A photo op with the Carabinieri

I did a short bike ride today and was on my way back home when I saw a couple of Carabinieri near the town of Trappeto. One of them had just stopped a car and was talking to the driver, while the other was just standing next to their car, looking like a real bad-ass with his black leather boots and impressive uniform (something like this). The car the carabinieri use is black with red stripes and has a white logo, just like my Ridley Helium SL. I slowed down and approached the carabiniere standing next to the car:

“Good afternoon sir, maybe a strange question, but is it okay if I take a picture of my bike and your car?”
-“No, I’m sorry, that’s not allowed.”
“No problem, it’s just that the color schemes are similar, which would make for a nice photo. Anyway, sorry to bother you, have a nice day!”
-“Hang on! Please wait until we send that lady over there on her way.”

I waited a few minutes and the driver his colleague had stopped was allowed to drive away.

-“Hey mr. where’s your camera?” I gave him my smartphone.
“Here you go.”
-“Okay, if you go and stand in front of our car, I will take a picture.”

The carabiniere stood in the middle of the road blocking all traffic and took the picture.

-“Here’s your phone, I hope the photo is okay.”
“It’s perfect, thank you!”
-“You’re welcome. By the way, you have a beautiful bike.”
“Thanks again, have a nice day!

I got on my bike and the carabiniere put on his serious face again, held up his paletta and stopped the first car coming from Trappeto. No friendly face for the driver, he’ll have to deal with mr bad-ass…

Me, my Ridley Helium SL and the car of the Carabinieri