Candy Cranks

Mine’s not a world
Of princesses or strapless dresses;
When it comes to the gender divide
I spend my time around the edges,
Weaving through bike trails
Or sliding down metal ledges.
I forfeit trips to the day spa
In the name of progression.

Perhaps,
you’re just like me
A bit alone,
But super keen
To conquer jumps,
Or cut lines through trees
Half tomboy, half goddess,
You’re stuck in between.
We need more people like you
To mix up the scene.

But don’t take this
as some anti-male position
I’m just point out
A glaring omission:
We’re outnumbered -
It doesn’t take a statistician.
And I’d like to take focus
Of speed and competition
And create some space
For female recognition
And no, naked photos in bike ads, isn’t what I envisioned.
And while I am wishing…

I wouldn’t mind some bike clothes
Designed with girls in mind.
Not racks full of jerseys
with only guys in mind.
“You want elbow pads?”
Sorry, they don’t come in your size.”

And a word to the wise:
I’m not here to pick up
So don’t even try.
This may be a surprise,
But I don’t ride to impress
Or to loose weight of my thighs
I’m out on the trails
Cuz this shit keeps me alive.

You better believe it
When I pedal,
I become the goddess of Venus.
Look around you,
This scene’s heterogeneous.
Sure,
I don’t have a penis,
But I’ve consulted my bike
And we agree I don’t need it.

Call me a maverick,
But I like to think
Riding’s not just about doing tricks
Or going big
Sure, chicks can’t go as quick
But who gives a shit?
I’m all about riding for the love of it.

But this rhyme wasn’t designed
As a forum to whine
So I’ll put my cynicism aside.
Besides,
We’re already turning the tide
With forums like candy cranks
And the hope they provide.
You can’t do it alone,
Believe me, I’ve tried.
It’s time to put your isolation aside;
Chicks spin around the globe,
This shit is worldwide.
This isn’t shameless promotion,
I say it with pride:

Candy cranks is more
Than just another bike blog
Or a place to flog
The latest pink knog.
If bike riding’s the main act,
Candy cranks is the prologue.

And correct me if I’m wrong
But we’ve waited to long
For something like candy cranks to come along.
Fuck people that think girl’s don’t belong
or should just tag along…
Instead of leading the bunch,
And this may be a hunch
But I think female bike riding is gaining some grunt.

This is a cause for celebration!
And can I express my appreciation
To candy cranks
For bringing together this constellation
Of female riders
Engaged in a global conversation.
And how about the site’s easy navigation?
Candy cranks is the ‘campag’ of website creation.
Thanks meg, for your endless inspiration
Candy cranks has my vote and utmost admiration.

Thanks Ms Emily May! Another piece of amazing work, I wish I had half of your ability to write so well!