The Woodward Dream Cruise started as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale in 1995. Spectators and cruisers have since traveled to Metro Detroit from all over the world to demonstrate and participate in an event that celebrates an ongoing love affair with the automobile.
In its 18th year, The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day celebration of classic car culture that attracts over 1 million visitors, and more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles.
The Dream Cruise takes place along a 16-mile stretch of the legendary Woodward Avenue through eight host communities including Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak, in Southeast Michigan.
Many of these cars have been stripped to their frames, and completely rebuilt. It is an absolute testament to the men and women who spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of hours perfecting what is essentially art.
For most, the cruise is the ultimate party and epitomizes our city slogan: Detroit Rock City! There are those however, who would just as soon see the event disappear into oblivion.
I have ridden down Woodward during the event on my motorcycle a few years, which is loud with horse power and smells deliciously of burning rubber. But for the most part, I stay away from the area.
These pictures were taken on one corner of the event. There are probably 100 corners, all loaded with vehicles! People line the streets shoulder to shoulder for miles and miles and miles. Once the sun goes down there is booze, babes and bad boys with their toys.
If you have never attended, take some time to experience the Woodward Dream Cruise. There is something for all ages, races and genders. You will not be disappointed.
The Cruise In Shoes 5k is an offshoot of the event and this past Saturday was the first running of it in Royal Oak in which nearly 700 people participated. Not bad for a first running huh?
Coming into the event, I wasn’t really sure how I was going to race it. I have recently incorporated a specific speed workout into my training regimen, couple that with having ditched my beloved headphones I am basically relearning how to run.
The day was a great day for a race, with temps in the mid 50′s for the 7:30 am start. I have maintained that my favorite part of race day morning is the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and Saturday was no exception.
I am not sure who sang it, but she almost yanked a tear out of me! Imagine that, I am standing there getting ready to race and almost cried! Geez I think I need to toughen up. No not really, I am a proud American who believes in the ideals and principles of our country, and I know a good tune when I hear one!
So anyhoo, I took a 1 mile warm-up trot and with a tight schedule due to a partial road closure, we were off at 7:30 sharp! I immediately found my breathing rhythm and honestly, I never broke it.
My mile splits were 7:06, 14:26 with a finish time of 22:12.
Although I did not PR I was satisfied with Saturday’s run. My effort was consistent throughout, I was never in any discomfort and thus there were no mental demons.
This was a well oranized event, the first mile of which was run on Woodward Avenue in front of fans waiting on the cruise to start. I would recommend this race, the event organizers did a really good job.
This event is going to become popular. If you have family in the area, you may consider doing the race then attending the cruise.
As for me, I will continue with my new speed work training, and trying to learn how to run to the sound of my feet and breathing with hopes of snagging a personal best perhaps in the month of September. Even if I do not set a new personal record (PR) there is no harm in trying.
I mean, there is nothing wrong with shooting for the stars right?
Thank you for reading.
Rick
