My Bike Journal Pedal to Health: Historic Downtown Ypsilanti

Welcome!

It's a new year and time once again to give a new look to this blog. New graphics and colors. Same bike writer!

This blog is created not only to track my own progress on my biking journey but it is intended to also assist others who have either osteo or rheumatoid arthritis or both like I do. I hope as you read about the progress I have made that it gives you inspiration and hope that you can overcome the dibilitating effects of these conditions.

If your doctor agrees that you should be capable of expanding your limits read on and don't be afraid, just listen to your body and give it challenges. Biking is a great non-impact form of exercise and greatly enhances flexibility and range of motion.

It's not a substitute for Doctor visits, taking your meds or otherwise getting off your health plan but it auguments what your Doctor does for you and can give you a better quality of life. Go for it!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Historic Downtown Ypsilanti

What a great day for a ride, the temps were much more moderate than in the last two weekends, there was humidity but it was lower, all around it was just perfect cycling weather!

I rode the southern leg of the B2B (Border to Border) Trail in Washtenaw County. Round trip is was 11.55 miles through quite varied landscape. I rode from St. Joseph Hospital to downtown Ypsilanti, Ypsi has some great old historic buildings and architecture.

The B2B border to border tail wanders through natural wooded paths, and urban city sidewalks. It roughly follows the Huron River throughout the whole trail This section of the trail winds around the hospital campus, down past Eastern Michigan University, around some of EMU's buildings, down a shady lane, up some good hills and eventually gets you to Frog Island Park and Riverside Park, Depot Town and downtown Ypsi. I did a little exploring around town. There are some great old homes in the area, it's very interesting riding around town and so unique with having the river and boardwalks available too.

I did some exploring around town and stopped at a food co-op for refueling on some dried fruit snacks and lemonade. Across the street from the co-op is Frenchies Sidetrack Grille appropriately named as is nearly sits on the RR tracks, I didn't stop there today but they have some of the best burgers and onion rings ever, their colorful outdoor umbrellas and tables beckon those strolling by. Lots of colorful and historic architecture, it was like taking a peek into Americana of yesterday. Downtown has quaint shops and a big share of homes that can be classified as the "grande old dames," some have been refurbished and a few are still in need, but it is really like taking a step back in time. The city has taken steps to preserve it's historical architecture and it is very evident that it is an important component of what brings visitors.

Riverside park, below street level and stretching along the Huron River is a great place for peaceful and natural getaway right in the heart of downtown, with a band shell, meandering paths along the river, a tridge (three way bridge) and plenty of places to wet a line and catch fish.

Perfect weather and a perfect way to spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoors.