Booze at a bike rally? NO WAY say authorities

A rally in support of veterans will go ahead inspite of the fact that they are not being allowed a liquor license in Williamstown Mass.

Begin Quote:
"Dirt road, motorcycles, alcohol. No," Selectman Tom Costley bluntly said. "For me, absolutely not. I will never agree to this."
Costley cited the echo in that area, the proximity to children living nearby, a dangerous intersection and Ransford's lack of experience as reasons for his disapproval. He suggested Ransford find another way to raise money for the organization. "I think it is a terrible idea," Costley said. "I will never approve this because I don't want to take the risk of a tragedy happening." End Quote"

Apparently the selectmen do not feel the organizer has a good grasp on things and in the case of some of the selectmen, they just don't think that motorcyclists should be drinking at a rally.

In New Delhi India, where the populations is much greater than here in Canada, there have been a lot of issues with unsafe riding. (Read that as beware of large numbers of stupid people), and the police are cracking down hard on these people.

Apparently we in this country are not alone when it comes to some riders and their behaviours that give the masses a bad reputation.

And in Nigeria, there is a ban on commercial motorcycle riding in two Nigerian cities - Begin Quote: Reports say that the State Government on May 4 announced a total ban on motorcycle operations in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, citing the security situation in the State. End Quote

The political situation in Nigeria is unstable and there have been many cases of commercial motorcycle riders (Okada) riding in an unsafe manner and being involved in thefts and acts of violence. Hence the state felt an outright ban on all Okada (Motorcycle Taxi's) riders was the best way to handle the situation.

Another case of the few making it rough on the many.

In France there has been a sharp decline in new motorcycle sales, in fact the only increase has been with trike sales.

In Aukland New Zealand a politician involved in a crash with a motorcyclist that saw the rider be killed was fined $20,000, (the money went to the riders family) given a one year driving ban and convicted of careless driving causing death.

In San Diego, bikers of the Black Sabbath MC are wondering why they are being targeted - after their president was killed because two days earlier one of their members was shot at. The general feeling appears to be that they think someone has a vendetta and is taking it out on anyone on a bike.

In Myrtle Beach a police officer who not unlike Monty Robinson, killed a rider while impaired and off duty, was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

In Langley BC, a rider is in critical but stable condition after he failed to stop and crashed into a semi and was consequently run over by the truck.

There are many other articles in the news feeds that may affect your day and life as a rider, so visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping YOU informed.

I leave you with a few giggles shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails.

Have a fantastic Tuesday and please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Mother's Day Weekend

I trust all of the mom's out there had a good Mother's Day weekend, mine was wonderful. My daughter and her fiancé served up a phenomenal meal - they barbecued up some filet mignon, made corn on the cob, roasted potatoes and caesar salad. It was wonderful!  Hubby bought me a birthstone pendant and took me out for dinner Saturday night as he had to leave for Montreal on Sunday - he's taking his mom to her new home in PEI.

I hope all moms out there were made to feel as special as I was!

In the news feeds there are some articles of interest and one very sad one. Flat track/speedway racer Lee Richardson was killed on Sunday in Poland when he crashed into a safety fence and flipped several times.

The Hells Angels are protecting their trademarks vigorously in the US and an article out of Australia links the Hells Angels to a company called Visy as the bill collectors for that company.

For those who love dirt biking, there is a new invention to keep those knobby tires sharp that you may want to check out.

There are some interesting innovations in motorcycle airbag technology being touted.

There were a ton of successful events this past weekend and while I could not attend any, my friends on Facebook tell me that the Okanagan Falls Hotel event was well attended as was the Knees in the Breeze poker run her in Grande Prairie on Saturday.  The funeral for Mike Jefferies in Ottawa was extremely well attended with somewhere around 150 bikes in the procession.

Other than those stories and some other sports news, the feeds have been generally quiet as is the norm for Monday mornings, but we will be watching them all day, as we do everyday to bring you the latest news. www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping YOU informed!

I am getting ready to head to Charlevoix QC and am looking very forward to riding that region and finding out what makes it special and what it has to offer by way of being Rider Friendly.

I leave you this morning with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails.

Have a fantastic Monday and please, if you are riding today, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Motorcycle Awareness Month is putting a light on some interestingSafety Innovations

The news feeds are busy today and filled with interesting news!

An article out of the Fairview Post talks about the potential of a major rally in Fairview - one of the former organizers of the Digby Wharf Rat Rally - Peter Robinson has pitched the idea to the Fairview Chamber and they are receptive - so we shall see if northern Alberta will finally have a major rally again!

Another TV series about outlaw bikers is set to hit the small screen. This time it's from the land of OZ!

An article out of Macon Georgia caught my eye and is very fitting with May being Motorcycle Awareness month - a man by the name of Don Koehler who had a bike wreck has his wrecked motorcycle mounted on a trailer with a great big sign that reads:
“Help me teach all drivers, young and old, to slow down and look twice to save lives.”

I think that it might be a very effective campaign and wonder if it shouldn't be repeated in every major city across north America!

A rider safety innovation in the UK that would be beneficial here in north America is the new manhole cover design. It is skid resistant and improves traction in wet and freezing conditions!

The city of Edmonton is urging riders to stay safe by using a video from Australia regarding speed & motorcycles and accident reconstruction.

There are many articles in the news feeds today - some may have bearing on your life as a rider, visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where I work is keeping You informed!

Today is newspaper day so for those getting the Busted Knuckle - Canada's ONLY Weekly newspaper for the riding community - I hope you are enjoying all 58 pages!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email...
A giggle is good for the soul!

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Homeward bound

Steve Drane Harley-Davidson has gone through the 2004 Night Train that was washed up on shore in Haida Gwaii BC  and determined that the bike is rebuildable. The frame, front end, engine and tranny appear to be all OK!

Now the bike is being crated and shipped back to Japan where Harley-Davidson of Japan will restore the bike before returning it to it's owner a 29 year old who lost everything during the Tsunami.

What a wonderful story - from an honest man on a remote BC Island to a Canadian Dealer going above and beyond and Harley-Davidson of Japan stepping up to make things better for one man - this is the story of the year in my mind!  I think the efforts of all involved to see this young man get his motorcycle back all deserve a great big hug, a round of applause and an Atta Boy!!!!!

In Stony Plain AB they are getting geared up for the Finning Ride for the United Way which will be held on May 26th - there are still a few days left to register!

Windsor-Essex is getting ready for their chapter's Motorcycle Ride for Dad on May 27th and are urging Ontario riders to come out and support this great cause.

News out of Los Angeles is that Young & the Reckless clothing and the Hells Angels have settled things over the unlawful use of the Death Head Logo!

In sports news, rumours abound that Valentino Rossi will retire after this season.

In Maine the group that lobbied for and won a Breast Cancer Plate for vehicles is now pushing for one for motorcycles.

And last but not least the rider caught doing 264 KPH in Edmonton has been charged....can you say DUMBASS?  Another black eye our community really did not need - selfish, self centred people are why our community is always taking hits that the majority of us DO NOT DESERVE...

I am signing off with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email - I hope they start your day off with a giggle, because laughter is an important requirement for a healthy mind!

Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A tragic weekend in Ottawa

Saturday's Biker Church Swap Meet and Information day was marred by the death of a well loved Ottawa motorcyclist, Mike Jeffries. Mike and his wife were riding to the Vanier Biker's Church when their motorcycle struck a van - details have not yet been released on the crash.
His wife has been released from hospital where Rob Dale, the pastor of the Biker's Church had to break the news to her that Mike did not make it.

I had the opportunity to meet Mike, and everything that was said about this mountain of a man is true - he was friendly, a jokester and a caring and giving man. His loss is going to leave a hole in the hearts fro many for a long time to come of that I am sure.

Our hearts go out to all of the members of the Ottawa Biker's Church and Mike's family.

On Vancouver Island the Ride for Safety was very successful. Over 150 riders road the Malahat Highway to put an emphasis on safe riding and driving - congrats to all who took part.

Kristy Falconer, the event organizer was very appreciative of the efforts of the provincial government and their commitment to 8 million dollars in safety upgrades to the highway and felt that riders really needed to step up again to show the non riding community that riders are safety minded unlike the rider depicted in the YouTube video riding at 300KPH.  The Malahat has seen some devastating crashes involving motorcycles and has caused grave concerns among the riding community.

Nova Scotia's annual Biker Blessings saw 1,400 riders participate at Victoria Park in Truro.
The event had riders from as far away as Florida attend!

In Illinois a group of riders heading to a Motorcycle Awareness event experienced irony at work as a woman in a car pulled out of a gas station and struck the lead rider putting him in hospital.

The news feeds are filled with news and information that may affect your day and life as a ride, I invite you to check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping YOU informed.

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by my wacky friends on Facebook and through emails - laughter is very much needed this morning...

Have a fabulous Monday and remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Female Ride Day

Today is International Female Ride Day and Marissa Baeker of MotocyGalz has a great article on Vicki Gray, it's founder.  Hope all you ladies will get out today and do some riding!

There is a great article on the new motorcycle safety laws in BC by Neil Johnston of One Wheel Drive. In it he expresses the fundamental flaw in the new laws and how they affect every rider who happens to find themselves on uneven surfaces - especially dual sport riders.  To say the law is unfair and ill conceived is an understatment!  It's a great article filled with a ton of information and I encourage you all to read it.

Saskatoon is rethinking their stance on motorcycle noise and looking for ways to encompass other vehicles in it's noise net!

In Oklahoma the motorcycle officers there got a grant to offer FREE rider training! Man would that ever be nice to see here in Canada - imagine every rider having great training and how many lives that could save!

For those of you who love good music, check these gals out - Scarlett Jane - Russ Brown - a Motorcycle Lawyer from the USA turned me on to these Canadian gals from Toronto.

I fell in love with their music when I heard their songs Wild Fire & Oh Darling and look forward to hearing more from these gals when they release their new album "Stranger" this month.
They kick off a national tour this month to celebrate the release of their album and I urge you to check them out at the venues listed below.

Sat. May 19 – Times Changed  w/ Andrew Neville (Winnipeg, MB)

Mon. May 21 – House Concert (Swift Current, SK)

Wed. May 23 – Wunderbar w/ The Low Flying Planes (Edmonton, AB)

Thurs. May 24 – The Whistle Stop (Jasper, AB) One of our RFBA PARTNERS!!!

Fri. May 25 – Nancy O’s (Prince George, BC)

Sat. May 26 – The Packing House (Spences Bridge, BC)

Sun. May 27 – The Railway Club (Vancouver, BC)

Tues. May 29 – Buds Bar (Invermere, BC)

Thurs. May 31 – The Ironwood w/ Picture the Ocean (Calgary, AB)

Fri. June 1^st – Nanton Auditorium Hotel (Nanton, AB)

Sat. June 2- Ye Olde Jar Bar (Medicine Hat, AB)

Sun. June 3 – Kergano’s (Moose Jaw, SK)

Wed. June 6 – House Concert (Marathon, ON)

Thurs. June 7 – House Concert (Dubraiville, ON)

Fri. June 8 – Loplops Lounge (Sault Ste. Marie, ON)

Sat. June 9 – Espanola Curling Club (Espanola, ON)

Sun. June 10 – House Concert (Foleyet, ON)

Tues. June 12 – Café/Bar Zenob (Trois Rivieres, QC)

Wed. June 13 – L’Argo (Quebec City, QC)

Thurs. June 14 – Vintage Bistro w/ Gordie Sampson (Hampton, NB) 

Fri. June 15 – Vintage Bistro (Hampton, NB)

Sat. June 16 – House Concert (Bedford, NS)

Sun. June 17 – The Carleton w/ Steven MacDougall of Slowcoaster (Halifax, NS)

Wed. June 20- Plan B (Moncton, NB)

Thurs. June 21 – Hunter’s Ale House (Charlottetown, PEI)

Fri. June 22 – The Dunk (Breadalbane, PEI)

Sat. June 23 – The Red Herring Pub (St. Andrew’s, NB)

Sun. June 24 – Bistro 610 (Woodstock, NB)

* June 30- July 1 – DAUPHIN COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

* July 6-8 – MARIPOSA FOLK FESTIVAL
* Sept. 21 – Oct. 4 – HOME ROUTES CONCERT TOUR


I also want you to know about a couple of contests we have coming up on www.beltdrivebetty.com 
Both contests will have tickets to the Eric Church Concert at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis - and both prizes are courtesy of Russ Brown!

One is a photo contest called show us your DIRTY GIRL and the other will be a written contest where in you will tell us why YOU deserve to win tickets - watch right here in my blog and on www.beltdrivebetty.com for all of the details!!!!


I have been under the weather with a rotten cold that does not appear like it wants to leave any time soon.  I get sick so seldom but when I do it generally knocks me flat on me arse of a bit - this time is no exception!

I plan on getting out for a ride today, even if it's just a blast to Sexsmith (25KM) but I think in order to do that and have the energy to hold my bike up and the ability to be alert at all -  I am going to have to have a nap at some point today!  I love naps, I generally get up, like today around 3-4am, but about 1pm, a nap is needed. When I get up from an hour's snooze I can go hard for at least 5 or 6 more hours.  Anyone else out there enjoy naps?

What are your plans for the day and the weekend? I plan on doing as little as possible in an effort to make this cold take a hike...I have trips to Charlevoix Quebec and Toronto coming up and want to be healthy for those two fantastic rides.

There are many other articles in the news today that may affect your day and life as a rider, check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com, where our work is keeping YOU informed!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by my wacky friends on Facebook and through emails....laughter - it does a body good!

Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

The right to choose...

The right to choose whether to wear a DOT helmet or not has been taken away from BC riders. 

As of June 1st beanies are being outlawed in BC. BC was the only province in Canada where beanies were allowed.  Along with the news that beanies are allowed came news of new laws coming into effect next year - a graduated licensing system for motorcycles, similar to those in Ontario is in the works. BC has also announced that passengers must be able to have their feet resting firmly on the passenger foot pegs (which here in Alberta has always been law).

The changes to BC's laws are meant to improve rider safety but Shirley Bond, BC's top cop is expecting some push back from riders.

Along with the news about helmets and graduated licenses, comes an article on two stolen motorcycles ridden by men who have horrendous driving records and from what the police can tell - these two riders never have possessed licenses.  Driving bans obviously don't work too well as this is far from the first story regarding those who are banned from driving/riding that flout the law.

The news is filled with stories on outlaw bikers today - most of them not very appearing or nice but one in particular caught my eye - a member of the Red Devils in Lexington South Carolina thwarted a convenience store robbery and the police are hoping to talk to the man - they are very pleased that he stopped the bad guy!

That is very contrary to the fact that there was a huge bust of the Hells Angels in Horry County and that in Australia they are getting ready to declare the Hells Angels as a criminal organization.

The United Motorcycle Council of Queensland is blaming the Bikie violence in Australia on clubs that have been allowing middle eastern persons to become members.  


Begin Quote: Russell "Camel" Wattie, spokesman for the United Motorcycle Council of Queensland, which represents 16 "patch" clubs, including the Hells Angels, Bandidos and Nomads, told The Courier-Mail there was now a "larger influence" from people of Middle Eastern origin on some clubs and they had "made a mistake letting them in". End Quote

There are a ton of articles in the news today  - Moto GP news, Motorcycle Comparison Rides and a whole lot more, so check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work  is keeping YOU informed!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails...

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone and if you are riding today - PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider