Crossing the Border
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 88
From: British Columbia, Canada
Crossing the Border
I just got back from an excellent ride down the California/Oregon coast. 2500 miles total. No Rain, but hot and more hot. Hit some unbelievably thick fog on 299 heading inland to Reno. The bike ran flawlessly the whole trip and averaged 43 mpg for the trip. Doing 85-90 mph on the interstates does not help fuel economy.
Now the reason for this post. Coming back across the border they now have some ridiculous check before you leave the US. The CBP officers will stop you just before you get to the Canadian border crossing. I was stopped within 200 yards of the border crossing, within sight of Canadian customs along with several riders. They were calling it "Exit Check". With me was my friend on his Goldwing. They waved my friend through but made me stop. As I was waiting for them to talk to me several knobby tires were also waved through. They were only stopping anyone on a Harley. Profiling plain and simple. They were busy with a guy in front of me going through all of his belongings so I had to wait in line. As it was, they made the guy in front of me remove some stickers he had on his helmet and windshield. When it came to my turn they were extremely rude and demanding. I was asked if I had any support clothing or equipment. At this point I am completely clueless to what he meant by "support clothing or equipment". After explaining to me what he meant he still wanted to look in my bags. 20 minutes later I was allowed to continue on my way.
Because I was in sight of the Canadian customs, I was given the 3rd degree at the Canadian crossing. They were obviously watching from the Canadian side. So, anyone coming north, be aware of this. It was a first for me.
Now the reason for this post. Coming back across the border they now have some ridiculous check before you leave the US. The CBP officers will stop you just before you get to the Canadian border crossing. I was stopped within 200 yards of the border crossing, within sight of Canadian customs along with several riders. They were calling it "Exit Check". With me was my friend on his Goldwing. They waved my friend through but made me stop. As I was waiting for them to talk to me several knobby tires were also waved through. They were only stopping anyone on a Harley. Profiling plain and simple. They were busy with a guy in front of me going through all of his belongings so I had to wait in line. As it was, they made the guy in front of me remove some stickers he had on his helmet and windshield. When it came to my turn they were extremely rude and demanding. I was asked if I had any support clothing or equipment. At this point I am completely clueless to what he meant by "support clothing or equipment". After explaining to me what he meant he still wanted to look in my bags. 20 minutes later I was allowed to continue on my way.
Because I was in sight of the Canadian customs, I was given the 3rd degree at the Canadian crossing. They were obviously watching from the Canadian side. So, anyone coming north, be aware of this. It was a first for me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,321
Likes: 56,881
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Had a "situation" coming back into the states ( years ago ) long story so I won't get into it ... It's kind of unnerving when the lights start flashing and the sirens start screaming and two agents come running to the booth you're waiting at ...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17,684
Likes: 6,061
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
I've seen that once in a while coming back here in Niagara from the US side, always been waved thru, so not sure what they're looking for. What was support clothing a "Jock" .?
Last edited by kel03; Aug 10, 2019 at 04:01 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,001
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So, you were exiting the US and Canadian border patrol stopped you on the US side of the border? Do they even have legal jurisdiction in the US? In other words, if they found reasons to detain you, where would they have taken you, across the border into Canada?
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,096
Likes: 51,356
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Had the US border dicks bust my ***** every time I've gone in or out on 2 wheels, I run about 80% on customs doing the same if I'm flying. No use getting pissed they like that, breaks up the boredom in their days.
Stage I
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton
So you were entering British Colombia? Im not from the area but being Canadian I still see the news from out that way. B.C is a pretty big gang area and their has been wars going on over the past few years. Some members of one of the big motorcycle clubs have been murdered recently. Including one about a week ago.
Thats likely why you on a Harley were stopped and asked about support gear. Wanted to know the intentions of your visit.
Not saying thats the reason but I thought of it reading your post and hope you gives a little insight for a potential reason why.
Thats likely why you on a Harley were stopped and asked about support gear. Wanted to know the intentions of your visit.
Not saying thats the reason but I thought of it reading your post and hope you gives a little insight for a potential reason why.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,675
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From: Utah
Kim and I entered Canada a couple weeks ago just south of Creston. I handed the lady my passport and she asked me where I was going, told her she asked if I had any weapons or guns, I said no and she said have a nice trip.
Coming back about the same, painless.
Coming back about the same, painless.
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Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Years ago we could cross the border with our birth certificate, had the usual yada, yada small talk but three times was asked what state I was born in and what city. Now Virginia is a Commonwealth and that was the trip up question, I passed. Just as I was putting the bike in gear he asks was in the little bag, little sissy bar bag. I said dirty underwear and socks , want to see it? He passed me thru. This was at the Blue Water bridge in Port Huron , MI.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 88
From: British Columbia, Canada
I was still in the US about 200 yards from the Canadian side. It was US border patrol that was stopping everyone on a Harley.