More tragic news to report

This past weekend has been a deadly one.

In Australia - Andrew McFarlane, 33 , once the second-ranked rider in the world, was flung from his bike at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford during the third round of the MX National Motocross championships. He died at the scene.

A 22 year old rider from Coquitlam BC died when he lost control of his bike at an intersection - no other details have been released.

And in Southern Alberta - three people are fighting for their lives after a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV - RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb said the details of the crash are still being investigated but its believed the driver of the motorcycle was driving erratically on Highway 2A and he was believed to be under the influence of alcohol.

People - DRINKING AND RIDING causes so much more harm than death.
In this case, two innocent people have been "taken out" and their lives and the lives of their families are forever altered. Then there is the rider of the motorcycle - his family - their lives are forever altered.

Now I know that we are human, we make mistakes and have lapses in judgment - we all do - it is tragically the human condition. When you couple normal human fallacy with alcohol or drug impairment while riding/driving , well - you are increasing the risk factor 1000 fold.

I know I sound like a broken record but what else can I do? I wished I could be like Samantha from Bewitched and wiggle my nose and be where ever needed to prevent people from making these kinds of horrid and tragic mistakes.

I wonder what transpired with the young 22 year old from the lower mainland of Vancouver - the report only says he lost control at the intersection - no reason as to why though.

And what can one say about Andrew McFarlane - again just tragic but obviously, the good lord needed him home with him for some reason...
I pray for all who have been affected, for all who have lost someone they love that they find the peace and understanding to deal with their loss and continue working toward a meaningful and full life. I am not what you would call a religious person but I am a spiritual one and I believe that the good lord - no matter what you call him, has a purpose and a reason for us all - may you find yours today.

If you are fortunate enought to be riding today PLEASE - Do NOT drink/take drugs and ride, ride live everyone around your is blind and can not see you and is in fact OUT TO GET YOU and PLEASE - ride proud, not loud.

Belt Drive Betty