Mountain Bike Excursion Poem by Glen Kappy

I want stunning glimpses
effects of sun and shade
critters rarely seen
air cool or moisture-rich
conifer fragrance
bird or water songs.

But here
attention strayed
means bruises, blood.
Uphills—gruelling, slow.
Downhills—terror controlled—
washboard path, jagged rocks
blind turns, precipitous drops.

Cholla or yucca
threaten torso and legs
prickly pear—feet and ankles
loose dirt—balance
wild bouncing frame—
my particularly vulnerable parts.

When I can look—
a glimpse of rocky cliff and green.
A few downhills
with challenge but visibility
are rollicking thrills.
And the faces
of those who hike
instead of ride this trail
are orbs of tranquility.