As Will Stroud just hit ten years as Cinema’s TM it’s no surprise that, after those years of traveling and working together, this crew has become something more than family. This crew has shared blood in the streets, drinks, long nights under the lights, hours at the hospital, miles in vans, and yet some how everyone always has each other’s back to the fullest. You can see that clear as day when, rather than any jealousy over this spot or that spot, this trick, etc, this crew has seemingly learned to celebrate and enjoy each other’s difference in habits and mannerisms. Something that shows in both the footage and photos naturally. You can laugh all you want at all of the endless CK Instagram memes, Corey saying “y’all” way too much, and I assure you we are all in the van laughing our asses off along with you. For this is truly family and I have now doubts that everyone will continue to embrace each other while pouring blood in the streets together for many years to come, all for the sake of friendship and growth.
Maybe that is why Will chose Detroit for this one. Because much like Cinema and life in general, Detroit has seen its ups and downs, its wrecks, its blood on the streets and much like the Cinema crew it has only grown stronger as a result. Even in its ‘roughest’ areas Detroit had this energy and friendliness about it. Not just walking by looking on in weirdness at 7 grown men sitting on the side walk with little kids bikes. Instead everyone we ran into was fully stoked and supportive of what we were doing. The one time an officer did have to kick us out it was more of an apology than a scolding. So for that I thank you, Detroit, you were far more than just a city built on roads, rock & roll, and those long, hot summer nights. Not to mention that Michigan has some serious spots and the locals are nothing short of true BMX family welcoming us to their city with open arms (shit, I think I might even still have a tab with a local!)
As we headed out for this trip, myself and Harley met Will in Detroit after I made Harley pull the six hour drive from Rochester so I could enjoy the fresh air and music. Once we met up with Will we quickly learned that Garrett and Chad’s flight was canceled and pushed back a day and that Nathan (due to a bad back injury) needed to stay back an extra few days to heal up. This was of no issue to us, we had a great place to stay and a new city to wander around. As Corey showed face the next day and we grabbed Garrett and Chad, it was on. The city really felt wide open and welcoming. With the energy right and the nightly porch missions going well we picked up Dak who was flying in late direct from Germany, a true professional. I would’ve personally tried going home for 48 hours to chill first but not Dak. This only increased the energy in the van leading to an amazing few days of riding around the city. With Nathan coming in for just the tail end of the trip we ended up saving those days for driving missions going spot to spot on the outskirts of the city to hit all the gems we had yet to get to. None of us even knew if Nathan was going to be able to ride much less film anything. But this is Nathan and it comes as no surprise to any of us that the good times helped him break the ice, feel better, and even snag a few clips in just two days.
Detroit, I know we all can’t thank you enough for the great spots, locals, and all the good laughs. This is sure to be one of those trips we will all remember for years to come, and not just for the spots and the tricks, but for the great times laughing non-stop with friends on bikes. Hopefully these photos lead to more great memes for us all to laugh about. Thanks again, Detroit. Next time let’s get Robocop back out to hang. - KC
