...large V twin with girder forks, and the chase was on.
This was not the typical V twin you come across on these roads, not the kind decked out with chrome and the inability to lean. Nope, it was a 1000cc Vincent, nothing but engine, wheels, and a very capable rider. I could brake later, he could out accelerate me on the uphills. I thought to myself, "this is why I love this event. I'm on my favorite road, riding my favorite bike, and get to chase a Vincent".
The temperature was starting to drop a bit, a sign we were getting close to the coast. There was more downhill than up allowing me to keep up. Was not sure I'd be able to pass but was intent on getting close enough that if he picked a bad line I'd have the opportunity. We hit a short straight and as I tucked in I lost all power. I got to neutral and realized I hadn't turned on my second tank. Turned it on, dropped in into second and still nothing.
Pulled over and kicked it a bunch of times trying to get the pump and fuel line primed, nothing. Pull the side panel off and found the spark plug cap hanging, popped it back on and I'm on my way - for 50 ft. Pulled over again and notice that the spring in the cap has had it. Applied some 100mph tape over the top of the cap and set off again. This time it stayed but the Vincent was long gone.