In 2006 I set out on a little overnight ride, trying to escape the heat in the Phoenix area. Taking the back way to Prescott via Yarnell Hill is always a fun ride on a fun road. At the time I was riding a white 2005 Gold Wing, which I like to describe as a crotch rocket on steroids. I'd already ridden the first fun section through Yarnell and continued past the Wilhoit community.
Shortly past Wilhoit I noticed two motorcycles closing in from the rear. When they got in range to attempt a pass, I sped up to make a little game of it — any rider will understand. After a couple of turns I checked the mirror and saw only one bike was still back there, so I gave it everything I had. Three more curves later, another check of the mirror: the guy was tight on my rear, riding smooth as could be.
Unwisely, I gave it even more than I had. The next right-hander had me scraping hard parts so hard I lifted both tires off the pavement.
My destiny is now looking me right in the face.
Every instinct wanted me to turn the bars and grab pavement with the front wheel — but I knew that would instantly become a fatal high-side. I was at the apex of the curve, on the right side of the road, sliding on hard parts toward the double yellow, fearing oncoming traffic was about to materialize.
Fortunately, it didn't. Both tires found the road again.
Taking a deep breath, I pulled to the right side of the lane and waved the guy behind me past. I didn't try to keep up — I'll admit it, I'd scared myself. A couple of miles down the road I saw a headlight facing my direction, off the shoulder, and figured it had to be the guy who'd passed me. I pulled off so we could talk.
I lifted my chin bar. He looked at me and said:
"Old man, you're crazy, but you're good!"
I laughed and told him maybe, but I sure couldn't keep up with him. He said he'd never seen a Gold Wing ridden like that. He was riding a Kawasaki ZX-1400 — the second-fastest production motorcycle in the world at the time, behind only the Hayabusa. He wanted to head into Prescott and buy me a beer. I declined — I never drink and ride.