Solo Travel Series: The Outdoor Enthusiast with Joe Bollinger

Traveling solo in Ann Arbor means the adventure is completely yours, and knowing where to start makes all the difference.

The Outdoor Enthusiast  

We connected with our friend Joe, outdoor enthusiast and owner of Sic Transit Cycles, to share his favorite way to explore Ann Arbor: on two wheels. Meet Joe and save these top tips for getting around A2.

In Joe's Words:

Thinking of coming to Ann Arbor? I highly recommend it—especially this time of year! The weather is nice and cool, and there’s so much to do.

If you’re taking the train, the station is right next to the B2B Trail, and you can practically see my shop, Sic Transit Cycles, from there. Stop by, and I’ll hook you up with a great rental bike so you can head out and explore the town. I’m just a short ride from downtown, where you can catch a show, visit museums, see a game, and enjoy some fantastic food and drinks.

Downtown Ann Arbor is full of small, eclectic shops, and if it feels a bit crowded, there are some cool neighborhood spots too. Right next to my shop—in a neighborhood called Lowertown—there’s a great bar and café of the same name.

A bike is truly the best way to see Ann Arbor. You’ll feel safe on the protected bike lanes, and everything is within easy riding distance. Parking is never a problem when you’re on two wheels! It’s the perfect pace for exploring—walking is nice but slow, and driving isn’t much faster (and far more stressful).

The University of Michigan campus is huge, but you’ll have no trouble seeing it all on a bike. If you’re here on game day, you’ll be so glad you chose to ride!

If you’re in the mood to get out of town for a scenic ride, take the B2B Trail west to the Metroparks along the Huron River. Or head east to Ypsilanti and stop in Depot Town for some great food and drinks.

Let’s talk about what kind of bike would suit you best—I’ve got lots of options. If you’re staying for a few days and want to take it easy, grab an e-bike. If you don’t mind a bit of effort, one of our recreational bikes will do the trick. Every rental includes a sturdy lock and a comfortable helmet.

I’ve done quite a bit of solo traveling myself, and I’ve always had the best time when I had a bike with me—whether it was a rental or my Brompton folding bike (which I also sell, by the way!). See you soon!

About the Creator

Joe was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he continues to live and work. In 2009, he and a friend started a local bicycle shop, Sic Transit Cycles, that serves riders of all kinds, from commuters to mountain and gravel cyclists. Outside of work, he enjoys all forms of biking, and hiking with his wife, Erin and their dog, Noonan. In addition to the bike shop, Joe also owns Lowertown Bar and Café in Ann Arbor, both focused on creating welcoming spaces for the community. Cycling and small business have remained steady parts of his life, rooted in a love for Ann Arbor’s outdoor culture and local connections.