The things about biking that I love the best,
are what I'll list here to win your contest.

I love it for the sheer fact of being outside,
for the camaraderie and competition of the group ride.
For patches of forest air cool, sweet and still,
or the effort of holding your breath past mounds of road kill.
The bugs in your mouth that give extra protein,
Powerbars and Gaterload are no longer a need.
The blur of the landscape, houses and trees,
the lack of dripping sweat because of the breeze.

The thrill of seeing a pack take the turn,
while hoping that no one ends up with road burn.
Style man will agree that the clothes are so cool,
where else can guys wear spandex and not look the fool.

When on rides the only worries I find
are deer, dogs and dumb-drivers behind.
Forgetting how far you go out is how far you return,
the fluids you go thru and the calories you burn.
Pushing yourself–never conceding defeat,
that first time up a hill with your butt in the seat.
The burning sensation in your legs on a climb,
or how components look after cleaning off grime.
A good excuse to get the hair off my legs,
and the pounding for which the road ahead begs.

Biking is a shared interest for me and my wife,
its something we'll do for the rest of our life.
It's good for your heart, but hell on your rear,
why does she always find my receipts for components and gear?
It's a strain on the wallet, but worth every cent
for time is money but its always well spent.
I'm 30 now but have I missed my chance
cause when I grow up I want to ride like Lance.

For the interest my kids show when I talk of the sport,
for the way my wife eyes me when I put on the shorts.
For family time with all three kids on the trail,
taking plenty of snacks, diapers and toys without fail.
Equally, for time spent alone on my bike
away from training wheels, trailer and trike.

Spring–the time to get out of your rut
escape from the job and ride off that gut.
Summer–the chance to get a cyclist tan,
lines on your legs & spots on your hands.
Fall–the time to disprove fair-weather nay-sayers,
just get on your bike and put on more layers.
Winter–riding not a sport for the masses,
but its still fun to go to the spinning classes.

It's faster than walking,
cooler than running,
less polluting than driving,
and feels like I'm flying.

For the roads you learn,
the calories you burn,
the pedals you churn,
the wheels you churn,
the legs you earn,
and the time for which you yearn.

Best wishes to Bicycling in your 40th year,
Now choose my poem and send me that gear!