SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE REPORTED, AUTHORITIES ON THEIR WAY... . Dang. . Rode down to @tallyskitchen—cool new place on Marginal Way—to check out the menu and get a bite to eat. Had a quick convo about mountain bikes and local riding with Leah at the counter, and ordered a wrap to have on the patio. . Finished up and hopped on my bike. About half hour later, talking to street vendors in the Old Port, I realized my pack was missing. . Left it at Tally’s, I was sure. Headed back up there and was amazed to see it still at the table. Started onto the patio and was stopped by a security guard. . “Suspicious package reported. Police are on their way. You have to go in the other way.” . Well, took a bit of talking to calm him down and assure him that the pack was mine and had no WMD, and that I could tell him exactly what was in each compartment before showing him, proving it was mine and that all was okay. . An armored-looking police vehicle showed up just as security was trying to call the PD to call off the dogs. I explained it all to him, too; that I’d absentmindedly left it behind after having a meal earlier. . Another five minutes and it would’ve been examined then tossed, the officer said, as it had no ID in it. . Crisis averted. Lesson learned: ID your shit, even your day pack. Don’t loose your stuff. . All in all, I’m glad the security guard had the wherewithal to be suspicious and protective and that @cityportland police were alerted and responsive. . It’s unfortunate we live in a time where such things are necessary, but we’re lucky that those who are supposed to be vigilant against potential danger, are. City of Portland has some great people on their police force and this officer was a wonderful example. . The bystanders got a kick out of me saying, with a big grin as I put my pack on my back, “If this things gonna blow, it’s taking me with it, and I ain’t ready to go yet. Y’all are safe!” . #aintreadytogo #suspiciouspackage #portlandpolice #portlandmaine #adventure #thethingsido #oops #portland #bombsquad #timestheyareachangin #myoutdoors #explore #roaddudestories #werelucky #liveauthentic #biking #backpack #ontheroad #livinglarge #holymoly #thankyouportland (at Portland, Maine)
