On Biking From Bryce to Zion

From cities in Eire and across the US
We gathered to join in a southwestern quest.
Old marrieds, just marrieds, and some just plain friends
Responded to all those brochures Backroads sends.
A few had worked out in a diligent way
Preparing to bike that eighty mile day,
While others prayed the “down hill” to Zion
Would be sufficient to keep their wheels flying.
We met in the shade of the Ute Crystal Inn
And checked out each other before our first spin –
How strong are his legs, how good are her lungs,
Are they really determined, their spirits – how young?
First, Jeanie and Gene – damn they look buff,
Then Randy and Bruce who have worked out enough.
From Middletown, Long Beach, Frisco, State Hill
Four trip-ready women prepared for this drill.
There’s Rick and his wife, a biker named Bobby,
Who look like they’ve never even tried a soft hobby!
The long-legged Siofra and her new man named Scott
Look like they’ve worked out together a lot.
Trina and Erin are guides in command
And Matt looks quite strong with his stubble and tan.
Oh dear, I don’t want it said on the wagon,
“It’s time to collect old laggin McLagan.”
But once we got going and the route rap was held
We shared M&Ms and our group quickly jelled.
The picnics and dinners and treats at the top
Kept all of us moving and not grumbling a lot.
The days went by quickly and now they are past,
One final ride, and a dinner came last.
It worked out quite nicely because, in the end,
Through bike and hiking, we’ve all become friends.