Still not clear on what I did wrong,
But no hell a fury like a partner scorned,
It’s been havoc in the house!
Started late last night till early morning,
So I was soon up and quickly dressed,
In my favourite and colourful sportswear!
Shyly found refuge in the garage,
Faced with plenty of time to kill!
Cleaned the bicycle and oiled the chain,
Adjusted the seat and pumped the tyres,
Filled the energy drink and water bottles,
Waiting for the sun to rise!
It was a pleasant Sunday morning,
There were barely any vehicles around,
Early before the summer heat took over,
Fresh breeze made it well worth the ride,
Perfect conditions to be mesmerized by,
The tranquillity of a stunning countryside!
Enhanced lucidity of joyous sounds,
From the singing of exquisite birds,
To the chirping of crawling creatures,
The gentle rustling of the leaves,
And the sweet melody of the bike chain,
As I whistled the miles away.
Through the glorious Provence terrain!
Vast fields, craggy hills and thick forests,
Climbed in low gear; smallest ring and largest cog,
And into low cadence going downhill,
It’s a 24-gear machine, 3 rings and 8 sprockets,
That cost more than my first car!
The route full of surprises at every corner,
Smelt the aroma of freshly-cut grass,
Momentarily slowed down by the mower,
Then came into view of rolling lavender fields,
The air pregnant with natural fragrance,
Such a therapeutic and calming feeling.
A couple of near misses along the way,
Misjudged the crosswinds at the hairpin bend,
Wiped off the ground and thrown into the ditch,
Then cut across by a truck and took a tumble,
A cyclist can never win these contests,
The reason they call us ‘organ donors’!
And what’s with dogs and bicycles?
I don’t see them chasing other vehicles!
Felt knackered at the distant sight of my village,
The morning sun already scotching hot,
Respite coming only from the self-generated winds,
And the last wheel of this random peloton.
Bowled over by the triumphant ride,
Got back home with a whole new attitude,
And a remarkable clarity of mind,
Shed off the bike and showered away the sweat,
Then headed straight to the bedroom,
And gave an unconditional apology.