As we wrap up our fifth reunion, on a Rocky Mountain High,
We've had more fun and camaraderie than money could ever buy.
Our second tour of Colorado , with its red rocks, white clouds, and blue sky—
What better place to celebrate a spectacular Fourth of July!

From the Hotel Denver in Glenwood Springs, across from the huge mineral pool,
We rode along the Crystal River while it shimmered like a flowing jewel.
We didn't mind the clouds in the sky since they kept the temperature cool
As we enjoyed art made from flawless marble called Colorado yule.

We rode slow uphill each day outbound, then flew back as if down a pass—
Past Redstone Church with aspens in four seasons in stained glass,
And down past the Aspen ski areas, like Highlands and Snowmass.
I guess you could say we rode the routes each day in a way that was half-fast …

As we rode with local tandem riders, to Ruedi from Carbondale
We pedaled hard uphill for a ways, on the Midland Railway trail.
It would have been even tougher if it weren't for the wind on our tail,
Then back down the hill to the Rio Grande trail as back to Basalt we did sail!

When a rider behind her said “the back motor's not working”
Karen yelled “smart ass” and proudly sat smirking
Because she thought he meant Gary was working to tow ‘er
When the guy told her he was talking … about a lawn mower!

The scene was the Woody Creek Tavern, where locals brought up the parade
And suggested we ride into Aspen , to establish our own cavalcade.
With us in our fine Trans-Am jerseys, the opportunity seemed tailor made,
So we set out up over one more steep hill, for our patriotic escapade.

We followed the traffic into town and we found
Big crowds in stands on the streets – curbs – the ground!
A traffic cop told us “To find the start, go around”
Then we fell in behind the Harleys, with their chrome and loud sound!

It was nice not to be behind horses, I must say,
As enthusiastic cheering rolled beside us along the way.
What a spontaneous fun way to celebrate Independence Day—
And that's the closest we'll ever come to riding down the Champs Elysee!

After a backyard barbeque picnic at the home of Ruth and Ted
We walked down the path to Two Rivers Park , following the way we were led.
The fireworks we'd see—from closer than anyone should ever be—
Would have been enough to inspire Francis Scott Key!

Even with sunscreen and lip balm, we ended up with a great “cyclists' tan”
From riding in the sun past fly fishermen on the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan.
Though a few of us got caught in a downpour, at least it helps with the state fire ban.
And after seeing Wednesday night's slide show, we all say “Bob, you're the man!”

The vistas around Rifle, the Maroon Bells and Castle Creek
Were so immensely beautiful, that some of us could hardly speak.
After all we've seen in Colorado , near the end of a scenic week,
It's overwhelming to consider how much more we still could seek.

While the ride through Glenwood Canyon was the only one that seemed like a breeze,
The mountains of miles we piled up this week were enough to make anyone say “Geez!”
As we climbed up to eight and ten thousand feet, the altitude caused us to wheeze,
And I thought I heard some flatlanders saying “Can we get some more oxygen, please?!”

After enjoying each other's company for such a great week here,
Where the Rocky Mountain scenery has been far above having a peer,
We'll head home from this part of Colorado , and maybe leave behind a small tear,
But let's plan to meet for another fun time, in Door County , Wisconsin next year!