cops

Swimming With Sharks

mikemjensen Useless Observations Tags: , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

It can be reassuring but it’s also unnerving.

The all-night department store is the only thing open in this residential community. There is nothing else going on. There’s the few gas stations and a McDonald’s, but this is the big ticket.

If someone was fool enough to try and robbed this store, there is always a cop nearby, if not just outside the door. I haven’t heard of anyone trying but it would be ill-advised. Not only are the cops nearby, they are bored stiff. A call as big as a hold-up would be just the thing I think they would enjoy.swimmingwithsharks

At lunch time, however, I venture out in my car. Like predator fish, it isn’t too long before one of the cars on patrol has you spotted and scoped out. If I sit in my car and write like I am right now, several pass by and swirl around to see what I may be up to. It’s like they smell prey and are swimming by just in case.

Tonight alone, I have been followed once, witnessed another car get pulled over, had two pass-by’s, and watch another truck followed into the parking lot. It really is like swimming with the sharks.

If something goes wrong, it’s nice to know that there’s help almost immediately but I know it’s only a matter of time before I forget to set my turn indicator because I’m watching my rearview mirror.

 

Post 340

Modern Moonshine Run

mikemjensen Useless Observations Tags: , , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

Have you ever been illegal?

Like hiding from the cops, illegal? It’s a thrill.

I’m not, however recommending it.150213_police_lights12

I’ve had to actually run from the cops four times in my life. Twice on foot and twice in a car.

But those are stories to be share another time; and again I don’t recommend it.

Currently I have, let’s say, extended tags on one of the bikes. I’ll still ride it on occasion to work and when I do, it feels like I’m embarking on a moonshine run and the cops are out to get me.

On my runs, I’ve learned a few things but I offer no guarantee that they work. And again, I do not recommend their use.

Most importantly, you have to keep an eye out at all times. Avoid suspicious driving habits- not too fast and not too slow. An escape route is to be always on your mind. Like sharks on the hunt, they’ll stalk you from behind. So you have to keep an eye on the mirrors and when you see one, get out of their line of sight.

As soon as you see a light rack lurking behind you in the traffic, turn. Don’t leave it to fate whether they’ll catch up to you- they will. And never trust the car behind you to run blockage; they won’t. No one likes a cop on their tail and they will turn or change lanes on you.

Remember, a turn made too sudden turn catches attention. Changing lanes in an illogical way can also draw a curious eye.

Right turns are best. It gives you the most options. Left turns can leave you stranded in the intersection in clear eye shot. Don’t do them unless you have no choice.

Look for a parking lot and park as soon as possible and as close to the store as you can. Don’t leave your foot on the brake- there’s no reason to signal where you just ditched. Don’t worry about going into the place of business as part of your cover. If the cop is looking for you at this point, he’s already got you.

The illegal run can add real excitement and enjoyment to the morning and afternoon commute. However if caught, the fine can ruin all of it.

In fact and on second thought, maybe it’s best to pay the registration and simply enjoy the ride.

 

Day 210

Petty

mikemjensen Useless Observations, Vanity Tags: , , , , Leave a comment

Hey Kids,

I like big picture thinking.

Standing back and looking at the whole scenario, as opposed to reacting to each individual action, I believe, will net you more success.

Riding a motorcycle through a turn, it’s important to look where you want to go. If you watch the yellow line tracing the outside of the turn, that is exactly where you will go. Target fixation it is called.

Look down the road, not at it. Yet, keep your eyes on the alert for important details such as potholes, loose gravel, and stray varmints darting into your path. And sometimes, you can find stuff like that too. I have a weird collection of things I’ve picked up from the streets. However, that might have to wait for another blog.

I like having the Police around. They are a safety net to our society. That’s the big picture. They can also be the annoying yellow lines tracing the limits of our smooth riding. They issue speeding tickets, they enforce registration, and they can pull you over for loud pipes. In the big picture, it’s good they do that stuff. But it does foster a love/hate relationship.

1394300455_e38f4ff35dThis morning I saw a State Trooper waiting at a stop sign waiting for his chance to pull into the steady flow of commute traffic. Being on the bike, I maintain a larger following distance behind the car in front of me as compared to normal commute bumper-to-bumper. I thought for a second about slowing down a few clicks and give him the opportunity to slide in front of me. He’s an officer of the state and most likely it would be a good thing to let him be on his business as soon as possible.

Small picture thinking took over.

I sped up and made sure he couldn’t get into traffic. I made him wait even longer. Like we have to do when they pass with their lights on.

Petty? Sure. Feel good? Yes sir.

Sometimes you just have to take those little pleasures when they come. The big picture will still be there.

 

Day 183