I don't think I ever shared this story before. It was either '15 or '16, September or maybe October, around 9pm. I was out cruising, not doing anything crazy. We have a through way that's fairly popular for high speed crushes. For this reason, I rarely burn up and down there (extremely rarely). And I didn't intend to do so this evening either. It was the end of my ride, and although a ways from home that's where I was heading at this point.
So I'm heading west to the interstate on this through way and there's very little traffic. I can see taillights in front of me, which are clearly those of a dodge charger. I thought well.. that could be LE. I was doing a tick over 70 and it was a 55 zone. And sure enough, as I caught the car I indeed was able to identify it as a county mounty.
I don't remember exactly if I passed him (4 lane road) in the left lane, thinking he might not care, or if he tapped his brakes and lit me up. I just can't remember any more for sure. Part of me remembers thinking at this point it's too late for me anyway, if he had me clocked he had me clocked. But he pulled me over, which I pulled over quickly of course. I was in full gear.
He asked for my license and insurance and ran my info. He wanted to make some points about safety and the realities of what he's seen as an officer. His talking to turned into a 5-10 minute conversation. And he was a really cool guy. I explained to him that I was on the deferred ticket probation. And I made him an offer, if he would cut me a break, I would promise to ride completely lawfully the rest of the year. And you know, he listened to me, and he accepted my offer.
And I honored our agreement. Down to literally not exceeding a speed limit, etc. the rest of that year. Granted it was nearing the end of the season and I probably road a handful of more times. But I respected and wanted to honor that officer, and his decision to trust a total stranger.
