The Last Ride Report

A poem written by Sue Milroy, in honour of Barry Mason

The Last Ride Report
 
Push the pedals, up the pace
Barry Mason’s in first place
Try to slipstream but not even
Solo pannier, can you see him?
By the ditches and the hedges
Marsh and wetlands, great big sedges
Push the pedals, up the pace
Always with a shining face
 
City buildings way up high
Guide to see through London’s Eye
Locks and Docks- do watch your shin bones
On the ferry, all now windblown
Overwater bridge and ferry
Courtesy of Harry Perry
Push the pedals, slow the pace
See the birds in time and space
 
Have you been in Brunel’s tunnel?
We can go there see the funnel
Barrier time and shining Bascules
Fish Belly flap gates, rising sectors
All the barrier men could tell
Digested at the Dog and Bell
Push the pedals roll the rim
Back into the city’s din
 
Two good locks and one spare inner
Don’t know where we’ll stop for dinner
Contemplate the highway code
Living streets, Ilderton Road
Breaking barriers can be done
Another meeting- will you come?
Now comes sundown- there’s the rub
Time for drinks then a fine hot tub
 
Up the cadence, up the pace
Barry Mason’s in first place!
Can you see him up ahead?
My legs are heavy- feel like lead
Slow down Barry, I’ve got to walk
No texts please, It’s good to talk
Crests the tape his arms stretched wide
Barry Mason’s split the ride.
 
Chapeau Mr Mason.
Chapeau