By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2020

First published in Academy of the Heart and Mind, April 26, 2021

Dedicated to Scottish Biking Legend, Graeme Obree, overcoming external obstacles and internal demons

A Scotsman did roar round the track
head forward, never looking back,
unveiling form dubbed “Superman,”
invincible, ‘til unfair ban;

World records he did shatter cold,
on home-made bike, whose parts were old,
with flouting of tired convention,
while touting bold re-invention;

A model of efficiency,
hands tucked under chest, riding free,
inspired by downhill skier’s form,
he took the cycling world by storm;

At Norway’s famed Hamar velodrome,
he gave his all before going home,
coming back from his defeat,
to next morning earn the feat:
as fastest cyclist on planet earth,
one hour giving all he was worth;

So raise your glass to defying odds,
to thwarting will of the cycling “gods”,
to bike courier rising to the top,
despite bullying and failed biking shop;
and hail Scotland’s Sports Hall of Famer
with deep drink and without disclaimer.