A week ago, I was pulled over by police for speeding in a 60 mph zone. He was behind me in an unmarked car, all black. Never saw him coming. I was having my last hurrah, right before going on a 2 week business trip.
I was getting close to home. So I checked the mirror to move to the exit. That's when I saw those pretty blue and red lights we all love. I pulled over immediately. After exiting his stealth patrol car, the conversation began:
[leo]Cop: What's your hurry? Did you just get off work?
Me: No, actually I was just taking my last ride before going to work.
[leo]Cop: Where do you work?
Me: blah blah blah company in blah blah City.
[leo]Cop: I was doing 80, trying to read your plate, and you accelerated to 110
(remember the limit there is 60 mph). I thought you were going to run!
Me: No, no. I just didn't see you. I was focused on making that curve. [2 backup units arrive, cop2 and cop3 approach]
I was having a horrible daydream of going to jail, being fired for not showing up at work, and losing my bike. I was just waiting for the handcuffs to come out.
[leo]Cop to #2 and 3: It's all right. He's a nice guy. He just didn't see me.
Cop2 to me in stern voice: Get your hands out of your pockets. (I'd been standing casually, fingers slightly tucked in front pockets of riding pants)
Me: [complies with order]
Cop3: [inspecting the bike] It's a Ducati Monster.
[leo]Cop: That's a nice bike. I'm gonna write this for going 70 in a 60.
Me: [breathing a sigh of relief as I sign and accept the citation] Thank you.
(Yes, I expressed gratitude for being handed a fine)
Then I donned my helmet, mounted my bike, and proceeded for the remaining 5 minutes of my ride home at EXACTLY the speed limit. It was my 1st time being caught in the state of Texas in years. The first time being ever caught on my bike, and the first time while doing nearly double the highway speed limit. So, did I get off easy, or what?
