Pedal Power

Guest Opinion

By Kate Lewis | May 11, 2024

May in northern Michigan has to be one of my favorite months of the year. It’s like Mother Nature decided to throw a party and invited every color in the crayon box.

Bursts of color are popping everywhere, the anticipation of sunny summer days at the beach is building, I’m spending more time outside with the kids, and oh, the relief of fewer and fewer layers.

As the vibrant hues of spring paint the landscape and the lingering chill of winter fades into memory, there’s an unmistakable sense of renewal in the air. For me, this renewal takes the form of two wheels and a handlebar. May is also National Bike Month, a celebration of biking as transportation, as recreation, and as essential to our well-being and everyday lives.

The bike is a simple contraption with the power to transport us to where we want to go. It’s not just a mode of transportation; it can become a way of life, a passport to exploration, and a source of endless amusement and adventure.

Whether you’re navigating the winding trails of the forest, cruising along the shores of the Great Lakes, or simply pedaling through the quaint streets of northern Michigan villages, there’s something undeniably magical about propelling yourself forward under the power of your own legs. There’s a feeling of freedom that washes over you as you pedal, the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.

Experiences and attitudes while biking can be as varied as bikes themselves. Sometimes it’s about the moments of exhilaration, and other times it’s the quiet moments of reflection along the way. Sometimes it’s simply about the laughter and camaraderie shared with friends and family as you explore new trails and discover hidden gems just steps away from your own backyard.

Biking keeps us fit and healthy, reduces our carbon footprint, and provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In a world that seems to move faster with each passing day, biking offers a welcome respite—a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us, especially as the busy summer months approach.

Through the years, my bike has been witness to the milestones of my life. Purchased in college, she’s been my faithful companion, accompanying me on moves across the country and through life’s twists and turns. There have been other bikes that have come and gone over the years, but she’s remained a constant. From awkwardly biking with a dog in tow to installing a car seat in the burley trailer for my firstborn, she’s adapted to every phase of my life.

Now, as my daughters grow and we upgrade to a cargo bike for family rides, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt that my trusty bike has been collecting a bit of dust. But seeing the wonder on my daughters’ faces as we pedal together creates a new purpose of biking for me—making memories and sharing moments of pure joy.

As the seasons change and the years pass, choosing to get around by bike remains a constant source of inspiration and renewal for me, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that surround us each and every day. I encourage you to consider the ways in which biking can enrich your own lives and bring you closer to nature and your communities.

So here’s to May in northern Michigan, to the explosions of color, the sunny days, and the promise of new adventures on two wheels. Here’s to National Bike Month, a time to celebrate the freedom, the joy, and the sheer exhilaration of biking in all its forms. And here’s to the endless possibilities that await as you pedal forth.

Tip: Want to get the kids involved in your love of biking? Check out some of these family-friendly, bike-centric events! May 18 is the Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap at the Old Town Parking Deck, a great opportunity to trade in or grab the next size up for the kiddos. And Norte is hosting five Slow Rolls this summer—super fun and chill cruises through downtown Traverse City—with the next one on June 5.

Kate Lewis resides in Leelanau County and serves as the director of communications for Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. You can typically find her biking on a trail, paddling on the water, hiking in the woods, exploring northern Michigan with her kids, or dancing at a Phish show.