-hill and gully riders-

from the steepest hilltop

ready the pedals

then push a few

around their hubs

coasting downward
faster
faster

pedals in line

with their wheels—

faces near touching

the handlebars

close to a kiss—

the spokes of the wheels

stinging the atmosphere

like hornets—

downward
the riser
upward the riser
downward
the riser again and again

the hill and gully riders
hold fast
to the grips— 
eyes to the bars
strong to the wind they make—
ready the pedals break

locking the drive-chains
fast at the rolls of the cuffs—

the tires rubber-striping the tarmac
of Snake-

Hill Drive—  the lancers
vibrating as if in a struggle for breath
the busy

cross-street cutting through at the drop
at the end of the run and we stop.

and then

and then at our sides

we walk the bikes up
for another run down.