For many, the idea of visiting every park in a county might seem daunting. But for Betsy, it became an opportunity to combine exercise, exploration, and a deep connection with the natural beauty of Ottawa County. Starting in 2015, Betsy made a bold move to ditch traditional biking for triking, and what started as a solution to balance issues quickly turned into an incredible journey that would take her to every Ottawa County Park.
Why Triking?
Betsy made the switch to a recumbent trike, opting for a TerraTrike. Triking gave her the stability she needed, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors without fear of falling. Betsy describes it as “pedaling a recliner around—you can’t go wrong!” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many who, like Betsy, need a more comfortable and secure way to stay active while enjoying nature.The trike proved especially beneficial for people dealing with back pain, stroke survivors, or anyone who prefers to sit while they exercise. It was an ideal fit for Betsy, allowing her to enjoy her rides without the fear of tipping over.
The Park Challenge: A Reason to Ride
In 2018, Betsy set sights on a new goal: to trike every road in Ottawa County. She needed a reason to stay motivated and get outside, so why not turn it into a challenge? Her idea was simple: explore every corner of the county, slowly “coloring in the roads” on a map, all while enjoying the beautiful parks Ottawa County has to offer. The Visit Every Park Challenge gave her not only a new goal to obtain, but also a new way of obtaining her current goal.
Betsy set out when the snow started to melt in the spring. She visited every park in just eight rides. Some rides were short, at 19 miles, while others spanned 55 miles. Along the way, she explored the county’s parks, connected with nature, and met some interesting people.
Planning the Routes: A Balancing Act
Betsy didn’t just hop on her trike and ride wherever the wind took her. Planning her routes was key to her success. She grouped nearby parks together, creating routes between 20 and 50 miles. One of the main challenges was avoiding heavily trafficked areas, so Betsy typically rode on Sunday mornings to minimize car traffic.
“It’s all about timing and planning the routes to stay mostly on the path,” she explains. “I didn’t want to be dodging cars every five minutes.”
Her favorite route, Leonard St. to North Bank to Spoonville, was full of dips, curves, and plenty of parks. She describes it as a “rollercoaster road” that kept her engaged and excited during the ride. Another favorite was Riverside Park, a place she visited often as a child. Now, as an adult, she finds herself reconnecting with the park’s deep-rooted history and serenity.
The Hidden Gems: Discovering New Favorites
While Betsy had her well-loved parks, she also found a few new gems along the way. One such place was Deer Creek Park. Nestled by a bayou off the river, it offered a peaceful escape. The second time she visited, it felt like a secluded retreat, perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
For Betsy, it’s the smaller, quieter parks that often steal her heart. Whether it’s the sound of waterfalls at Spring Grove Park or the company of turtles and snakes at Riverside, she treasures the diversity and calm found in these spaces.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. While Betsy didn’t face many technical issues with her trike, she encountered some tough situations with non-bike-friendly drivers. Cyclists and trikers sometimes face tension with car drivers, and Betsy was no exception. She took extra precautions, making sure her trike was equipped with headlights, taillights, bright colors, and a flag to improve visibility.
“I always follow the rules of the road, use signals, and keep my distance,” Betsy says. She emphasizes the importance of being polite to other drivers, as a little courtesy can go a long way in avoiding conflict.
A Community Experience
What made Betsy’s journey truly special was not just the parks or the routes she mapped out, but the people she met along the way. She loves talking to locals, whether they’re fishing, visiting the park, or just out for a walk. These interactions made her rides even more memorable.
Betsy recalls chatting with park-goers about the history of the area, learning about other people’s outdoor activities, and exchanging stories. “The parks are fun but meeting new people and learning what they’re doing for fun adds another layer to the experience,” she says.
Encouraging Others to Take the Challenge
For anyone thinking about taking on the Visit Every Park Challenge, Betsy has one simple piece of advice: Give it a go! Whether you walk, drive, or bike your way through the parks, there’s something incredible to discover in each one. Ottawa County’s Park system is diverse, with plenty of natural beauty to offer.
“Grab a friend, join a group, or just go out and putter around,” Betsy suggests. “There are so many amazing spaces in our county.”
As for Betsy, while she says she won’t keep track of the parks next year, she plans to continue enjoying the parks in her own time. And while she might not cycle all the way out to Grose Park again, she’s still passionate about getting outside and enjoying all the county has to offer.
Looking to the Future
Betsy’s journey through Ottawa County isn’t over. She’s involved with Spokes Fighting Strokes, an organization that sponsors trike rides and bike tours, and Michigan Recumbent Trikes. Betsy is always encouraging others to get involved, whether they’re stroke survivors, recreational cyclists, or those simply looking to explore the outdoors.
Her passion for cycling and triking is undeniable, and it’s clear that she’ll continue to explore Ottawa County’s parks for years to come. The combination of nature, community, and exercise makes every ride a new adventure.
Ready to join Betsy on a ride or try the park challenge yourself? Get involved with local trike events, and who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll be riding alongside Betsy on one of Ottawa County’s scenic routes.