We're almost done with our epic journey across the entire state of Michigan, we've ridden just over 300 miles with 500 pounds of our gear piled on our beautiful piano bike. Yesterday we rode from Canton to downtown Detroit down Warren Ave through Dearborn, Westland, Dearborn Heights, Warrendale...What a scene to pass through the spectrum of urban environments, all the time garnering looks of amazement and encouragement from the people that watched us roll by. A highlight was an unplanned stop at the Kronk boxing gym, one of the finest in the world where we stopped and were welcomed in by "Caveman" Lee and the other young fighters. After a beautiful lunch at Al Ameer Restaurant we came to downtown and had some photos near Hart Plaza and the iconic sculpture of Joe Louis" fist on Jefferson Ave.
It's hard to put into words what the trip means to each of us, and to the people we've met, but the outpouring of encouragement and gratitude has been profound, we've moved people and been moved by people. Every member of our group answered every bell, and looked out for each other, and helped at every turn- never pausing for any acknowledgement...that's giving with grace, and it felt amazing to be a part of such a great team.
Our gig last night was our only club date, at Cliff Bell's in Detroit. We had a nice turnout, and had some friends join us; Chris Codish played piano and sang, R.J. Spangler played drums, and Bob Seeley played piano, too- a great night. In the dark we rode our last couple miles up Woodward to the Scarab Club where we'll play tonight. It's strange not to ride today, we're all strong and feasting on the constant riding. Well, I'll be back tomorrow to report on our final day, and I'm going to encouragement the other guys to post their thought, too. Words don't seem adequate, but guess what it meant when a lady pulled over in front of us in the dark and high fived us on Woodward as we passed, screaming out" I just read about you ( Metro Times?) and here you are! God bless you for what you're doing!
Mark