Mountain Spokes
by Peter Eddy


 mountain spokes is a group of folks
 who pedal round the country
sure we work hard all week 
but come bike night we find a peak
 to stroke up to the top of

  you will all agree
along with the sweat our pleasure is camaraderie
with mike paula our coach we held our line
 and steadied our pace
just try to stop us next year at the race

  talk about heavies yea we ve got a few
ok mark pine and sol ameen just to name two
and women sure ours are elite
christy cindy aime karen sabrina and bonnie
 stand up get off that bike seat

  sabrina you see
 planted her head in the ground
like the roots of a tree
tough all the while
 she climbed back on her bike with a smile

  mario marchi our international hero
promises to take us all to the 2002 italian giro

  this end of year party is a happy event
although our biking season it came and it went
but remember this about spring
mountain spokes will gather again to do the same thing 

Pedali isn't Just
by Pete Eddy for the end of year 2007 party

Pedali isn’t just about riding the bike
We treasure our time spent with the people we like
No pedali isn’t just about riding the bike
We may don our boots and go for a hike

Pedali isn’t just about the exercise entailed
After the ride we may just brew up some cocktails
No pedali isn’t just about the exercise entailed
It keeps us occupied and maybe out of the county jail

Pedali isn’t just about trying to break the sound barrier
Although today we came close when chased by that vicious little terrier
No pedali isn’t just about trying to break the sound barrier
So say the racers that the Tuesday night rides couldn’t be any hairier

Pedail isn’t just about riding through north state greenery
You will have to admit our rides do offer some incredible scenery
No pedali isn’t just about riding through north state greenery
The sites turn with breathtaking drama seasonally

Pedali isn’t just about the fitness on the bike we attain
But there it is when you climb the hill and then do it again
No pedali isn’t just about the fitness on the bike we attain
But ain’t it great on that long ride long ride when you’re strong to the end

Pedali isn’t just about any one thing
It’s about the riding and fellowship that pedali can bring
No pedali isn’t just about any one thing
So with a cheer put your glasses up and I want to hear them cling

Bicycle cycle

Spins within the currents
Of the wasted beauty
Loaded in the image of
reality

Legs full of muscle
Built upon the sweat
Of health adversity
Pumping
jumping
thumping
rhythms
Beat their primal tones
Within the grasp
Of nature's
high tech
gramophones

(c) 1996 James Oliver Smith, Jr

“Long have I sought that wish of all,
True happiness to find-
That some would health, some pleasure call,
And some a virtuous mind,
Sufficient wealth to keep away
Of want that doleful scene
And joy enough to gild the day
And make life’s cares serene;
Virtue enough to ask my heart,
Art thou secure within?
Hast thou performed that honest part
Hast thou no private sin?
Now these and these alone possessed,
Will raise a noble joy!
Will constitute a happiness
That nothing can destroy”

-Caleb Eddy b. 1721 d. 1752 Boston Ma

Going down Hill on a Bicycle, A Boy's Song
By Henry Charles Beeching
1859-1919

WITH lifted feet, hands still,
I am poised, and down the hill
Dart, with heedful mind;
The air goes by in a wind.

Swifter and yet more swift,
Till the heart with a mighty lift
Makes the lungs laugh, the throat cry:--
'O bird, see; see, bird, I fly.

'Is this, is this your joy?
O bird, then I, though a boy
For a golden moment share
Your feathery life in air!'

Say, heart, is there aught like this
In a world that is full of bliss?
'Tis more than skating, bound
Steel-shod to the level ground.

Speed slackens now, I float
Awhile in my airy boat;
Till, when the wheels scarce crawl,
My feet to the treadles fall.

Alas, that the longest hill
Must end in a vale; but still,
Who climbs with toil, wheresoe'er,
Shall find wings waiting there.

here's a warm, fraternal hand,

As with a rush of victory we sweep across the land!

If some may be dissatisfied to view the way we ride

We only wish their majesties could wander by our side!

For we are good philanthropists-

Unqualified philanthropists-

And would not have our happiness to any one denied.

We claim a great utility that daily must increase;

We claim for inactivity a bright and grand release;

A constant mental, physical, and moral help we fell,

Which makes us turn enthusiasts, and bless the silent wheel!

Anonymous