[Ducati] My "run in with the law" story

[Fowler, Clarke]

This is back in 98-99 timeframe.  Living in Orlando one beautiful winter
day right after Christmas, my good friend Nelson (any of you at the
recent DDD events know him as owner of the really nice cars) called and
said he wanted to ride his new 916 down from NSB with his friend Jamie
(on a new RC45) to show me the bikes.  Well does a bear......?? Upon
their arrival, Nelson handed me the key to the 916 and said take it for
a spin with Jamie.  Gladly!  Not being near any open country roads, I
briefed Jamie on a nearby office park that was not yet developed that
had little traffic and a couple sweepers suitable for a high speed pass.
Jamie was (RIP) a licensed racer so I said follow me till we get there
and then you're on your own as I knew I probably wouldn't keep up with
him (my limits, not the 916, DUH).   Anyway, as we entered the target
area, I started to open the 916 up.  Jamie, sensing that this must be
it, fired up that RC45 and I would swear an F1 car ripped by me like a
flash.  Not to be totally wussed out, I wicked up the 916 which had much
more to give and was instantly keeping up with Jamie.  We were ripping
around the high speed right hander when way up the road, rounding the
next curve, approached another bike....one of Orlando's best.  The
police bike was packing an active radar system and before we could hit
the brakes, the lights were flashing and a very agitated cop almost
threw it down in the middle of the road.  We were able to stop before
going by him, he was busy calling in reinforcements, who arrived swiftly
and in great numbers.  2 other motorcycle cops and 4 cruisers were
surrounding us in no time.  The cop was ranting!!  138 in a 35!!!  What
the ^%#^%$ were you thinking???  He settled down a little when he saw
all of our papers were in order and that we had motorcycle endorsements
and we were over 40.  By this time, the reinforcements were oogling over
the exotic hardware, asking questions and expressing disbelief that this
bike was lent to me by a buddy.  Anyway, the cop approached me with my
license and a WARNING.  He said he can't ticket both of us, just the
lead guy, and added "but you were catching him fast".  Jamie got 6
points and $500+ in fines, which we all pitched in to help pay.  I know
our age and experience levels kept us out of jail that day :-)