People react to you when you have a camera around your neck during the Dream Cruise weekend. While I was standing on the corner of Woodward and Orchard Lake, a silver Chrysler Pacifica (the kind that haunts Lohnes’ nightmares, not a brand new one) rolled up and the driver struck a pose: “Take my photo, man.” I couldn’t help but smile, take the shot, and tell him to have a good day. The guy on the motorcycle saw me just as I was about to start heading towards the car and made the sideways “peace” sign as he rode past. I had to look at the photo later to make sure I didn’t get flipped off, but no…it’s Dream Cruise Weekend.
Yes, things happen in Detroit, we all know that. Cars get stolen, for starters. But over the entire length of M1, the scene was more about coming together. Detroit as a whole smelled like a mix of barbecue and barbecued tires the whole day. There were live bands at some of the bigger car show lots. Spectators lined the streets. The police presence only seemed to be in an observe and monitor situation and, with possible exception of Royal Oak cops, didn’t seem to be targeting cruisers unless they got too rowdy. The Cruise is just a day to throw aside the world and just come together for the love of the machine. Your tastes might not match, but everybody was on at the Cruise for the same reason.
Click on a photo below to check out more rolling stock from the Woodward Dream Cruise Weekend!
