In the news today there is a sad tale of a rider who was killed by a negligent driver.
The ride had a blood alcohol level of 1.5 times the legal limit. According to the police however, even a sober rider would not have been able to avoid this crash.
What makes this whole thing so sad - to me anyway, is that the driver of the pick up who killed this man got a $500 fine - the max allowed for making an unsafe turn which is all the 21 year old was charged with. Hardly even seems worth the courts time, and in no way does this fine make the family feel any different or better about the loss they deal with. I know we all have lapses in judgment and make mistakes but when you cost someone their life, when a family is destroyed - is it not worth more than a $500 fine? I try to put myself in each persons shoes - but what a hard call that would be...
In other news:
In Winnipeg a finance manager of a car lot is in HOT water after being accused of being a laundry for the Red & White.
A Windsor man who in 2004 was one of the first people convicted under anti-gang legislation - he got three years for his endeavors.
There are a few other stories in the news today and I hope you'll take the time to check them out: www.beltdrivebetty.com
I am working on web site statistics in preparation for building a new business plan. It is amazing how fast they become outdated! I am extremely pleased to report that although we are one of the youngest motorcycle web sites of our kind out there we have exceedingly strong rankings!
According to Alexa, our average visitor is spending upwards of 30 minutes on our web site and we are rated the 23,537 web site in Canada!
We all have a great web mistress to thank for a fabulous web site - so Ali - This one's for you - THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!
I won't be writing tomorrow unless the news feeds hold something super important - so have a great weekend and if you are fortunate enough to be riding today - please - ride like everyone around you is blind - can't see you and is in fact out to get you and remember to ride proud not loud - to get respect you must first show it.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 09, 2010
American Chopper: Sr vs Jr
Well that was a short lived break.
The two men that I hate to hate are back on TLC soon with a new series. GROAN.
I guess there must still be interest in the father and son duo who love to scream at each other and throw temper tantrums like they are two. I for one will NOT be tuning in.
I am sick to death of their antics and probably will actually also tune out TLC - any channel that cheapens itself that way is not a channel I really want to watch.
Yes I AM getting that crotchety.
I am fed up with bad customer service and bad TV. I resent being treated like I am an idiot. If reality TV is really about reality then this world is in really, really tough shape.
I would love to hear from anyone who can tell me what it is they find fascinating about shows like American Chopper and now this new one Sr VS Jr....
I shake my head...I apologize if I offend anyone who loves these two on TV - I personally can find nothing redeeming in either of them.
In other news:
Arizona bike week is only a week away and Bryan Harley from Motorcycle USA has a preview for you.
Steve Bond takes over the job of chief nagger today - giving me a break from that duty.
And Northumberland County in Ontario has upset one rider really badly.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you! Please remember that to get respect you have to give respect - use that right hand wisely.
"Belt Drive Betty"
www.beltdrivebetty.com
The two men that I hate to hate are back on TLC soon with a new series. GROAN.
I guess there must still be interest in the father and son duo who love to scream at each other and throw temper tantrums like they are two. I for one will NOT be tuning in.
I am sick to death of their antics and probably will actually also tune out TLC - any channel that cheapens itself that way is not a channel I really want to watch.
Yes I AM getting that crotchety.
I am fed up with bad customer service and bad TV. I resent being treated like I am an idiot. If reality TV is really about reality then this world is in really, really tough shape.
I would love to hear from anyone who can tell me what it is they find fascinating about shows like American Chopper and now this new one Sr VS Jr....
I shake my head...I apologize if I offend anyone who loves these two on TV - I personally can find nothing redeeming in either of them.
In other news:
Arizona bike week is only a week away and Bryan Harley from Motorcycle USA has a preview for you.
Steve Bond takes over the job of chief nagger today - giving me a break from that duty.
And Northumberland County in Ontario has upset one rider really badly.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you! Please remember that to get respect you have to give respect - use that right hand wisely.
"Belt Drive Betty"
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Driver responsible for the deaths of 4 bikers in Arizona was on Meth according to reports
Toxicology reports are in in record breaking time and they are shocking. Meth - that hated and dreaded drug has been identified as the drug found in the man's system.
46-year-old Michael Jakscht has being charged with 4 counts of manslaughter, 5 counts of aggravated assault and 7 counts of endangerment. The Clutch and Chrome article is a really good one and answers many questions about this man and his behaviour.
One BC resident has nailed the problem with bad drivers right on the head!
It is ironic that while the BC writer who tells us about bad instructors being the cause of bad drivers that there should be an article on a British motorcycle instructor who was arrested and fired for being drunk on the job.
Do you remember a while back and article from a gal nicknamed FuzzyGalore where in she exposed the"Beautification" committees desire in one New York Town to get rid of unsightly bikers? Well man is that town back peddling!
Th OPP have issued a serious warning to dog owners - if your dog causes a motorcycle accident you can and will be charged.
And in Winnipeg - the ladies are taking in the Harley-Davidson Garage Party tonight at
Lone Star Harley-Davidson.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind AND out to get you and use respect with that right hans because to be respected you have to give respect.
46-year-old Michael Jakscht has being charged with 4 counts of manslaughter, 5 counts of aggravated assault and 7 counts of endangerment. The Clutch and Chrome article is a really good one and answers many questions about this man and his behaviour.
One BC resident has nailed the problem with bad drivers right on the head!
It is ironic that while the BC writer who tells us about bad instructors being the cause of bad drivers that there should be an article on a British motorcycle instructor who was arrested and fired for being drunk on the job.
Do you remember a while back and article from a gal nicknamed FuzzyGalore where in she exposed the"Beautification" committees desire in one New York Town to get rid of unsightly bikers? Well man is that town back peddling!
Th OPP have issued a serious warning to dog owners - if your dog causes a motorcycle accident you can and will be charged.
And in Winnipeg - the ladies are taking in the Harley-Davidson Garage Party tonight at
Lone Star Harley-Davidson.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind AND out to get you and use respect with that right hans because to be respected you have to give respect.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.greatcanadiandayrides.com
motorcycletourism.ca
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
www.bikerfriendly.ca
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.greatcanadiandayrides.com
motorcycletourism.ca
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
www.bikerfriendly.ca
Contact Me 
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
YOUR PRAYERS are Urgently needed - PLEASE!
In Prince Edward Island on Monday, Joel Paul MacLean was killed when a van pulled out in front of him. His passenger - his wife Karyn has been transported to hospital in Halifax NS.
Your prayers for Karyn would be deeply appreciated. Their good friend Alan Hearn Jr has asked for everyone who can to pray for her.
We also have a prayer request for David Gentle, formerly of Northern Lights Christian Riders, CMA Edmonton Chapter, who had a CAT Scan yesterday and today got a call to see a neurosurgeon immediately due to a tumor found on his brain.
As sad and tragic as this news is - I know, 100 per cent - with out a doubt that I can count on this community to send out their prayers for love, protection and strength and I thank you all deeply for being the kind of community we can all count on when the chips are down and things look their bleakest.
I guess - next to the freedom of the road and the rumble of my machine that what I love best about being a biker/rider is the community - the people... you guys and dolls - the riders who share with me that bike hole in your heart.
As I plan my first cross country trip by motorcycle - I am hoping to hear from some international magazines here shortly and the CTC and a ton of others - I am reaching out to you, my community for help.
If all goes well I will have 3-6 international journalists as well as Daryl Makk and his Planet Tour joining me on this ride (All hinging on assistance from the CTC and the Canadian Riding Community). Of course along the way we will be picking up the Ontario Chrome Divas with their Pink Ribbon Guitar initiative, Shaun de Jager from Road Awareness and the kids from the Bernice MacNaughton High School Bike Klub.
We need sponsors for fuel and food - we need riding clubs who would be willing to help us sell tickets to Daryl's Comedy nights in the various cities and towns we stop in and we need local riders willing to show us around their communities.
I want to treat these journalists to some good old fashioned Canadian Riding Community hospitality. We want the Comedy Nights that Daryl hosts to be filled with riders so that the journalists have a good sense of just how strong this community here in Canada really is.
If you have never seen Daryl on Comedy Now, Just for Laughs or in person - OMG you are missing one very funny man!
If you are interested in getting involved with us and our Awareness Conga - please get in touch with me.
Our dates and towns are:
Grande Prairie to Edmonton - August 10th - we will be stopping in Athabasca for a press conference on the way to Edmonton
Edmonton to Regina August 11/12th- with a stop in Saskatoon for a press conference - we'd love the Saskatoon Riding Community and the Regina Riding communities to come out and say hi!
This is where we hook up with Daryl Makk on his Planet Tour!
We need to sell out the Comedy Venue - Applause Dinner Theater
Brandon MB - August 13th
Winnipeg 14/15 - Comedy show venue to be announced
Thunderbay ON - August 16th
Sault St Marie - August 17th
Manitoulin Islands - Little Current ON - August 18th
Owen Sound - August 19th
Barrie ON - August 20th
Toronto - August 21/22nd
Petawawa/Ottawa ON - August 23rd
Montreal - August 24/25th
Quebec City - August 26th
Fredricton NB - August 27th
Moncton NB - August 28th
Halifax NS - August 29/30th
Digby NS August 31st - September 6th - the Wharf Rat Rally!!!!!!
Charlottetown PEI - Dates to be announced
Now remember folks - NOTHING is written in stone until our sponsors for rooms etc are firmed up which if all goes well should be today and tomorrow.
I can't wait to meet so many people that I only converse with via phone and computer - this is going to be an amazing ride!
We encourage all riders to use the Go Travel Canada Web Site to book their hotel rooms - we'd love to see you join us for the ride be it for an hour, a day a leg or the whole trip!
We will be accepting donations for the Give the Kids the World Village - although it is labeled by many as an American Charity it actually serves terminally ill children from around the world. Our goal on this, our very first Awareness Conga - is to send one terminally ill child and their family from Canada to experience the magic of the village and Orlando's Disney World.
Your assistance will be key in making that happen!
Let's get together as proud Canadians and Bikers to show the world how beautiful our country is and how strong our community is - COME ON CANADA!
In other news:
In Quebec - BRP is willing to refund the cost of a driver education course to anyone who buys a new Can Am Spyder! Now there's an idea whose time has come - if we could convince all motorcycle manufacturers to do that - wouldn't that be a step in the right direction!
Trev Deeley Motorcycles hosted the Westminster Diocese for an interesting evening.
Zero Motorcycles is being debuted in Canada this weekend at the Toronto International Spring Show!
The man responsible for the deaths of two Vancouver Island Motorcyclists appeared in court yesterday.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and is in fact out to get you. Oh and please remember that to get respect we must first give it - use that throttle hand wisely.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.greatcanadiandayrides.com
motorcycletourism.ca
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
www.bikerfriendly.ca
Your prayers for Karyn would be deeply appreciated. Their good friend Alan Hearn Jr has asked for everyone who can to pray for her.
We also have a prayer request for David Gentle, formerly of Northern Lights Christian Riders, CMA Edmonton Chapter, who had a CAT Scan yesterday and today got a call to see a neurosurgeon immediately due to a tumor found on his brain.
As sad and tragic as this news is - I know, 100 per cent - with out a doubt that I can count on this community to send out their prayers for love, protection and strength and I thank you all deeply for being the kind of community we can all count on when the chips are down and things look their bleakest.
I guess - next to the freedom of the road and the rumble of my machine that what I love best about being a biker/rider is the community - the people... you guys and dolls - the riders who share with me that bike hole in your heart.
As I plan my first cross country trip by motorcycle - I am hoping to hear from some international magazines here shortly and the CTC and a ton of others - I am reaching out to you, my community for help.
If all goes well I will have 3-6 international journalists as well as Daryl Makk and his Planet Tour joining me on this ride (All hinging on assistance from the CTC and the Canadian Riding Community). Of course along the way we will be picking up the Ontario Chrome Divas with their Pink Ribbon Guitar initiative, Shaun de Jager from Road Awareness and the kids from the Bernice MacNaughton High School Bike Klub.
We need sponsors for fuel and food - we need riding clubs who would be willing to help us sell tickets to Daryl's Comedy nights in the various cities and towns we stop in and we need local riders willing to show us around their communities.
I want to treat these journalists to some good old fashioned Canadian Riding Community hospitality. We want the Comedy Nights that Daryl hosts to be filled with riders so that the journalists have a good sense of just how strong this community here in Canada really is.
If you have never seen Daryl on Comedy Now, Just for Laughs or in person - OMG you are missing one very funny man!
If you are interested in getting involved with us and our Awareness Conga - please get in touch with me.
Our dates and towns are:
Grande Prairie to Edmonton - August 10th - we will be stopping in Athabasca for a press conference on the way to Edmonton
Edmonton to Regina August 11/12th- with a stop in Saskatoon for a press conference - we'd love the Saskatoon Riding Community and the Regina Riding communities to come out and say hi!
This is where we hook up with Daryl Makk on his Planet Tour!
We need to sell out the Comedy Venue - Applause Dinner Theater
Brandon MB - August 13th
Winnipeg 14/15 - Comedy show venue to be announced
Thunderbay ON - August 16th
Sault St Marie - August 17th
Manitoulin Islands - Little Current ON - August 18th
Owen Sound - August 19th
Barrie ON - August 20th
Toronto - August 21/22nd
Petawawa/Ottawa ON - August 23rd
Montreal - August 24/25th
Quebec City - August 26th
Fredricton NB - August 27th
Moncton NB - August 28th
Halifax NS - August 29/30th
Digby NS August 31st - September 6th - the Wharf Rat Rally!!!!!!
Charlottetown PEI - Dates to be announced
Now remember folks - NOTHING is written in stone until our sponsors for rooms etc are firmed up which if all goes well should be today and tomorrow.
I can't wait to meet so many people that I only converse with via phone and computer - this is going to be an amazing ride!
We encourage all riders to use the Go Travel Canada Web Site to book their hotel rooms - we'd love to see you join us for the ride be it for an hour, a day a leg or the whole trip!
We will be accepting donations for the Give the Kids the World Village - although it is labeled by many as an American Charity it actually serves terminally ill children from around the world. Our goal on this, our very first Awareness Conga - is to send one terminally ill child and their family from Canada to experience the magic of the village and Orlando's Disney World.
Your assistance will be key in making that happen!
Let's get together as proud Canadians and Bikers to show the world how beautiful our country is and how strong our community is - COME ON CANADA!
In other news:
In Quebec - BRP is willing to refund the cost of a driver education course to anyone who buys a new Can Am Spyder! Now there's an idea whose time has come - if we could convince all motorcycle manufacturers to do that - wouldn't that be a step in the right direction!
Trev Deeley Motorcycles hosted the Westminster Diocese for an interesting evening.
Zero Motorcycles is being debuted in Canada this weekend at the Toronto International Spring Show!
The man responsible for the deaths of two Vancouver Island Motorcyclists appeared in court yesterday.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and is in fact out to get you. Oh and please remember that to get respect we must first give it - use that throttle hand wisely.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.greatcanadiandayrides.com
motorcycletourism.ca
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
www.bikerfriendly.ca
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Motorcycle Accidents, Hospital Stays and Anti Lock Brakes
I am sometimes amazed at the various studies and articles that come out from a variety of sources and the way they all converge on the same topic at the same time.
Today is no different. There are least three studies and articles on bikers and accidents.
The article out of Rochester focused on the comparison of the hospital stay times between 21 year olds and 40 - 60 somethings. It expressed that treating a 21 year old compared to treating a 60 year old for the same injuries were vastly different.
The other two articles focused on Anti Lock Brakes and how they are reducing the number and severity of motorcycle crashes. One study is from the Canadian Underwriter and the other is from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US.
In other news:
One Quebec Biker has an opinion to share with insurance companies and government - tax smokers more.
Dana Point Concours d'Elegance(TM) Announces Inaugural Antique & Vintage Motorcycle Exhibit
A rider in BC shares her thoughts on drivers.
In Edmonton a rider was sent to hospital with serious leg injuries.
Custom bike fans will be happy to hear that the Yamaha Boz Bros Bike Show will return to this year’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (July 23-25) and Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix (August 27-28).
And for all of you stock watchers Harley-Davidson's stock got another boost.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you - is in fact out to get you and please - use respect with that throttle hand.
Today is no different. There are least three studies and articles on bikers and accidents.
The article out of Rochester focused on the comparison of the hospital stay times between 21 year olds and 40 - 60 somethings. It expressed that treating a 21 year old compared to treating a 60 year old for the same injuries were vastly different.
The other two articles focused on Anti Lock Brakes and how they are reducing the number and severity of motorcycle crashes. One study is from the Canadian Underwriter and the other is from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US.
In other news:
One Quebec Biker has an opinion to share with insurance companies and government - tax smokers more.
Dana Point Concours d'Elegance(TM) Announces Inaugural Antique & Vintage Motorcycle Exhibit
A rider in BC shares her thoughts on drivers.
In Edmonton a rider was sent to hospital with serious leg injuries.
Custom bike fans will be happy to hear that the Yamaha Boz Bros Bike Show will return to this year’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (July 23-25) and Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix (August 27-28).
And for all of you stock watchers Harley-Davidson's stock got another boost.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you - is in fact out to get you and please - use respect with that throttle hand.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
Contact Me
Monday, April 05, 2010
An informative Monday
The news feeds all weekend were filled with nothing but motorcycle accidents.
Every long weekend we seem to experience the same tragedy.
April is Speeders month. After months of crappy driving,those who love to drive/ride seem to get a little heavy on the throttle. In Alberta and in Ontario - the police services are going to be patrolling the secondary highways as much as they are the main ones.
So driver/rider beware!
In the news today:
Harley-Davidson makes it into the news on two fronts - they have a new state of the art headquarters in Australia - it's pretty "out there" and because of their new parts makers in India. The video for this story is very interesting.
BMW is posting some market share gains here in Canada again - Best March on record.
In Belgium a treasure trove of New - Old Norton's was found.
Ducati's patent that is pending offers some insight on a new street bike.
In Europe a new AMD Champion was crowned.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today please ride like everyone is out to get you, they are all blind and can not see you and - use respect with that throttle hand - PLEASE.
Every long weekend we seem to experience the same tragedy.
April is Speeders month. After months of crappy driving,those who love to drive/ride seem to get a little heavy on the throttle. In Alberta and in Ontario - the police services are going to be patrolling the secondary highways as much as they are the main ones.
So driver/rider beware!
In the news today:
Harley-Davidson makes it into the news on two fronts - they have a new state of the art headquarters in Australia - it's pretty "out there" and because of their new parts makers in India. The video for this story is very interesting.
BMW is posting some market share gains here in Canada again - Best March on record.
In Belgium a treasure trove of New - Old Norton's was found.
Ducati's patent that is pending offers some insight on a new street bike.
In Europe a new AMD Champion was crowned.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today please ride like everyone is out to get you, they are all blind and can not see you and - use respect with that throttle hand - PLEASE.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca
Contact Me
--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Happy Easter Sunday
I hope you all have a happy Easter Sunday.
Sadly, there are many families who are going to be preparing for funerals.
I find it hard to read the news feeds when all you read about is accidents - collisions and avoidable death.
Two days in a row, that's all that has been in the feeds.
No cooking for me for a change - we are going out to a friends - this is going to be a pleasant change for me.
I'd love to be riding, the day looks like it's going to be fabulous but - turkey, ham, family and friends are calling almost as loudly as the highway.
Have a fabulous day - and please - stay safe.
-->
Sadly, there are many families who are going to be preparing for funerals.
I find it hard to read the news feeds when all you read about is accidents - collisions and avoidable death.
Two days in a row, that's all that has been in the feeds.
No cooking for me for a change - we are going out to a friends - this is going to be a pleasant change for me.
I'd love to be riding, the day looks like it's going to be fabulous but - turkey, ham, family and friends are calling almost as loudly as the highway.
Have a fabulous day - and please - stay safe.
Contact Me