BajaNomad - Another reason to hate California

Another reason to hate California

Oso - 2-1-2008 at 10:56 PM

After more than an hour and a half we finally crept past the two or three hundred snowbird pedestrians to within a few car lengths of the border at Algodones when a half dozen bikers roared up and cut to the head of the line. I wanted to run over one but a couple of them were rather large and I'm philosophically opposed to suicide. I waited until we reached the booth and politely asked the migra why the special privileges? My jaw dropped when he told me it was the law. He said he didn't agree with it, but it was a California state law that allowed them to do do that. He speculated that some CA legislator liked to ride and didn't like to wait and they had no choice but to tolerate it. Now I just have to convince my wife that this is sufficient reason to buy another bike.

bajabound2005 - 2-1-2008 at 10:59 PM

so get a SENTRI pass and learn how to love crossing the border

DianaT - 2-1-2008 at 11:02 PM

Would a sentri pass do any good at Algodones?

Miss that place. When we lived in Calexico, we used to go there for our dog's heart meds--cheaper than Mexicali.

Oso - 2-1-2008 at 11:03 PM

No SENTRI at Algodones or San Luis.

BajaWarrior - 2-1-2008 at 11:24 PM

Ya, believe it or not, it's not the wait they get to avoid but the fact that motorcycles could actually overheat if stopped in traffic so they are allowed to "cut" the rest of us, that's the law.

I think it's B.S. and dangerous, plus a good way to lose a mirror in traffic...

bajadogs - 2-2-2008 at 12:06 AM

Please don't assume all 2 wheelers to be arrogant ******. Consider we have no air conditioning, radio, heat, etc. I am sitting on top of an engine, working a clutch and throttle with my hands while steering slow milage through intolerably stopped traffic while you recline with your DVD player inside your urban assault vehicle with air conditioning, heat, cigar holder, lumbar support etc. Your driver's seat is more comfortable than any place in your house. Maybe that's why you're mad, you paid 45K for a comfortable seat at the hog slaughter.
You didn't have to. Please let me by without hassling me. Someone will be along shortly to wash your windows.

I'm not comfortable with bikers either, but not all of us are jerk-*****.
(most are)
peace

[Edited on 2-2-2008 by Hose A]

Cap - 2-2-2008 at 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
I wanted to run over one but a couple of them were rather large and I'm philosophically opposed to suicide.

I got a good laugh from this :lol:

capt. mike - 2-2-2008 at 07:58 AM

who needs a reason?

Dogs - i'll ride with you anyday.

i crossed north back to USA 3 times on my Harley, never again.
And i love moto touring mexico. Guess i'll have to sub it out to a mexican for a nice tip and meet him at check point carlos.....

i can't even stand to do it, cross back in, in a comfortable cage.
i don't know how you that do it a lot stand it.
in lines inching along like lemmings.

805gregg - 2-2-2008 at 08:21 AM

Only obsolete bikes are still air cooled, mine don't overheat.

Roberto - 2-2-2008 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
My jaw dropped when he told me it was the law.

I'm guessing you were going North? Back into the U.S.? If so, what would a CA law have to do with preventing bikers from jumping the line in Mexico?

Bajaboy - 2-2-2008 at 08:31 AM

Don't be a hater....

Oso - 2-2-2008 at 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
My jaw dropped when he told me it was the law.

I'm guessing you were going North? Back into the U.S.? If so, what would a CA law have to do with preventing bikers from jumping the line in Mexico?

They cut in on the Andrade, CA, side and the migra told me it was a CA law. Not only do they get to pass all the 4 wheel traffic but the long line of elderly snowbirds on foot as well. And yes it's envy along with irritation. Also I saw at least one minivan cut in because some AH let them. (No es culpa del indio sino el que le hace compadre.) Apparently the Algodones B.C. policia do nothing about this. At least the SLRC, Sonora cops have signs posted and give tickets for cutting.

This was on a Friday in winter. We'll try Tuesday next time on the dentist's advice and later this summer it should get better when the snowbirds go home and the town dies. Right now we don't have much choice as the wife and I are both getting some extensive dental work done.

[Edited on 2-2-2008 by Oso]

DianaT - 2-2-2008 at 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
I wanted to run over one but a couple of them were rather large and I'm philosophically opposed to suicide.

Now I just have to convince my wife that this is sufficient reason to buy another bike.

My two favorite lines. :lol:

Ah, but please, don't hate California---it is not all bad. :no:

Diane

BRINGS TO MIND....

JG - 2-2-2008 at 09:37 AM

A man appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates.
>
>"Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked.
>
>"Well, I can think of one thing," the man offered.
>
>"Once, on a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang
>of bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her
>alone, but they wouldn't listen. So, I approached the largest and most
>heavily tattooed biker and smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over,
>ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, "Now, back
>off!! Or you'll answer to me!"
>
>St. Peter was impressed, "When did this happen?"
>
>"Just a couple minutes ago."

durrelllrobert - 2-2-2008 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JG
A man appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates.
>
>"Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked.
>
>"Well, I can think of one thing," the man offered.
>
>"Once, on a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang
>of bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her
>alone, but they wouldn't listen. So, I approached the largest and most
>heavily tattooed biker and smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over,
>ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, "Now, back
>off!! Or you'll answer to me!"
>
>St. Peter was impressed, "When did this happen?"
>
>"Just a couple minutes ago."

capt. mike - 2-2-2008 at 10:00 AM

If I could generate the slightest interest on my family's part, I'd slap in another trailer at San Carlos and start doing it again.

well don't set up there if you want to fly down - no airport, its been closed for eons.
you have lopez or constitucion only and then you'd need a car.

but yeah - find a spot and fly man!!

Give Them a Break

MrBillM - 2-2-2008 at 07:31 PM

Probably because I rode street bikes for many years, sometimes as my only transportation, I never get upset over their cutting between cars. I did it everyday when I was living in Manhattan Beach and working in downtown L.A.

I know that it's tempting to hate anybody who's getting there quicker when there is a long wait, but they take so little time at the kiosk that they don't really hold anybody up.

I agree with Soulpatch, though, everybody should stay out of California. Go AWAY.

robrt8 - 2-2-2008 at 07:32 PM

I gotta remember that one JG http://forums.bajanomad.com/images/smilies/yes.gif
:yes:

Sallysouth - 2-2-2008 at 09:07 PM

The guys on motos, pass us by on their bikes, just fly right thru, not much time lost for those of us in cars or mohos. Doesn't bother me.JMHO

Von - 2-2-2008 at 09:28 PM

Why do I love baja because Its me!!! The sea the sky and Baja pre1960 era feeling and loving it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

Fatboy - 2-2-2008 at 11:18 PM

Quote:

Then I learned in traffic school that it is perfectly legal.

I might disagree with all the statements about lane splitting/sharing being legal.

While it is not illegal in California in the sense that there is a law saying that it is illegal. It can be very easy for it to fall under several general vehicle codes regarding safe operation and such.

It can also be 'illegal' in that it may not be considered a safe 'pass' and/or improperly crossing the line either by weaving back and forth over the line or if the line is solid and you crossed it that would be illegal right there.

You generally must pass to the left of vehicles and splitting requires one on the left and one on the right. How about splitting the fast lane only? Sure to be a solid line there that you would cross over.

DMV discourages it alot in all of their printed material. Would CHP cite you in California? Certainly not. If you are involved in a accident I would think that you would be at fault almost all of the time. Imagine being in 'your' lane and you drift to the line but don't cross it and hit a biker passing you, who's at fault?

As to the matter is it right or not, who knows? There are good arguements for both sides.

Personally I believe if traffic is moving along at less than 5mph or so motorcyclist should be encouraged to lane split if they feel it is safe.

airmech - 2-2-2008 at 11:40 PM

I split lanes but it considered "lane sharing" by the CHP. I have followed CHP and local police bikes while sharing your lane but it takes extra care. There have been a few times that I have been encouraged to change lanes because the car driver couldn't see me when he started a change. Just part of the game. bg

805gregg - 2-3-2008 at 08:03 AM

You have to think of it this way, one less car in your way.

Oso - 2-3-2008 at 11:26 AM

On further reflection, I guess I have to admit that they didn't take that long. They didn't even have to open their saddlebags.

I must be becoming a grumpy old fart. The shoe was often on the other foot when I rode in traffic (yes, in California) every day. Back then I would rail against the people in cars who kept trying to kill me. I can't count the times someone at an intersection would pull out right in front of me. Sometimes I would catch up to them and call them on it. The answer was always the same; "I didn't see you!" BS, I thought, but have read scientific reports that it's true- bikes don't register on many innatentive brains as "vehicles". There's a good reason for Harleys to be loud.

The solution is obvious. Gotta get me another bike.

Cypress - 2-3-2008 at 11:36 AM

Breaking in line in front of someone just isn't right. :no:

I don't care if you are riding a pogo-stick. :yes:

Most people consider it bad manners. :bounce:

bajalera - 2-3-2008 at 12:10 PM

Oso, here's something you might like, from an Arizona newspaper:

"If it's the season for snowbirds, how come we can't shoot 'em?"

mtgoat666 - 2-3-2008 at 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oso
Another Reason to Hate California

California is so vast and varied, I can't imagine why anyone would hate the state unless they are striken with envy because they live elsewhere.
I think the lane splitting bikers give California a bit of third-world moped flavor. If you don't like the crotch rocket adolescent bikers, you can take solace in the fact that they will probably kill themselves soon with their foolish high-speed antics. Darwinism in action, you'll see it every day on California highways.

gibson - 2-3-2008 at 12:19 PM

yea... it's one less car on the road and should be given due respect ... UNLESS they're silly enough to be riding a Hardly Ableson!

Got you Beat Oso

MrBillM - 2-3-2008 at 12:31 PM

Back in my Beach days when I was riding my BSA Lightning, I worked as a Milling Machinist at a North American Aviation facility in Hawthorne. As a result, my work boots had a myriad of metal shavings embedded in the rubber soles.

Whenever some AH motorist cut me off or otherwise irritated me, I'd pull up alongside their rear-quarter and drag my boot along the paint job before I took off. VERY satisfying.

1970BSA1.jpg - 40kB

Corky - 2-3-2008 at 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Only obsolete bikes are still air cooled, mine don't overheat.

Tell that to the BMW and Harley riders!

EMAM - 2-3-2008 at 06:08 PM

One thing you might want to keep in consideration...

Most bikes get around 50 miles per gallon, if more people rode motorcycles, them fuel prices we all complain about would be something of the past.

As stated in a previous post, They go through pretty fast and arent really holding you up all that long. Sit back, crank up the radio and you'll be through in no time

805gregg - 2-4-2008 at 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Corky

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Only obsolete bikes are still air cooled, mine don't overheat.

Tell that to the BMW and Harley riders!

BMW are oil cooled.

Corky - 2-4-2008 at 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg

Quote:

Originally posted by Corky

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Only obsolete bikes are still air cooled, mine don't overheat.

Tell that to the BMW and Harley riders!

BMW are oil cooled.

So what cools the oil? Wouldn't possibly be airflow?

rts551 - 2-4-2008 at 06:16 PM

Corky And what cools the coolant?????

bufeo - 2-4-2008 at 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Corky And what cools the coolant?????

Not airflow. That's why it's called "coolant". :rolleyes:

Plus there is air flowing owing to the fan.

[Edited on 2-5-2008 by bufeo]

Corky - 2-4-2008 at 07:14 PM

OK whatever ... I just had a hard time

with

"Only obsolete bikes are air cooled."

I have a 2004 BMW 1100s that is air cooled. You know the" Boxer motor?" Believe me it isn't obsolete. Doesn't have any coolant either. It does like airflow just like a Harley.

Bye Bye!