I find that Non-Randonneurs tend to appreciate my front handlebar bag. Not accustomed to front bags, other cyclists seem instantly drawn to its combination of utility and style. At least that's how I prefer to interpret their comments. On yesterday's ride, I heard more of the same.
I was invited on a ride around the South end loop of Lake Washington by my friend Vésteinn (he did his first 200k with me last December) and his pals from Seattle Pro Musica. If you aren't familiar, Seattle Pro Musica is a world-renowned choir. I mean they are excellent vocal musicians. There are 70 in the choir, and four of the 70 Seattlle Pro Musicites rode yesterday. Our fifth was a friend of theirs, and I made it six.
What was different for me about yesterday's ride was that we took our time, stopped frequently, and basked in the warm sunshine. No time deadlines. In fact I was getting so relaxed I was reminded of that game from the Church Summer Camp of my youth: the Lion Hunt. The idea of the Lion Hunt is that you tell the tale of your journey by making pantomiming movements to depict all the highlights of the adventure. I always liked swishing your hands and forearms together in front you to replicate swishing through the tall grass. Remember?
If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about, here's a version I found online:
I’m goin’ on a lion hunt (march in place)
But I’m not afraid.
Got me shotgun (pretend to hold a rifle)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)
Come to a river
Swim the river (make swimming gestures)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)
I’m goin’ on a lion hunt (march in place)
But I’m not afraid.
Got me shotgun (pretend to hold a rifle)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)
Come to a tree
Climb the tree (make gestures climbing up and down)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)
I’m goin’ on a lion hunt (march in place)
But I’m not afraid.
Got me shotgun (pretend to hold a rifle)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)
Come to a swamp
Through the swamp (make gestures walking on tippy toes)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)
I’m goin’ on a lion hunt (march in place)
But I’m not afraid.
Got me shotgun (pretend to hold a rifle)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
But I don’t see no lion (hold hands up and shake head)
Come to a cave
Through the cave (crouch down and walk in place)
Lookin’ for a lion (make gestures looking around)
There’s the lion! (point into the group)
Aim that shotgun! (pretend to aim a rifle)
Fire that shotgun! (pretend to fire a rifle)
BOOM!!!!!!
I missed him, I missed him!!
Back through the cave (crouch down and walk in place)
Back through the swamp (make gestures walking on tippy toes)
Back down the tree (make gestures climbing up and down)
Back through the river (make swimming gestures)
I’m goin’ on a lion hunt (march in place)
But I’m not afraid.
And ya wanna know why?
‘Cause we’ve been a-lying the whole time!!
So, ready for a South Loop of Lake Washington Ride Report...Lion-Huntin' Style?
Goin' on a Loop Ride (arms form big loop)
We are not afraid (pushing chests out with bravado)
We got us our water bottles (glugging from a bottle)
And we got us our bars (pretend to eat a bar)
We stop for photo ops (some pose/preen, others snap photos)
While half of us are lost (as if your searching)
One grabs a cell phone (dialing motion)
And the another answers quick (answering in haste)
Reunited at the tower (looking way up)
We greet each other (happily embracing)
One stops for lunch (eating motions)
The rest charge forward (half starting yet really wanting to linger and lounge and eat)
And so we pedal on (pedaling motions)
Till the spooky swamp (looks of dread)
We bumpy bump on baordwalk (as if cycling over very bumpy ridges)
Hoping trolls are fast asleep (like a fast asleep troll)
Cross over high bridge (looking way down)
While boats sail below (be a sailor)
Over to the Island (be an island!)
Need another break (looking tired)
Crash an outdoor wedding (look exceedingly happy)
Groom sweeps up the bride (sweep her up!)
Lays a big kiss on her (big fat betrothal kiss)
All start to cry (dab a tear)
Come upon a playground (play and laugh)
Kids swing back and forth (swing!)
Scraming at their parents (scream!)
Higher! Higher! (gesture for higher)
Gliding onto floating bridge (be a floating bridge)
Flying fast and free (coasting fast)
Cars go zipping right by (cars whip by)
Clouds just float along (clouds barely float along)
Looking back where we've been (wistful gazing)
Ride is nearly through (sigh)
Saddle up and go home (climb aboard)
Some of this was true (shrug)
And for the record, I carry alot of stuff when I ride cause you never know what adventure will come our way, but I cannot carry a tune. I'll leave the singing to Seattle Pro Musica folks, but maybe I can pantomime to the lyrics at their upcoming performance May 14 and 15 at St. James Cathedral?!
Keep it in tune,
CurioRando
