rules of courtesy, crucial to keep the Slow Roll going, such as staying to the right to let traffic through, keeping music at a reasonable level, not performing tricks in the middle of the crowd, no littering, communicate to fellow slow rollers and listen to and respect the squad.
Detroit’s Slow Rolls have definitely become one of my greatest passions. I love the feeling of unity between each and every one of the slow rollers and between the slow rollers and the people of Detroit. Waking up Monday morning has become so much less of a drag, once I know I have Slow Roll to look forward to that night.
