I raced 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 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...