The Harvey McGee Ballad
by Andy Moss
(to the tune of Me and Bobby McGee)
Standing on an ocean beach, holding bikes in hand
Going to dip the tires in the tide.
Newport Beach, California, back on the first day
Of the Fast America Bicycle Ride.
We all had come together, united by the dream of cycling cross the country coast to coast
Without hauling any luggage or even looking for a place to stay
With help from Mike, Barb, Jean and Herb and John, our hosts.
Cycling is a special way to the see the USA
Riding every day a century
Yes, and making friends in crowded rooms with roommates 1, 2, 3
Riding long was good enough for me, good for Alan Coe and Harvey McGee.
From the southwestern deserts which quickly sapped our strength
We entered Arizona's higher ground.
In Flagstaff and Sedona, riding through the trees
We made progress on our journey Boston-bound.
Then riding on the shoulder of I-40 East
We got to my home state, New Mexico
Where we climbed some hills and covered many miles and even so
When we left we still had two thousand miles to go.
Chorus
From there we sliced through Texas and Oklahoma, too
And entered Kansas on Highway 54.
Where we rode through wind, past cows and fields, and smells to raise the dead
And the geographic center between both shores.
Then one day at Topeka, Lord, we had a day of rest
Where we could do whatever we wanted to do.
Some cleaned their bikes or slept or ate but inside we all knew
That our cross-country riding trip was now half through.
Chorus
Then we crossed the wide Missouri River and raced across that state
Arriving in two days at the Mississipp.
Then sped across both Illinois and Indiana, too
Making rapid progress on our east-bound trip.
Next we entered the Buckeye state where we followed rural roads
And quickly went from Marysville to Niles
From where we rode to Erie PA and up to Dunkirk, New York
On a one-day ride of 140 miles.
Chorus
In the Empire State we started out passing vineyards on both sides
Which produce the drink so many people like.
Then near Buffalo we visited a cycling museum
That features development of the modern bike.
Back on the road to Syracuse we passed a Finger Lake
But the next day really wasn't worth a damn,
With spills and flats and accidents it was a real relief
When we safely pulled into the town of Amsterdam.
Chorus
And now we're here at Greenfield, all in a festive mood
As we say farewell to our good cycling friends
And once again give our best thanks to the staff of ABB
Who always gave assistance without end
And with one day of riding left we know where we will go
In Boston town to finalize the trip
At Revere Beach we will congregate, and to complete the act
Will give our tires a proper Atlantic dip.
Chorus