The Ride That Never Returned

It was been three weeks since we finished our big European adventure in Istanbul and I am settling back into life in Toronto. I have lots of fond memories from the tour, and no doubt one of our most enjoyable camp evenings during the Orient Express was our talent night in Emmersdorf, Austria.

American rider Dan Frye recently shared the lyrics with me to his group’s very popular Orient Express song “The Ride that Never Returned.” So I thought I would share it with it on our blog. Thanks Dan!

The Ride That Never Returned

Let me tell you the story about some bikers and a lorry
On a tragic and fateful ride.
They put Euros in their pockets and chains upon their sprockets,
And off to Istanbul they did glide.

Chorus 1

Did they ever return, no they never returned
And their fate is still unlearned.
They put their faith in Cat-n-Shanny and their red-ribbon fancy,
They’re the tour that never returned.

Now, Lloyd leaves early before Bonnie gets surly,
He rides off with a smile and a wave.
He carries his spares with quite amazing flair,
He’s a tortoise on the road, not a hare.

Chorus 2

Did he (she) ever return, no he (she) never returned
And his (her) fate is still unlearned.
He (She) may ride forever on the streets of Europe,
He’s the man (rider) who never returned.

Now, Frosty he’s an Aussie with some serious moxie,
But the airlines shrunk his bike.
Now he’s in denial ‘bout his chances of survival
On his Shetland pony of a trike.

Chorus 1

If you need translation or perhaps some navigation
Lisa she’s such a peach.
She puts us all to shame- we’ve ourselves to blame
Because we only speak Engleesh.

Chorus 2

Now, Don and Evon as they pedal off to heaven
Never saw a treat they didn’t eat.
Their cadence is amazin’, their speed it’s ablazin’
They’re Canadians who eat real meat.

Chorus 1

Finally Miss Lizzy, she gets in such a tizzy
When a coffee shop comes upon the scene.
Her ride mates like to bait her
And say serenely “later”
Ignoring her plaintive screams.

Chorus 2

Chorus 1