Okay, so I’ve been seeing these crazy Harley Davidson hill climb videos pop up all over my feed, and I just had to give it a shot. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of blasting a massive, rumbling Harley up a ridiculously steep hill? It looked insane, but the good kind of insane.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed a bike. Luckily, my buddy Mark had an older Sportster sitting in his garage collecting dust. It wasn’t exactly a hill-climbing machine, but it was a Harley, and it ran. That was good enough for me to start!
The Practice Runs
I found a small, grassy hill near my place – nothing too crazy, just something to get a feel for it. I spent a good few hours just going up and down, trying different approaches. I soon found that the clutch is important.
- First Attempt: Total fail. Stalled it halfway up, almost dropped the bike. Lesson learned: more throttle!
- Second Attempt: Better, but still not great. The back tire kept spinning out. Needed to lean forward more. I needed to find the balance.
- Third Attempt: Nailed it! Got to the top, no problem. Felt like a total badass.
The Real Deal
After a few weeks of practicing on the small hill, I felt ready for something bigger. I found a local spot known for dirt biking and, apparently, some brave (or foolish) Harley riders. This hill was way steeper and had some nasty-looking rocks and ruts.
My heart was pounding as I lined up at the bottom. I took a deep breath, revved the engine – that classic Harley roar echoing around – and popped the clutch.
The bike lurched forward, and the front wheel lifted slightly. I was committed. The engine was screaming, dirt and rocks were flying, and I was wrestling the handlebars to keep the bike straight. It felt like a wild, mechanical bull ride.
I bounced and jostled my way up, fighting for every inch. There were a couple of moments where I thought I was going down, but I managed to keep it upright. And then, just like that, I was at the top!
The Victory
The feeling was incredible. A mix of adrenaline, relief, and pure, unadulterated joy. I’d conquered the hill on a Harley! I sat there for a few minutes, just taking it all in, the engine ticking as it cooled down.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and one of the most fun things I’ve done on two wheels. Just be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart – or those who are overly attached to their shiny chrome.
