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Beat a Harley today.


Tpoppa

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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 mountain road with no

straight sections to speak of and where most of the bends

have warning signs that say "MAX SPEED 25 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

mudguard. 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 out-power me.

His horsepower was almost too much to overcome, but this only

made me more determined than ever.

My only hope was to out-brake 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 mountain.

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...

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