I had a race with a Harley today.....!

I raced a Harley today and after some really hard riding I managed to
PASS the guy. I was riding on one of those really, really twisting
sections of road with no straight sections to speak of and where most
of the curves have warning signs that say "15 MPH".

I knew if I was going to pass one of those monsters with those big-
cubic-inch motors, it would have to be a place like this where handling
and rider skill are more important than horsepower alone.

I saw the guy up ahead as I exited one of the turns and knew I could
catch him, but it wouldn't be easy. I concentrated on my braking and
cornering. three corners later, I was on his fender. Catching him was
one thing; passing him would prove to be another.

Two corners later, I pulled up next to him as we sailed down the
mountain. I think he was shocked to see me next to him, as I nearly got
by him before he could recover. Next corner, same thing. I'd manage to
pull up next to him as we started to enter the corners but when we came
out he'd get on the throttle and outpower me. His horsepower was almost
too much to overcome, but this only made me more determined than ever.

My only hope was to outbrake him. I held off squeezing the lever until
the last instant. I kept my nerve while he lost his. In an instant I
was by him. Corner after corner, I could hear the roar of his engine as
he struggled to keep up. Three more miles to go before the road
straightens out and he would pass me for good.

But now I was in the lead and he would no longer hold me back. I
stretched out my lead and by the time we reached the bottom of the
canyon, he was more than a full corner behind. I could no longer see
him in my rear-view mirror.

Once the road did straighten out, it seemed like it took miles before
he passed me, but it was probably just a few hundred yards. I was no
match for that kind of horsepower, but it was done. In the tightest
section of road, where bravery and skill count for more than horspower
and deep pockets, I had passed him. though it was not easy, I had won
the race to the bottom of the canyon and I had preserved the proud
tradition of another of America's best bikes.













I will always remember that moment. I don't think I've ever pedalled so
hard in my life. And some of the credit must go to Schwinn, as well.
They really make a great bicycle...

 

One of these?
http://www.schwinnbike.com/images/catalog/r_19.37.S5_GLB_SPOILER1SPD_BLK
jpg

 

Hahaha.. well done. I nearly missed that bit.

 

Well it was pretty obvious it was going to be there, don't you think?
--
_______
..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
\`\ | /`/ GSX-R1000K3
`\\ | //' BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, SKA#2
`\|/`
`

 

Not to me. I don't know the chap. He could've been on a DNA for all I
know.

 

Funny, when I read that five minutes ago on uk.rec.engines.stationary
it was some geezer on a Raleigh.

Obviously more than one Harley has been overtaken by the cycleisti!


Chris D
--

 

That's because the Harley riders were still back at the starting line
laughing their arses off at the schmucks on the bicycles for even
trying it.

Ruppster

 

The good ol' boys up in Maryland had a technique that kept their Harleys ahead
of even faster bikes. Whenever somebody outran one of their bikes they treated
the rider to some sprained joints, busted ribs and a few bruises and
contusions - nothing life threatening but plenty painful. Worked for them.

 

I acutally had this happen last Sept. I had rented a Harley Electraglide
from Eagle Riders. My wife was on the back. We where heading south on the
Panoramic Hwy just north of San Francisco. We had just stopped at Tamalpais
State park to make use of the washrooms. Two cyclists left just ahead of
us. Just minutes behind we quickly caught up and passed them. However on
the next curve they past the Harley. The curves over the next several miles
where so tight they got one heck of a lead on me. Bugged the hell out of me
but my wife got upset after a dragged the floor boards a couple of times
trying to catch them. The big Harley was certainly no match for these guys
on this road!

Dave

 

Had a guy on a bicycle pass me on my Harley today. It was on a section
of road with tight, 15 mph turns. It was a beautiful day, with great
scenery along the road. I was just putting along at a relaxed pace,
enjoying the sights, when this kid on a ten speed, peddling like a
maniac came up behind me. I slowed down a little more and pulled over
to the right to let him by. As he passed, I briefly wondered what his
hurry was. Oh well, different strokes, etc. Reminded me a little of
some of the Harley bashers I occasionally read on usenet. Gotta wonder
why they waste their time. Must be something lacking in their lives
when they devote so much energy to knocking what someone else chooses
to ride. Ah well, nothing to get excited about.

Ron

 

Like I said, worked for them. Their bikes won every race. And where I grew up
(Compton, Ca) dudes with guns won every fist fight and knife fight. How does
winning make them losers?

 

Trouble is they live in a dream world where they are world champion class riders
on bikes as fast as any GP bike and any chance they get to pass somebody
reinforces their fantasy. Too bad they cannot enjoy what they have without
imagining it is something else.