Lake Region—It was a comfortably warm morning. The sky was scattered with soft gray clouds. The wind gently blew the lush green grass, and the sparkling leaves rustled on the parade of trees. The juniors and seniors of Peterson-Warren Academy took advantage of this perfect morning to enjoy God’s nature on the bike trail. After pumping up the tires, putting a little oil on the chains, adjusting seats and handlebars and putting on safety helmets, the students dashed down the trails flanked by their teachers, Arthur Strawbridge, the physical education teacher, and Albert Rodgers, the assistant principal. This was the beginning of a 16-mile journey through Lower Huron, Willow and Oakwood Metroparks.

The first "official" stop was near a deep blue (okay, murky green) pond with ducks playing follow the leader off in the distance. Many students relished the break as they drank some water, had a few laughs and took a much-needed moment to catch their breath. To some the break wasn’t long enough, but off they went to continue the journey down winding trails, up gentle hills, underneath strong Oak trees, over railroad tracks and through a peaceful meadow to reach their next destination.

Their next stop was the Oakwood Metropark Nature Center. Inside the nature center, the students were able to see and learn about the local Michigan animals such as birds, deer, turtles, snakes and foxes, etc. Some students enjoyed the break by lounging in the observation room in the back of the center.

After exiting the center, the students fed their mighty appetites by devouring their sack lunches to give them fuel for the second half of the journey. Of course, at this point, a few students wished this was the end of the tour; their bodies told them enough was enough, while others were ready to finish the course with enough energy to enter the Tour de France (no, maybe the Tour de Detroit). So the journey continued.

After awhile, a few of the students felt they had given their personal best and enjoyed the scenic route in the comfort of the "relief" van that picked up ailing bicyclists. The rest of the students pedaled until they reached their final destination near a peaceful pond. The students and teachers really enjoyed the bicycle outing. It was a great opportunity to enjoy God’s nature while getting the much-needed exercise. Strawbridge, the organizer of this annual outing, is looking forward to another fun-filled exploration with the Peterson-Warren Academy’s juniors and seniors next school year.

Albert Rodgers, assistant principal, Peterson-Warren Academy