How to beat a Harley

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Oct 11, 2004
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Coppell (Dallas) TX
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 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 pedaled so hard in my life. And some of the credit must go to Schwinn, as well. They really make a great bicycle
 
In all seriousness - I passed a couple harley guys going down a mountain road (deal's gap) on a 70cc minibike. They were scraping all sorts of things on the ground going around the corners. They were really pushing it.
 
That's hilarious!! But its funny because we have all been stuck behind a harley or 2 on a twisty road.

For some reason they don't let ya pass. I've been stuck behind a pack of cars before. I started to get mad at the cars. Then I realized it was a pack of harley holding up the cars.
 
Fun story racer... wish I had a few long decents where I live. Even around here on the short decents it is interesting to see the SUVs struggle with the turns, I usually end up coasting patiently behind them.

Is your Schwinn one of the old ones from before they were sold?
 
Harley riders have the same clause in their vehicle titles as Cadillacs do.
They can legally drive any way they please due to their purchase.
 
Great effort Nijaracer636. I guess I am one of the few that can appreciate the rush that comes from flying downhill and overtaking a motor powered vehicle. Lucky!
 
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