Belt Drive Betty's Blog

A great weekend to ride!

Belt Drive 0 Edmonton AB, riding community 5:48 AM

I am getting files copied and paperwork together so I can hit the road. 
I have meetings today and tomorrow in Edmonton and Toefield and then on Saturday I get to do what I live for - ride with my friends! 
 
Our BDB Club Partners Customer Appreciation Ride takes place on Saturday. You can either meet up with friends at Insane Customs or Time Machine in Edmonton, The Walking Eagle in Rocky, Handle Bar Hideout in Sylvan or Rose's Front Room in Blackfalds and ride to Thorsby and the Kountry Kitchen Bakery. Or Just come to Thorsby between 10 am and noon. 
 
We'll head to Drayton Valley & The V-Twin Family Diner's Show 'n' Shine - there will be a ton of vendors, wonderful prizes to be won...it should be a great time - oh and did I mention the ride is FREE!!!! Many won't be able to come as they will be attending Bling's memorial in Red Deer, but there are a number of people slated to be joining us and for that I am grateful. 
 
Sunday I will be attending the Whitecourt Toy Run - if anyone wants to join me everyone meets at the IGA parking lot for noon. 
 
Besides the riding I think that's the best thing about my job - the friends I have made. 
 
I want to share with you the video we made for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOB-z6vJsB8">Mighty Peace Tourism...</a> 
 
My hubby is going to be attempting to go back to work next week on a special program that will see him work 3 half days for the next while and then they will reassess where he's at and if it looks good they'll boost him to 4 half days and so on. He is sure looking forward to it. He's been pretty restless. I personally feel he's pushing himself too hard but...he says he needs to know what he can and can't do. He still looses his balance if he gets too tired so I can imagine we'll be in for a few interesting challenges over the next few weeks and months ahead... 
 
So this morning as I pack up the bike I am sitting here and thinking that although my days have been like roller coasters of late and I have, like many, been saddened and sobered by all of the death and carnage our community has endured this year - what a lucky woman I am. 
 
About 800 Kilometers is on the agenda today! I look forward to my ride through Valleyview, Fox Creek, Whitecourt, Drayton, Rocky, Sylvan Lake and Blackfalds today before I get in to Leduc and Sandra & Doug's place. 
 
The weather is going to be fantastic and my soul needs this ride as much as it needed last weeks ride to High Level. 
 
Yes the weather has been strange and things have been decidedly rough with the economy making things tough for me and all of our partners on the financial front but if all goes well we'll start seeing all of that turn around shortly. 
 
As the Smither's Harley-Davidson ad in our paper says - "Screw it" Let's RIDE! 
 
What a great philosophy to live by! 
 
If you are like me and fortunate to be riding today, please take a walk around that Iron steed before you jump on. Stay hydrated, ride like everyone around you is blind and can't see you and PLEASE, use respect with that right hand. 
 
I may or may not be around on my blog or on Face Book and Twitter for the next few days... 
We'll see. 
 
Belt Drive Betty

A great weekend to ride!

Belt Drive 0 Edmonton AB, riding community 5:48 AM

I am getting files copied and paperwork together so I can hit the road. I have meetings today and tomorrow in Edmonton and Toefield and then on Saturday I get to do what I live for - ride with my friends! Our BDB Club Partners Customer Appreciation R… Read more »

20Aug2009

Some questions only you can answer

Belt Drive 0 Motorcycle Community, riding community 6:11 AM

Is there anyone within this blog's circle of influence that would like to work remotely with me? 
 
A large amount of what we do at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> is non profit work. 
We help the motorcycle community to market itself to each other. 
 
We are a clearinghouse of information - a networking tool and a place to celebrate being a Canadian Motorcyclist. 
 
We are setting up a brand new event management system for our site and we will need: 
 
Event Calendar Manager - Volunteer Position - Your job is to ensure that all of the event information we have is absolutely accurate. Helping riding clubs and charities that host motorcycle events get the exposure and publicity they need to be successful. 
 
Riding Club Event Calendar Manager - Volunteer Position - Your job is to ensure that our events calendars have YOUR riding club information in them! We carry the information for all 10 provinces and the territories...we carry information for any riding club who wants to either grow its membership or promote its events and communities. 
 
Data Entry Clerk - Paid Position - I have a number of basic data entry jobs that need to be completed. You need strong computer skills, attention to detail, strong spelling and typing skills. 
 
Electronic Marketing -Commission Position - I need someone to help me monetize our web site and to obtain back links. 
 
Bloggers- Do you have a blog specific to motorcycles/motorcycling in Canada? 
If so, I would like to link to you. Send me your information so we can get 'hooked' up. 
In particular I am looking for riders who camp, and tourism related blogs. 
 
If you have any ideas or suggestions for our website, our newspaper or our on line tools and services, please drop me a line. 
 
We are always looking for ways to improve what we do and what we deliver. 
 
So tell us, what can we do for you? 
 
If you are riding today, PLEASE - stay safe out there. 
Belt Drive Betty

Some questions only you can answer

Belt Drive 0 Motorcycle Community, riding community 6:11 AM

Is there anyone within this blog's circle of influence that would like to work remotely with me? A large amount of what we do at www.beltdrivebetty.com is non profit work. We help the motorcycle community to market itself to each other. We are a clea… Read more »

19Aug2009

Some Safety Technology that just might work!

Belt Drive 0 Community 7:06 AM

In the news feeds today I came across an <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lifestyle/training-and-safety/1923-new-technology-helps-drivers-stay-in-their-own-lane-">article on a technology </a>that will help prevent a driver from drifting into another driver's lane! Scroll down to read the article... 
 
The technology basically tracks the lines on the roadway and operates when you are traveling faster that 72 kms per hour. The lines on the roadway do need to be visible in order for the system to operate. The system cuts out when you put your turn signal on so you aren't hearing a bunch of warnings...it wouldn't work well in a lot of rural environments or in the snow, but like the writer says, if it prevents one fatality, it would be a worthwhile thing to have! 
 
Shaun De Jager of <a href="http://www.roadawareness.ca/">RoadAwareness.ca</a> made a wonderful suggestion that perhaps manufacturers should be supplying free advanced driver training for purchasers - says it would be cheaper than this technology that drivers would either switch off or become complacent using... 
 
I say motorcycle manufacturers should offer advanced rider training with the sale of a new bike too - wouldn't that be POWERFUL? 
 
This coming weekend is our BDB Partners Customer Appreciation Ride. 
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a FREE event with a ton of prizes</div>
 
Rides Leave at 9:15 AM - From: 
 
Insane Choppers - 12506-124 St Edmonton AB T5L 0N5 - Phone: (780) 761-24 
 
Time Machine Motorsports Inc. - 9912-72nd Ave Edmonton AB T6E 0Z3 - Phone: (780) 432-6550 
 
Rose’s Front Room - #1 Romanson Lane Blackfalds AB T0M 0J0 - Phone: (403) 885-5129 
 
Handle Bar Hideout - 5004 - 33 St Sylvan Lake AB T4S 1A9 - Phone: (403) 887-4400 ext 2 
 
Walking Eagle Inn & Lodge - 4915-45 St Rocky Mountain House AB T4T 1A9 - Phone: (403) 845-2804 
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">
OR Just ride to Thorsby and meet us there between 10 AM and Noon!</div>
 
Cost of the Ride: Nothing! 
FREE COFFEE for ALL Riders at Kountry Kitchen Bakery! 
Round One of our “Ride Prize” Giveaways takes place in Thorsby between 11 am and Noon! 
 
While in Thorsby we will be holding a short memorial for Ronnie D’Entremont of Leduc 
who passed away May 21st, 2009 and whose birthday would have been August 18th 
We will also be remembering Duane "Bling" Lowrie, Katleen Purser, Ray Seely and other riders we have lost this 2009 season. 
 
Once at the Drayton Valley Rodeo Grounds you can choose to enter the 
V-Twin Family Diner Show ‘n’ Shine for a cost of $20 (Regular $25) 
($5 off the regular price for Ride Attendees - get your ride wristband in Thorsby!) 
 
Show ‘n’ Shine registration runs from 11 am to 2 pm - 
Judging begins at 2 pm and runs until 5pm 
You should see the list of prizes! His & Hers Custom Jackets, a $1500 Paint Gift Certificate from the Paint Druid and a whole whack more! 
Rolling Thunder Dyno will be on hand as will a number of vendors! 
 
Stick around for our Second Round of BDB Club “Ride Prize” Giveaways at 3 pm! 
 
One lucky rider will win tickets for 2 for Kissmania that night at the 
Drayton Valley Rodeo Grounds (Tickets being Supplied by the V-Twin Family Diner) PLUS We have a TON of other prizes from our BDB Club Business Partners 
to give away as well - so come join us! 
 
For those who wish to make a weekend of it - 
Kissmania - Present by: the Drayton Valley Lions Club - $25 pre show and at the door $30 
(Only 2,500 tickets available) Free On Site Camping at the Drayton Valley Rodeo Grounds! 
being given away! 
 
Then if you are up for it: On Sunday is the Whitecourt Toy Run 
We all meet at the I.G.A.parking lot . of Highway 43 
We leave at 12:00 Noon- do the ride around town which takes about a hour then meet at the Rivers Pub for burgers and pop [free], kids are welcome ............... 
RCMP will be involved, fire trucks will lead the run 
 
So, if your weekend is free and you are looking for something to do, why not join us! 
 
I am sure looking forward to this weekend! 
If you are riding today, please walk around that Iron Steed and have a good look, stay hydrated, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and PLEASE, use respect with that throttle hand. 
 
Belt Drive Betty

Some Safety Technology that just might work!

Belt Drive 0 Community 7:06 AM

In the news feeds today I came across an article on a technology that will help prevent a driver from drifting into another driver's lane! Scroll down to read the article... The technology basically tracks the lines on the roadway and operates when … Read more »

18Aug2009

Helmets, personal choices and beliefs, what are yours?

Belt Drive 6 Canadian Riders, Motorcycle Community, Rider Safety, Riding Gear 5:37 AM

The news today is filled with more death and carnage. 
 
The <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/news-events/on/1915-fatalities-anger-motorcyclists-stiffer-penalties-urged">CMC (Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers)</a> is calling for stiffer penalties if a motorist kills a rider. 
Riders are outraged at the fatalities and accidents being caused by inattentive motorists. 
 
The number of motorcycle deaths are like the size of our community - on the rise. 
 
I agree that there needs to be stiffer penalties for motorists but I also feel every rider should be encouraged to take some kind of advanced rider training at some point. The more skills we have, the better our chance for survival. I'd like to see the government and insurance companies provide substantial discounts on advanced courses and insurance for those willing to take them. 
 
My personal belief is that the more skill you have, the less likely you are to be involved in a situation that becomes life threatening. 
 
A friend to many (including myself), Kathleen Purser who passed recently, died from head injuries - she was wearing a beanie. Last year another friend of mine, Sylvie Day died from head injuries, she too wore a beanie. 
 
In both cases there are/were people calling for everyone to wear full face helmets and other types of DOT helmets. 
 
But I wonder...does it really matter what helmet you wear? 
 
I'm truly not so sure. 
 
I feel that sometimes a DOT helmet, in particular a full face helmet can cause other injuries, the weight of these helmets can break your neck in certain kinds of accidents. You might survive the crash and still be with us but your quality of life may be somewhat jeopardized. 
 
It's a debate that I have no real answers for. To me, it is truly the rider's choice. 
 
My attitude is, if I am in a serious accident, I would rather be gone from this world than live in a wheelchair or worse. To live through an accident and not be able to ride would be devastating to me and my quality of life...I am not so sure my family would agree with me, but that is my personal truth. 
 
Make no mistake, it is not something I take lightly - there are so many factors in the choice, so many emotions, so much to consider. I wear a DOT Beanie, it is my concession to my family's concerns for my safety. I wear full leathers 99.9% of the time, I have an aversion to road rash. 
 
I take what I like to believe are <a href="http://www.smartrisk.ca/home/">SMART RISKS</a>... 
 
Your family, loved ones and friends would rather you wear a DOT helmet - they would like to see you take every precaution possible. Yet, if you came home to them in a wheel chair or with mental impairment they might not be able to deal with that any better than they would be able to deal with your death. 
 
I know people who have survived the most vicious of accidents with hardly a scratch and others who died in seemingly harmless accidents. I truly believe that when God wants you home with him, he takes you regardless. Again, that is MY belief. 
 
Stiffer penalties, rider training and helmets/gear aside - when it's your time I don't believe it really matters. That doesn't mean you need to court disaster and bring challenges to your life and those around you that didn't need to be there... 
 
Life is full of risks. 
You can get killed crossing the street, taking a shower or walking down a flight of stairs. 
 
Life is full of choice. 
Do you live in a bubble and never experience the extreme sense of freedom or do you get out there and taste and experience everything life has to offer? 
 
Only you can answer that question for you. 
 
It boils down to this - personal beliefs and choices. What are yours? I'd love to hear them. 
 
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please, take a walk around that iron steed, stay hydrated, ride like everyone around you is blind and can't see you and use respect with that right hand. 
 
Belt Drive Betty

Helmets, personal choices and beliefs, what are yours?

Belt Drive 6 Canadian Riders, Motorcycle Community, Rider Safety, Riding Gear 5:37 AM

The news today is filled with more death and carnage. The CMC (Canadian Motorcycle Cruisers) is calling for stiffer penalties if a motorist kills a rider. Riders are outraged at the fatalities and accidents being caused by inattentive motorists. The … Read more »

17Aug2009

A weekend for the soul

Belt Drive 0 Canadian Riders, Community, Motorcycle Community 2:21 PM

This weekend started out on a pretty rough footing for me. The news that yet another friend passed due to a motorcycle accident was devastating and I needed to ride. With hubby being up and down I have had to alter my entire riding schedule and attend events that are within a days ride of home. I had planned on attending the Pig 'n' Fin, but that was not to be. So when the opportunity presented itself to ride to High Level for their first Toy Run, I had to go. I have never been to Manning or High Level before. The scenery was wonderful! I headed out on Friday night at about 5pm and rolled in to Manning around 7:30 pm, and took a room at a little Motel. It seems the people running the Garden Court - a BDB partner, didn't know about the discount they were supposed to be providing so I checked out another one and took it as it was exactly half the price. I had a great Chinese meal at Sing's restaurant. Really tasty Chinese! It's a must stop if you are in the area. During the ride up I noted mother nature's handiwork everywhere. The trees are all turning color, the geese are already teaching their babies...the muskeg and it's eerie qualities, the sweeping curves, vast prairie carved out of forested areas...the landscape I had seen so far was compelling. As I rode I thought about all of the people I have known who have passed on or been seriously injured. Gone from us, just in my circle of "friends & acquaintances" Ray Seeley, Kathleen Purser, Duane Lowry (Natural causes not bike related, but gone just the same), Terry Kunto of Fantom Choppers - all in the last month.... Injured: Layton Park - who is doing so much better than doctors anticipated, Maureen Moores, Brad Nyuli and Kevin Cherepak and that's just a short list... I grieved and blamed the tears on the wind, I celebrated life by feeling the majesty and variety of the scenery around me and then I finally settled in to just being...I felt like I was absorbing my surroundings and felt huge peace. The next morning at 7:30 am I headed to High Level and the Mackenzie Highway Riders Association Toy Run. I got there at 9:30 am and was treated to a pancake, egg and sausage breakfast and HOT coffee which was much needed. At 11 am we all headed to the Flamingo Motel for the parade line up and while there were only 17 bikes, we made an impression. The 300 KM poker run through the Mackenzie Highway Tourist Region again showed me the vast and diverse nature of the region. The Mighty Peace in all it's majesty, the beautiful carved landscape pitted against the "ordinary" flats of prairie farmland...I have to say I was very surprised - I expected solid forest and muskeg, not so! Yes there were bugs and lots of them, evenings and mornings being the worst times but I was grateful for every bug that graced the fairing on my glide... Yes, it was a weekend for the soul... There will be a full report on the Toy Run and a fabulous BDB partner's review in the next edition of the Busted Knuckle Chronicles that will be coming out on Thursday... If you are riding today, please take a walk around that iron steed, stay hydrated, use respect with that right hand and ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you! Belt Drive Betty

A weekend for the soul