The Hydrant Chain

I kicked off the bike rim and struck the pavement running. A fire hydrant anchored the curb line. Heavy cast iron. A thick steel chain dangled from its side nozzle cap. I launched straight into the gap. My left cord whipped around a forged link. Clank. Dull, heavy ring. The loose chain swung wide under my momentum. I didn't fight the arc. I threw my right cord out, hooking the raised bolt atop the bonnet. The swing stopped dead. Cold iron bit into my braided tips. Below, pavement. The chain settled into a low, dying vibration. Perch secure.