Some time ago, you wrote a letter protesting the establishment of a mountain biking trail in Novato. As I recall, your argument was that establishment of trails LEGAL for mountain biking were a “gateway drug” for illegal trail riding.

I realize that reflection isn’t one of your strong suits, but you might want to consider the implications of Mikey’s conviction. The continued posting of hateful rants against an entire class of people just might possibly be a “gateway drug” for illegal assault and/or battery. In any case (and as the prosecutor demonstrated), it does reveal something about the mental state of the accused attacker. You might also want to consider that none of the people that you mentioned were convicted of attacking a human being.

Thanks Gazoo. Don’t forget the antics of 400 lb marijuana villain Missy Giovi and drugger Greg Landis!
Michael More (The bad twice convicted illegal trail building criminal version) , Neal Daskal, Steven Gravenites,
the free riders of Anadel and Tahoe National Forest……enough to fill the cells of Pelican Bay….where they belong.

Several mountain bikers have been charged and jailed, over the years, for worse things than Mike V. has ever done. Very recently one mountain biker pursued an illicit use for his “fat-tire” mountain bike:
http://www.examiner.com/crime-in-san-diego/latest-border-smuggling-attempt-via-mountain-bike-fails

Another “pro” biker was recently cited and arraigned for purposely and knowingly using illegal Boulder trail
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/ci_17725909
– According to the municipal ticket, West said he rides on the (illegal) trail “two or three times a week” because it provides him a “good practice run.”

So, dear mountain bikers, you just might want to take a good look at your own “rule bending” antics before you take aim at Mike V.’s misdemeanors. Not to mention the constant eco-vandalism you all wreak on and off-trail!

I really enjoyed this doc! What a cool experience for kids to be able to participate in this sort of thing. Chocolate Play Dough > Sports.

~me

Well hopefully after his trial for battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and vandalism, Mike Vandeman won’t be any longer.

(Docket# 562037 @ Wiley C Manuel courthouse , search it here: http://www.acgov.org/sheriff_app/docket/docketSearch.do )

Your short documentary brings back fond memories for me personally and professionally. Thank you for telling a story which still matters to so many, but forgotten by so many more.

Its possibly ironic how my father years later would establish some on the first Pinball Parlors in Seattle during the mid to late 70s. By the early 80s our family business had shut them down due to video coming and problems with clientele and locations.

After many years of never even remembering pinball, my personal collection has grown to eight restored machines, and one that is in need of some help.

These treasures of fun deserve their stories be told.