In honour of my 50th birthday, Margo immortalised me with the following poem during a Zoom cocktail party. I reproduce it here with her permission.
A Moose of Many Bikes
For the wind in his hair his heartstrings they yearned.
At the age of fifteen, when he’d saved what he’d earned,
he went to the bike shop and spied in her glory
his very first steed - his dear Castafiore.
She took him quite far and he loved her no doubt,
but more distant horizons began to call out,
so he bought Leonardo when out in The West.
On some challenging rides he was put to the test.
Leonardo was game for the San Juans and Spain
and England and Scotland and more.
Then honed to his best he was put to the test
From western to eastern seashore.
Back at home Castafiore - left out at some length -
and ridden quite hard about town,
had a frame that no longer had structural strength.
Now she hangs on his wall with a frown.
Floria F. was his next urban steed,
and he kitted her out with a crate.
To hear of her treatment makes my heart bleed.
She in time met the same sorry fate.
Her components removed to a light Kona frame,
the new rig sans luggage went wheee.
Victor’s new purpose would not be the same
He’s out in front of a Défi.
But what would now serve for the workday commute?
And what about all of those books?
With Justin from MEC - and a trailer to boot -
the rig garners curious looks.
So raise up your glasses and toast our dear Moose!
He rides everywhere! He rides free and loose!
For roads yet to ride, may ideas never lack!
May the wind always be at his back!
Thank you Margo!!!!
Also, thank you Margaret for the screenshot.
