I have been a HD tech for 10 years. Started riding when I was 9. Both of my parents and most aunts and uncles rode. I've been on the street for more than 35 years. You're right, it used to be fun. I worked for a small shop in Northern AZ for River Run 2 years ago. We had a couple of local law enforcements personal bikes in the shop a few days before the run. They told us that the city council had not allotted enough money to man a DUI task force.In the morning briefing before the Laughlin run all four police departments were instructed to pull over as many bikers as possible to increase revenues for the local departments.I was pulled over on my way home from work by the gang task force. Detained for thirty minutes.They wanted info on what clubs bikes I worked on and if I was an HA supporter. I was arrested another time and spent two days in jail for speeding. Released and paid a $370 dollar fine for a misdemeanor ticket,along with a $470 impound fee.
It is getting out of hand. I don't enjoy riding anymore. I usually tell friends no on weekend rides. I ride about 500 miles a week for my job and to most that seems like a dream job. Its a four letter word...WORK !!
The police harassment is out of hand.What can we do to change this road we are heading down??
The Laughlin river run has become a mere shadow of the gathering it once was. As stated in the editorial in the August issue.  

Right on brother....36 years riding, been on 2 wheels since I was 8, grew up in and around a MC with my dad and was a patch @ 18, I think I may have HD 50 weight in my veins.....it's all about revenue now so I avoid any major rally or run, stick with the smalller crowds and mostly ride by myself, my wife and trusted friends.
The law isn't about our safety, it's about bringing in REVENUE...as long as we're not a threat to any citizens safety, what difference does it make what or how we ride?  

The world we live in. I to have a few years ridin not as much but grew up, lived and love the life of the MC. I work for living pay taxes in a FREE country that is not even close to FREE. I am from canada, very beautiful country but don't return much. I just returned from a bike trip in western canada. Upon arrival my friends all told me of a new law being enforced. 95 dec. at an idle noise control by-law. Working on rigs for 20 years I have a pretty good idea what 95 dec. is. I knew and willing road my bike through the city with VH turn downs. Leaving the local HD shop I was pulled over by the police, the test proved my knowledge and a ticket was started. While writting the ticket a transit bus pulled up and came to an idle, I quickly moved to see the screen of the noise gun, the *** gun read 98 dec. Being the guy I am I expressed my feeling to the POLICE man. He instructed me that there would be no ticket for the bus. Handing me the ticket I torn into two piece and instructed him on what my plan was. He asked why it was such a big deal. The first thing out of my mouth was "LOUD PIPES SAFE LIVES". I was raised that no one will see you if they cant hear you. After a brief conversation another patrol car pulled up with an older officer in the drivers chair. The office entered the conversation and asked I had been cracking or disturbing anyone, the POLICE man respond with a NO. That was it the officer explained to him why it would be stupid to ticket me and that it should be the people stealing and killing he should worry about. I was so frustated knowing that so many people are quitting riding because the world is getting more screwed up by the second. I dont ride in major groups or do the bike runs like I use to, for the same reasons. There was a time when being a biker meant something but now it just means more problems. I also must say when I return south I seen 4 bikers thinking they were the new SONS OF ANARCHY. Whatever happen to riding for the sake of riding. Being yourself, maybe we should have a week of EASY RIDER reruns. So like always keep smiling and keep gliding.