Unwrapping Crepe Paper Aldo Ross
Unwrapping crepe paper from the new frame Brilliant red paint appearing beneath corrugated beige Decorating the workstand for colorblind prom
First test ride on a cold morning New tape, new shoes, new tires First jump, first sprint to the School Crossing sign
Long March training rides The bright silvery smell of impending snow Stopping for hot coffee and oatmeal cookies
First race of the season Sleepess night spent pedalling in bed Still yawning on the starting line
Checking VeloNews for upcoming races Big-money event, but too far away Calling around for a shared ride
Summer school of real racing Long days spent on hot asphalt Sleeping in the car on the way home
Prime sprint for a sixpack of Pepsi Won easily with a long acceleration Guys in the pack are laughing
Taking stock late a crit Yelling, pushing, fighting for position As the final lap approaches
Hilly roadrace on special wheels Special gearing, special tires, special jersey Someone falls over on the first steep climb
Calling home to say who won Who crashed, who flatted How many racers were there
Drinking beer on a motel balcony Unfamiliar labels bought at an unfamiliar grocery Licking wounds and placing blame
Minor injuries accumulated day-by-day Knees and elbows wrapped in white Crash test practice mummys dressing by their cars
Final race of the season Sunlight turning autumn into gold Starters pistol, sprinting away from the line, entering the first corner...
Aldo Ross
Middletown, Ohio, USA