Saturday, May 30, 2009

On the road to Estevan

The skies are dark and overcast looking but regardless I am on the bike and heading to Estevan in about an hour.

I got 10 pages of the paper done yesterday and am feeling pretty good about that!

There is so much going on this weekend and my prayer for every event coordinator is for blue skies and great attendance.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, check out our events calendars at www.beltdrivebetty.com - membership is required but it is also FREE!

Ride safe everyone...like everyone around you is blind and can't see you and PLEASE, be respectful with that right hand...

Belt Drive Betty

Friday, May 29, 2009

My road trip so far...

I left home Wednesday morning and while it was windy the first few hundred kilometers were very pleasant - until I got to Whitecourt.

A storm from the Rocky Mountain House region had blown in and the winds were gusting wildly - at times it felt as if the front end of my bike was coming of the pavement. The rain felt like tattoo needles on your face. Ah, the first major ride of the season when your hide and your butt are not yet seasoned up!

I got in to St Albert and stayed with my good friends Kat & Glenn. Yesterday, Kat rode with me as far as Vermillion. The first few hours while cool (we left St Albert as 7:30 am) were wonderful!

The winds picked up around Lloydminister and I was riding leaning right most of the way to Moose Jaw. 850 kilometers - not a bad day of riding at all!
I enjoyed my ride so very much.

I am now in my motel room in Moose Jaw after having dinner with our printer Fraser and his wife Judy. I am working on the upcoming issue of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles and checking emails. In the morning I head in to Estevan, a couple of hours from here. I am really looking forward to this event.

No matter which event you attend this weekend - PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind and be respectful with that right hand.

Belt Drive Betty

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Charity Runs, it's not easy riding in large groups

The CF event in Regina was marred by an accident that sent two people to hospital with serious injuries. One rider hit the rear end of another bike. Approximately 400 bikes turned out for the event.

Group riding in urban traffic situations is NOT for the faint of heart or the new rider. Yes it is sharp to see or be a part of a long string of motorcycles going down the road however, the riders participating had best be on their game.

Accidents happen SO quickly...

The number of rider deaths this season is of grave concern to me and I think that Quebec's idea of banning anyone under 25 with less that 5 years of riding experience from riding high powered sport bikes just might be a really good answer to reducing a number of those deaths. I'd like to know more details about what is being proposed as I think it just might be an idea whose time as come.

If you get a moment, come check out the news feeds over at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we have over 800 motorcycle events in the calendars and tons of interesting reading on the motorcycle community in Canada...

Two days later that I hoped but I am hitting the road today on my way to Estevan SK.

Hubby appears to be doing better, our daughter in back from her camping trip and is prepared to stay with him if needs be and a great network of friends will be keeping an eye out on him for me. I have been very conflicted about leaving but he assures me that all will be well. I am putting my faith in the universe that it will be so.

If you are lucky enough to be riding today, PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind and use respect with your throttle hand.

Belt Drive Betty

Monday, May 25, 2009

The headlines...

There have been some interesting things in the news for riders today.
Quebec is banning high powered sport bikes to anyone under 25 and those riders have to have more than 5 years of riding under their belt! Check out all of the headlines we have posted on the Canadian riding community at www.beltdrivebetty.com

Saskatchewan is going to a graduated licensing system...hmm do I detect a trend here?

What are your thoughts on that subject?

I personally think it's about time. I think rider training needs to be mandatory as well. The more riders we can keep safe the better off our community will be. Motorcycle awareness starts with rider awareness in my mind.

Have a wonderful Monday, ride like everyone around you is blind and be respectful with your throttle hand.

Belt Drive Betty