Give the man a Cupie Doll (Whatever that is). I think your analysis is pretty much spot on, with a couple of additions ... my opinion only, no facts to back them up ... and I wasn't there.
1) I think the results would of been similar with your blue 14 or a vivid black Tri ... trike being unique is a bigger flag. Actually, I'm shocked they didn't take the trike as well. Guess the demand for Tri parts is not that great in Mexico, since they would have had to strip it for parts, like you said, you haven't seen one there.
Yeah, probably any color...don't think they took it because they had to go thru a Military Checkpoint after robbing us. Don't believe they would have been able to without getting caught.
2) I think being an American made you more of a target. We get lots of Canadian and other nationality visitors here around Sturgis time mainly because after or before the rally they do the "Wide Open Spaces Rides" around here. Those plate stick out like a sore thumb. I was actually shocked how many people ship their ride here rather than rent. I googled "Mexican Motorcycle Plates" and they are very different than what we are used to.
Yeah, agreed.
3) No offense here, even with the riding gear, you sport a white long beard. Older people seem to be targeted more ... I suppose they are perceived as less of a threat. Also there are the old stereotypes that would point to drugs ... the long hair and beard (not judging ... personally ... I like the look on you
) ... the guard at the boarder looked at you a little harder until he realized your were vaping. If I remember, he even asked about weed
, or maybe I heard it wrong.
My beard is usually tucked in, but long hair is not. Yep, guard did ask if vape was weed. Just realized, when I got off the bike, my beard was definitely out, before they rolled up on us.
4) Mary was with you ... again ... no offense. A man with a women is less likely to "defend himself" with his wife/friend with him, unless he is sure she won't be harmed or she is in imminent danger. Disclaimer, I'd be less likely to target an American couple after learning what I know now. Or a single women, frankly they scare me ...
. Every day I learn more and more of people I've known for years are both carrying concealed and are very capable of defending themselves. That's not an issue in Mexico from what I understand, foreigners can't legally carry there.
Yep, we have no right to carry in Mexico..it is a go to jail, do not pass go offense.
You are correct, my primary concern during the robbery was Mary's safety. I kept an eye on the gun the entire time, making sure it was never aimed at her.
Again, I believe your assessment is spot on. If you were on an rented Ultra with Mexican plates, alone, with your beard tucked up under your jacket in that same place would the same thing happen ... Probably ... probably even if you were in a rented truck with Mexican plates. MHO.
Situational Awareness is the key ...
as you stated ... I suspect with all your travel, you may of let your guard a little down and paid the price. You have to keep sharp eye out all the time. Pretty sure you will ... LOL ... you're a sharp guy.
Yep, definitely had gotten lax over the years. Pretty sure this cured that! I am even more careful/aware when I leave the shop now than I used to be.
In another life I was a Federal Firearms Instructor (guess I still am, don't think there is an expiration on that certification) AND owned/operated a gun shop. My guard was never down in those days.
We had a saying in the Navy, "
Common Sense is always authorized.".
Moral of the story ... keep your wits about you, this kind of thing can happen on your own block in your own town. Sometimes I go to my favorite local dinner and the local "MC Club" (not gonna mention names, but they are alleged to be outlaws) is there as evidence by their bikes in the parking lot, I take a pass and go somewhere else. Have they been involved in anything in town? Not that I've heard of. One of them even used to go to my Bible study. Nice guy, but, he would tell you that you never know when a rival will show up and "stuff" will go down. Why put yourself in that situation if you don't have to. I doubt the MC Club will have issue with this fat old man on a trike being there ... LOL.
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Originally Posted by CrystalPistol
