Good Bye Motorcycle Rallies in South Carolina - The Myrtle Beach Saga finally comes to an end of sorts...

<div> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The politics in Myrtle Beach South Carolina make our Canadian politics seem so tame.</span></i></div> <div> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am however ensuring that this issue gets some light of day here in Canada because as our population grows both as a country and as the motorcycle community - <b>these issues WILL be on our doorstep and the politics WILL become<span style="color: red;"> this disgusting.  </span></b></span></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This article is a forewarning to EVERY MOTORCYCLE EVENT COORDINATOR and community in CANADA - there is lots to be learned here, but will anyone take the time - I doubt it, but I feel I have to try and get people to see the responsibilities that they have on ALL sides of the equation - otherwise, rallies will be a thing of the past in no time at all.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Electric motorcycles might end up becoming the savior of rallies and Motorcycle Tourism!</b></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The Myrtle Beach Saga finally comes to an end of sorts...</b></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Depending on what <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/356-contacts/2820-myrtle-beach-goes-to-the-polls">news article you read </a>and whose slant or side resonates with you, there's lots of fodder available for building acrimony! <a href="http://www.thesunnews.com/visit/">Myrtle Beach On Line</a> has had lots of hmm.. shall we say lively and colorful discussion threads on this issue.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A lot of people who belong to the facebook group - Bring Back Myrtle Beach- are boycotting certain restaurants and businesses...</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Slander, lawsuits, fist fights - YUP this community's politics has it all.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bikers as tourists is being seen by many as the pro small business/commerce side of the issue VS peace, quiet and retirement - the other side of an issue that is so contentious it forced an early election and was in many ways viewed as a referendum.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From the City of Myrtle Beach's point of view they are right to get rid of the rallies.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/faq.html">http://myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/faq.html</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am copying their statements regarding the rallies so that you can truly see how Myrtle Beach - the government is as much responsible for the out of control way the rallies were allowed to grow and the limits they were allowed to push.  </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">I’ve heard the rallies will still occur, just not in the city limits. Is that true?</span></b></i></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The rallies will not occur in the City of Myrtle Beach and may not occur exactly as they have in the past elsewhere. The City of Myrtle Beach is concerned with the city limits, but other local governments are considering actions to limit or alter the rallies. For example, Horry County Council is considering changes to vendor numbers, locations and fees. Surfside Beach has eliminated vendors for two years. North Myrtle Beach will not allow vendors in front of Barefoot Landing and may or may not approve a variance for a tent at the Harley-Davidson shop. You may wish to contact other local governments directly to inquire about their plans. Atlantic Beach (843) 663-2284; City of North Myrtle Beach (843) 280-5555; Horry County (843) 915-5005; Town of Surfside (843) 913-6111. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>I understand the motorcycle rallies have been cancelled and will not be held in 2009. Is this true? </b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, as far as the City of Myrtle Beach is concerned, the motorcycle rallies have ended. The residents of Myrtle Beach spoke loudly and clearly, asking City Council to end the May rallies. In response, City Council enacted numerous ordinances and changed existing laws to curtail the rallies beginning in 2009. Some form of the rallies may be held elsewhere in Horry County, but they will no longer occur within the city limits of Myrtle Beach, S.C.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Why does Myrtle Beach no longer want motorcycle rallies?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The rallies grew too large and lasted too long. The back-to-back rallies attracted several hundred thousand bikers and event-goers and overwhelmed the city for nearly three weeks. The rallies drove other visitors away. Through the years, the city tried to work with the organizers and attendees, but the rallies did not improve. Instead, they became larger, longer and louder. Myrtle Beach welcomes people who ride motorcycles lawfully, but the rallies have ended. </span></span></div> <div style="color: blue;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>IN MY HO - had the city forced coordinators to meet certain expectations this would not have happened - the city had the power via permits etc, to keep the length of the rallies at whatever they wanted - instead they choose to ban them - hmmm when and how did they figure out they had the power to do that??? Maybe they should have put their foot down years ago????</b></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Is this effort to discontinue the motorcycle rallies targeted at one group or one specific rally?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">No, the City of Myrtle Beach doesn’t want to play host to any motorcycle rally, regardless of its sponsors or attendees. The new ordinances are in effect year-round, not just during the month of May.  </span></span></div> <div style="color: blue;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="color: blue;">WAY TO CYA for the benefit of the NAACP (<i>National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) The NAACP is largely responsible, in MHO, for making this into a race issue instead of a respect issue.</i></b><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>Read up on the history....</b></span><br /> </i></span></span></div> <h3 class="r" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></h3> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>So, is Myrtle Beach anti-biker?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not at all. The city welcomes individual motorcyclists 365 days a year, as long as they obey all local and state laws. However, the city doesn’t welcome the huge motorcycle rallies and the problems they bring.<span style="color: blue;"> <b>Be clear on this - this in not a place I will EVER go to, be it in a car or on a bike. It's crime rate is horrendous and the rallies had very little to do with it from what I read...</b></span><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Haven’t these rallies existed for many years? Why is the City of Myrtle Beach just now deciding to discontinue the rallies?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The May motorcycle rallies are not new, but for many years, they lasted only a few days and attracted much smaller crowds. While those events may have presented some challenges for residents, most people tolerated them for short periods. However, in recent years, both May motorcycle events outgrew their original size, scope and duration. The back-to-back rallies now last for nearly three straight weeks and present a huge burden on the local community. As a result, the residents asked the city to end the rallies, and City Council responded accordingly. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>AS I SAID PREVIOUSLY - PROPER PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS Piss Poor Performance </b></span><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>If the city doesn’t want special events, why do the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizers promote events like the Sun Fun Festival, the Myrtle Beach Marathon, or the Canadian-American Days Festival?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Events like the Sun Fun Festival, the Myrtle Beach Marathon and the Canadian-American Days Festival last only a few days and don’t require nearly the level of support from the city as the motorcycle rallies. Also, they don’t cause the same level of inconvenience, noise and congestion for the residents. Those events also do not result in increased crime, traffic wrecks and fatalities.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;">(From what I read about Myrtle Beach, the crime rate is so high because of being a tourist town that it is a scary place to go to even when at its best. Again, don't take my opinion as gospel  - read the history and all of the conflicting comments and draw your own conclusions)</span></span></b></span><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Myrtle Beach is a tourist destination. It seems strange that such a destination would decide it doesn’t want tourists, doesn’t it?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We welcome all tourists, as long as they obey our state and local laws. The motorcycle-related rallies grew to be too large, too noisy and too unmanageable. For example, during July 4th, we will host even more visitors than during the motorcycle rallies, but the effect on the community is much less intense. The rallies grew so large and lasted so long that they simply overwhelmed the community. In short, their negatives far outweighed their positives. <b><span style="color: blue;">(AGAIN I HUMBLY SUBMIT - PROPER PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS PISS POOR PERFORMANCE)</span></b><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If the motorcycle rallies were such a great benefit for our area, it would seem that other communities would compete for them and try to move them to their towns, much like national conventions. So far, that hasn’t happened. Ask yourself… Would your community welcome three weeks of motorcycle rallies with hundreds of thousands of participants and the resulting noise, litter, lewdness, crime, traffic congestion, reckless driving, accidents, injuries, and deaths? Probably not.<br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>The rallies bring a lot of revenue to the city and its businesses. Does the City Council realize how much money it stands to lose?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, the City Council is aware of the economic impact of the motorcycle rallies, but the rallies also cost the community, and more than just money. Certain business segments did well during the rallies, but others did not. The city also paid a substantial cost in staff time and resources to cope with the rallies. Many would-be visitors also chose not to visit during May because they did not want to be caught up in the rallies. But perhaps the biggest cost of all was the effect the rallies had upon our quality of life. Residents were no longer willing to give up the month of May. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Do businesses realize they’re going to lose a lot of money when the rallies go away? </b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, and no. Some businesses did benefit financially from the motorcycle rallies and expressed concern over the city’s decision. Other businesses didn’t benefit financially from the motorcycle rallies and supported the city’s efforts. And, believe it or not, there are some businesses that benefit financially from the rallies but believe overall that they still aren’t good events for the area. It’s safe to say that the business community is divided on the issue, but regardless, the city is eliminating the rallies for non-monetary reasons.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>If I decide to ride my motorcycle to Myrtle Beach in May 2009, what changes will I notice?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Myrtle Beach is the same appealing destination that it’s always been, but you will be subject to several new ordinances. For example, you will need to wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection while riding your motorcycle within the city limits. Your motorcycle must have a functioning muffler and you will not be allowed to make excessive noise. At idle, motorcycles and other vehicles may be no louder than 89 decibels. You will need to present your license, registration and proof of insurance at all traffic checkpoints, which will be more common beginning in 2009. These checkpoints also may include noise measurements. For more details on our local laws, please view our list of new or changed <a href="http://myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/ordinances.html">ordinances</a>. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Hotels are telling me I can’t bring my motorcycle on a trailer. Is this true and, if so, why?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The city will not allow motorcycle trailer parking on public rights-of-way within the city limits, nor at large, vacant sites. You may park trailers in hotel parking lots as long as they do not displace other guests’ vehicles. Spaces for trailer storage may be available outside city limits, but within the city, there will be no space available for trailer storage. Also, city ordinances restrict motorcycles to no more than two vehicles per public parking space. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;">(But no, we aren't targeting anyone group of people - hell no!)</span></b><br /> <br /> <i><b>Will the new ordinances passed by the City of Myrtle Beach affect the Harley-Davidson rally, the Memorial Day Bikefest, or both?</b></i></span></span> </div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Both. The new ordinances are in effect year-round, and actions to eliminate the motorcycle rallies will be implemented consistently among all events. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>When do the new laws go into effect?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of the new ordinances are already in effect. Other laws will be implemented in February 2009. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Are the city’s efforts constitutional?</b></i></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, the city believes its efforts are very much in line with the constitutions of the United States and South Carolina. As a matter of policy, the city doesn’t comment on pending legal challenges. However, lawsuits have been filed, and thus far, the courts have sided with the city and refused to issue any injunctions.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Where do the city limits of Myrtle Beach extend? </b></i></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Like all cities in South Carolina, the city limits line zigs and zags. Generally speaking, the city limits begin at the southern end of Restaurant Row and continue to just past the former Air Force Base. Except for a portion of Grande Dunes, all of the City of Myrtle Beach is east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Look for signage at the major entrances to the city. At this time, SC 31, the Carolina Bays Parkway, is completely outside the Myrtle Beach City limits. </span></span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What I see is a place where they - the Municipality allowed themselves to  loose control of the events. If the city had not extended permits and licenses to go over the three weeks period, if they had put in the checks and balances and actually worked with the promoters, the rallies one of which had a 63 year history might be allowed to continue today. If it wasn't for the NAACP and the challenges that nasty politics that ensued from the whole racial side of things...</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What if's... woulda's, should haves...I have said it MANY, MANY times - if HISTORY was a learning tool...instead - it simply repeats itself because not enough people are willing to look at history as a method from which to learn, grow and evolve...</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div style="color: black;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>If you are not part of the solution YOU ARE THE PROBLEM...and that's my humble opinion.</b></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are one of those people I love to hate - meaning you live where you can ride....Please, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and ride like everyone around you is your sick grandma or a new born baby you really don't want to wake up - use some respect with that right hand...</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">National VP - A.I.M.Can</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

Good Bye Motorcycle Rallies in South Carolina - The Myrtle Beach Saga finally comes to an end of sorts...

Belt Drive 0 7:45 AM

The politics in Myrtle Beach South Carolina make our Canadian politics seem so tame. I am however ensuring that this issue gets some light of day here in Canada because as our population grows both as a country and as the motorcycle community - thes… Read more »

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Feeling pretty humble today...

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last night I received the President's Award from Grande Prairie Regional Tourism for promoting motorcyclists and motorcycling in the Grande Prairie Region.</span></b></i></span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am so honored and touched. I never expected this!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQN2KeY4JOafNLOlG7E6mjbuvG3-ALPsROC2wgtLr0fKy1Y7Az-cnnAM7ssEq0uuD72Uor3hnkINoie04oM-MghTO1KeqGpjuC-VN4P8qsm4JYmtxrxGJYRq2EBE47w2Ms__W/s1600/Award.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQN2KeY4JOafNLOlG7E6mjbuvG3-ALPsROC2wgtLr0fKy1Y7Az-cnnAM7ssEq0uuD72Uor3hnkINoie04oM-MghTO1KeqGpjuC-VN4P8qsm4JYmtxrxGJYRq2EBE47w2Ms__W/s320/Award.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">L - Kim Grey is the Past President of GPTRA  and R - Emilia Hovorka and of course me, "all teeth" in the middle!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We had a fabulous supper, with incredible entertainers and hubby and I even won a Jacuzzi room at the Stanford Inn in the Silent Auction!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was a fabulous night and the award is something I will cherish for years to come.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My deepest thanks to Kim Grey and Emilia Hovorka for choosing me and to the board of Grande Prairie Regional Tourism for backing the nomination for it!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - I am green with envy, and I hope you will look upon riding in November as a blessing and a treat and honor it by riding safely.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">National VP - A.I.M. Can</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a></span>

Feeling pretty humble today...

Belt Drive 0 6:39 AM

Last night I received the President's Award from Grande Prairie Regional Tourism for promoting motorcyclists and motorcycling in the Grande Prairie Region. I am so honored and touched. I never expected this! L - Kim Grey is the Past President of GPTR… Read more »

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Interesting - perhaps, Exciting????

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">OCC - the very name conjurs up screaming matches, arrogant fits of temper and egos as big as the universe...for me anyway.</span></b></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Paul Sr has a band...aptly named the<a href="http://www.occtheband.com/"> OCC Band </a>and their first album which features if I read right, three songs from the band and 14 songs that are Paul Sr's favorites from other bands.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The band is made up of staffers from OCC - from the limited amount of  clips I was able to listen to, they sounded awesome! And yeah, I am surprised. I really didn't know what to expect.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Royal Enfield is coming to Canada...<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/446-motorcycle-reviews-/2797-royal-enfield-motorcycles-are-coming-to-canada-in-2010">Rob from Bullet Motorcycles in Edmonton </a>is the new Canadian Distributor!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's lot of sports news today so be sure to cruise that section of the web site (www.beltdrivebetty.com)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a lot on the agenda today  - this learning gig can be hard on the head...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oh and by the way - I am a quitter! Still a non smoker...</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great day and if you are one of the lucky who live where you can be riding, please ride safe.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">National VP - A.I.M. Can</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a></span>

Interesting - perhaps, Exciting????

Belt Drive 0 6:02 AM

OCC - the very name conjurs up screaming matches, arrogant fits of temper and egos as big as the universe...for me anyway. Paul Sr has a band...aptly named the OCC Band and their first album which features if I read right, three songs from the band a… Read more »

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Some closure ...

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This last few years haven't been the easiest for this gal.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's been an upside down world for me ever since the Olds Bike Show and it's devastating loss. Add to that the challenges with hubby and our twisted economy...</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That loss in Olds triggered an audit, both income tax and GST, now I trust my CA and I was pretty darned sure everything was in order, but you just never know, really now do you?</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I was getting everything together, I have to tell you I was an emotional mess.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was like reliving the entire ordeal all over again. It was crappy. Every time I picked up an invoice of someone who had not paid their bill, ever time I picked up something to do with the policing etc... all of these rotten memories that I thought I had dealt with and buried - they were back.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have to say that I now feel some closure now that the audit is complete and everything has been found to be OK... It's been a long two and a quarter years since the bike show in Olds...and I am glad that I can put everything away, including those horrid feelings and move on to better, brighter days.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is amazing the difference in the way I feel today compared to 48 hours ago!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that as long as I move every day towards my goals with purpose and consistency brighter days are already here!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The news is another mixed bag, so I am just going to let you snoop today. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a grant application to finish, the final revisions on the phone book to look over and a few errands to run...gonna be a busy day!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a fabulous one people! It's snowing here - AGAIN - so no one is allowed to ride today - anywhere - got it! (Yah, I know, go get stuffed :)</span></i><br /> <br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">National VP A.I.M. Can</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a></span>

Some closure ...

Belt Drive 0 8:55 AM

This last few years haven't been the easiest for this gal. It's been an upside down world for me ever since the Olds Bike Show and it's devastating loss. Add to that the challenges with hubby and our twisted economy... That loss in Olds triggered an … Read more »

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Am I wrong?

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a few questions for the lot of you....Am I wrong for trying to keep our web site predominantly Canadian? Am I wrong for proudly touting the fact that our site is Canadian and about Canadian events, businesses, locations and people?</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The reason I ask - is in the learning and reading I am doing, I am finding that some of the most successful web sites - the ones that attract a lot of advertisers and lots of members - they are Canadian and hide that fact.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was stunned to learn that some of the sites I use, and visit - once I investigated who ran them and owned them...CANADIANS.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That shocked me....The Canucks really don't want people knowing they are Canadian owned and run. I am told that it is a detriment to commerce and visitors. I am told American visitors won't come to sites that they know are Canadian sites or get involved on Canadian sites...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wow - that is an opinion I did not expect - I got that opinion from 4 out of the 6 web site owners I talked with...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a lot to learn about this whole web thing and I am determined to learn as much as I can.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How does one keep true to their convictions...I am Canadian and proud of it...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the news today...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/2779-hells-angel-gets-six-years-for-extortion">East End Hells Angels Chapter</a> is less one member for a while...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1258295712401"><br /> </a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/445-2009-09-07-21-32-20/2780-drug-rip-off-triggered-bandidos-slayings-author?directory=200">Alex Caine the author of the "The Fat Mexican -The Bloody Rise of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club"</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">has some very strong opinions on the Shedden massacre....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And, more accidents to report...man, at this time of year you wouldn't expect to be loosing so many riders still. My heart goes out to the families of those riders who are gone from us and to the riders who are injured...I hope there is a local organization there to help you.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">IF YOU ARE RIDING TODAY - please, ride like EVERYONE around you is blind and can not see you!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></i></b><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">National VP - A.I.M.Can</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a></span>

Am I wrong?

Belt Drive 2 8:01 AM

I have a few questions for the lot of you....Am I wrong for trying to keep our web site predominantly Canadian? Am I wrong for proudly touting the fact that our site is Canadian and about Canadian events, businesses, locations and people? The reason … Read more »

Read more »