Originally Posted by Honda Rebel Forum humor thread
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 canyon 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 horsepower 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 pedaled so hard in my life.
Some of the credit must go to Specialized...
...They really make a great bicycle.
