This was written before the trip started, do ya think I was excited!?!

To Long Days & Pleasant Nights

Seattle hosts a meet-up
adventure beginning
a ring of friends
bikes of three
in the land of memory
the time is always now.

Breakfast greets the sunrise
roads forward...calling
shake the dust from our heels
raise the feet to the wind
the kings highway, eastbound
dinner finds new friends.

Refueled to travel
eventual motion
southbound rumble
to the dry desert ocean
three looks to the west
brings Colorado’s finest.

Creekside canyon riding
corkscrew roadtest
increaseing elevations
heightened emotions
thin air, condo time
the twins rest.

With the road put to bed
the whisper of the mountain’s very breath
alters the senses
the cry of the eagle
coyote’s howling defense
and our world...stands still.

Tram time to town
which in the deep setting...
is a glimmering jewel
boots give-in to fiddle fire
riders find hydration
and surrender to the stool.

Bikes restless in the stall, ready
to resume the exploration
hairpin turns, snakeskin burns
ears pop as we climb
a pause...at the top of the world
and the soul can’t hide.

On to the sunrise face
of the great divide
waiting for the thunder
at days end
are old and newfound
foothill friends.

Flat run due north
flanks the departing highworld
to the lower Dakota
and the Blackhills buzz
with pre-party fever
die-hards starting early.

The Sturgis beehive steadily building
in the gathering dusk
live bands play campside
inhibitions yielding
gypsies retire to sleeping bag comforts
in the depths of the new moon.

Pulling up camp
so long to ya Don
the short time was well made
rolling east to the sun
diametric ribbons blat the song
of the westward parade.

Riding straight and hard
pipes bend the ear
through the highway’s heated shimmer
the Badlands appear
surreal landscape, kickstand break
then on to AC, a shower and a cold beer.

The final leg, the long path home
an alliance of friends cemented
by days end our homes in the sights
tattooed memories for a lifetime...
long days and pleasant nights.

 

t noll