The beauty is in the little things. The single fall amber leaf is surrounded by the summer green leaves. The red crabapples are so ripe that they’re straining to stay on the tree for one more day. The sunflower spreads its golden petals to welcome a single industrious bee collecting its nectar and pollen.

It’s a temptation to take your bike on the Leelanau Trail between Traverse City and Suttons Bay and be totally taken in by the amazing panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay with its deep blue water. This is where the horizon is only broken by the sails of tall ships and little wisps of white clouds that dot the sky. Get captivated by the long rolling hills under an umbrella of vibrant green leaves. When you get lost in the big picture, you lose sight of the little things.

On the day of this bike ride, the calendar still said summer, but the weather hinted at a touch of fall. While very comfortable, the high temperatures were starting to tick down.

It’s all too easy to ignore the beauty absorbed by every one of your senses. Your mind wants to concentrate on what you see, because there is so much to take in. But this is your chance to relax with a full body experience.

First, take a deep breath. Breathe in a freshness that has its own distinctive smell. Yes, you’ll breathe the smell of the forest, the mixed aroma of trees, and flowers, and a smell that can only be identified as: “fresh.”

Next, just listen to your surroundings. At first, the quiet can be deafening. But when you listen a little closer, you may hear the sound of an angry crow in the distance, or the wind leaving a telltale whisper in the leaves. Listen to the rhythmic slapping of the water at a tiny watermill just north of Traverse City. Or listen to the streams on a gentle rush to find their way to the bay. At some point, you may hear the faint sound of live music. If you follow that sound, it could take you to Shady Lane Winery, where people gather around a campfire, sip a glass of wine, and take in a musical performance.

Take your time. Be ready to stop frequently at everything of interest. At one of those stops, take two of your senses for a spin. Look for the bright red crabapple trees along the side of the trail. Feel free to pick an apple, let your fingers dance along the shiny skin. Then take a bite. That flavor may be a little too strong at first. But its tartness will make your taste buds do a little dance.

Now is when you let your eyes direct you to the frequent distractions along the way. The bright yellow caboose of the TART Line beckons you to jump on and call out “Allll Aboard!” Mile after mile, savor the variety of wildflowers and brightly colored berries. There are Lady Slippers, and flowers that come in joyous shades. You’ll find red berries with green stems, and purple berries with red stems. Along the way, you’ll see works of art, like a wood carving of an indigenous canoe, and a wooden statue of “The Dancers.” Then look for an American flag with a collection of what some may consider discarded household items, but the collection of plastic reindeer, swans, and potted flowers becomes a thing of beauty. It might just be a great place to rest for a moment.

It's roughly a 15-mile bike ride from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. It doesn’t have to take you all day to go the distance, but if you do it right. If you stop and look at the little things. If you take your time. If you use all your senses. It will be a ride you won’t soon forget.