al-wagner

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 Trek, as

well. They really make a great bicycle.