Belt Drive Betty's Blog

Gratitude - how I spell it....

Yesterday was another of those days where gratitude was in huge play. 
A friend of mine, Lynne is helping me to contact all of our print subscribers and let them know about the changes to the paper and what we are doing to survive in this bizarre economy. 
 
The response we got was overwhelming - what a great show of support for what we do. 
 
We so far have lost two subscribers and ONLY because they have no internet! I am so grateful to Lynn for helping and you guys for the vote of confidence! 
 
Thank you for giving this crabby old broad such a sense of accomplishment. 
It is very rewarding to hear the comments and feedback... 
 
I had a meeting yesterday with the two MLA's for the Grande Prairie Region ( Wayne Drysdale & Mel Knight) - the meeting was in my capacity as the National VP for A.I.M. Can 
 
We discussed road repairs, road safety, motorcycle awareness among other things. It was a rewarding meeting I think and I look forward to the information and contacts that both men committed  to providing A.I.M.Can. Both were quite surprised to hear that the Peace Region has approximately 10% of the provinces registered for highway use motorcycles! 
 
In the news today, OMG.. 
I haven't seen that much activity in mainstream news feeds in AGES! 
We have two, count them TWO motorcycle accidents in the news and one fatal accident from a month ago where the police are looking for help. 
 
Author <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/2877-canadian-motorcycle-pioneers-life-revealed">Greg Williams</a> has his new and FIRST book being launched at Kane's H-D in Calgary on December 6th. The book's title: Prairie Dust, Motorcycles and a Typewriter: The Story of Bernie Nicholson and Modern Motorcycle Mechanics. 
 
I am sure that Greg's book will be a big hit, he's such a talented writer. Greg is a columnist for the Calgary Herald and was involved in a bad motorcycle accident on his water buffalo a number of years back that sees him wheel chair bound these days.  Greg - I wish you the best of everything - YOU DESERVE IT! The man is a true inspiration! 
 
The <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/293-motorcycle-television/2873-hells-angels-say-club-no-crime-organization?directory=130">Hells Angels</a> are in the news again. As two members of the East End chapter are heading for court on December 7th for drug trafficking but their lawyers are trying to get the charges of having sold those drugs for a criminal organization - squashed. 
 
I hope you'll consider wither becoming a subscriber to our weekly E-Newspaper the Busted Knuckle Chronicles  or becoming a member on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> Our Rewards Card for Subscribers & Members is good at over 140 Business locations for savings and special services of all kinds! 
 
We are also have our first ever joke book available: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/support-this-website">"When Life Hands you Lemons, Make Lemon Meringue Pie" </a>Make a small donation to our web site - any size of donation $1 - 1 Billion! and you will get to down load 80 pages of jokes from the 2005 and 2006 editions of the Busted Knuckle Chronicles - our way of saying thanks! 
 
Help us to continue spreading the word and telling the stories of motorcyclists and motorcycle communities across Canada.... 
 
Thank you gang! 
Belt Drive Betty 
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> 
National VP - A.I.M.Can 
<a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a>

Gratitude - how I spell it....

Yesterday was another of those days where gratitude was in huge play. A friend of mine, Lynne is helping me to contact all of our print sub...

Interesting day

Belt Drive 0 Canadian Riders, riding community 5:57 AM

Well, it's only 5:30 am here and it has already been an interesting day! 
 
I have been reading and sifting through the news feeds like I always do - the feeds are great and would automate my job a bit and take some work off my plate but then we'd end up with mountain bike news mixed in with our motorcycle news! 
 
Any hooo... 
 
I came across a couple of very interesting tid bits... 
 
It appears that <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/2856-big-bike-no-shows-are-a-threat">manufacturers are picking their trade shows</a> to attend VERY carefully. 
Spending money is NOT high on the agenda in Europe anyway. 
 
I find it interesting how Honda's employee woes in India seem to be plaguing them and that they seem to be opting out of a lot of trade shows. 
Even Harley and Yamaha have opted out of some! 
Harley will not be at the UK's show in Birmingham that opens today and again, neither will Honda. 
 
Manufacturers are figuring it out that DEMO rides are a great way to get people on their bikes. 
 
To quote David Neely "Some makers find that it’s more productive in real sales terms to send a lorry carrying a full demo fleet to different dealers around the country than being at the international shows. They also argue that the cost of taking part in the big shows is becoming prohibitive" 
 
Well, the story here in Canada is not much better right now. Show organizers are having a heck of a time selling out their shows. No one wants to spend the kind of money that the shows cost. By the time the average exhibitor pays $12 - 1300 for a 10 x 10 booth, pays for parking, meals, fuel and hotels - one show can cost in excess of $2,500 to attend and that does not include costs for extra staff or closing down their store for the event... 
 
It is hugely, wildly expensive to go to the shows! <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/286-news-international-/2857-exhibitors-upbeat-after-scorching-sydney-motorcycle-show?directory=26">Some shows are doing well though</a> 
The show in Sidney Australia has 22% less spectators but the quality of those who attended - and by that I mean their interest level..was up according to the exhibitors. 
 
Show season here in Canada is kicking off with the Toronto MMIC show on the 11th of December. I along with many others are intrigued by what the outcome will be. 
Petrified on some levels but definitely intrigued. 
 
I read an article on a gal named <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/286-news-international-/2860-olga-kevelos-?directory=26">Olga Kevelos</a> who passed away at age 85. 
She was considered by many to be the Lady Motorcyclists of the UK! 
 
"In 1949 Olga Kevelos went on to win the first of her two gold medals, riding a 500cc Norton in the International Six-Day Trials in Wales. She was to ride with varying degrees of success in every Scottish six-day trial until she finally retired from the sport in 1970, and in every International Six-Day Trial until 1966. During that time, she won the backing of almost every major British motorcycle manufacturer, and the Italian and Czech manufacturers Parilla and Jawa/CZ respectively" 
 
Godspeed Olga - I may never have met you but I find your story to be so inspiring! 
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In more local news, I ask you all to say some prayers for a few of my friends.</div>
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Ray Sproulle from Lloydminster is married to his life long sweetheart - today they celebrate 33 years of marriage. It was discovered last week during an emergency bypass that Ray's wife has lung cancer...please say a few prayers for them.</div>
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My friend Susan Sneekes has also just been diagnosed with cancer and a group of friends are trying to raise enough money to send her and her hubby to Daytona for the Nascar season opener - Susan is a HUGE NASCAR Nut. I do not have much, but I am going to figure out something to supply as an auction item or whatever...Here is the link to the Facebook Group doing the fund raising. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=198833593752&ref=mf">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=198833593752&ref=mf</a></div>
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I of all people know how rough it is out there. I am asking you to help out however you can...help Susan live a lifelong dream...pray for Ray's wife and Please - just be grateful for this moment, this day and the people you love and cherish because this moment is all we truly have.</div>
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I love you all and hope you have a wonderful and fulfilling day! 
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Belt Drive Betty</div>
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<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></div>
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National VP - A.I.M. Can</div>
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<a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a></div>
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Interesting day

Well, it's only 5:30 am here and it has already been an interesting day! I have been reading and sifting through the news feeds like I...

Happy Thanksgiving to our American Brothers & Sisters...

Belt Drive 0 Community 5:53 AM

To those who live south of the border and those misguided creatures like Ali, our wonderful web mistress who is transplanted here in the north - Happy Thanksgiving. 
 
In some ways I am glad that the Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving, with ours having been a bit ago, it's a nice reminder to give thanks for all of the blessings we do have. 
 
In spite of the down turn in the economy and in spite of the number of businesses that have closed their doors owing us money - I am so very blessed. 
 
I have a wonderful husband, who in spite of his MS works hard and supports me in more ways than one. 
 
I have a wonderful daughter. A cute little home. 
I have good friends and have quit smoking! 
 
Are things really freaking rough right now? Absolutely. Are we going to get through it - YOU KNOW IT! Because of you, our readers, the great people we work with...we'll come out the other end of this crunch, better, different, stronger... 
 
Thank you to Miles H from Crowsnest Pass AB for <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/support-this-website">buying a Lemon Meringue Pie Joke Book </a>and supporting the cause.  Every donation to keeping our site and newspaper going is deeply appreciated! 
 
Now then, Atlanticade - the city of Moncton lost it, St Andrews has it now and MAN does that whole scene sound too familiar to this gal.... 
 
For those who don't know it, I used to hold Custom Motorcycle Shows and Rallies - would I do it again???  Depends on who I was working with. Greed and Politics are two things this bull in a China shop has NO PATIENCE FOR! 
 
From the history I know about Atlanticade, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/381-contacts/2832-motorcycle-festival-moves-to-st-andrews?directory=167">the city of Moncton either got greedy</a> OR decided it really did not want motorcycles. 
 
You see the fates and fortunes of motorcycle events has a lot more to do with the top cop and the mayor of any community than most people realize. If the top cop and the mayor don't mind motorcycles - events generally get support and few road blocks are put up. 
If the Mayor and the top cop get along - even better! 
 
If however, the mayor happens to think he can make big money off the backs of event coordinators - guess what, you end up with ridiculous vending fees, stupid things like two and three festival licenses being allowed the same weekend for different kinds of events, hotel rooms and the like are subsequently over booked...it can be a nightmare when the city/town and the event coordinator are operating with two different agendas!  
Add an RCMP or policing agenda into the mix and you have a real class A horror show on your hands! 
 
Ask me - I know - this whole gig cost me in the 100K neighborhood to learn that lesson. 
If the top cop don't like an event type - he/she can make it REAL EXPENSIVE, REAL INCONVENIENT AND REALLY TYRANICAL! 
 
If you read the latest round of news on this event you will note that last year, the organizer, Dale Hicks had made his frustration with the city well known. 
The move is being viewed by the committee that hosts Atlanticade as a very positive one: 
 
"Leaving Moncton was not an easy decision but St. Andrews offers some very unique benefits to the festival which the committee believes will be key to the overall success and growth of the event. The fact everything will be located within a five minute walk, the charm of the downtown, being situated on the water, and having the famous Algonquin Hotel as the headquarters for the festival should make for a welcoming atmosphere for the participants," said committee member Krista Mollins-Jamieson. 
(<a href="http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/news/article/867367">From the Times & Transcript Article</a>) 
 
 
The Mayor of St Andrews, John Craig is reported to be very pleased for his community and region to have tourism income potential for the region. 
 
 
I wish Dale and the organizing committee much success with their move. When I moved the bike show out of the north country here in Alberta to central AB - it cost me damned near everything including my sanity...my hopes for you guys is that this move is positive and fruitful! My advice to you - work on good relationships with the Mayor and the Police - the rest will come!!!! 
 
 
I hope you all have a great day. 
If you are one of my American Brothers/Sisters - Happy Thanksgiving... 
for the rest of you - Happy Day! 
 
 
Ride safely if you live where you can ride - you lucky dog! 
 
 
Belt Drive Betty 
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> 
National VP A.I.M. Can 
<a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a>

Happy Thanksgiving to our American Brothers & Sisters...

To those who live south of the border and those misguided creatures like Ali, our wonderful web mistress who is transplanted here in the nor...

Our Book is now available

Belt Drive 0 Community 5:34 AM

Hey gang, 
 
As I said in my blog yesterday, we are in a position where we are going to be relying heavily on donations to keep the web site, the newspaper and the events calendars going. 
 
If it was not for the debt from the bike show, we could have weathered this economic down turn much easier.  As it is, once the January Bike Shows are over, I will most likely be looking for work to tide us over until the economy improves. 
 
Help us to be here to support our community with news and information that directly affects us, the Canadian rider...when you donate to us, we give you an 80 page electronic joke book that you can down load and read at your leisure - they are some of the best jokes that were sent in to the paper in 2005 and 2006! It is our thanks for your support. 
 
Here is a link to the donation page: 
 
We have gotten one donation for the web site so far: 
Mike the Party Hog - thank you! 
 
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/support-this-website">http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/support-this-website</a> 
 
If what we do has any meaning or value to you, please consider donating. 
 
Thanks 
 
Belt Drive Betty

Our Book is now available

Hey gang, As I said in my blog yesterday, we are in a position where we are going to be relying heavily on donations to keep the web site,...

Lemon Meringue Pie for Sale...

Belt Drive 0 Community 8:59 AM

I have a ton of advertisers who are fighting for their financial lives right now. 
They have either canceled their advertising or have parred back. 
 
That leaves a business like mine in a jamb. Especially with the Bike Show Debt that I am juggling. Two years I have been packing that debt and not really getting anywhere with it. And now a second round of recessional cut backs from advertisers. 
 
Gang, I gotta tell yah, if you want this newspaper, the web sites, the event calendars and the tools we provide to continue, then I need your help. Until things improve and advertisers feel free to start spending some money again... 
 
But I also don't want something for nothing - charity ain't my bag unless I am helping someone else out, so here's the deal: 
 
If you are willing to donate to us, we will be giving you an 80 page 
Electronic Joke Book Called "When Life hands you some lemons...Make Lemon Meringue  Pies" to download! As our way of saying thank you! 
 
It is filled with jokes that have been submitted to the Busted Knuckle in 2005 and 2006! 
 
Please donate whatever you feel is a just reward for our web site and services and their worth to you. Help us keep the lights on and the doors open in spite of what is happening to our advertisers. Our charitable events still need help gang! 
 
Thank you for whatever you decide to do, become a subscriber to the Electronic Newspaper or donate a few buck towards keeping the web site and everything going... 
 
Your help will help us keep doing what we do to help our community! 
 
Watch for our donation button to become available later today. 
 
Humbly yours 
 
Belt Drive Betty

Lemon Meringue Pie for Sale...

I have a ton of advertisers who are fighting for their financial lives right now. They have either canceled their advertising or have parre...

Marketing and motorcycles...

Belt Drive 2 Canadian Riders, Motorcycle Community 6:55 AM

What would you say - beyond sales and attaining them, is the single biggest challenge to the motorcycle industry in Canada today? 
 
From where I sit every day, I hear a lot of hard luck stories. 
 
I hear all about businesses that can't attract business but then the only advertising or marketing the do is hanging out a shingle. 
 
Either that or they throw some money at an ad and wonder why they don't get any results or they advertise at the wrong time of year - painters and airbrushers  should be advertising in the early fall ( here in Canada anyway) as people are contemplating putting their rides to bed for the winter - riding season - most people are riding and not thinking of much else. 
 
I see business people who do not get out there and use every available means and avenue to get their name and message out there. They don't get involved or active. They don't explain the products they offer, they don't become an authority on anything. 
 
They don't engage their customer, they don't build any relationships - instead they give up. They loose heart and quit working for what they want - they let the business push them around. They focus on too narrow a consumer base - their own back yard and forget about the rest of us riders who like to travel around. 
 
I see businesses who have horrible staff that are ineffective and only there for a pay cheque - these people are always waiting for something better to come along. 
I won't get in to the problems I see with so many employees out there - that will be for another day! 
 
I see ineffective marketing/lobbying groups that don't truly add any value or fabulous tools that are hidden away and underutilized as no one knows about them... 
 
I'll give you a couple examples of what I mean. 
 
Motorcycle Work dot Com  - how may of you have ever heard of it? They charge employers $39.95 a month to post a job - but not many job seekers know the job board is there to look at...it's a great web site, great concept but there is ZERO marketing done towards the job seeker - it appears that taking the dealer/businesses money is really all that that is about! Even at that there are only ever about a dozen jobs listed. 
 
Or how about the MMIC Job Board - Motorcycle Jobs dot Ca 
 
Yah - I thought not. Again - great tool but who knows about it? 
 
The MMIC - Motorcycle Moped Industry Council - this is supposed to be the voice of the Motorcycle Industry in Canada. Their marketing is often non existent, their fees to be part of the association are outrageous compared to the benefits they offer and if it wasn't for the fabulous job of the guys and gals from the Canadian National Sportsman's Shows who put on the MMIC Shows - well there would be even less marketing. 
 
How many of you here know what the MMIC is Or what the MCC is... 
Heck - half the time I can't even find the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada Site - which is the motorcyclists/rider side of the MMIC  - and it's a new site, a big improvement from the old one, but again - how many of you really even know what they do? 
 
I have been reading with much interest about what the MIC in the US is doing and I guess since we are so small of a country population wise that no one here thinks the American ideas warrant looking at but I do. 
 
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This was taken from Clutch and Chrome today - to read it all:<a href="http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/MotorcycleNews0911020.htm"> http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/MotorcycleNews0911020.htm</a></div>
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Motorcycle sales have suffered with the challenging economy, hitting manufacturers and dealerships alike.</div>
 
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An industry group is riding up to help two-wheeled sales with a campaign designed to help raise consumer awareness about special dealership sales, incentives and activities across the nation.</div>
 
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Launched by the Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors, Revive Your Ride! the first industry-wide promotional campaign aimed at helping dealership's with its advertising and marketing.</div>
 Dealerships can <a href="http://online2.mic.org/reviveyourride" target="_blank"> download</a> logos, advertising templates and other promotional items, all for free. 
I wished that I had a bigger team cause I would sure love to shake things up even more than we already do... 
 
Connecting riders and business with information - we could do so much better if we had a team... 
 
Hope you have a fabulous day. 
Ride safe if you are fortunate enough to live where you can be riding today. 
 
Belt Drive Betty 
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> 
National VP A.I.M.Can 
<a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.aim-can.com</a>

Marketing and motorcycles...

What would you say - beyond sales and attaining them, is the single biggest challenge to the motorcycle industry in Canada today? From whe...