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Post by mattb on Nov 9, 2008 20:19:45 GMT -5
I took my SR out for a ride on Saturday. You know that experience where you’ve just had an argument with your partner so you ride it out. Anyway, was cruising along the Kew Boulevard, a piece of country road in the city (Melbourne), winding along the river. Came round a corner and the cops (police) had just finished pulling two cars over. As I cruised past they did a u-turn and followed me. I had nothing to hide, except that if they flashed me I wouldn’t have seen them as I am doing work on the bike and have no mirrors. That would have made them angry and by the time I pulled over they would have given me something for that. They might have done a general inspection of the bike also – the exhaust is probably not legal, there’s no battery for them to check lights etc – so I got a little nervous and pulled off down a side street that takes one down to the river. I thought I’d pull up, check out the riverbank for five minutes in case they were waiting for me (if I were them I’d suspect me for turning off asap). Turned off the bike at the dead end where people park, got off the bike, looked over…and saw a big stocky guy in his late fifties standing there, arms crossed, death staring me! “He’s pissed off” I thought. Glanced again expecting him to have looked elsewhere or gone on with his business but no, he’s there ten meters away staring hard, face lowered with the whites of his eyes showing, pit-bull style! He’s intently fixed on me. I removed my helmet thinking he’ll realise it’s not the guy who’s cuck-colding him or whatever, but he doesn’t shift from the intent eye-balling he’s giving. In a bit of a mood myself I decide to ignore him and just chill there for a moment. Then he walks forward. I get a bit nervous: “Matt, your gut's saying you’re in danger; just get out of here!” So I had my SR moment! – Got on the bike, on the centre-stand to make sure, pushed the hot start, gave it a big kick and…nothing! Again…nothing! Nothing! Oh, I forgot: I ride an SR, I’m a sitting duck!
The guy is still burning me with his eyes. Then he walks over to his boot and opens it. The day before a rider I know saw a guy open his boot, produce a tyre iron, and smash somebody in the head! “Looks like this is it, old SR” I thought, “I’m just gonna have to run and leave you!” Any way he took nothing from the boot. Just stood there, then walked off a distance and remained for five minutes, hating me with his eyes all the time, and I gave my baby a second whump and she fired up and I got out of there. I was so relieved I didn’t even mind when I caught up with those cops again!
Matt
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Post by wotavidone on Nov 9, 2008 21:33:02 GMT -5
Maaateee! A little tiny bit of paranoia there! Of course just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get ya  He was probably just peeved coz you've got an SR and he hasn't. Mick |
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Post by davedunsboro on Nov 9, 2008 22:09:16 GMT -5
You just never know do you? There are frootloops everywhere these days! I had a SR moment yesterday ,different to yours though. After spending a bit of time on my 82 over the last few weeks putting on my wireys & getting the brakes working ,new chain & rear sprocket, new tyres & then a bit of a buff .I poured some fresh fuel in & wow it started first kick(not bad seen'as it hadn't even had a look in for 6 months).So I took it for a burn around the block to see what the brakes were like(drums work better than stock disks I reckon !)I took my 9 year old out for a hack & then the missus . I did about 50ks all up & it ran so well I couldn't believe that I've had a 4 sale sign on it for a year(not that anyone could see it as its been in my shed anyway!) So I suppose it was its way of saying thanks for spending time with me Dave & I'll make you proud ! Now I just want to get it out of the shed again ASAP ! Oh yeah the 4 sale sign came off with the old large headlight that I replaced with a small . Now all I've got to do is fix the float level on my 78 ,give my 80 a birthday & cleanup ,get my other 78 going,put my Laverda back together & I'll be ready for summer in 3 weeks ! So its lucky we get those moments in between all that work or they would be stacked 10 feet high at the tip ! (a bit like women really)cheers Dave.
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Post by StewRoss on Nov 10, 2008 2:15:34 GMT -5
Probably wanted you to go so he could dump a body into the river... SR  |
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THUMPS
Junior Member
THUMPS, ridden by Dave
Posts: 92
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Post by THUMPS on Nov 10, 2008 12:03:12 GMT -5
Your comments are indeed a sad commentary on the times that we live in. This guy was probably in the middle of a drug deal.
The real issue is not to get yourself in to a situation where you are uncertain. You were worried about the police even though you had committed no crime. You didn't mention that you speeding or otherwise attracting attention. Turning off the road was probably the worse thing you could do from their perspective. If they wanted to stop you they may have had probable cause at that moment.
Around here (Missouri, USA) you can get a permit to carry a concealed firearm legally. Criminals know that anyone might be armed and trained to use their weapon. Criminals are not afraid of the police, only the chance that they might be hurt.
Assault crimes are much lower than in other areas. Statistics have shown that the overall crime rate has gone down since enacting legislation to allow citizens the right to not be victims.
I always carry a nice, well made folding knife particularly if carrying a firearm is illegal. You might consider carrying a knife or baton (perhaps a metal rod inside your handlebar) with you when you ride if you can not obtain a permit for a concealed handgun.
Winter is settling in here and limiting riding. Gives me a chance to work on my SR tailcone.
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Post by wotavidone on Nov 10, 2008 16:12:47 GMT -5
Had an SR moment myself last night. It was about 8:30, the sun had just set, and I shoulda been locking up and getting ready for a shower, a bit of teevee and an early night, but instead I rolled the SR out of the shed and took me a moonlight putt out to the clubhouse.
Couple of cans, (Pepsi, honest), and a squirt back into town. It is a mighty fine feeling to be cruising along a country lane at 5000 rpm on 17/42 gearing and wind the throttle on and feel the ol girl, get up and make a charge to 6500. I must get my speedo fixed so I can figure out how fast that is.
Mick
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Post by davewfc603 on Nov 10, 2008 19:31:44 GMT -5
Flashbacks, it's ok. With me they just see this old man, with some crazed look in his eyes. Glad the bike started. Remember we all need good stories for the nursing home!
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