Big Love for Big Mike

If you’ve ever ridden a bike or gone to a music venue in Detroit, chances are you recognize Mike Torres, better known as just Big Mike. If you’re lucky you’ve been on the receiving end of his welcoming “What up doe!?” or part of his blunt rotation, which is sure to consist of good weed and a great story. This teddy bear of a man was an original Slow Roll Squad member, rides with a crew of his own called Bikes and Murder, he’s worked behind the bar at Dime Store, and up front running security for Checker Bar, Spot Lite Detroit, and a number of other locales. He can be a tough guy, but has a heart of gold and a soft gooey interior.

Big Mike and his wife Maria are a dynamic couple and great parents to their child Cel, a sophomore at University of Michigan. Mike has been a solid friend, safe space, and big brother to myself and many others. I can think of so many times over the last 15 years Mike has shown genuine generosity to myself and others, no strings attached. It happens so frequently I think I’ve come to expect those random acts of kindness. Random texts to check in, a ride home after a late night bar shift, volunteering hours of his time to make Detroit a safer place to bike, and just being a consistent source of positive energy.

It hurts me to say it is now our turn to be that source of positive energy for Big Mike. Our friend has been quietly enduring a pretty serious battle with colon and prostate cancer since March 2024. He is currently receiving hospice care and has plans to return to Costa Rica to spend the rest of his time with his mother.

As Mike navigates this transition his family is struggling to afford care and will be hit with some heavy financial burdens after his passing. He has asked me to help put this together to generate some financial support for Mike and his family.

Let’s give Mike his flowers while he can enjoy them – if you are able to donate financially, anything helps. Otherwise, send a message, photos, prayers, vibes, whatever you believe in to him and his village.

If you’re located in Detroit there will be a Phat Kid Ride on Tuesday, July 2nd at 7PM to celebrate Big Mike and raise some moolah for the Torres family.

RSVP for the Phat Kid Ride