What 92 Miles Taught Me About Connection

Last weekend, I discovered a solo bike ride can make you feel more connected to your community.

My 92-mile trip started in Cadillac under a grey, rainy sky. The first 52 miles were quiet. In that space, my mind didn't focus on the work of the ride, but on the gratitude for how I got there. I thought of my mother, who instilled in me the love for adventure that fuels my life today. I thought of the farmers in the fields I passed, the quiet backbone of our daily lives.

Sunday brought the sun and a beautiful Mother’s Day energy. The trail transformed from a lonely path into a community hub. I saw families headed for ice cream, local parks merging with the trail, and miles of decorated birdhouses lovingly placed by neighbors to brighten the path.

What started as a solo challenge ended as a celebration of connection. As I rolled into Grand Rapids to find Tom and Daisy waiting for me, I realized: we pedal the miles ourselves, but we never truly ride alone.