I raced a Harley the other day, and after some really hard riding I finally managed to pass the guy. I was riding on one of those really, really, twisting sections of Mountain 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 mountain, 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 horsepower and deep pockets, I had passed him. Though it was not easy, I had won the race to the bottom of the mountain.

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

Muzza--

You had me on your episode with the Harley until the final paragraph. What is a Raliegh????????????????Pennsylvania

Raleigh = fine English bicycle.
They used to be the best......not as light as the French bikes....but extremely well made. I still have mine from 60 years ago.

Has to be fiction...

There would have been 20 bicyclists, "sharing the road" by riding 4 abreast and backing up traffic all the way through the mountains.

quote:

Originally posted by Slowpoke Slim:
Has to be fiction...

There would have been 20 bicyclists, "sharing the road" by riding 4 abreast and backing up traffic all the way through the mountains.

That's the way they do it where I live!


.

must be an international brotherhood of cyclists thing then cos the do that here too....

Know why Harley riders dont salute?
Can you drive a wheelbarrow with just one hand?

This is the second anti Harley humor you have posted Muzza, what's up, can't you afford one?

quote:

Originally posted by JTEX:

quote:

Originally posted by Slowpoke Slim:
Has to be fiction...

There would have been 20 bicyclists, "sharing the road" by riding 4 abreast and backing up traffic all the way through the mountains.

That's the way they do it where I live!


.

Same here, must be the air rushing through the nostrils and out through the ears.
Over here they share the road with mini-bus taxis, a bit like a Sopwith Camel taking on a F18 Hornet, with the losers noted every now and then in the newspaper.

Harleys have such a long and rich military tradition, they only salute their superiors...

quote:

Posted 10 May 2012 10:51 Hide Post
This is the second anti Harley humor you have posted Muzza, what's up, can't you afford one?

No , Ron , I dont dislike them at all, and can certainly afford one if I should so desire . I struggle with the superior attitude that many of the owners od Harleys have towards those of us who like and prefer 30 year old Hondas , but apparently the inability to wave to other bikers when seated on your Harley knows no borders and is practised multinationally . They do look good all parked in a row outside the mainstreet coffee shop on a Sunday morning though ...

My BIL has several Harleys , the Brit Classic guy who does a lot of my maching work for my old Honda swears by the sporty as being a great bike - but I prefer the mid-range bikes that I grew up on back in the 1970's and 80's.

When I find a couple of amusing tales about non-Harleys I will post them just for Ron.

My son just rebuilt a 1200 + drove it out to Midland @ the oilfields w/a pup tent + a sleeping bag.He used to work @the Harley + Indian shops here in Austin.He'll do fine as he has a good work ethic.

Problem with Cycles nowadays is the guys that drive them are just about all fugitives from an extended care home. Tough to even find a self repecting Hell's Angel, under 60.

Gizz