Raced a Harley

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 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 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...



...This isn't my work and I didn't intend offense to another marque...it was just the best motorcycle chuckle I've had for awhile and thought the sensibilities of this crowd would enjoy it.

Hot Doggie Doo you immature risk taker! Competing is like food and sex to most guys and really can be a yogic like test of concentration and judgement reactions. I am glad you found out how non anchor like them big twins can be and don't want to deflate ya but his cornering is limited by side broads fouling not traction power or handling grip. Youtube is full of big twin baggers and choppers against 150 hp+ 180 mph sports bikes getting dusted right off then up to 100 or bit beyond.

Next time check out the heat in you drive train, tires and brakes, if ya didn't feel their glowing with you already. Check chain tension too. Did ya get any hinge onset sense?

Racing a commando against a modern sports bike, or a two stroke, or something of much bigger capacity is a pointless exercise and doesn't prove anything. If your competition has the same capacity and technology limitations, then it comes down to rider tuning and race craft skills. Anything else is a waste of a good motor, even if it gives you a bit of adrenalin. And that would be the only reason for doing it. The important thing about motorcycling is to have fun. The best fun I've ever had was on the rare occasions when I found myse lf up against good riders on similar bikes - aircooled two valve four stroke twins of less than 1000cc capacity - there should be a race class for them.

So that's two posters who didn't get the joke. Read to the end.

The joke is that the guy was doing it on a push bike ? Jackie Gleason was funnier when he said 'One day, Alice - right in the kisser ! '

daveh said:

So that's two posters who didn't get the joke. Read to the end.

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I noticed that too.


As for threatening to punch your old lady in the head cause she's smarter than you. I never found the humor in that. Maybe I'm not old enough...

Did Norton make bicycles though ?

Again, READ THE POST.

This is pretty much one of my favorite threads. It says so much. :lol:

Dances with Shrapnel said:

This is pretty much one of my fovorite threads. It says so much. :lol:

Click to expand...

Ditto that. My biggest frustration is that I take care in writing something and then people who represent by their reply that they have read it, but, by what they say, obviously they did not.

So, I'm the greater fool.

hobot said:

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I was riding an enduro a few years back when a mountain biker raced me down the hill, and I had to push on to get down first. They hurl themselves themselves off hills with no fear - in fact, they often throw themselves at the ground and don't miss. Some of them are motocross riders doing fitness training, so don't kick them as you go past :mrgreen:

Steve - this might appeal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcVOE9XXnRg

I've seen the story of the Harley and the bicycle before and always felt that it is a dangerous challenge for the Harley riders.
Now you are going to have a certain percentage of Harley riders who will attempt to outrun bicycle riders whenever the see them. Can only lead to tears, frustration and injury. :mrgreen:

acotrel said:

The joke is that the guy was doing it on a push bike ?

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As my secondary bike is a 1972 E-Glide I can't really accept this as a joke either. It would actually be okay if the competitor would have chosen more of an equal weapon. Something like this. :mrgreen:


Tim

Not that I'm a Harley lover but this was pretty dumb.

That rocket bicycle was a hoot and a half and would chase deer out of my path too. There's some pulse jet cycles that might blow you mind like it did me, youtube it and see, whewee.

I've run with 1%'r and locals and listened to stories of old timmers on 40's HD's and we see em enjoy themselves on flat tracts and even the choppers will get into drifting turns on tight ovals. HD are main limited by lean so those with some clearance can be a terror to keep up with let along pass and good luck doing that again a 100cid or bigger brute. There are timid riders of Brit Iron as well as among big baggers.

There is constraversy if the two flat lined cyclists is photo shopped or not. i've leaned em far enough to have to stop the inside peddle at top and have road rash white skin patches when it didn't go as planned, usually d/t sand and grit but now and then traffic encounters.

Funniest event was me and friend on brand new first ever freeways in Maimi for its only hills with the over passes. My friend found an old umbrella and was carrying it when he caught a dump truck creeping up the slope then got going about 60 down hill when the umbrella opened and lifted him a couple feet above bike before it collapsed to drop him rolling down the grass bank. I almost fell off laughing. Spanky and our gang type stunt.

I do not class my self in same planet as real cyclists, ugh.

hobot said:

There is constraversy if the two flat lined cyclists is photo shopped or not.

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They are just posed lying on the roadway, stopped, and been photographed.

??

xbacksideslider said:

Dances with Shrapnel said:

This is pretty much one of my fovorite threads. It says so much. :lol:

Click to expand...

Ditto that. My biggest frustration is that I take care in writing something and then people who represent by their reply that they have read it, but, by what they say, obviously they did not.

So, I'm the greater fool.

Click to expand...

Yes! Someone came in and changed the keys on my keyboard. Happens to me all the time. :lol:

Thread is still a hoot.