Pulled over for speeding on my Nomad

[schoeney]

Me and 2 buddies rode our bikes down to the beach (Cannon Beach-Oregon) a couple days ago. It was about a 240 mile loop.

We rode down on the Oregon side then crossed the Astoria Bridge (that was a little hairy with the wind blowing-see the link below to pic....cool bridge but you will see why the wind can play a big factor) into Washington and headed east back toward Portland/Vancouver.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/grimphotography/144366050/


After we crossed into Washington we were cruising on a pretty empty highway and a LEO passed us heading the opposite direction. I saw him but didn't really care because I wasn't going fast. He turned around with his lights on and my buddies pulled over quicker than I did so by the time I pulled over my buddies were about a 1/4 mile behind on the side of the rode (I envisioned them laughing their butts off because the LEO was after me -I am usually the slowest rider in the group).

All I was thinking at the time was to get my helmet off as fast as possible so he can see my grey hair and I am an old fart (one of my buddies suggested this if I get pulled over...there are some benefits to getting older!)

Well the LEO pulled up next to me with his window open and yelled
"Well I guess your buddies aren't coming up here so you turn around and meet me back there because I am pulling all 3 of you over"....ok so I chuckled a little knowing my buddies weren't going to be laughing at me alone.

So we get back to my buddies and I am thinking "Get your helmets off so the Leo can see we are all grumpy old men!" . They must have read my mind because by the time the LEO parked they did not have their helmets on.

So the LEO checks our licenses and says "well you all have your endorsements but I clocked the 2 front riders doing 62 (me+ buddy) and the last rider doing 66".

I am thinking "you didn't really pull us over for doing 62 in a 55 did you? you should have caught us about an hour ago....now that would have been worthwhile".....but the only thing I actually said was "and what is the posted speed?" I already knew the answer but I wanted the LEO to connect the dots on his own LEO says.... "55". I said "okay I guess you got us".

He said ...."well since all of you have your endorsements if I let you off with a warning will you slow down?" Man I wanted to say "NO" but my brother (Retired Leo) would have kicked my butt.

So we all say "yes sir" and he proceeded to walk behind each bike and jot down each plate number...not noticing one of my buddies had expired tags!

So we rode off and had a great chuckle.

I think older riders get a few breaks and if you don't try to BS a LEO with some lame excuse (like "my speedometer is off officer"...although on a Nomad is 100% true) they will usually cut us some slack. Of course if I were a LEO I would be embarassed to write a speeding ticket for 62 in a 55.

[dabull]

that bridge is way kewl:) glad you got away free;)

[Cajunrider]

He probably just wanted to check out the Nomad up close....

[mcdaddy]

Lucky you didn't get cited for gang activities. Obviously you guys are members of the notorious "Over the Hill Gang" http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Netnorske]

The last ticket I got is kind of a funny story (although I was driving my pickup).

We were on our way down to go fishing for the weekend and I was towing my drift boat on a 60 MPH road. In a hurry to get there in time for a Friday afternoon float...I told my buddy following me to get on my six and stay close. No worries I told him... "my radar detector works great in this area"...which it does.

We come around a corner to find three WSP units sitting end to end on the side of the road. With no radar pings....I slowed down and figured we were all good....they must be making a bust or something I thought.

As we went by...one of them pulled out behind us and caught up quick. Blue lights....over we go. I couldn't figure it out until the officer said...."Our aircraft had you guys at 75"... http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif.

Aircraft...???? WTF.... :-[!!! He wrote us for 70 in a 60, but needless to say....I'm still trying to live that one down! The only thing that helped ease the pain was that I put my buddy into a monster 50 lb. chinook that very afternoon.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif!

[caddman11]

Great story, bad looking bridge.

[strobe]

Glad you made it out without a lighter wallet...very cool bridge...

[ringadingh]

So far Ive been lucky on the bike and have never had a ticket. I can't say that for driving the truck though or some of my other bikes.

[coacha]

I haven't gotten pulled over yet, but I usually stay just a tad over stated limits...even with the MPH error on the bike. Now in my truck...not so much.

[cactusjack]

I've never been pulled over on the Nomad <knock on wood> but I'm sure I'll have my turn someday. I hope I will have a story like this to tell after I do.

[chainsaw]

Maybe you younger fella's need to dye your hair gray.

[dennisbailey]

This LEO has pulled people over for speeding less than 10 over but always with the hunch that something else was up and it was P.C. to make a legal stop. Got to follow the rules, it's part of the game and only ethical thing to do. But, I can never think of a time in 30 years that I have given a ticket for less than 10 over and usually only for 15 over unless they fail the attitude or truthfulness test. I can tell you that just being decent, human, and truthful with an LEO will get you out of a cite faster than anything. Personally I love a driver with a sense of humor as long as it is appropriate. Drive safe out there. I don't want to see you mug on my asphalt.

[mrsvaldez]

One day, I gotta party with you

[emu]

I sailed under that bridge several times on the way to Portland for the Rose Festival back in the early to mid 70's. Yup ... two or three Canadian warships invading the States ... unchallenged ... steaming up the Columbia River. The Rose Festival was one of my favorite runs. Played hockey for the fleet team against the Portland Junior League Allstars. Budweiser provided all the beer and wine we could drink between periods ... Always made for an interesting 3rd period. ;)

In Ohio, back in 05, me and a buddy from Maryland got pulled over for speeding ... If you are an old fart ... and the State Trooper is a young guy ... Call him "Sir". ... Just add "sir" to the end of every thing you say to him. I used all the cool stuff to get out of a ticket ... Like ... "Not that it's an excuse sir, but just so you know ... My speedometer is in kilometers and I sometimes mess up the conversions ... sir" And when he looked at the tags ... Ontario and Maryland ... cruising the Ohio side of the Ohio River by West Virginia ... He asked how we knew each other ... Old Buddah, the good buddy he is ... death wish aside .... says with a real pronounced lisp that I had never heard before "The Internet" Even batted his eyes at the kid. ... Had me rolling on the side of the road. The Trooper thought we were nuts and was laughing as well. Anyway we got a warning and sent on our way.

[moenko]

That must have been one grumpy, bored trooper - JEEZ !!!!!

[markusmaximus]

I've never been pulled over on a bike, but back when I had a lot more testosterone, I had a tendency to drive very aggressively. Got pulled over way too many times. Dumb*ss me was a bit -- OK, a lot -- too cocky on many occasions, frequently requesting to see the LEO's radar readout of my speed. I even told an officer once that he was also speeding (I was passing him when he pulled me over). Needless to say they weren't very generous. I had so many speeding tickets that my wife's auto insurance (we had separate policies at the time) dropped her!

I've learned through the years to slow down considerably and, if pulled over, treat the officer with respect. He's just doing his job. In the past 10 years, I've only been pulled over once and -- surprise -- he let me go with a warning.

[ponch]

In Iowa, we have a lot of small town cops that will write paper for 5mph and I have heard less. It's so bad the state allows a grace of 2 tickets under 10mph over, they won't count against your license. It's basically a tax. You really have to be careful of transition zones entering and leaving little hick towns. They will get you every time. The troopers on the interstate will give you around 9mph over.


Me and 2 buddies rode our bikes down to the beach (Cannon Beach-Oregon) a couple days ago. It was about a 240 mile loop.

We rode down on the Oregon side then crossed the Astoria Bridge (that was a little hairy with the wind blowing-see the link below to pic....cool bridge but you will see why the wind can play a big factor) into Washington and headed east back toward Portland/Vancouver.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/grimphotography/144366050/


After we crossed into Washington we were cruising on a pretty empty highway and a LEO passed us heading the opposite direction. I saw him but didn't really care because I wasn't going fast. He turned around with his lights on and my buddies pulled over quicker than I did so by the time I pulled over my buddies were about a 1/4 mile behind on the side of the rode (I envisioned them laughing their butts off because the LEO was after me -I am usually the slowest rider in the group).

All I was thinking at the time was to get my helmet off as fast as possible so he can see my grey hair and I am an old fart (one of my buddies suggested this if I get pulled over...there are some benefits to getting older!)

Well the LEO pulled up next to me with his window open and yelled
"Well I guess your buddies aren't coming up here so you turn around and meet me back there because I am pulling all 3 of you over"....ok so I chuckled a little knowing my buddies weren't going to be laughing at me alone.

So we get back to my buddies and I am thinking "Get your helmets off so the Leo can see we are all grumpy old men!" . They must have read my mind because by the time the LEO parked they did not have their helmets on.

So the LEO checks our licenses and says "well you all have your endorsements but I clocked the 2 front riders doing 62 (me+ buddy) and the last rider doing 66".

I am thinking "you didn't really pull us over for doing 62 in a 55 did you? you should have caught us about an hour ago....now that would have been worthwhile".....but the only thing I actually said was "and what is the posted speed?" I already knew the answer but I wanted the LEO to connect the dots on his own LEO says.... "55". I said "okay I guess you got us".

He said ...."well since all of you have your endorsements if I let you off with a warning will you slow down?" Man I wanted to say "NO" but my brother (Retired Leo) would have kicked my butt.

So we all say "yes sir" and he proceeded to walk behind each bike and jot down each plate number...not noticing one of my buddies had expired tags!

So we rode off and had a great chuckle.

I think older riders get a few breaks and if you don't try to BS a LEO with some lame excuse (like "my speedometer is off officer"...although on a Nomad is 100% true) they will usually cut us some slack. Of course if I were a LEO I would be embarassed to write a speeding ticket for 62 in a 55.

[VulcanE]

Schoeney......Glad to here you got let go with a warning. That bridge is way cool. There is one, very similar, that crosses the Tennessee River in Alabama. I always enjoy going over it, except for when the wind is up. And yes, having some gray does have it's perks. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif
But, like Dennis said, being polite, courteous, and honest is the best way to deal with LEOs.

[paul]

Glad your little "criminal episode" http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif ended well. He sounded a little dissapointed not giving you guys the tickets. Maybe he was hoping for someone a little more crusty and not just rusty. (old guy talking here) http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

My first encounter was a non encounter of sorts. I was out riding on day in the middle of the week that was one of those high sun, low humidity, just right temperature kind of days. (Hey!, they already had plenty of help at work, Right?).......So, the traffic was light to non existant and I was on a long, straight country road just groovin on sunshine and the sound of my VH pipes. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

I think my speed was somewhere close to 90, or it would have been if I'd have slowed down a little. There's this bike coming at me in the distance and , of course, I'm thinking AHHHHH, another fellow biker out for a stroll. That is untill he Turned on all those pretty lights http://s2.images.proboards.com/tongue.gif (wonder if I should get a set for my bike ???.....naw). Well, I was had. But as we passed (I decided to slow down a bit by then) he was just pointing and shaking the parent finger at me. Didn't stop, but Gave me the finger wag warning (but I think I saw a faint smile on his face as we passed). Good thing he was on a bike and not in a patrol car. I don't think I'd have gotten the same understanding from an officer in a cage.

[donguer]

It always helps to be regular when Leo pulls you over. If you treat it like "What's the Problem" most likely it will be.
BTW. That bridge will definitely give you a few squirts under the right conditions.

[Cajunrider]

A few months ago, my wife and I were riding on US-190 East of Hammond, LA when we came upon an "License, registration, liabiltiy insurance checkpoint". I was preparing to pull over on the shoulder to get my registration and proof of insurance out of my saddlebag when the Louisiana State Police sargeant waved us on and told us to have a nice day and be careful. Guess he saw the wrinkles around the eyes and the gray hair under my half helmet.....

[dogdoc]

My last ticket(warning) was in my Tahoe. I was going back to work after lunch when i noticed a local cop do a u'y after meeting me head on. I finally stopped once I arrived in the parking lot of my work place. he said i noticed your safety inspection sticker is exspired by 3 months. Oh officer i ride my bike most days and never noticed it. Your insurance card please. Oh sh** I can't seem to find that officer. I always have it except when I need it. he checked my insurnace which is current. I knew that. So he says I'll let you off with a warning. I was in my scrubs,,,didn't he know I was the local vet. Oh well, I seen him a few days later in the clinic dealing with a animal bite. I said hey your the officer that gave me a warning. he said Oh, ha-ha was that you. :-)

[cactusjack]

I work from home on Wednesdays and about a year ago, I had a hankering for a chili dog for lunch, so I was driving my Pontiac to Weinerschnitzel about 8 miles away. I live in a semi-rural area and the streets go from one lane to two back to one then to three. I had been stuck behind some bozo driving 30 in a 45 for a couple of miles and when I got to the point where the road widened to three lanes, I zipped around this rolling obstruction. Apparently I was a little too eager for my hot dog and got caught doing 62 in a 45. I didn't even try to BS the cop, I just said "you caught me fair and square, officer". He wrote me for 58 and I was able to take traffic school and they wiped the ticket. That would have been a $230 fine.

[foztex]

Every time I received a citation for speeding, my speed warrented it. I have never been cited for 5MPH (or less) over. One time, Ranger Rick Pulled me over at a state park for doing a "U" turn at 5 MPH. He wrote me a warnnig for "irratic driving." He was sitting out there in the woods by himself, and he admitted to me that he needed to show his supervisor that he was "doing something." Initially, I was highly irritated, but his honest statement was disarming.

[schoeney]

Great stories and comments!

[nomad561]

Glad things didn't end up any worse than that.
That bridge just got put on my "must ride" list.

[duneseven]

you should have made a run for it. It would be nice to have some one else's picture up in the post office I am tired of all those politicians pictures

[trip]

Wait till an LEO flashes his lights and stops you just to laugh and harass.

Blue Knights do that you know. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Oh and remember, even speeding tickets in your car go against your motorcycle insurance.

[macmac]

There is a bridge from Delaware crossing the Chesapeak Bay into Maryland looking like a sister to that bridge. I took it both ways last Oct. First time the wind was up and I wasn't very happy, but then I am not very happy on any large bridge even in a pick up truck.

There is another really high bridge from NJ into Delaware, and I have to close both eyes to ride over that one.

Somehow all the bridge people know I am coming long before I get there because they all light up a big sign with a phone number if you are suffering a break down for the height of their bridges. So far the signs are all lit up for me too.

[ballast]

I had a hankering for a chili dog for lunch, ... Weinerschnitzel

Dude, they still have Weinerschnitzels???????????!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah, glad you didn't get a ticket Schoeney.

[pagemastr]

I have learned it is yes sir, no sir, while in all honesty it depends on who it is. State patrol and Columbus city cops have my respect. State patrol have always been professional, while city cops will shoot first and ask questions later. Gotta respect that! Others, locals in small towns, mostly jerks IMO!

My first long trip on the Nomad this weekend, and wow was it hard to keep it under the speed limit, it just feels at home above 70. I did notice my gas mileage took a hit though it was pretty windy all weekend, still got 36mpg over a 370 mile trip in the cold. Blaming it on the wind!!!

I don't like the speedometer error as I was constantly doing the math in my head to figure out how fast it should read to go the speed I wanted to go. Then calculating again to see how fast I was going with what it indicated. PITA

[cactusjack]

I had a hankering for a chili dog for lunch, ... Weinerschnitzel

Dude, they still have Weinerschnitzels???????????!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah, glad you didn't get a ticket Schoeney.

10 years ago, when we moved to Phoenix they didn't. We had them in Salt Lake and I missed them. They started opening a whole bunch of them here about 3 years ago. Sadly, the one I was going to when I got pulled over closed up recently. But that's okay, because now there's one even closer. I love those chili dogs! My only gripe is they don't sell beer to wash them down.

[peterdarby]

One day my luck will run out but I am usually able to talk them out of writing me up for whatever they stopped me for. Although I did get one for "Failure to obey a sign." It said 45 and I was doing 65. I use several rules when stopped. If in the car at night turn on the overhead lights. If on a bike take off my helmet and turn off the bike then put my hands back on the handle bars. Never play dumb. If I was speeding I admit it. Remain cheerful and crack a couple of jokes. (Make sure the cop knows that you know it was a joke and not a smart remark) I once got stopped in a three cop car speed trap for doing 53 in a 35 and escaped with a verbal warning. that is a whole story in itself. When he asked me for my license I said. " Oh, I never bother with those administrative details." and the conversation got increasingly friendly and relaxed from thre till I left.

[cactusjack]

I was watching an episode of "Cops" last night. The officer got called to a house somewhere in Florida for a disturbance. They found a man and a woman grilling steaks on their front porch. The woman was a big mouth and very belligerent to the officer, who was being very courteous and respectful. The lady asked if she could go in the house to get her purse and ID. The officer said yes, then she said "and so I can get my gun". You can imagine how quickly this officer's mood changed.

The lady ended up having an outstanding warrant for a 211 (armed robbery?) and she got cuffed and put into a squad car. She told the officer she was joking about the gun, but obviously it wasn't very funny to him.