| Written by Steve Thornton on Friday, July 17th, 2009 |
But the man can ride
A member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol has been charged for riding a motorcycle at 147 mph (237 km/h) on an interstate highway. The officer, who has pleaded not guilty, was off duty at the time.
The speed limit on the highway is 65 mph (105 km/h). The offence was reported to have taken place in late June.
The officer was told by a judge that his licence could be suspended if he was convicted, but the speeding offence is considered a minor misdemeanor.
Reporters in Columbus, Ohio, were unable to contact the officer for a comment.
Circus-trained and road-ready
From reporter Mike Werner in France comes this tale of a Chinese man who rides a motorcycle despite the loss of both arms in an electrical accident 20 years ago.
The man had been sent to a circus by his parents after the accident, where he learned to manage routine tasks without the use of hands. Ten years ago, he adapted a small motorcycle for use with a brace wrapped around his chest, and he’s been riding since then without serious incident.
When Chinese police pulled him over for riding with an overloaded motorcycle, they discovered his unusual condition and made him promise to quit riding.
Off the hot seat
A police officer in Connecticut who was training as a motorcycle operator proved he's got quick reaction times when the bike caught fire under him.
The officer was on his way to lunch with a training officer when the Kawasaki burst into flames.
He pulled over near a deli and jumped off the bike, which burned to a husk.
The officer wasn't injured and continued his training.
PM gets his cool on
Prime Minister Stephen Harper may not ride a motorcycle, but he did return from a G8 meeting in Rome with some of the gear.
G8 leaders were presented with custom-made Belstaff motorcycle jackets at the meeting - along with other goodies like monogrammed bathrobes and designer pyjamas, according to reports.
The big man was also given an expensive-looking watch that he can't wear (he can't wear anything metal, according to his office) and a book with Italian marble covers.
But the Prime Minister is required to declare all gifts worth more than $200, which become the property of Canada and are stored, so it's unlikely that Mr. Harper will be seen on the back of a chopper with his cool Belstaff any time soon - or maybe not. It's just a rule, after all.
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