The Bike

I ride a sleek red Trek 5500 outfitted competitively with Shimano Dura Ace components. This lustrous Trek frame is trimmed in white and the handle bars are adorned with black corked handle bar tape. This entire finely tuned racing machine is firmly grounded on a sleek pair of Bontrager wheels with stealth black bladed spokes and silica black tires. The carbon fiber frame is so light that I have to sit on it to keep it on the ground. Believe me, with my body, I keep it well grounded.

Now, I have to let you in on a little secret. Shhhhhhhhhhh! Make sure no one is looking over your shoulder as you read this next section. I don't want any of the people I am riding with to know.

This bike moves itself! Yes that's right! I go through the motions of pedaling just to keep my little secret. This bike can soar up the slope of a mountain with the ease and grace of an eagle and can turn on a dime. It can accelerate like a dragster and stop as fast as light enters a dark room. Is it a plane? Is it a train? It's Clark’s super Trek 5500.

One can hardly believe this machine is man made. Many who have cast their gaze upon its sleek, slender figure have speculated that it is of mythological origin. They can picture Apollo riding it across the sky as he drives the sun up and down. I once rode to a planetarium and the curator asked if that was the same Trek 5500 that Orion rode before he picked up his long, svelte zucchini.

As you can tell this bike has a will of its own. It has been my constant companion since last October. It has never let me down. We have trained together for this expedition across this great land called America. It has taken me through torrential rain, driving sleet, fluffy falling snow, and blistering hot sun. And all it has asked from me in return is that I lube its chain and bathe it on occasion.

We're a team! And for the next 50 days through thick and thin we will journey across America together. All for one and one for all! Yes, in a roadie sense, I am a “Trekie.”

Now I leave you to your own quiet thoughts to gaze up this beauty. May it inspire new dreams for you as you see yourself upon this worthy steed sailing over the next new horizon and all that lies beyond.