Busted

As we rolled north from Reno in the rented SUV, we were immediately struck by the odd sensations of no noise, no wind, no bugs or grit, and a sofa-like seat. After a week on motorcycles we had begun to forget how comfortable (and isolating) that riding on four wheels can be.

Just before I left Minnesota, I had lunch with friends at work. One of them told a story of how he had avoided a speeding ticket:

1. He pulled over immediately - no lag whatsoever - as soon as he saw the squad car lights.
2. He turned off the ignition and put the keys on the dashboard. He couldn't make a run or harm the officer with his vehicle.
3. He pulled out his wallet and removed the license and insurance card and set them on the dashboard.  There was no fumbling in pockets or the glove compartment where a weapon might be hidden.
4. He placed his hands in plain sight at 10-and-2 O'clock on his steering wheel.  

I need to thank him, because on the road to Bonanza OR a California Highway Patrol officer caught me running along too fast. I knew it immediately and was at the shoulder slowing to a stop before he completed his U-turn.  By the time he got to the passenger side window, we were ready for him.  He said "Wow, you sure stopped fast. Do you have guns or something in there?" I laughed and said "Absolutely not!" and went on to explain the strategy I had been given to make the patrolman feel more comfortable and, hopefully, lenient.  He smiled and said it worked and wouldn't give me a ticket!

We continued our run up to Bonanza at a legal speed.  

Thank you, Mike K.