Winter cycling poem - just found it

[bikewriter]

I just came across a really nice poem about winter cycling (reprinted in the book below, but too old to require copyright). It was published in the late 1800s. Thought everyone might be interested . . .

...

THE WINTER CYCLIST

A wintry chill is in the atmosphere,
As from the heaving lake the storm wind blows;
And weak-kneed brethren of the cycle fear
That brings the riding season to close.
Jack Frost assails us with his wicked thrusts;
Our polka-dotted mufflers are on guard
And many a good wheel in the basement rusts
Which should be speeding down the boulevard.

And shall we join the patient, suffering throng,
Which crowds the rumbling street cars to the door?
Which kicks against the service loud and long,
But keeps on riding as it did before?
Nay! Perish such a thought. On every street
The hardy wheelman has the right of way;
No ancient female comes to claims his seat;
No cable breaks, no lumbering teams delay.

Our hearts beat high, our life-blood dancing flows,
Though ice-flakes sparkle in the biting air;
While street-car heaters, every patron knows,
Are but a vain delusion and a snare.
The steed that bore us through the woods aglow
With sunshine, where the morning glories creep,
Will bear us safely through the mud-streaked snow
Until it lies at least five inches deep.

PETER GRANT

[Crinolin]

Thank you for posting that poem. I am going to live in Maryland this winter and they have lovely bike trails, so I have heard. I have always hated putting my bike away for the winter.

[Marylandnewbie]

Crinolin, welcome in advance to the Free State. We do indeed have many wonderful trails and parks for your enjoyment. When you get here if you're in the DC area of Maryland definitely look for a map put out by the ADC company of bike trails in the whole metro area. It is very good and can be found at most bike shops. There may be other maps for other areas of the state as well.

[chephy]

What an amazing poem! The author sure had a sense of humour. Finding a poem like this is like finding a little treasure! There is not a whole lot written about bicycles, after all.

[awinterbiker]

Nice poem, thanks for posting that. You mention the book it came from but it's not on the page with the poem, could you post the name of the book? thanks, tony

[edtrek]

BUMP, S'il vous plait.

[Roody]

Good bump. The poem is as cool now as it was 5 months ago or 125 years ago.

Anybody know where to get a "polka-dotted muffler"?