Good observations on your part, Lawdog. As a pastor, I have to deal with the gamut of human experience. The bike is definitely God's gift to me for dealing with the stresses of the job.
As for your golf buddy, I used to work as a chaplain & bereavement coordinator for our local hospice and home health. It took over 7 years for the home health nurses to quit asking me when I was going to give up the "donor-cycle." I simply told them that I enjoyed riding and when it was my time to go, I was ready. It was a blessing from God to ride and, like any other gift could be abused. However, when good skill and wisdom was applied, it was one of the most enjoyable and safest sports around.
Thank you for your service as a police office in what has to be one of the most heart-wrenching fields there is.
Rev Ed