6/28/08 Oakland Moto LEO comp pix

[masameet]

I've got tons. Here are a few. I'll post more later this evening.

The moto LEOs had to be at the site by 8 a.m. I didn't get there 'til around 10. And the place was already crowded with motorcycles, LEOs, riders and spectators. Just after 10, the LEOs did a walk-through of the cone patterns -- basically a bunch of offset cones ending with a bunch of cones for making very tight U-turns and Figure 8's.

Some of the moto LEOs' bikes sans LEOs ...

First to practice the cones was Rancho Cordova PD Officer Brian Aubochon. First-up distinction is accorded to the previous year's winner.

Here's San Leandro PD's Officer R. Brandt, who's been riding motors for about a year now. Last November I met him after I got lost in San Leandro. He was super nice and commiserated with me over my dropping my new SV. Before he had to motor over to a call, he gave me directions to Suzuki of Oakland.

This Alameda PD officer is, as the LEO master of ceremonies reminded us, a newly minted moto LEO with about a month's experience. I didn't catch his name. In the walk-through photo he's the tallest LEO standing. Don't know for sure, but I imagine he's about 6'7".

At least two moto LEOs from the Union City PD rode their bikes in the event. I'm not sure if this is Officer Guckert. But I really like his custom holster.

This Union City moto officer made some of us in the crowd laugh with his cigarette hanging from his mouth.

And Alameda PD Officer Dave Ellis ...

 

[masameet]

And here's one of my favorite riders at the competition: Rancho Cordova PD Officer Marcus James aka 5Mary6.

Can you say Stud?

I'm including rear photos of LEOs because a German photographer I met made his name by taking portraits of German people's backs. Kinda neat. I think. Reminded me of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes saying every person has a distinctive look from behind. I think it's helpful in that we can see which rider lowers his inside shoulder in a turn.

 

[masameet]

Another favorite of mine was Modesto PD Officer Intorf. He and all the other LEOs on Beemers and Hondas were super smooth in their turns. Their riding style is what I aspire to emulate. And man, do I have a lot to learn.

Officer Intorf won the cone timed race, beating out Officer James by 2 seconds (1:25 versus 1:27).

And the only time we spectators got a glimpse of the underside of a Honda ST1300.

The other really smooth rider was San Jose PD Eddie Chan. He not only cut a handsome figure on his bike, but he made turning in the cones a thing of beauty. Unfortunately that Sunday, as it was for other LEOs, was not a good day for him.

 

[masameet]

Of course I did not just take pictures of LEOs.

After his cone practice run Oakland PD Officer Greg Bellusa stood and watched the rest of the LEOs, holding his 10-month-old Mark in his arms.

What a neat thing to see embroidered on the back of a shirt!

And the day was sorta sunny but mostly overcast.

Now ... isn't Rancho Cordova PD Officer Larry Canfield a moto LEO you'd not only like to meet but also want to hang out with and buy a beer or two?

Hayward PD Sgt. Quinn made his HOG sound just like one. Hard on the throttle, he attacked the cones like he hated them.

And they got back at him.

Actually that last set of cones was tough on a lot of LEOs.

Some LEOs just slightly lost their balance and dropped a foot.

While others ...

 

[masameet]

And then BARF's own silversvs

No sparks but still very impressive ...

 

[masameet]

And Brian aka 5Mary4 (or is it 5Mary5 ???)

And Modesto PD Officer Callahan, on a Honda ...

And Turlock PD Officer Cembalenko, also on a Honda.

 

[Razel]

Nice shots! Telephoto lens comes in real handy...

 

[NorCalBusa]

Nice shots!
(That last pic is Mike (something), from Turlock PD)

 

[gmcsid]

Nice pics! I wish I saw you so I could have said hi.

That's me and my sons sitting on grass, well one son, the other is under the tree playing video games. I wish I could have stayed for the whole thing but one can only hear "is this the last guy?" so many times.

And then BARF's own silversvs

 

[silversvs]

I think I need a little touch-up paint.



Nice photos. Thanks!

 

[B-Cuz]

Looks like it was a successful event this year, hope to be at the next competition. Unfortunately that day Alice's was calling my name.

 

[masameet]

The Top Gun/Follow the Leader event was really a lot of fun for us spectators to watch. I bet it was even more fun to ride in it.

Before each contest a medallion was tossed to see which rider would lead. Here Officers Cembalenko and James await the toss.

The ending to this match-up between two Oakland PD moto officers surprised everybody. First a brake check ...

... and then ... some broken reflectors (I guess).

The sequence where 5Mary4 gets taken out ... It was so quick ...

... that I found myself laughing while taking the shot ...

... and then I lost it completely, just as Brian did

silversvs versus 5Mary6 ...

And as time ran out silversvs braked and ...

 

[masameet]

Inter-agency cordiality!

A match-up between two Rancho Cordova officers ...

Putting a foot down was one way to get disqualified ...

Oakland PD Officer Cardoza ...

... bested Alameda PD Officer Ellis, who couldn't outdo Rancho Cordova PD Officer James

The last match-up, in which Officer James prevailed over Officer Cardoza ...

 

[DrHeathenScum]

Great photos! Especially enjoyed all the notes along with them!

 

[SlowGsxr750]

nice picture. looks fun. do you guys get your bike fixed if you guys drop it? are these the actual bike you guys ride on the street? just wondering. I know most leo treat their work bike as like their own bike. I have seen Milpitas cop meet up on duty to clean their machine with a rag.

 

[masameet]

After the awards ceremony the Oakland Police Dept. Motorcycle Drill Team took to Hegenberger Blvd., first blocking it off from traffic and then performing for us.

A little girl, maybe about 9 or 10 years old, stood next to me on the sidewalk. Every so often she'd squeal, "Come on, Eddie!" I had no idea who Eddie was. But her glee in squealing his name made me smile. Every so often, some OPD officers would pass by and say, Hey, Chief!, to her dad. I didn't think he was the Chief of Police. He identified himself as Assistant Police Chief Howard Jordan. (EDIT: But his official title is: Deputy Chief, Bureau of Investigations.)

And then I heard, "Come on, Eddie!" as I heard the rumble of motorcycle engines and new, loudish, somewhat expensive aftermarket exhaust pipes on Harleys. And ...

"I went to the academy with Eddie," the Chief said.

Eddie?

"That's Officer Eddie Bermudez," the Chief said.


This young fellow, Nicholas, stood proudly wearing his dad's jacket. His dad is OPD moto Officer Jim Gordon, who organized the LEO competition. Officer Gordon stands in the background of the picture with silversvs's dropped bike.

 

[masameet]

OPDMDT drills on ...

And I couldn't watch as Old Glory hit the asphalt. But others did and confirmed that she did indeed.

Something few people will ever see a moto LEO do on the street ... Gimme five!

The last formation ...

And then the Chief's little girl squealed her final "Eddie!" of the day as Eddie rode by.

 

[JPM]

nice picture. looks fun. do you guys get your bike fixed if you guys drop it? are these the actual bike you guys ride on the street? just wondering. I know most leo treat their work bike as like their own bike. I have seen Milpitas cop meet up on duty to clean their machine with a rag.

Yes, they are bikes that get ridden on patrol every day. While motor officer do take very good care of their bike, they are still work tools. Look at any motor closely and you will see scratches and marks from training and when things go south.

 

[5MARY6]

Oakland Comp

Thanks so much for posting the pics. Those were really great and the little narrations were wonderful as well. You really told a story and it appears you have a great understanding of what we do. I certainly appreciated the pics. Thanks a lot!!!

 

[doosty]

thanks for sharing. i guess the flag decided to give up and fall when it saw you leos hit the street stunnin'. there goes the neighborhood.