Pedaling Through History:

A Syatt Adventure with Bike Cleveland and Doan Brook Watershed Partnership

When Jacob VanSickle from Bike Cleveland calls, you answer! This incredible organization is the heartbeat of cycling advocacy in Northeast Ohio, and honestly, every city needs a Bike CLE (and yes, they can totally use the name!). So when the opportunity came to join a ride through the Doan Brook watershed, we couldn't resist.

Let me tell you, folks, this wasn't just any bike ride. It was a journey through time, nature, and community that left us breathless - from the pedaling, ha! Seriously, retrace our path!

Cleveland Hotspots

Our route took us on a tour of some of Cleveland's most fascinating spots, each deserving of its own blog post (stay tuned!). Here's a quick rundown:

1. Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Nature Preserve: A hidden gem that's reclaiming its wild beauty.
2. Stonebrook White Montessori: This school is revolutionizing education with its hands-on approach, including an impressive water basin on site.
3. Cleveland Museum of Natural History: I mean, where do you start? The visitors hall is open to the public giving you a chance to witness 7 iconic… (We cant share, so go visit! 😉, LoL!). CMNH is embracing the future with jaw-dropping architecture and more exhibits to follow.
4. Jesse Owens Olympic Oak Plaza: This is hands down my favorite stop. This collaboration between DERU Landscape Architecture, artist Angelica Pozo, and the Owens family is a powerful tribute to a legend. The 200-meter loop around Owens' Olympic Oak, complete with memorial markers and a podium seat wall, tells a story of triumph, struggle, and enduring inspiration. This is a MUST SEE!!!
5. Gordon Park: A reminder of the importance of inclusive green spaces. As we work to improve our parks, we must ensure they remain accessible to all residents. Green gentrification is real.
6. Sowinski Park: A neet restoration project that is not just about realigning the brook; it's about reimagining what our urban green spaces can be.

The Job

The “job” for the event was to help cork streets and keep our riders safe, and this ride turned into so much more. We got a front-row seat to Cleveland's past, present, and future while pedaling along the Doan Brook watershed.

And let's not forget the unexpected excitement - a real-life police chase unfolded right before our eyes! The sirens were so loud and persistent that even the animals at the museum started joining in the chorus. Talk about a wild ride! Yes, this happened! SMH!

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for more in-depth looks at each of these amazing stops. And remember, the next time you hear about a community bike ride - join in! 

#BikeCLE #DoanBrook #ClevelandAdventures #SyattExplores