Free Wheelin'

Growing up in New York City the evening was often capped off by my dad watching the Sport with Warner Wolf.

Wolf was a staple of the Big Apple Sports World and when video highlights from out of town first became available, Wolf coined a phrase that was infused into New York’s sports lingo, “Let’s go to the video tape,” and became a steady late-night antidote; a diversion from a long New York workday. Wolf’s highlights were often commented on in the funniest way, getting laughs from audience and crew in the studio.

He made sports fun, and reminded all of us they were just games.

These days video and cameras images can be less than funny – maybe – depending on who is on the receiving end of them.

This story is about our friend Sandy, and a surprise she and her husband John received early last spring from friends in Spain.

But we’ll get back to Sandy in a bit, alright? (Killing you Sandy, I know!)

Many years ago, we spent some time in the Alps, on machines that belonged to BMW in Munich.

We had a great trip… Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria… yes - Austria. A hardy, if stoic people. They have some serious traffic laws, as does most of Europe, but not the end of the world.

For the record the most severe traffic laws on the planet - Norway was ranked as the strictest country, with France second, followed by Colombia and Denmark. Norway achieved an index score of 7.09 out of 10. We had a multi-bike drag race on Pablo Escobar's runway – so I had no idea that Colombia was so persnickety – but like New Jersey – everything is legal as long as you don't get caught.

But these days you can get caught, prosecuted, found guilty, and sentenced before you land back in the USA.

Mr Wolf? "Sure, Kid – let's go to the videotape…"

We had been home from the Alps for six months when I received an email from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - BMWNA. It was from my friend Roy Oliemuller who told me we had a traffic camera ticket from Austria… and could we please handle it?

I thought Roy was pulling my boot a bit, but it was followed with imagery (Munich plate that read something like M-IDIDIT), said ticket (in German), and the very kind warning that BMW in Munich needs this paid - now.

We had a friend who read, spoke, and understood German and she told us what needed to be done and how much we would be paying. 

It was substantial. For almost a year I took the heat for this Austrian fine, and was the constant ribbing from Shira about what I got in the Alps. I’ve got big shoulders and Shira’s traffic record is notorious…mine rather wimpy (That’s a great thing), so rib away Baby Doll.

But, a bit down the road I was going through imagery and there was a picture of Shira and my bikes in the Alps.

Oh my God. There were our bikes from that trip – Mine with a Munich license plate that read something like M-NOTME, and Shira’s – plain as day - Munich plate M-IDIDIT!

WooHaa!

I thought this was one of the best turn of events and innocence found since Tom Tom was freed from Bogeyland.

But…oh remember Sandy – who can forget her – Backroads’ loveliest PR Gal!

Well, John and I were in the garage, as riders often end up during gatherings, and I spotted two images, framed neatly on the wall.

One of the awesome Sandy astride a GS in Spain, and next to it …”

Warner? "Hey that's right, Brian – let's go to the videotape!"

When they returned from Spain the Spanish government – ironically in Valencia, home to one of the fastest races on the planet – had sent Sandy a happy, but pointed, reminder of her then-unknown infraction.

Cleary her plate - B-IDIDIT2 - had her as the guilty party of the two, with John's plainly read Spanish plate - NOPE - clear to see.

Clearly, we should stay away from fast women in Europe – or if we can’t do that hope we can always got to the videotape.

Warner Wolf Signing off!