JOY SPREADER: Meet Plymouth’s always-smiling bike rider
Dennis Balcom rides his eye-catching bike alongside Sheldon Road Monday afternoon.
Rain or shine, Plymouth resident Dennis Balcom mounts his eye-catching bike with the oversized handlebars every morning and sets off on a journey south along Sheldon Road.
The 71-year-old routinely wears a contagious smile that has endeared him to members of the community — some of whom he has met, most of whom only see him as he pedals relentlessly on his daily joy rides or waits patiently for the light to turn in his favor at busy intersections.
“I love being outside on that bike; I love the freedom,” said Balcom, who lives life to the fullest while dealing with a series of health issues, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
“I love stopping at Kroger (near the southwest corner of the intersection of Ann Arbor and Sheldon roads). I’ve met a lot of good people in there. I take that back — not just good people, beautiful people.”
‘Always upbeat, always happy’
Dennis has lived in Plymouth with his brother Derryl Balcom since their father passed away years ago (their mom died prior to their father’s passing).
“Dennis is always upbeat, always happy,” Derryl Balcom said. “I tell people he has drained the happiness bucket.
“I fully endorse his daily bike rides. The exercise is great for his health and the doctors say it’s good for his diabetes.”
Derryl said when strangers judge Dennis by the scary masks he attaches to the basket on his bike, they couldn’t be more off base.
“Some people see those things — and at first glance they look a little scary or whatever — and it’s human nature to think they represent Dennis,” Derryl said. “But he’s 180 degrees from being that kind of person. He just enjoys those masks, for whatever reason.
“He’ll stop at the seasonal Halloween stores and pick one up, or buy one at Walmart. I’ve even ordered a couple for him on Amazon. But they don’t represent the good-hearted person he is.”
Bad weather or not, he’s pedaling
It takes some seriously nasty weather to keep Balcom off his bike.
“The coldest temperature I’ve ridden in is 28 degrees,” he said, flashing a proud smile. “And you should see me ride over ice. Man, nothing can stop this bike.”
He pointed to the extra-thick tires with the ice-defying treads.
As far as the items he has attached to the basket of his bike, Balcom said they’re almost like family.
“I really don’t have any space left on my basket for any more things,” he said, smiling. “And I would never think of replacing the ones I already have. Nope, they’re like family to me.”
Balcom said he usually rides at least four miles every day.
A recent Facebook post that showcased Dennis and his joy-spreading bike rides generated a non-stop string of supportive comments.
“When I told Dennis about all the love and support he received from people on Facebook, he was shocked,” Derryl said. “He didn’t know people cared that much about him.
“I told him, ‘You’re as popular and beloved as the Plymouth turkey. He laughed at that.”
Favorite routines
Dennis loves stopping at Kroger, the Canton Meijer on Ford Road, and Burger King and McDonald’s.
When the subject of Wendy’s and Red Lobster’s recent financial crises emerged during an interview inside the Plymouth Kroger, Dennis quipped: “Derryl, you should buy Red Lobster and keep it going.”
Everyone sitting at the table chuckled.
Dennis said two summers ago, he rode his bike all the way down Ford Road to Telegraph Road in Dearborn, which was news to Derryl, who smiled at the revelation.
“And I might do it again this summer, too,” Dennis said.
Derryl said he doesn’t worry about Dennis’s safety given the love the community has developed for his brother.
“There are a lot of people out there keeping an eye on him for me, which is reassuring,” Derryl said.
Big Star Trek fan
At the end of each day, Dennis returns to his home, locks his beloved bike to a fence near he and Derryl’s residence, and relaxes by watching some of his favorite TV shows.
“My favorite show is Star Trek — the original ones, not the new ones,” he revealed.
“I like Wheel of Fortune, too, but I’m terrible at solving the puzzles. And I hate Jeopardy! If I was ever on that show, I’d embarrass myself.”
He laughed heartily at his admission.
Once his TV watching is complete, Dennis goes to bed, regenerating his body for another day of bike riding/joy spreading.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
