Let The Riders Police Their Own

Let The Riders Police Their Own By Red Dog

I have nothing against cops (for those who really know me have to be laughing and scratching their heads).  Do I really have to go there, well yes I do...  I can speak first hand of this topic.

It is the over kill some cops have and agencies have at these events. Just because one event out of hundreds had one problem (Yes I said problem, outlaw biker on outlaw biker. I watched the tapes from the casino, I heard the investigators on the incident and everyone there knew what was coming moments before the incident jumped off).

I am not against Law Enforcement hired to prevent people from killing, hurting and stealing bikes. It is the over kill on the minor things that fuck things up.

I personally know some cops who get a hard on for these types of events so they can be total ass holes to the public especially those who they really don’t understand.

Cops (mostly rookies who haven’t been around long enough for the feeling of all that power to fade away) think all bike riders are outlaws.  They believe what they see in the movies and on T.V. If their flying colors their all “Outlaw Bikers.”

Then you have those certain no neck cops that love to look cool in their tight uniforms and their badge that weighs more then they do. You know the ones who think there bad ass wearing gloves in the summer time. These kind of cops look to fuck with riders. It’s a huge power trip for them to make up for their fear or inadequacy in other areas.

Even with the bike lifestyle growing to the point of RUB’s trying to blend in as a biker. The kind that only ride on sunny sundays, put on their on line bought rally shirts and garb or pull out of their garage that $40,000 custom bike that they ride for a few miles to the event. (Sorry guys, but it is the truth. I am glad you ride, but don’t piss on my leg and say it’s raining. Just ride).

I have been a rider since I was as a teenager, but when I got married and had kids my kids came 1st and I wanted to spend every moment with them. Then when they grew up I decided it was time to live my life again.  For the last 5 years I have ridden non stop every day to catch up for lost time.

I totally believe in the biker lifestyle.  That means not being a fair weather rider, living the life of the biker and all that it entails, having fun on and off the road, meeting friends old and new on rides and sharing the moment. Being there for my friends I ride with and know that everyday that I ride is a great day.

I find myself on rides wanting to get back on the bike at places we stop. My wife knows what I am talking about.  When I am at work or home I think about riding.  I prefer riding over driving even when it is 30 degrees outside.  I wish I could express in words what I feel, but believe it or not I can’t find the words.  Just a big smile when I start my bike and ride.

So since that one incident at that Desert Oasis all bike events have changed.  I have seen it first hand and read article after article in bike magazines and from those who have been there.  They are all saying the same thing.   Law Enforcement has made a knee jerk reaction to that event and decided that all events need to have more cop presence to supposedly prevent another “Harris shoot out.”

By the way,,,it was more like hitting and stabbing, but the cops and the press love to make it sound worse by adding the shoot out part.  Yes some outlaw bikers got hurt and some died.  At least they kept it to themselves and no civilian was hurt. Not like those coward want to be gangsters that do drive byes and shoot at anything and everything. Where are the cops and politicians outlawing colors on the streets on those idiots..  There afraid of lawsuits and being called racist I guess.

So now what we have at all events especially the Laughlin Run is a bunch of cops who tend to be “letter of the law” instead of “spirt of the law” (for those who don’t understand what that means it is simple.  Instead of giving someone a break for a minor violation, they show no mercy).

The cops that work these events forget that you the tax payer are paying for the overtime for all these cops to be there to make sure no problems happen and make sure you have a good time.

Once again don’t get me wrong. Riders who show off by flying down the road, acting like dumb ass’s or driving under the influence jeopardizing other peoples lives need to be dealt with. When it comes to people stealing shit or hurting other riders they tend to be dealt with by other riders the way it should be. But riders who do burn outs in parking lots, choose not to wear a helmet because they are adults and can decide their own fate or have passengers who flash and women in general who love to flash for the guys don’t need the book thrown at them.

Naturally I have a weakness for girls flashing dah.  So where does something like flashing and having a good adult time fall in place with killing someone. These events like the Laughlin Run and Sturgis and Hollister should be considered an adult event. Kids should not be there.  Yes I said it.

Adults go to these events to be adults.  They want to let their hair down and party. Not be reminded of what they got away from home for in the first place. Shame on the parent who brought their child to one of these “adult events.”  When the event states “wet T shirt contest or biker games”, get a clue.  Those parents should be cited for lack of good judgement.

I had to wait till my kids were older so I could leave them at home...so should they.  No they would rather make others feel uncomfortable and hurt their childrens hearing with all the great loud pipes and music.  What dumb ass’s.

We are all adults and if you say that women flashing or playing, or men cussing or doing burn outs isn’t part of bike events then your kidding yourself. Look at any bike magazine. Sex, metal and machines are a natural marriage.

Sure charity rides are different and not considered an adult event.  You don’t see the over kill of cops at these events because they are not considered a true biker event. Most riders know the difference and we act properly at these events knowing what the event is really about. But “they” (The Authorities involved) have decided to make bike riders lives miserable at these adult events.

As for the “Colors” issue I am on the fence. I know that when street gangs ware their colors there is a chance for problems.  When they don’t ware colors it makes it harder to have a confrontation. Everyone looks the same. But when Law Enforcement says no colors they cannot discriminate on colors because of law suits filed by the ”outlaw” members when they were singled out for their colors and non ”outlaw” members were not.

But then there is the problem with what is colors. Believe it or not some cops and security cannot tell the difference between actual club colors and logos such as “West Coast Iron Cross” and even “Harley Davidson” logo  shirts and jackets. Not to mention “HOG” members clothing.

Sure you can go to Laughlin and try to have a good time, boring for some, but I suppose you can find a good time gambling, but what if you’re into gambling.   I am not a big gambler so I don’t go to Laughlin or Vegas for that reason.  I go because it is for adults supposedly.

One final note.  The Outlaw bikers for most part no longer go to the Laughlin Run. They go else where to have fun. Law Enforcement knows this ( I know first hand they do). But they will continue to be there to out number the riders because $$$$$$$$ overtime is great. It pays for their toys, divorce and child payments.

Once they get a taste of that annual income, it is very hard to do with out.   They tell the city officials that they need to be there to keep another Harris from happening.  And the city officials are never told the truth that the outlaw bikers and other bike groups who are fed up with the bull shit letter of the law enforcement and no neck cops and are saying “Screw Laughlin” Let’s go where we can be adults and have fun without being hassled.

We made this event,  we can make it again else where.  After more and more riders see the light (usually a red one in their mirrors) they will also leave and the businesses in Laughlin will say “What the hell happened, were losing money.” All because of one problem in a thousand.

If you don’t believe this then ask the business owners in Hollister how they feel about the city fathers cancelling the Hollister Run in 06’. Hollister is nothing without that run and they know it.  Business owners understand this if they want to survive.

There are only a few real “Old School” events left.  I will not mention them out of concern that big brother will be looking at them to put an end to them as well. Riders know which ones they are. It is up to us not to let them fade away.

Just great rides, good times and hanging with people who understand what the biker lifestyle is all about. Lets help keep runs like this going and use your 1st ammendment right to free speech.

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