B.Y.O.S.
Everyone from snowshoe enthusiasts to curious newbies have a standing invitation to join others every Wednesday evening for a hike through the Grand Traverse Commons. Fun, beautiful scenery and a gentle workout are available free at this Bring Your Own Snowshoes outing.
The informal, community-driven hike has been a show-up-and-go event for the past ten years or so. Participants of all ages meet at 6:30 p.m. in the back of parking lot K behind Munson Medical Center and set off down the trail. The event lasts for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes as hikers wind through woods and fields. An optional gathering follows afterward at Sleder's Family Tavern.
"It's beautiful, we go up and down the hills, it's great exercise and great camaraderie,” said Chris Gladieux, an informal leader of the hikes for the past eight years. "It's the highest of part of Traverse City and once you get to the top [of the hill] and are looking down on the city, it's beautiful.”
A core group of eight people show up weekly. Some weeks up to 40 attend, usually when new snow provides an irresistible allure. The weekly hikes will continue through March or even April, as long as the snow lasts.
"I look forward to it every week,” said Gladieux. "Some of these people I see only on Wednesday nights.”
In addition to these weekly hikes, an upcoming snowshoe-related event at the Grand Traverse Commons is the Rolling Centuries Winter Festival, scheduled for Saturday, January 26. An afternoon snowshoe romp and sleigh rides will be followed by an evening snowshoe along a candle-lit trail with refreshments afterward at the Cathedral Barn. Proceeds will benefit the Rolling Centuries Farm, a proposed educational working farm.
"I'm the guy that makes the ice candles for them and I'm starting right now, after the new year's here,” said Gladieux, of the 225-250 ice candles he makes. "I've been doing this for years and years.”
An avid snowshoer for a dozen years, Gladieux noted that the sport is "kinder and gentler” on knees — especially for people like himself who are over 50.
It is also the ultimate in portability: just strap on the snowshoes and go, almost anywhere and absolutely anytime. No lift tickets, slopes, groomed trails or lights are required.
"You don't need special equipment, I literally wear summer hiking boots with my snowshoes,” said Gladieux. "The new snowshoes are maintenance free; aluminum ones are light weight and last for years — the equipment is very affordable.”
The weekly snowshoe hikes began thanks to McLain Cycle & Fitness, which wanted to encourage people to try the sport and log some outdoor winter fun time. Store employees would bring snowshoes for rent and generally host the weekly gathering but the organization decided to drop out after a few years.
"We have kept it going,” said Gladieux. "We're a group of citizens not affiliated with any club.”