Solarservant
Thrill-Seeker
Had an interesting experience this weekend...
Met up with a group of BMW riders (mostly on ADV bikes) at the start of one of my favorite local rides. They barely acknowledged my presence, and I assumed this was because I was on a Yamaha, but oh well. I set off ahead of them wanting to get some distance between us.
I rode my usual loop alone, and plenty fast for me, with no issue.
When I got home my phone was blowing up with messages from a touring group I tune into occasionally. Seems the BMW riders got pinched by a Federal Wildlife Ranger, who cut three tickets for $375 a pop. I guess he was radar equipped and shot the group at 70 in a 45. I know the stretch they were on, and 70mph was about my speed through there as well.
To make a long story short, my phone is still blazing two days later with posts about these guys and their tickets. They won't shut up about it. In fact, they are talking about fighting the charges. Due to the fact that the tickets are from a federal agency, they are talking about traveling to the nearest branch office to be present at a court date. For a $375 ticket! Um, your BMW branded gloves probably cost more than that.
I realize that these guys are retired. Based on their comments in the posts, it seems they are somewhat elitist as well. They mention "young crotch rocket riders doing 90 on [that] road." I'm sure they have nothing better to do than fight what they consider a gross injustice done to them. "I'd like to throw that officer over my knee and give him a spanking," it said.
My problem is this: is 70mph any different than 90 in a 45 when it comes to the law? Both are considered criminal speeding in AZ, not to mention in a federal wildlife refuge. And hey, we don't ride bikes 'cause they're slow. Everybody knows the deal... You don't get a pass because you're experienced. You don't get a pass because you're retired. This is the game. You got nicked. Pay the fine and get back on the bike and go for a ride.
Met up with a group of BMW riders (mostly on ADV bikes) at the start of one of my favorite local rides. They barely acknowledged my presence, and I assumed this was because I was on a Yamaha, but oh well. I set off ahead of them wanting to get some distance between us.
I rode my usual loop alone, and plenty fast for me, with no issue.
When I got home my phone was blowing up with messages from a touring group I tune into occasionally. Seems the BMW riders got pinched by a Federal Wildlife Ranger, who cut three tickets for $375 a pop. I guess he was radar equipped and shot the group at 70 in a 45. I know the stretch they were on, and 70mph was about my speed through there as well.
To make a long story short, my phone is still blazing two days later with posts about these guys and their tickets. They won't shut up about it. In fact, they are talking about fighting the charges. Due to the fact that the tickets are from a federal agency, they are talking about traveling to the nearest branch office to be present at a court date. For a $375 ticket! Um, your BMW branded gloves probably cost more than that.
I realize that these guys are retired. Based on their comments in the posts, it seems they are somewhat elitist as well. They mention "young crotch rocket riders doing 90 on [that] road." I'm sure they have nothing better to do than fight what they consider a gross injustice done to them. "I'd like to throw that officer over my knee and give him a spanking," it said.
My problem is this: is 70mph any different than 90 in a 45 when it comes to the law? Both are considered criminal speeding in AZ, not to mention in a federal wildlife refuge. And hey, we don't ride bikes 'cause they're slow. Everybody knows the deal... You don't get a pass because you're experienced. You don't get a pass because you're retired. This is the game. You got nicked. Pay the fine and get back on the bike and go for a ride.