The serious lane was marvelous.
We moved in small clumps
until we hit a town called Silver
and thinned as dictated
by terrain. I was thankful
my bare head dissipated
heat. As often happens
I latched onto someone
of like speed and energy.
We pushed each other I suppose
although I’m not one to go
with another for long.
He took off and yelled for me.
I said I was right
behind. I should mention
the conditions. After
we left the woods
of Silver we slammed
into warm snow
and that made everything
grueling. We were afforded
shade but the sun, on open
stretches along Wynne Creek,
Summit and Gold,
was forceful. What was it
I didn’t bother thinking
to prepare? It was something
with a specialized name.
I couldn’t trick my brain
into believing the hills
were descents so I just stared
at the steep grades
until I was up close.
The finish did finally come.
I knew all the words
to the finishing music
and I sang them
into my shirt. I put on
my graceful persona
and presented myself
to the small crowd
as someone bullhorned
my full first name.