In about 6 hours I will be on the highway to Edmonton. I'll be stopping in at Doug Blackie's in Leduc to wish him a Happy Birthday and to finish training Sandra.
Tomorrow at 5:30 am I am on a plane to Toronto and the Super Show - I am in the MAX Award winning riding club booth of the Chrome Divas as a special guest of the Toronto Super Show.
I am so honored and more excited than words can express!
I am looking forward to meeting Ken Venus of Biker Radio Magazine who interviewed me a couple of weeks ago and Adrian Blake from Ride On who interviewed me some time ago for the Sun...who knows, maybe I'll get a chance to turn the tables on them! It will be great to see Bar and Hedy again and I am finally going to get to meet Cookie, we missed each other the last time I was in Toronto when I got my MAX award.
I am very excited about going to all of the January Bike Shows - yes I am looking forward to seeing the new iron offerings but more importantly I am looking forward to seeing and meeting you - the wonderful people who make up this community!
Our Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine has 96 entries in it! Thank you everyone!
In my mind this is a huge success and Ali and I are already planning the next one!
This is a wonderful way to "meet" everyone. WOW!
While I am on the road, Arlene will be working her but off on the events calendars along with Bryan.
Ali and Lori will be approving new members, Ali will be posting the news and approving stories and I will fill in where I can as time and connections to the internet allows.
Wyz will be posting her daily puzzles and Sandra and Poet will be around in the forums.
I am going to keep my blog up to date and fill you in on how the shows are going, but watch the Busted Knuckle Chronicles and the BDB Club e-newsletter for features and discount coupons to some of the shows...
2009 is going to be the most fantastic year! I feel it in my bones!
Riders across Canada - United by our machines - Have a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Stay safe and warm and please, if you drink, find a safe way home please. I want you around to harass and laugh with next year!
Belt Drive Betty
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
New Year's Resolutions
Have you got any new year's resolutions made yet?
How many of them do you think you will actually accomplish?
I have decided that I am only setting one resolution this year - to work 1 hour less each day and spend that hour with my husband.
It's sad you know, I have waited all of my life for this man and now that I have him in my life I spend all of my time working...so I am going to show him this year that I value him and his love by taking more time with him. Right after I get home from a month on the road in January - I resolve to work 15 hours a day as opposed to 16...
So - I ask again...what is your resolution?
Have a safe and warm day....
Belt Drive Betty
How many of them do you think you will actually accomplish?
I have decided that I am only setting one resolution this year - to work 1 hour less each day and spend that hour with my husband.
It's sad you know, I have waited all of my life for this man and now that I have him in my life I spend all of my time working...so I am going to show him this year that I value him and his love by taking more time with him. Right after I get home from a month on the road in January - I resolve to work 15 hours a day as opposed to 16...
So - I ask again...what is your resolution?
Have a safe and warm day....
Belt Drive Betty
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Four days left to enter your ride
There are currently 76 entries in our Beat the PMS Blues show 'n' shine....my goal was one hundred....come on people, help a girl out here.
You only have 4 days left to get your ride entered so don't tarry too much longer or you'll miss out on the great prizes we have lined up...
I fell last week and jammed the old hip pretty hard and I have had a tough time sitting for any length of time.
I need a couple of volunteers to give me a hand with updating the events calendars.
If you can spare an hour please drop me a line here.
I am desperate for some help. I have an appointment on Monday to have the hip looked at - I hope they can do something because driving to Edmonton to catch a flight to Toronto is going to suck hard if I feel like this...
Anyhow - I am going to go put some ice on this thing...
You have a great day today - I know mine will be a good one sore hip and all if I can finally get a couple hours of sleep....stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty
You only have 4 days left to get your ride entered so don't tarry too much longer or you'll miss out on the great prizes we have lined up...
I fell last week and jammed the old hip pretty hard and I have had a tough time sitting for any length of time.
I need a couple of volunteers to give me a hand with updating the events calendars.
If you can spare an hour please drop me a line here.
I am desperate for some help. I have an appointment on Monday to have the hip looked at - I hope they can do something because driving to Edmonton to catch a flight to Toronto is going to suck hard if I feel like this...
Anyhow - I am going to go put some ice on this thing...
You have a great day today - I know mine will be a good one sore hip and all if I can finally get a couple hours of sleep....stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty
Friday, December 26, 2008
Was Santa good to you?
Christmas was a low keyed affair around here, but Santa none the less paid a visit and brought me some candles, a gift certificate for a massage and a rear tire for my bike!
Now just in case Santa didn't bring you everything your heart desired (there was a problem with frozen computers at the North Pole apparently) he asked Ali and I to help him out....so we got together and decided you all deserved a great stocking stuffer, just to be sure that every good biker got something!
All registered members of our web site and all electronic newspaper subscribers - we are going to give you all a Stocking Stuffer - a free one year subscription to the newspaper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles! (this is our way of saying thank you to all of you for sticking with us during the web site over haul)...
And here's the best part - you get to play Santa too!
Tell your friends to sign up as members of www.beltdrivebetty.com before December 31st and they too will get a free copy of the rider powered community newspaper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles for 1 year - FREE.
Membership to our web site is free - and always will be - But the Busted Knuckle Chronicles is a subscription service.
As registered members you get 10 photo albums, free on line classified ads, use of www.beltdrivebetty.mobi Access to our events calendars, BDB Club savings cards, our weekly partners e-newsletter delivered with your paper and a ton of daily news and other resources - plus - registered members get to participate in all of our contests!
As of January 1/09 the subscription to the weekly community newspaper on line goes back up to $15 plus tax per year as our 5th anniversary special winds down. So tell your friends to get in on our Christmas Stocking Stuffer!
This Special Offer ends December 31st/08
In order to claim the free subscription - in the how did you hear about us box - your friend should enter the following:
"_______YOUR USER NAME_________ gave me this stocking stuffer"
Oh and by the way - this is a contest as well!
The person who has the most friends sign up for the Stocking Stuffer is going to get a gift pack of Belt Drive Betty branded products worth $100
If you get a chance - join Mike Cole on his Face book page at: Winter Harley Ride Across Canada
It's an easy way to show support for this Radical Awareness Run!
Only 6 days left to get your ride in to our Beat the PMS Blues show 'n' shine - what are you waiting for???? Over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs!
Have a safe and warm day....
Belt Drive Betty & Ali
Now just in case Santa didn't bring you everything your heart desired (there was a problem with frozen computers at the North Pole apparently) he asked Ali and I to help him out....so we got together and decided you all deserved a great stocking stuffer, just to be sure that every good biker got something!
All registered members of our web site and all electronic newspaper subscribers - we are going to give you all a Stocking Stuffer - a free one year subscription to the newspaper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles! (this is our way of saying thank you to all of you for sticking with us during the web site over haul)...
And here's the best part - you get to play Santa too!
Tell your friends to sign up as members of www.beltdrivebetty.com before December 31st and they too will get a free copy of the rider powered community newspaper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles for 1 year - FREE.
Membership to our web site is free - and always will be - But the Busted Knuckle Chronicles is a subscription service.
As registered members you get 10 photo albums, free on line classified ads, use of www.beltdrivebetty.mobi Access to our events calendars, BDB Club savings cards, our weekly partners e-newsletter delivered with your paper and a ton of daily news and other resources - plus - registered members get to participate in all of our contests!
As of January 1/09 the subscription to the weekly community newspaper on line goes back up to $15 plus tax per year as our 5th anniversary special winds down. So tell your friends to get in on our Christmas Stocking Stuffer!
This Special Offer ends December 31st/08
In order to claim the free subscription - in the how did you hear about us box - your friend should enter the following:
"_______YOUR USER NAME_________ gave me this stocking stuffer"
Oh and by the way - this is a contest as well!
The person who has the most friends sign up for the Stocking Stuffer is going to get a gift pack of Belt Drive Betty branded products worth $100
If you get a chance - join Mike Cole on his Face book page at: Winter Harley Ride Across Canada
It's an easy way to show support for this Radical Awareness Run!
Only 6 days left to get your ride in to our Beat the PMS Blues show 'n' shine - what are you waiting for???? Over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs!
Have a safe and warm day....
Belt Drive Betty & Ali
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Winter Ride for Diabetes
Yes, I know this is Christmas day and I probably shouldn't be working, but I had to draw your attention to a crazy friend of mine and his Winter Ride for Diabetes.... www.ridefordiabetes.com
Here is what Mike is doing and why - taken from his web site....
My name is Mike ColeI am in the planning stages of Giving Diabetes a voice. I am forty six years of age. I became a "Type One" diabetic at the age of 8 going on 9. I have lived the ups and downs that come with being a diabetic. Living with diabetes for 38 years I have almost lost the fight a few times . I'm tired of fighting as so many others are . Together we can educate all those who we love and care of diabetes. Perhaps more structuring, resources and awareness could be available to diabetics and the public if we could possibly get more involvement of government funding. Many diabetics and public are not aware and don't know how bad and the side effects can be or what to expect. So I'm going to ride to each major city of each province which were named herein to raise the voice and ask for support for funding of the research and resource centers for educating diabetes. Each center I come into contact with during my ride I will be giving diabetes a voice.
On Jan 1st 2009 . Please note the date. This has never been done before.
I will start A cross county ride on my Harley Davidson 95 Softail, Commencing in St. Johns Newfoundland and will be completed in Victoria BC.
This isn't just for Canadians, It's for diabetics around the world. Its a huge risk but for me its worth taking . This ride will be over 7000 kms (4500 miles ) I'm looking at wind chills plummeting well below 60 celsius enduring ice, winds and snow covered roads. I hope complete the run within 3 weeks a lot will depend on the weather .I,ll be starting in St Johns NFLD onto Halifax , Charletown, Fredericton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto,Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Kamloops, Vancouver and last but not least Victoria .
" My goal is a world voice for Diabetes."Mike
Help prod Mike on and help give Diabetes a Voice...
Email Mike at: mike@ridefordiabetes.com
It's a crazy venture, awful risky and yet...so is living with Diabetes.
Good on yah Mike....we'll be watching your progress.
Stay safe and Warm and have a WONDEROUS Christmas....
Belt Drive Betty
Here is what Mike is doing and why - taken from his web site....
My name is Mike ColeI am in the planning stages of Giving Diabetes a voice. I am forty six years of age. I became a "Type One" diabetic at the age of 8 going on 9. I have lived the ups and downs that come with being a diabetic. Living with diabetes for 38 years I have almost lost the fight a few times . I'm tired of fighting as so many others are . Together we can educate all those who we love and care of diabetes. Perhaps more structuring, resources and awareness could be available to diabetics and the public if we could possibly get more involvement of government funding. Many diabetics and public are not aware and don't know how bad and the side effects can be or what to expect. So I'm going to ride to each major city of each province which were named herein to raise the voice and ask for support for funding of the research and resource centers for educating diabetes. Each center I come into contact with during my ride I will be giving diabetes a voice.
On Jan 1st 2009 . Please note the date. This has never been done before.
I will start A cross county ride on my Harley Davidson 95 Softail, Commencing in St. Johns Newfoundland and will be completed in Victoria BC.
This isn't just for Canadians, It's for diabetics around the world. Its a huge risk but for me its worth taking . This ride will be over 7000 kms (4500 miles ) I'm looking at wind chills plummeting well below 60 celsius enduring ice, winds and snow covered roads. I hope complete the run within 3 weeks a lot will depend on the weather .I,ll be starting in St Johns NFLD onto Halifax , Charletown, Fredericton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto,Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Kamloops, Vancouver and last but not least Victoria .
" My goal is a world voice for Diabetes."Mike
Help prod Mike on and help give Diabetes a Voice...
Email Mike at: mike@ridefordiabetes.com
It's a crazy venture, awful risky and yet...so is living with Diabetes.
Good on yah Mike....we'll be watching your progress.
Stay safe and Warm and have a WONDEROUS Christmas....
Belt Drive Betty
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Very Merry Christmas
I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2009.
I have just finished sending the January 1st paper off to the printers so that it will arrive in time for the Toronto Super Show and am going to start laying out the second, third and fourth editions so that while I am on the road I have the maximum amount of time to meet people. I am looking so very forward to seeing as many of you readers and riders as is possible!
It's going to be a crazy busy week as I get prepared to head out, but I wouldn't have it any other way....
Stay safe and warm and have a Wonderful, Joyful and Merry Christmas.
I love you all!
Belt Drive Betty
I have just finished sending the January 1st paper off to the printers so that it will arrive in time for the Toronto Super Show and am going to start laying out the second, third and fourth editions so that while I am on the road I have the maximum amount of time to meet people. I am looking so very forward to seeing as many of you readers and riders as is possible!
It's going to be a crazy busy week as I get prepared to head out, but I wouldn't have it any other way....
Stay safe and warm and have a Wonderful, Joyful and Merry Christmas.
I love you all!
Belt Drive Betty
Monday, December 22, 2008
60 Bikes entered and counting! And the prizes grow again!
We have some drop dead gorgeous rides in our show 'n' shine don't we?
Holy cow!
I am so very impressed!
I love looking at my fellow members rides. It's kind of a fun way to "meet" people.
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show really upped the ante on the Metric, American, Pro and Garage Classes! The winning bikes, if they are brought to the Red Deer show, will be featured by Revolution Magazine!
Now that's pretty sweet!
With the help of Wayne from the SIR, I submitted for approval our first motorcycle column for the Moose Jaw Times Herald. Much like the column I am doing for the Northern Horizon and Mirror out of Dawson Creek BC, I intend to use the column to help show case the riding clubs, the businesses, events and people of the region - so, cross your fingers that the powers that be liked the collaborative effort because if they did, then every two weeks we'll be featuring a different Saskatchewan riding club, event, business or person....educating the public as to who we, the silent majority (well OK not so silent when we are riding) really are, why we do what we do and why we LOVE what we do.
If that article is accepted and we press onward, the next column will feature the Flatland Riders out of Estevan and then I just might have to feature Dr Fuller if he's game....
Anyway gang, I have a busy few days ahead of me so for now....
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
Holy cow!
I am so very impressed!
I love looking at my fellow members rides. It's kind of a fun way to "meet" people.
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show really upped the ante on the Metric, American, Pro and Garage Classes! The winning bikes, if they are brought to the Red Deer show, will be featured by Revolution Magazine!
Now that's pretty sweet!
With the help of Wayne from the SIR, I submitted for approval our first motorcycle column for the Moose Jaw Times Herald. Much like the column I am doing for the Northern Horizon and Mirror out of Dawson Creek BC, I intend to use the column to help show case the riding clubs, the businesses, events and people of the region - so, cross your fingers that the powers that be liked the collaborative effort because if they did, then every two weeks we'll be featuring a different Saskatchewan riding club, event, business or person....educating the public as to who we, the silent majority (well OK not so silent when we are riding) really are, why we do what we do and why we LOVE what we do.
If that article is accepted and we press onward, the next column will feature the Flatland Riders out of Estevan and then I just might have to feature Dr Fuller if he's game....
Anyway gang, I have a busy few days ahead of me so for now....
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
Sunday, December 21, 2008
So these viruses....
I have had to steer clear of one of my favorite news feed site because they have been hit by that nasty drive by Anti Virus 2008/09 infection!
Man does that suck, I wen to their site to decide what news I should be loading and yah - I managed to shut down my browser really fast and then immediately went to Malware Bytes and started cleaning.
The good news is I was able to clean things up really quickly this time, only 4 hours instead of 16 like the last time!
There are so many places being hit with this thing - it's scary and IE - wow what a nightmare.
I have completely disabled IE on my computer - it's just not worth the risk...
Spammers, spoofers, viruses - man the internet can be a tough place to navigate, even when you are used to it!
In other news - Revolution Magazine is going to do a feature on the bikes that winn the Red Deer Motorcycle Show Packages - so what are you waiting for people - get your bikes in there already! www.beltdrivebetty.com if you aren't a member - sign up, it'ds FREE and so is the Show 'n' Shine!
It is cold here, -30 on the house thermometer so add 5 to that and whatever for windchill and yah - it's just plain COLD!
Stay safe and warm....
Belt Drive Betty
Man does that suck, I wen to their site to decide what news I should be loading and yah - I managed to shut down my browser really fast and then immediately went to Malware Bytes and started cleaning.
The good news is I was able to clean things up really quickly this time, only 4 hours instead of 16 like the last time!
There are so many places being hit with this thing - it's scary and IE - wow what a nightmare.
I have completely disabled IE on my computer - it's just not worth the risk...
Spammers, spoofers, viruses - man the internet can be a tough place to navigate, even when you are used to it!
In other news - Revolution Magazine is going to do a feature on the bikes that winn the Red Deer Motorcycle Show Packages - so what are you waiting for people - get your bikes in there already! www.beltdrivebetty.com if you aren't a member - sign up, it'ds FREE and so is the Show 'n' Shine!
It is cold here, -30 on the house thermometer so add 5 to that and whatever for windchill and yah - it's just plain COLD!
Stay safe and warm....
Belt Drive Betty
Friday, December 19, 2008
It's soooo cold!
Right now it's -30 - not sure what the windchill factor is - but damned it's cold.
For December, this is cold - we normally see these temperatures in January!
Oh well, good day to stay at the computer cleaning up the last of my books etc before I head to the Toronto Super Show. I will be in the Chrome Diva's Booth - I can't wait to finally meet Danni Stockley who writes for the Busted Knuckle Chronicles...funny how the Internet allows people to work together for the common good - remotely and sometimes we never meet each other!
Ali and I had worked together for 2 years before we got to meet!
Have you noticed the work that girl has done on our site! Holy Cow Bat Man - it is beautiful, clean, simple - easy to use....I am proud of her and what she is bringing this community by way of communication tools!
How many of you Alberta readers are going to go to the Red Deer Motorcycle show?
If you enter in our on line show 'n' shine and are in the Pro Built, Garage Class or the Custom American or Metric classes and win the Red Deer Motorcycle Show Package - your ride just might end up featured in Revolution Magazine!
If you haven't entered your bike in the Lucas Oils Custom Show Case you really should consider it. There's $10,000 up for grabs.
The Westerner - the venue where the Red Deer Motorcycle Show is being held, has banned the Red & White and all "Illegal Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Colors" from being able to have exhibitor booths or a presence at the Red Deer Motorcycle Show - like many, many other cities and facilities across Canada - this practice is becoming common place.
What are your thoughts on the subject...I'd love to hear them!
We are up to 45 entries in the show 'n' shine! I'd love to see at least 100 in there so come on folks - we have great prizes up for grabs and really - in this cold weather - I want to look at bikes and day dream so help a girl out would yah?
www.beltdrivebetty.com - is where the action is! Come join us - it's FREE!
Anyway, time to get back to work, I hope you have a phenomenal day - stay safe and warm...
Belt Drive Betty
For December, this is cold - we normally see these temperatures in January!
Oh well, good day to stay at the computer cleaning up the last of my books etc before I head to the Toronto Super Show. I will be in the Chrome Diva's Booth - I can't wait to finally meet Danni Stockley who writes for the Busted Knuckle Chronicles...funny how the Internet allows people to work together for the common good - remotely and sometimes we never meet each other!
Ali and I had worked together for 2 years before we got to meet!
Have you noticed the work that girl has done on our site! Holy Cow Bat Man - it is beautiful, clean, simple - easy to use....I am proud of her and what she is bringing this community by way of communication tools!
How many of you Alberta readers are going to go to the Red Deer Motorcycle show?
If you enter in our on line show 'n' shine and are in the Pro Built, Garage Class or the Custom American or Metric classes and win the Red Deer Motorcycle Show Package - your ride just might end up featured in Revolution Magazine!
If you haven't entered your bike in the Lucas Oils Custom Show Case you really should consider it. There's $10,000 up for grabs.
The Westerner - the venue where the Red Deer Motorcycle Show is being held, has banned the Red & White and all "Illegal Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Colors" from being able to have exhibitor booths or a presence at the Red Deer Motorcycle Show - like many, many other cities and facilities across Canada - this practice is becoming common place.
What are your thoughts on the subject...I'd love to hear them!
We are up to 45 entries in the show 'n' shine! I'd love to see at least 100 in there so come on folks - we have great prizes up for grabs and really - in this cold weather - I want to look at bikes and day dream so help a girl out would yah?
www.beltdrivebetty.com - is where the action is! Come join us - it's FREE!
Anyway, time to get back to work, I hope you have a phenomenal day - stay safe and warm...
Belt Drive Betty
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
I must be missing something...
I am unsure of what it is I am doing wrong, but I must be doing something wrong...
We have all of these fabulous prizes up for grabs in our FREE on line show n shine.
Over $4,000 worth including event tickets, food and beverage gift certificates, free camping....
We have 31 bikes registered....I am unsure if people are having a tough time loading pictures, if we aren't offering the kinds of prizes you are interested in or what the problem might be.
Is the Internet Explorer Security Issue that is affecting hundreds of thousands of computers part of the problem? I have no idea - but I would love to....
If you have registered your bike in the show n shine - thank you! Our sponsors thank you.
If you haven't - is there a reason?
Is there something I need to fix?
Different prizes you would like to see?
Talk to me - tell me what you want. Tell me what barriers you are facing to enter your bike...
The sponsors of the prizes won't be back if they don't see results - so, tell me how I give them the results they seek - more bikes in the show 'n' shine....
In other news the new provincial sections of the web site are going in - it's been an interesting process to get here, but we are finally making the grade!
Another couple of weeks and all of our components should finally be installed.
Come visit us at www.beltdrivebetty.com, check out the show n shine, and become a member - it's free and we have wonderful events calendars a great newspaper and a ton of features for members to use....
Hope you are finding a way to stay warm...
Belt Drive Betty
We have all of these fabulous prizes up for grabs in our FREE on line show n shine.
Over $4,000 worth including event tickets, food and beverage gift certificates, free camping....
We have 31 bikes registered....I am unsure if people are having a tough time loading pictures, if we aren't offering the kinds of prizes you are interested in or what the problem might be.
Is the Internet Explorer Security Issue that is affecting hundreds of thousands of computers part of the problem? I have no idea - but I would love to....
If you have registered your bike in the show n shine - thank you! Our sponsors thank you.
If you haven't - is there a reason?
Is there something I need to fix?
Different prizes you would like to see?
Talk to me - tell me what you want. Tell me what barriers you are facing to enter your bike...
The sponsors of the prizes won't be back if they don't see results - so, tell me how I give them the results they seek - more bikes in the show 'n' shine....
In other news the new provincial sections of the web site are going in - it's been an interesting process to get here, but we are finally making the grade!
Another couple of weeks and all of our components should finally be installed.
Come visit us at www.beltdrivebetty.com, check out the show n shine, and become a member - it's free and we have wonderful events calendars a great newspaper and a ton of features for members to use....
Hope you are finding a way to stay warm...
Belt Drive Betty
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
What weather!
Man this has been a cold hearted winter already and it hasn't even really begun yet.
Got a note from my mother inlaw in Montreal and they sure aren't having a very good time of it either.
I guess I'd rather have the cold than rain and snow....
There are now event tickets from 5 events to be given away in our show 'n' shine and if everything goes well we will have a few from out east in there soon too!
There are some beautiful motorcycles in there folks. If you haven't checked them out - I invite you to.
Anyway - BDB Club cards are being made up for the subscribers to the hard copy and along with the list of businesses that card is good at they will begin going out in the mail on Thursday!
I look forward to having that monster job done very soon!
I hope where ever you are, you are staying warm...be safe
Belt Drive Betty
Got a note from my mother inlaw in Montreal and they sure aren't having a very good time of it either.
I guess I'd rather have the cold than rain and snow....
There are now event tickets from 5 events to be given away in our show 'n' shine and if everything goes well we will have a few from out east in there soon too!
There are some beautiful motorcycles in there folks. If you haven't checked them out - I invite you to.
Anyway - BDB Club cards are being made up for the subscribers to the hard copy and along with the list of businesses that card is good at they will begin going out in the mail on Thursday!
I look forward to having that monster job done very soon!
I hope where ever you are, you are staying warm...be safe
Belt Drive Betty
Monday, December 15, 2008
Some sad news...
I was reading ArtBiker World's blog and came across the fact that a woman I admired had died.
I was rather surprised that I had not heard on the news or in the news feeds...
Bettie Page passed away on December 11th - she had a massive heart attack and never regained consciousness. She was 85 years old.
Bettie blazed the way for women to be proud of their femininity and sexuality, she was a favorite pin up girl and centre fold in the 50's - yet she was also a devout Catholic who believed that God dislikes promiscuity not sexuality....
Rest in Peace Bettie - you will be missed by many but not forgotten.
I also read something else of interest on ArtBiker World's Blog...
Tourists beware - NY City is cracking down on loud motorcycles....
Read the article in his blog - I'd love your take on things! My single biggest question is will tourists be ticketed and treated the same way? If so - YIKES!
I have about 200 motorcycle events to update in the calendars so I had best get cracking...is feels like minus 30 today - a big improvement over the minus 42 it felt like yesterday!
Have a safe and warm day, I'll yak at you all tomorrow.
Belt Drive Betty
I was rather surprised that I had not heard on the news or in the news feeds...
Bettie Page passed away on December 11th - she had a massive heart attack and never regained consciousness. She was 85 years old.
Bettie blazed the way for women to be proud of their femininity and sexuality, she was a favorite pin up girl and centre fold in the 50's - yet she was also a devout Catholic who believed that God dislikes promiscuity not sexuality....
Rest in Peace Bettie - you will be missed by many but not forgotten.
I also read something else of interest on ArtBiker World's Blog...
Tourists beware - NY City is cracking down on loud motorcycles....
Read the article in his blog - I'd love your take on things! My single biggest question is will tourists be ticketed and treated the same way? If so - YIKES!
I have about 200 motorcycle events to update in the calendars so I had best get cracking...is feels like minus 30 today - a big improvement over the minus 42 it felt like yesterday!
Have a safe and warm day, I'll yak at you all tomorrow.
Belt Drive Betty
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The news today
Well most of the news today about motorcyclists in Canada has to do with the Hells Angels and the big trials in Ontario.
It appears that at least one judge in Ontario feels they are a criminal organization and the top man - "Skinny" Ward is going to be going to jail, his sentencing will be in February. Check out the Law & Politics section of the Busted Knuckle News.
In other news one Mountie has been transferred to Ontario - one involved in the tasering of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski. In my opinion - and that's all this is is an opinion - Ontario really doesn't need another rogue cop. Although an inquiry found him not guilty - I feel his use of the taser - "shooting it" 5 times - was excessive use of force. But hey - that's just my opinion.
Again - you can read the article for your self in the Law & Politics section of the site.
Our Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine is gaining momentum!
Our prize list is fantastic!
$50 Gift certificates from:
Sirdar Pub - Sirdar BC
Taylor Inn - Taylor BC
Boutique of Leathers - Open Road Store
Northgate Honda - Grande Prairie AB
Forever Leather - Regina SK
Loving Hands Family Restaurant - Kerrobert SK
HawgZotic - OCC Gear with Attitude - Langley BC
Event Tickets:
Toad Rock Rally - Two Tickets - Balfour BC
Pig 'n' Fin - Two Tickets & AIM Membership - Vancouver Island
Sly's Pig Roast- Two Tickets - Onoway AB
Bash in the Heartland - Two Tickets - Andrew AB
St Victor Boogie - St Victor SK
Camping:
Free night Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC
Gift Packs:
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism - Grande Prairie AB
Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia
Mighty Peace Tourism - Berwyn AB
Tattoo Gift Certificates:
$100 gift certificate - Demon Ink - Edmonton AB
People's Choice:
The RideInn Touchless Power Sports Cover (Small shipping fee involved) -Mississauga ON
PLUS
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show Packages
If your scooter isn't in the line up you need to get it entered by December 31st!
Come and join us - we'd love to have you!
It's cold here - really cold....with the wind chill around 40 below.
Tell me a story - tell me what you do to overcome the Parked Motorcycle Syndrome Blues....
Stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty
It appears that at least one judge in Ontario feels they are a criminal organization and the top man - "Skinny" Ward is going to be going to jail, his sentencing will be in February. Check out the Law & Politics section of the Busted Knuckle News.
In other news one Mountie has been transferred to Ontario - one involved in the tasering of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski. In my opinion - and that's all this is is an opinion - Ontario really doesn't need another rogue cop. Although an inquiry found him not guilty - I feel his use of the taser - "shooting it" 5 times - was excessive use of force. But hey - that's just my opinion.
Again - you can read the article for your self in the Law & Politics section of the site.
Our Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine is gaining momentum!
Our prize list is fantastic!
$50 Gift certificates from:
Sirdar Pub - Sirdar BC
Taylor Inn - Taylor BC
Boutique of Leathers - Open Road Store
Northgate Honda - Grande Prairie AB
Forever Leather - Regina SK
Loving Hands Family Restaurant - Kerrobert SK
HawgZotic - OCC Gear with Attitude - Langley BC
Event Tickets:
Toad Rock Rally - Two Tickets - Balfour BC
Pig 'n' Fin - Two Tickets & AIM Membership - Vancouver Island
Sly's Pig Roast- Two Tickets - Onoway AB
Bash in the Heartland - Two Tickets - Andrew AB
St Victor Boogie - St Victor SK
Camping:
Free night Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC
Gift Packs:
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism - Grande Prairie AB
Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia
Mighty Peace Tourism - Berwyn AB
Tattoo Gift Certificates:
$100 gift certificate - Demon Ink - Edmonton AB
People's Choice:
The RideInn Touchless Power Sports Cover (Small shipping fee involved) -Mississauga ON
PLUS
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show Packages
If your scooter isn't in the line up you need to get it entered by December 31st!
Come and join us - we'd love to have you!
It's cold here - really cold....with the wind chill around 40 below.
Tell me a story - tell me what you do to overcome the Parked Motorcycle Syndrome Blues....
Stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Cold and colder...how do you deal with PMS?
It went from 7 below to 27 below in the space of hours here.
Man I am glad my bike is parked in my office! All warm and safe.
Yes, you could call me hard core - and yes I'll admit I am worse than most guys when it comes to my ride.
I love having it close to me. For those of you who have never seen pictures of my office, here is a shot of the first thing I see when I walk in to go to work.
Blackie sits about 6 feet away from my desk and at times like this when it is cold enough to freeze everything up - she's my inspiration.
When I am frustrated with things, I have a chair that sits directly across from Blackie and all of my favorite Motorcycle Art and awards - sitting in that chair helps me calm down and re focus.
It's a wonderful feeling to look at my Keg Push and Weenie Bite Plaques, my MAX award...helps to remind a person of why they do what they do yah know!
When it comes to bikes in the house I have, over the years allowed motorcycles to be built in my kitchen, stored in my kitchen - had them parked for the winter in my bedroom - nah, I'm not over protective - I just like motorcycles...
I would love to hear your stories of the odd places you have parked your motorcycle and what you do to overcome the PMS Blues. Submit your stories to me at bdbetty@gmail.com - who knows - we might even print it in the Busted Knuckle!
Stay safe and brrr...warm if you can!
Belt Drive Betty
Man I am glad my bike is parked in my office! All warm and safe.
Yes, you could call me hard core - and yes I'll admit I am worse than most guys when it comes to my ride.
I love having it close to me. For those of you who have never seen pictures of my office, here is a shot of the first thing I see when I walk in to go to work.
Blackie sits about 6 feet away from my desk and at times like this when it is cold enough to freeze everything up - she's my inspiration.
When I am frustrated with things, I have a chair that sits directly across from Blackie and all of my favorite Motorcycle Art and awards - sitting in that chair helps me calm down and re focus.
It's a wonderful feeling to look at my Keg Push and Weenie Bite Plaques, my MAX award...helps to remind a person of why they do what they do yah know!
When it comes to bikes in the house I have, over the years allowed motorcycles to be built in my kitchen, stored in my kitchen - had them parked for the winter in my bedroom - nah, I'm not over protective - I just like motorcycles...
I would love to hear your stories of the odd places you have parked your motorcycle and what you do to overcome the PMS Blues. Submit your stories to me at bdbetty@gmail.com - who knows - we might even print it in the Busted Knuckle!
Stay safe and brrr...warm if you can!
Belt Drive Betty
Friday, December 12, 2008
Does it get any better than this?
The number of bikes in the show 'n' shine are growing as is the prize list!
$50 Gift certificates from:
Sirdar Pub - Sirdar BC
Taylor Inn - Taylor BC
Boutique of Leathers - Open Road Store
Northgate Honda - Grande Prairie AB
Forever Leather - Regina SK
Loving Hands Family Restaurant - Kerrobert SK
HawgZotic - OCC Gear with Attitude gift certificate- Langley BC
Event Tickets:
Toad Rock Rally - Two Tickets - Balfour BC
Pig 'n' Fin - Two Tickets & AIM Membership - Vancouver Island
Camping:
Free night Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC
Gift Packs:
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism - GP AB
Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia
Mighty Peace Tourism - Berwyn AB
Tattoo Gift Certificates:
$100 gift certificate - Demon Ink - Edmonton AB
People's Choice:
The RideInn Touchless Power Sports Cover (Small shipping fee involved) -ON
PLUS
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show Packages
I am so pleased with the business community for the way they have jumped on board with this idea! And I am so pleased - proud - to see the number of bikes being entered now. Let's keep the momentum going folks!
I am such a happy lady these days - I can not believe how wonderful this feels to be getting caught up on everything around here. Cleaning up all of the loose ends - getting all of the 2009 and 2010 marketing materials done, getting membership cards out in the mail 3 months earlier than last year - it's SUCH a WONDERFUL feeling - I can't thank Lori enough for joining our team and WYZ - I owe you a huge hug the next time I see you for recommending her to me and vice verse!
I wish for all of you the same feeling I feel right now - one of gratitude and love!
Stay safe and warm....
Belt Drive Betty
$50 Gift certificates from:
Sirdar Pub - Sirdar BC
Taylor Inn - Taylor BC
Boutique of Leathers - Open Road Store
Northgate Honda - Grande Prairie AB
Forever Leather - Regina SK
Loving Hands Family Restaurant - Kerrobert SK
HawgZotic - OCC Gear with Attitude gift certificate- Langley BC
Event Tickets:
Toad Rock Rally - Two Tickets - Balfour BC
Pig 'n' Fin - Two Tickets & AIM Membership - Vancouver Island
Camping:
Free night Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC
Gift Packs:
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism - GP AB
Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia
Mighty Peace Tourism - Berwyn AB
Tattoo Gift Certificates:
$100 gift certificate - Demon Ink - Edmonton AB
People's Choice:
The RideInn Touchless Power Sports Cover (Small shipping fee involved) -ON
PLUS
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show Packages
I am so pleased with the business community for the way they have jumped on board with this idea! And I am so pleased - proud - to see the number of bikes being entered now. Let's keep the momentum going folks!
I am such a happy lady these days - I can not believe how wonderful this feels to be getting caught up on everything around here. Cleaning up all of the loose ends - getting all of the 2009 and 2010 marketing materials done, getting membership cards out in the mail 3 months earlier than last year - it's SUCH a WONDERFUL feeling - I can't thank Lori enough for joining our team and WYZ - I owe you a huge hug the next time I see you for recommending her to me and vice verse!
I wish for all of you the same feeling I feel right now - one of gratitude and love!
Stay safe and warm....
Belt Drive Betty
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Getting ready for the Bike Shows
I leave Grande Prairie for Calgary on the 31st of December - I fly to Toronto - The plan is for me to be at the Toronto Super Show in the Chrome Divas booth, then I fly back to Calgary for the Calgary show, then drive to Edmonton and take in that show - then its off to Red Deer for the Red Deer Motorcycle Show - Bee from Keremeos will be manning our booth along with her hubby Bryan at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show - our booth there is with HawgZotic.
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Weather permitting I should be home on the 27th or 28th of January.
I forgot just how much work it can be getting ready for them! Holy - I spent all day yesterday loading stuff to the Staples Web site for printing!
The good news for me is that with my new admin assistant doing so well - we are caught up in the office - well we will be by tomorrow!
For those who get the paper via snail mail we are going to be making up and mailing out your BDB Club Savings cards and the list of all of the businesses that card is good at - look for them to arrive by the first part of January!
For those who get their newspaper electronically - all you have to do is log in to your profile and print off your card. The 2009 Cards will be being loaded sometime next week.
It's been an interesting and challenging time but now that I have Lori B in the office - my world has become a much more enjoyable place to be!
I am thrilled!
I want to invite all of you to become members over at www.beltdrivebetty.com and enter our Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine - we have over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs gang!
I hope you all have a safe and warm day today...
Belt Drive Betty
t
Weather permitting I should be home on the 27th or 28th of January.
I forgot just how much work it can be getting ready for them! Holy - I spent all day yesterday loading stuff to the Staples Web site for printing!
The good news for me is that with my new admin assistant doing so well - we are caught up in the office - well we will be by tomorrow!
For those who get the paper via snail mail we are going to be making up and mailing out your BDB Club Savings cards and the list of all of the businesses that card is good at - look for them to arrive by the first part of January!
For those who get their newspaper electronically - all you have to do is log in to your profile and print off your card. The 2009 Cards will be being loaded sometime next week.
It's been an interesting and challenging time but now that I have Lori B in the office - my world has become a much more enjoyable place to be!
I am thrilled!
I want to invite all of you to become members over at www.beltdrivebetty.com and enter our Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine - we have over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs gang!
I hope you all have a safe and warm day today...
Belt Drive Betty
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Prize list keeps growing!
Our on line Show 'n' Shine is gaining momentum!
Just look at the prizes!
$50 Gift certificates from:
Sirdar Pub - Sirdar BC
Taylor Inn - Taylor BC
Boutique of Leathers - Open Road Store
Northgate Honda - Grande Prairie AB
Forever Leather - Regina SK
Loving Hands Family Restaurant - Kerrobert SK
Event Tickets:
Toad Rock Rally - Two Tickets - Balfour BC
Pig 'n' Fin - Two Tickets & AIM Membership - Vancouver Island
Camping:
Free night Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC
Gift Packs:
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism
Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia
Tattoo Gift Certificates:
$100 gift certificate - Demon Ink - Edmonton AB
People's Choice:
The RideInn Touchless Power Sports Cover (Small shipping fee involved) -ON
PLUS
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show PackagesIt is wonderful how many great businesses have stepped up to offer some incredible prizes!
In other news - Dalton Timmis - Home for Chrome Insurance is offering up a trip for two to Vegas - all you have to do is get a quote for insurance! See the news article for all of the details!
And how about this one....
A 5th Lower mainland police officer charged with impaired driving...the incident happened over a year ago - we - Joe and Jane Q Citizen are just hearing about it now though.Sad and tragic for the RCMP I have to say. The message these officers are sending out is one that will have some devastating consequences I am afraid.
The other really important news that I want to draw your attention to is Bill 117 - you can sign the petition at the MMIC booth at the Toronto Motorcycle show this coming weekend. Take the few minutes and sign it PLEASE!
That's all for today folks....
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
Just look at the prizes!
$50 Gift certificates from:
Sirdar Pub - Sirdar BC
Taylor Inn - Taylor BC
Boutique of Leathers - Open Road Store
Northgate Honda - Grande Prairie AB
Forever Leather - Regina SK
Loving Hands Family Restaurant - Kerrobert SK
Event Tickets:
Toad Rock Rally - Two Tickets - Balfour BC
Pig 'n' Fin - Two Tickets & AIM Membership - Vancouver Island
Camping:
Free night Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC
Gift Packs:
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism
Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia
Tattoo Gift Certificates:
$100 gift certificate - Demon Ink - Edmonton AB
People's Choice:
The RideInn Touchless Power Sports Cover (Small shipping fee involved) -ON
PLUS
The Red Deer Motorcycle Show PackagesIt is wonderful how many great businesses have stepped up to offer some incredible prizes!
In other news - Dalton Timmis - Home for Chrome Insurance is offering up a trip for two to Vegas - all you have to do is get a quote for insurance! See the news article for all of the details!
And how about this one....
A 5th Lower mainland police officer charged with impaired driving...the incident happened over a year ago - we - Joe and Jane Q Citizen are just hearing about it now though.Sad and tragic for the RCMP I have to say. The message these officers are sending out is one that will have some devastating consequences I am afraid.
The other really important news that I want to draw your attention to is Bill 117 - you can sign the petition at the MMIC booth at the Toronto Motorcycle show this coming weekend. Take the few minutes and sign it PLEASE!
That's all for today folks....
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Some thrilling news!
We are getting more prizes for the Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine!
Forever Leather in Regina SK is offering up a $50 gift certificate and Motorcycle Tour Guide - Nova Scotia has a gift bag worth over $75 up for grabs!
From Coast to Coast we have prizes up for grabs - now we just need your bike to be entered!
It's snowing, cold and miserable here today so I am staying put, working on marketing materials and my new column!
I hope you have a safe and warm day.
Belt Drive Betty
Forever Leather in Regina SK is offering up a $50 gift certificate and Motorcycle Tour Guide - Nova Scotia has a gift bag worth over $75 up for grabs!
From Coast to Coast we have prizes up for grabs - now we just need your bike to be entered!
It's snowing, cold and miserable here today so I am staying put, working on marketing materials and my new column!
I hope you have a safe and warm day.
Belt Drive Betty
Sunday, December 07, 2008
What a blast!
We had a great time yesterday filling up the Salvation Army's Van!
It was too funny some of the comments and questions we fielded - the looks on people's faces as we'd empty out an entire shelf of something!
Yes - I would have to say that the Grande Prairie Toys for Tots shop was a hoot!
In other news, I have been invited to write a column for the Northern Horizon and Mirror Publications out of Dawson Creek BC! I am very pleased about that!
I see we have some more entries in our show 'n' shine! The prizes are starting to add up!
I hope to see a hundred bikes in there before long...
I am putting the Community Newspaper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles edition number 47 for the year together!
You'll be able to read about the Toy Shop and other interesting tidbits come Thursday!
I hope you all have a great Sunday and we'll talk at you later.
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
It was too funny some of the comments and questions we fielded - the looks on people's faces as we'd empty out an entire shelf of something!
Yes - I would have to say that the Grande Prairie Toys for Tots shop was a hoot!
In other news, I have been invited to write a column for the Northern Horizon and Mirror Publications out of Dawson Creek BC! I am very pleased about that!
I see we have some more entries in our show 'n' shine! The prizes are starting to add up!
I hope to see a hundred bikes in there before long...
I am putting the Community Newspaper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles edition number 47 for the year together!
You'll be able to read about the Toy Shop and other interesting tidbits come Thursday!
I hope you all have a great Sunday and we'll talk at you later.
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
Saturday, December 06, 2008
The BEST day of the year
Today is our Grande Prairie Toys for Tots Christmas shop and for those of you on Toy Run Committees you know what I mean when I say this is the BEST day of the year!
GP Toys for Tots is spending somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000 today.
It's fun watching the looks on the faces of those shoppers who don't know what we are doing! 10 or 15 bikers running around with shopping lists and carts cleaning out the Zellers store here! The looks we get are priceless!
It is without the most rewarding time - a year's woth of work and effort culminates in this one day!
As you can see we are finally getting our content back on www.beltdrivebetty.com and www.bustedknucklenews.com - man am I a happier gal than I have been and so is Ali, if all goes well, we will have 90% back up and running today!
Have a great day no matter what you are doing... Stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty
GP Toys for Tots is spending somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000 today.
It's fun watching the looks on the faces of those shoppers who don't know what we are doing! 10 or 15 bikers running around with shopping lists and carts cleaning out the Zellers store here! The looks we get are priceless!
It is without the most rewarding time - a year's woth of work and effort culminates in this one day!
As you can see we are finally getting our content back on www.beltdrivebetty.com and www.bustedknucklenews.com - man am I a happier gal than I have been and so is Ali, if all goes well, we will have 90% back up and running today!
Have a great day no matter what you are doing... Stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty
Friday, December 05, 2008
Bill 117 Passes - HUGE Disappointment
We have heard that whatever happens in Ontario will eventually filter down and affect the rest of Canada.
I hope and pray that that is NOT the case here.
Bill 117 went to its second reading and debate in the Ontario Legislature and passed.
You remember - the bill to prevent kids under 14 being allowed on the back of a motorcycle...
So, two more steps and this private members bill will become law.
There is discussion that since the legislature will be closing for Christmas that this bill might not be carried forward - that's about the only hope the rest of us in Canada who ride will have to see this bill stopped.
So, with all the riders who have been up in arms over this - over 900 on Face book etc...why did this bill pass?
Because riders didn't show up to voice their concerns yesterday. The vocal majority showed up in full force though and as we all know - the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
How many riders were on hand? FOUR.
Hell - there were more riders in London England that showed up to protest parking charges for motorcycles than there were in Ontario to protect our lifestyle here.
Our brothers and sisters in Ontario have dropped the ball and if this bill does not die by being left behind over Christmas then guess what boys and girls - eventually - everywhere in Canada this will become a law - its the way of Canada - Ontario and Quebec hold the majority of power so the rest of get screwed. Sigh - it saddens me that our community very rarely bands together to support each other. It will be the death of the biker/rider way of life here in Canada.
Good old Canadian Complacency at its finest.
Enough depressing crap for now...
More prizes have been offered up for our Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine:
A $50 gift certificate from Northgate Honda
Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC - A nights free camping
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism - A back pack full of goodies
Yes the business community is liking the idea of a winter show n shine - hope you - the riders do too!
Ali has got all of our content coming back on line and soon all of our news and funny stuff, all of our lifestyles info like event articles, music, food etc will be back....actually if you look at the bottom of your profile page you will see that Lifestyles and Funny stuff are already back...
YEAH - finally - its been a rough month but we have gotten through it and I thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we resolved these issues.
Anyway - back to work for me...
Stay safe and warm.
Belt Drive Betty
I hope and pray that that is NOT the case here.
Bill 117 went to its second reading and debate in the Ontario Legislature and passed.
You remember - the bill to prevent kids under 14 being allowed on the back of a motorcycle...
So, two more steps and this private members bill will become law.
There is discussion that since the legislature will be closing for Christmas that this bill might not be carried forward - that's about the only hope the rest of us in Canada who ride will have to see this bill stopped.
So, with all the riders who have been up in arms over this - over 900 on Face book etc...why did this bill pass?
Because riders didn't show up to voice their concerns yesterday. The vocal majority showed up in full force though and as we all know - the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
How many riders were on hand? FOUR.
Hell - there were more riders in London England that showed up to protest parking charges for motorcycles than there were in Ontario to protect our lifestyle here.
Our brothers and sisters in Ontario have dropped the ball and if this bill does not die by being left behind over Christmas then guess what boys and girls - eventually - everywhere in Canada this will become a law - its the way of Canada - Ontario and Quebec hold the majority of power so the rest of get screwed. Sigh - it saddens me that our community very rarely bands together to support each other. It will be the death of the biker/rider way of life here in Canada.
Good old Canadian Complacency at its finest.
Enough depressing crap for now...
More prizes have been offered up for our Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine:
A $50 gift certificate from Northgate Honda
Riders Ranch - Kitchener BC - A nights free camping
Grande Prairie Regional Tourism - A back pack full of goodies
Yes the business community is liking the idea of a winter show n shine - hope you - the riders do too!
Ali has got all of our content coming back on line and soon all of our news and funny stuff, all of our lifestyles info like event articles, music, food etc will be back....actually if you look at the bottom of your profile page you will see that Lifestyles and Funny stuff are already back...
YEAH - finally - its been a rough month but we have gotten through it and I thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we resolved these issues.
Anyway - back to work for me...
Stay safe and warm.
Belt Drive Betty
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Our Prize List is growing!
- Boutique of Leathers "Open Road" store is putting up a $50 gift certificate - Edmonton AB
- Rider's Ranch is putting up a free night of camping - Kitchener BC
- Sirdar Pub - $50 gift certificate for dinner for 2 - Sirdar BC
- Tickets for two - Toad Rock Rally - Balfour BC
- Tickets for Two - Pig 'n' Fin & AIM Membership - Vancouver Island BC
- RideInn Touchless Power Sports Cover - ON (Small shipping fee applies - approx $65)
The first 50 entrants will get a 2009 Rider Friendly Directory - Shipping and handling applies (About $5) - or you can pick it up at - Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver MMIC Shows or the Red Deer Motorcycle Show
Plus there is that fabulous set of FOUR prize packages from the Red Deer Motorcycle Show - the opportunity for one on one time with Kendall Johnson and Paul Cox alone is worth a fortune and they are throwing in three nights Hotel at the travel Lodge AND FREE entry of your winning bike in the Lucas Oils Custom Motorcycle Showcase!
Everyone can enter their bike in the Lucas Oils Showcase...for more information go to: www.reddeermotorcycleshow.com
The Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n Shine welcomes bike entries until December 31st - it's free and it doesn't matter where you live in Canada - all you have to do is be a registered member of www.beltdrivebetty.com to enter!
All prizes are transferable - so if you win something and can't use it, you may give the certificate as a gift to a friend or family member who can put it to use!
So - what are you waiting for - get your bikes in there people!
We have about 15 bikes entered - My goal is to see 100 entered.
You gonna help me out here people?
I hope so - let's have some fun.
Stay safe and warm....
Belt Drive Betty
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Beat the PMS Blues
Our on line show 'n' shine for our members is starting to get some pretty nice entries in it! And the prizes...man oh man are there some sweet items up for grabs.
You have to check it out!
Not a member? You should register - it's free and there are a ton of perks!
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Have any of you riders thought of entering your bike in the Lucas Oils Custom Motorcycle Showcase at the Red Deer Motorcycle Show this year?
$10,000 in cash and trophies are up for grabs! That's pretty sweet!
www.reddeermotorcycleshow.com for all the low down!
It is a busy day around here.
BoB (AKA Sandra) and I spent some time doing training - she is our new Edmonton and area sales rep and reporter!
She's gonna make sure the rest of us know what's happening in that neck of the woods!
Ali is working on the last of our content issues so cross your fingers that we will have our funny stuff and news articles back. I have added about 40 stories into lifestyles and the news so....I hope you all get to see them really soon.
Anyhow, the slave driver I work for says it's time to finish the 2010 phone book marketing materials!
Stay safe and warm and make sure you drop in to your local bike shop and get your service and repairs booked in. Riding season will sneak up on you before you know it!
Take care...
Belt Drive Betty
You have to check it out!
Not a member? You should register - it's free and there are a ton of perks!
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Have any of you riders thought of entering your bike in the Lucas Oils Custom Motorcycle Showcase at the Red Deer Motorcycle Show this year?
$10,000 in cash and trophies are up for grabs! That's pretty sweet!
www.reddeermotorcycleshow.com for all the low down!
It is a busy day around here.
BoB (AKA Sandra) and I spent some time doing training - she is our new Edmonton and area sales rep and reporter!
She's gonna make sure the rest of us know what's happening in that neck of the woods!
Ali is working on the last of our content issues so cross your fingers that we will have our funny stuff and news articles back. I have added about 40 stories into lifestyles and the news so....I hope you all get to see them really soon.
Anyhow, the slave driver I work for says it's time to finish the 2010 phone book marketing materials!
Stay safe and warm and make sure you drop in to your local bike shop and get your service and repairs booked in. Riding season will sneak up on you before you know it!
Take care...
Belt Drive Betty
Monday, December 01, 2008
Happy Birthday
Today our wonderful web mistress celebrates her birthday - she's taking a much needed and deserved day off.
I hope you will join me in wishing her the Best day possible - she deserves it!
We do have some issues on the site to still resolve and I am sure that once she's had a day away from everything she'll figure out those little things that have been plaguing us.
In the mean time I ask you for just a wee bit more patience - our news and funny stuff will return.
Have a great Monday
Belt Drive Betty
I hope you will join me in wishing her the Best day possible - she deserves it!
We do have some issues on the site to still resolve and I am sure that once she's had a day away from everything she'll figure out those little things that have been plaguing us.
In the mean time I ask you for just a wee bit more patience - our news and funny stuff will return.
Have a great Monday
Belt Drive Betty
Sunday, November 30, 2008
A response to Baron's Life Comments
Riding in Asia must be one of the ultimate challenges a rider could face. I have never had the good fortune to be able to ride anywhere else but North America so all I can do is imagine - I have seen videos of people riding there and think it looks crazy and dangerous but hell I'd be up for it. I can only imagine what sharing the road with that many people and animals must be like - chaotic?
Is that a good word for it…I think so.
I am an adventurer at heart - I think most who ride motorcycles are.
If I had the financial where with all one place I'd love to ride is Australia. Although not as challenging perhaps as Asia - Australia is one country I have always wanted to see and one day I will.
Baron's Life’s' post expresses once again how lucky we here in North America are, but I reiterate that we NEED to protect our freedoms - we can't take them for granted.
As far as my having responsibilities that others don’t – I guess you are right and maybe you are right that no one wants to hear about the challenges being faced by myself– they really only want to know what I can do for them…
So what can I do for the average biker?
I can help them to educate themselves by showing them the news headlines in other communities – when we look at what other towns are doing, what other riders are doing it can help us in our own communities.
I can help them to communicate. The newspaper – the Busted Knuckle Chronicles let’s riders from across Canada share their community stories with others – it is Rider Powered news.
I can help them entertain themselves – the on line show ‘n’ shine, photo contests etc are one way we do that and the other is by having kick assed events calendars that one can plan holidays and weekends by.
I can help them by promoting the community events, the charitable causes and showcasing great businesses and people.
I can do many things to help my fellow rider and my community - I can and do - all of the above.
Sometimes my posts here in my blog may come across as whining – I get that – some days I feel like whining – I have some pretty aggressive dreams for this community and sometimes I get so very frustrated and feel like I am never going to accomplish what I set out to. Yet I know without a doubt that my telling people of the challenges I am facing helps me too…Because of people like you who take the time to either post here, or send me private emails or call me – you all keep me on track – on course. You help me to keep it real and while sometime’s the comments sting – they always help me re examine where I am and where I need to go.
I work alone in my office about 16 hours a day – and when you are alone that many hours in a day – you can feel overwhelmed and daunted – frustrated and discouraged. There’s no one to bounce ideas off of – no one to help me see beyond my own blinders…
You Baron’s Life – and the others who write or phone me – you are my sounding board and you are far more valuable to me with your constructive criticisms and comments than you will ever know.
So – keep it coming – slam my ass when it needs it – help me keep my big girl panties on and help me stay the course and to always do the right thing. I am here to serve my community but without your feed back and input I can only do what I think is right.
Keep helping me keep it real, I DO appreciate it.
The whining did net me a rider who is an office administrator and all because one person who read of my frustrations and challenges picked up the phone and called a friend. Now I have Lori working with me. What a gift!
Sometimes you have to ask for help and I am so glad I did.
As far as marketing goes – come January we will be going hard at that – just waiting on a few kinks and quirks to be worked out on the web site.
The Rider Friendly Phone Book for Western Canada is in print as we speak and will be ready for the bike shows – our little crew is attending 5 out of 5 of the January shows - Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Vancouver….
One final note; before I get my sorry ass back to work….my spelling doesn’t suck any worse than yours does! LOL!
Stay Safe and Warm….
Belt Drive Betty
Is that a good word for it…I think so.
I am an adventurer at heart - I think most who ride motorcycles are.
If I had the financial where with all one place I'd love to ride is Australia. Although not as challenging perhaps as Asia - Australia is one country I have always wanted to see and one day I will.
Baron's Life’s' post expresses once again how lucky we here in North America are, but I reiterate that we NEED to protect our freedoms - we can't take them for granted.
As far as my having responsibilities that others don’t – I guess you are right and maybe you are right that no one wants to hear about the challenges being faced by myself– they really only want to know what I can do for them…
So what can I do for the average biker?
I can help them to educate themselves by showing them the news headlines in other communities – when we look at what other towns are doing, what other riders are doing it can help us in our own communities.
I can help them to communicate. The newspaper – the Busted Knuckle Chronicles let’s riders from across Canada share their community stories with others – it is Rider Powered news.
I can help them entertain themselves – the on line show ‘n’ shine, photo contests etc are one way we do that and the other is by having kick assed events calendars that one can plan holidays and weekends by.
I can help them by promoting the community events, the charitable causes and showcasing great businesses and people.
I can do many things to help my fellow rider and my community - I can and do - all of the above.
Sometimes my posts here in my blog may come across as whining – I get that – some days I feel like whining – I have some pretty aggressive dreams for this community and sometimes I get so very frustrated and feel like I am never going to accomplish what I set out to. Yet I know without a doubt that my telling people of the challenges I am facing helps me too…Because of people like you who take the time to either post here, or send me private emails or call me – you all keep me on track – on course. You help me to keep it real and while sometime’s the comments sting – they always help me re examine where I am and where I need to go.
I work alone in my office about 16 hours a day – and when you are alone that many hours in a day – you can feel overwhelmed and daunted – frustrated and discouraged. There’s no one to bounce ideas off of – no one to help me see beyond my own blinders…
You Baron’s Life – and the others who write or phone me – you are my sounding board and you are far more valuable to me with your constructive criticisms and comments than you will ever know.
So – keep it coming – slam my ass when it needs it – help me keep my big girl panties on and help me stay the course and to always do the right thing. I am here to serve my community but without your feed back and input I can only do what I think is right.
Keep helping me keep it real, I DO appreciate it.
The whining did net me a rider who is an office administrator and all because one person who read of my frustrations and challenges picked up the phone and called a friend. Now I have Lori working with me. What a gift!
Sometimes you have to ask for help and I am so glad I did.
As far as marketing goes – come January we will be going hard at that – just waiting on a few kinks and quirks to be worked out on the web site.
The Rider Friendly Phone Book for Western Canada is in print as we speak and will be ready for the bike shows – our little crew is attending 5 out of 5 of the January shows - Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Vancouver….
One final note; before I get my sorry ass back to work….my spelling doesn’t suck any worse than yours does! LOL!
Stay Safe and Warm….
Belt Drive Betty
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Hopeful
I have been feeling rather overwhelmed due to the fact that I have not been able to find staff here in GP. I am feeling more hopeful today than I have in a while.
Remember the post where I said I need an office manager disguised as a pit bull...well, because of my friend Wyz, I may have just found her.
Three weeks ago Wyz talked to her friend Laurie, asked her if she knew anyone who could help me. Laurie had a friend looking for work and she and Sophie came to meet with me, Sophie was looking for work but her physical challenges precluded her coming in to try it out.
Anyway Laurie decided she liked what I was doing and she loves riding - so, beginning today she starts training. I am so grateful and thankful to have the opportunity to have someone helping out around here! I look forward to being able to do more in fewer hours and regaining some balance in my life - that is going to be WONDERFUL!
I am looking forward to building our community tools and making this site and everything we do grow into a well oiled machine. One day we will have the team we need to become a registered non profit society, one day....
My crash bars are coming home today - they had a date with the powder coater - they should be coming home all black and sleek looking...and in the next week or so my tour pack goes in to my airbrush artist for a bit of a face lift.
What plans do you have for your favorite side kick this winter?
The show 'n' shine over on www.beltdrivebetty.com is gaining momentum!
About a dozen bikes in so far! There are some great prizes up for grabs too!
A RideInn cover, Red Deer Motorcycle Show packages that include 3 nights Hotel, free entry into their motorcycle show and a chance to win some cash PLUS VIP passes that allow you time to hob nob with Kendall Johnson and Paul Cox! Tickets to Toad Rock, Tickets to the Pig n Fin.... Boutique of Leathers is offering up some prizes - I'll have those details next week!
I figure if you can't be riding, maybe drooling over each others bike pictures will help with the PMS blues.... Anyway - time to get back to work...hope you have a wonderful Saturday!
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
Remember the post where I said I need an office manager disguised as a pit bull...well, because of my friend Wyz, I may have just found her.
Three weeks ago Wyz talked to her friend Laurie, asked her if she knew anyone who could help me. Laurie had a friend looking for work and she and Sophie came to meet with me, Sophie was looking for work but her physical challenges precluded her coming in to try it out.
Anyway Laurie decided she liked what I was doing and she loves riding - so, beginning today she starts training. I am so grateful and thankful to have the opportunity to have someone helping out around here! I look forward to being able to do more in fewer hours and regaining some balance in my life - that is going to be WONDERFUL!
I am looking forward to building our community tools and making this site and everything we do grow into a well oiled machine. One day we will have the team we need to become a registered non profit society, one day....
My crash bars are coming home today - they had a date with the powder coater - they should be coming home all black and sleek looking...and in the next week or so my tour pack goes in to my airbrush artist for a bit of a face lift.
What plans do you have for your favorite side kick this winter?
The show 'n' shine over on www.beltdrivebetty.com is gaining momentum!
About a dozen bikes in so far! There are some great prizes up for grabs too!
A RideInn cover, Red Deer Motorcycle Show packages that include 3 nights Hotel, free entry into their motorcycle show and a chance to win some cash PLUS VIP passes that allow you time to hob nob with Kendall Johnson and Paul Cox! Tickets to Toad Rock, Tickets to the Pig n Fin.... Boutique of Leathers is offering up some prizes - I'll have those details next week!
I figure if you can't be riding, maybe drooling over each others bike pictures will help with the PMS blues.... Anyway - time to get back to work...hope you have a wonderful Saturday!
Stay safe and warm,
Belt Drive Betty
Thursday, November 27, 2008
News - it can be very interesting....
The news can sometimes prove interesting especially when you feel you have a bit of a connection to it.
There's an article this morning out of Laval Quebec regarding a lawyer who is been arrested - accused of trying to bribe police officers among other things.
One of the conditions of his release is to stay away from certain Montreal/Laval "mobsters" and certain restaurants, bars and businesses.
One of those businesses named in his release is Montreal Choppers. Now a couple of years ago Hubby and I were in Laval for the Tattoo & Bike show and to visit his parents and we had the opportunity to meet the gang from Montreal Choppers. The one young gent reminded my husband, who grew up in Laval, of the wise guys he knew of and heard of when he was a kid.
I told him he was wrong - he's just a young guy feeling his oats and being a bit brash to try and fit in. I told him just because he's Italian you should not label him or assume...
The young man was so friendly and out going but very stereotypical - he's Italian (good looking) and he acted like he's a wise guy, so now it appears my hubby's instincts could be very well right.
Go figure huh.
In other news they are proposing a stepping up of motorcycle licensing requirements in the UK.
They are proposing to split the testing into two separate parts - one requiring you to do the obstacle and crash avoidance segment and the other involving an eye exam and 35 minutes of following you while you ride in traffic to see how you interact with other motorists....
In UK motorcyclists make up 1% of the roadway traffic but 20% of the deaths that happen on those roadways.
In Ontario the private members bill to restrict kids 14 and under from being on a motorcycle as a passenger goes to a second reading next week. If that bill is allowed to go through that will certainly dampen family plans for many riders in 2009. And typical - the gal who introduced the bill doesn't ride...interestingly enough according to the article - the region of York which is where the MP who introduced the bill is from - has only had one motorcycle accident this past season - involving a 30 year old. Is this a career building move for the MP? I think so and it's sure getting her the attention as motorcyclists across the country have been making their displeasure heard!
Today is Thanksgiving for our American Brothers and Sisters -
Our web mistress Ali is from the US originally and along with hubby Gator, she will be taking the day to be with family and friends - I hope its a good one filled with lots of love.
I am going back to work now before the bag I work for tells me I have to....stay safe and warm.
Belt Drive Betty
There's an article this morning out of Laval Quebec regarding a lawyer who is been arrested - accused of trying to bribe police officers among other things.
One of the conditions of his release is to stay away from certain Montreal/Laval "mobsters" and certain restaurants, bars and businesses.
One of those businesses named in his release is Montreal Choppers. Now a couple of years ago Hubby and I were in Laval for the Tattoo & Bike show and to visit his parents and we had the opportunity to meet the gang from Montreal Choppers. The one young gent reminded my husband, who grew up in Laval, of the wise guys he knew of and heard of when he was a kid.
I told him he was wrong - he's just a young guy feeling his oats and being a bit brash to try and fit in. I told him just because he's Italian you should not label him or assume...
The young man was so friendly and out going but very stereotypical - he's Italian (good looking) and he acted like he's a wise guy, so now it appears my hubby's instincts could be very well right.
Go figure huh.
In other news they are proposing a stepping up of motorcycle licensing requirements in the UK.
They are proposing to split the testing into two separate parts - one requiring you to do the obstacle and crash avoidance segment and the other involving an eye exam and 35 minutes of following you while you ride in traffic to see how you interact with other motorists....
In UK motorcyclists make up 1% of the roadway traffic but 20% of the deaths that happen on those roadways.
In Ontario the private members bill to restrict kids 14 and under from being on a motorcycle as a passenger goes to a second reading next week. If that bill is allowed to go through that will certainly dampen family plans for many riders in 2009. And typical - the gal who introduced the bill doesn't ride...interestingly enough according to the article - the region of York which is where the MP who introduced the bill is from - has only had one motorcycle accident this past season - involving a 30 year old. Is this a career building move for the MP? I think so and it's sure getting her the attention as motorcyclists across the country have been making their displeasure heard!
Today is Thanksgiving for our American Brothers and Sisters -
Our web mistress Ali is from the US originally and along with hubby Gator, she will be taking the day to be with family and friends - I hope its a good one filled with lots of love.
I am going back to work now before the bag I work for tells me I have to....stay safe and warm.
Belt Drive Betty
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
We are determined
Ali has been stripping everything off of the Busted Knuckle News page trying to find that one piece of code that Internet Explorer still doesn't like.
The community/members profile page is working really well in IE and I am happy about that - man what a process.
I have no idea why her eyes aren't square from looking at that computer screen...
Anyway, I have been working away at helping to configure our groups sections and working on cleaning up the members list.
Housekeeping is one job that never let's up - lol
I've been checking in on the Show n Shine - 4 bikes entered so far.
I'll bet there'll be more in the next few days - I heard tell of a few people cleaning their bikes so they can take pictures! I guess if nothing else the Show n shine will "Force" the odd person to do some detailing!
Anyway - I am off to bed 3:30 am comes early - if your up around then, drop an email and say hi.
Stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty
The community/members profile page is working really well in IE and I am happy about that - man what a process.
I have no idea why her eyes aren't square from looking at that computer screen...
Anyway, I have been working away at helping to configure our groups sections and working on cleaning up the members list.
Housekeeping is one job that never let's up - lol
I've been checking in on the Show n Shine - 4 bikes entered so far.
I'll bet there'll be more in the next few days - I heard tell of a few people cleaning their bikes so they can take pictures! I guess if nothing else the Show n shine will "Force" the odd person to do some detailing!
Anyway - I am off to bed 3:30 am comes early - if your up around then, drop an email and say hi.
Stay safe and warm
Belt Drive Betty