[St] I raced a Harley today

["Mike Bostock" <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I raced a Harley today and after some really hard riding I managed to PASS 
the bloke. I was riding on one of those really, really twisting Devon 
sections of road with no straight sections to speak of and where most of
the curves have warning signs that say "Max Speed 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 H-D 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 hill. 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 valley, 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 valley and I had preserved the proud tradition of no
holds barred riding. 
 
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 Raleigh, as well. 
 
They really make a great bicycle... 





-- 
Mike Bostock
http://www.toothfairy.co.uk/
Wales & SW ST Riders
http://www.sprint-st.org/

'99 Red ST



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