It appears that law suits are nothing special in the riding community - Confederate Motorcycles in the US is going through a lawsuit as one partner sues the other over moving the company to take advantage of a loan and to increase production.
The State of Wisconsin has moved one step closer to honoring the HD motorcycle as its state motorcycle.
In Edmonton both Suzuki and BMW have demo days planned.
In BC, BCAA is now offering up more choice to the motorcyclist.
And on Vancouver Island, Steve Drane HD has some news to share.
In Ontario, one man is injured, the other charged in a weird accident...
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 ride proud not loud.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Very sad and tragic...
Apathy and defeatism - they are two of the great tragedies of the human condition.
It appears that in Grande Prairie, these are two very prevalent dispositions in the motorcycle community and from what I hear Grande Prairie is not alone but since it is the place I live and know best I will discuss our situation here.
It is sad and tragic that the riding community appears to go through these struggles - and maybe it is only because I am active in this community that I see it, far too often in my HO. I think some of that struggle here in GP might come from the transient nature of our population. Perhaps it exists elsewhere like soccer communities or in clubs like the Rotary and Lions but since all I know is the motorcycle community I do not feel qualified to speak to the challenges that may or may not face these other organizations.
We, here in the Grande Prairie motorcycle community, have struggled with attendance at meetings for AIM Can from the board of directors to attempting to get more members out to meetings. Now that AIM Can and Vancouver chapter of AIM are going through their power struggle it is even worse. (IMHO)
There is nothing like a power struggle to kill the will of volunteers.
Many who believe in the cause of supporting injured riders have simply said this is not what I thought it would be.
We saw it with the CMA, the CMC and the Northern Stars and now with AIM Can.
Hell even Toys for Tots has gone through its share of tough times with membership and attendance - the difference there is that there is a core group who is totally devoted and stubborn and they never say die. Hence why they are still here after 30 years and no other group is I guess.
So what does it take to have a successful, long lived group of people with common vision?
I have no answers and since I am struggling with a heavy heart due to the loss of a girlfriend to breast cancer yesterday - I won't even try to venture a guess as I would probably come off sounding bitter and resentful.
All I know is that this weekend in Thorsby a bunch of riders are getting together to decide what they want to do about AIM Can - stay as part of the association and wait out the law suit/appeal outcome, get into gear with a provincial association, join forces with another group that wants to do something about riders rights - we have decisions to make as a community and we want the community to participate.
Assisting riders when they have an accident - helping them cope with that period of time between accident and insurance benefits...that's the cause that is closest to my heart - that and helping to prevent those accidents through awareness...will you join us in Thorsby at the community centre at 2 pm on Sunday April 18th? I sure hope some of you can come out.
In the news today:
Little Warriors Poker Run tomorrow in Stony Plain AB
In Vancouver - BCCOM is looking for people to attend a meeting on Tuesday the 20th for their parking initiative.
This weekend in Sackville they are getting all geared up for their arenacross event.
If you get in to an accident in Burlington ON you will want to have access to cash...they are going to charge you clean up and fire fighting fees no matter who is at fault!
Yes they may pass this through insurance but who pays for the insurance? YOU do...so get ready to pay more.
The Dragon is open once again - earlier than thought and the people at Deal's Gap credit the riders for the phone calls and putting on the pressure for the clearing of the road after the slide to be stepped up.
There are many other articles of interest in the news today so to get your fill visit www.beltdrivebetty.com
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. Ride Proud not loud...
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
It appears that in Grande Prairie, these are two very prevalent dispositions in the motorcycle community and from what I hear Grande Prairie is not alone but since it is the place I live and know best I will discuss our situation here.
It is sad and tragic that the riding community appears to go through these struggles - and maybe it is only because I am active in this community that I see it, far too often in my HO. I think some of that struggle here in GP might come from the transient nature of our population. Perhaps it exists elsewhere like soccer communities or in clubs like the Rotary and Lions but since all I know is the motorcycle community I do not feel qualified to speak to the challenges that may or may not face these other organizations.
We, here in the Grande Prairie motorcycle community, have struggled with attendance at meetings for AIM Can from the board of directors to attempting to get more members out to meetings. Now that AIM Can and Vancouver chapter of AIM are going through their power struggle it is even worse. (IMHO)
There is nothing like a power struggle to kill the will of volunteers.
Many who believe in the cause of supporting injured riders have simply said this is not what I thought it would be.
We saw it with the CMA, the CMC and the Northern Stars and now with AIM Can.
Hell even Toys for Tots has gone through its share of tough times with membership and attendance - the difference there is that there is a core group who is totally devoted and stubborn and they never say die. Hence why they are still here after 30 years and no other group is I guess.
So what does it take to have a successful, long lived group of people with common vision?
I have no answers and since I am struggling with a heavy heart due to the loss of a girlfriend to breast cancer yesterday - I won't even try to venture a guess as I would probably come off sounding bitter and resentful.
All I know is that this weekend in Thorsby a bunch of riders are getting together to decide what they want to do about AIM Can - stay as part of the association and wait out the law suit/appeal outcome, get into gear with a provincial association, join forces with another group that wants to do something about riders rights - we have decisions to make as a community and we want the community to participate.
Assisting riders when they have an accident - helping them cope with that period of time between accident and insurance benefits...that's the cause that is closest to my heart - that and helping to prevent those accidents through awareness...will you join us in Thorsby at the community centre at 2 pm on Sunday April 18th? I sure hope some of you can come out.
In the news today:
Little Warriors Poker Run tomorrow in Stony Plain AB
In Vancouver - BCCOM is looking for people to attend a meeting on Tuesday the 20th for their parking initiative.
This weekend in Sackville they are getting all geared up for their arenacross event.
If you get in to an accident in Burlington ON you will want to have access to cash...they are going to charge you clean up and fire fighting fees no matter who is at fault!
Yes they may pass this through insurance but who pays for the insurance? YOU do...so get ready to pay more.
The Dragon is open once again - earlier than thought and the people at Deal's Gap credit the riders for the phone calls and putting on the pressure for the clearing of the road after the slide to be stepped up.
There are many other articles of interest in the news today so to get your fill visit www.beltdrivebetty.com
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. Ride Proud not loud...
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
A BUSY day in the news!
Well folks - the Vulnerable Road Users Motorcycle Task Force Meeting was VERY interesting. As my first time being involved in something like this I was very pleasantly surprised at the single mindedness of the group and their dedication to keeping riders safe.
There were all kinds of players at the table - Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario - from pretty much right across the country with one notable exception - BC - for whatever reason BCCOM was not present.
Helmets and new standards being adopted in Canada were on the table. It was generally agreed that SNELL, DOT and ECE standards be accepted so that a broader range of helmet types could be worn legally. Consideration for riders from other countries visiting Canada was one of the driving forces behind this recommendation. It was noted that BCCOM is opposed to ANY helmet regulations however the general feeling was that BC would, with in two years have new helmet legislation.
Other topics were improper/unsafe roadway repairs, obstacles that traffic engineers put in place that are actually harmful to motorcyclists even though they are meant to slow drivers down - among the items discussed were rumble strips in curves and the types of paint used.
Zero tolerance for alcohol for all riders was discussed but it was generally agreed that that is unfair and treating people like children. It was discussed that people know what the law is and to try and impose stricter sanctions that the general law allows is not the way to go. However those just learning are restricted to a zero allowance.
There were many, many other topics covered in the 2 hour teleconference and I found it fascinating and thoroughly informative - the recommendations of the committee now go to the transportation department and the engineering departments. There will be other meetings of the Vulnerable Road Users Task Force and I look forward to participating in them.
In the news today:
Ontario ride nights are coming in hot and heavy - thanks to Bruno over at Ryder's Roost for making sure we all stay informed.
A young Kelowna rider is in serious condition after a truck pulled out in front of him and he may loose a leg - prayers are much needed folks!
In Montreal (Laval), police are looking for a rider who was hit after he ran a red light. The vehicle who hit the rider fled the scene and the police who witnessed the whole thing (they had a radar trap going) took after the vehicle. When they came back to the scene the rider and his bike were reportedly gone leaving only hos footwear behind.
In jurisdictions where they have helicopters they are no longer engaging riders in high speed pursuits through city streets where that pursuit could cause other incidents - instead they are simply using helicopters to track the offender and ticket them. That's what happened to a 24 year old rider on a gray Kawasaki in Surrey yesterday. YOU CAN'T OUT RUN A MOTOROLA BOYS AND GIRLS.....
Alberta has finally announced a distracted driver's law. It will include things like personal grooming, use of hand held devices like cell phones, reading, writing etc. Fines will start around $176 but will not involve demerits reportedly. The new law goes to the legislature this fall.
And on the lighter side - Eric Buell and the Thunderbolts are promoting their new album....
You read that right - Eric Buell of Buell Racing - Buell Motorcycles...
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you - that they are out to get you and PLEASE ride Proud - NOT loud!
Save those loud pipes for some jerk who drifts into you like the old dude who did that to me yesterday!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
There were all kinds of players at the table - Quebec, Saskatchewan, Ontario - from pretty much right across the country with one notable exception - BC - for whatever reason BCCOM was not present.
Helmets and new standards being adopted in Canada were on the table. It was generally agreed that SNELL, DOT and ECE standards be accepted so that a broader range of helmet types could be worn legally. Consideration for riders from other countries visiting Canada was one of the driving forces behind this recommendation. It was noted that BCCOM is opposed to ANY helmet regulations however the general feeling was that BC would, with in two years have new helmet legislation.
Other topics were improper/unsafe roadway repairs, obstacles that traffic engineers put in place that are actually harmful to motorcyclists even though they are meant to slow drivers down - among the items discussed were rumble strips in curves and the types of paint used.
Zero tolerance for alcohol for all riders was discussed but it was generally agreed that that is unfair and treating people like children. It was discussed that people know what the law is and to try and impose stricter sanctions that the general law allows is not the way to go. However those just learning are restricted to a zero allowance.
There were many, many other topics covered in the 2 hour teleconference and I found it fascinating and thoroughly informative - the recommendations of the committee now go to the transportation department and the engineering departments. There will be other meetings of the Vulnerable Road Users Task Force and I look forward to participating in them.
In the news today:
Ontario ride nights are coming in hot and heavy - thanks to Bruno over at Ryder's Roost for making sure we all stay informed.
A young Kelowna rider is in serious condition after a truck pulled out in front of him and he may loose a leg - prayers are much needed folks!
In Montreal (Laval), police are looking for a rider who was hit after he ran a red light. The vehicle who hit the rider fled the scene and the police who witnessed the whole thing (they had a radar trap going) took after the vehicle. When they came back to the scene the rider and his bike were reportedly gone leaving only hos footwear behind.
In jurisdictions where they have helicopters they are no longer engaging riders in high speed pursuits through city streets where that pursuit could cause other incidents - instead they are simply using helicopters to track the offender and ticket them. That's what happened to a 24 year old rider on a gray Kawasaki in Surrey yesterday. YOU CAN'T OUT RUN A MOTOROLA BOYS AND GIRLS.....
Alberta has finally announced a distracted driver's law. It will include things like personal grooming, use of hand held devices like cell phones, reading, writing etc. Fines will start around $176 but will not involve demerits reportedly. The new law goes to the legislature this fall.
And on the lighter side - Eric Buell and the Thunderbolts are promoting their new album....
You read that right - Eric Buell of Buell Racing - Buell Motorcycles...
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you - that they are out to get you and PLEASE ride Proud - NOT loud!
Save those loud pipes for some jerk who drifts into you like the old dude who did that to me yesterday!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
It's going to be an interesting day!
Today is going to be one of those days filled with eye opening information - of that I am sure. I will be sitting in on a phone conference for the Vulnerable Road Users Committee.
Some of the items on the agenda will be helmets, graduated licenses and a review on motorcycle accidents. I am looking forward to my inaugural meeting as there is s much I will be able to bring back to the meeting in Thorsby on Sunday!
Remember folks that Sunday at 2pm at the Community Centre in Thorsby a ton of us are meeting to decide the fates of our AIM Can Chapters here in Alberta and look at joining forces with a ton of others who want to start a Riders Rights and Awareness group.
If you ride and live in Alberta - this meeting is for and about YOU!
And I plan on going for a ride - somehow this afternoon in between teleconferences!
I am not sure what the heck is going on with blogger but - all of my links are at the bottom tucked inside the blogging area??? I have written to them but as usual - no response yet. From looking at other blogs - the only thing I can say is - I am NOT alone!
In the news:
A new survey out of the US declares that motorcycle thefts are down!
A Kelowna BC racer enjoyed his best Superbike finish in the US yet and Brett McCormick
got a lucky...
Berlusconi Buys Failing Moto Morini: Berlusconi is rumored to be the one interested in buying MV Augusta from Harley-Davidson too.
On Vancouver Island an 18 year old male is in critical condition after he hit a slow moving dump truck.
And Memphis Shades has come out with a new bat wing fairing for the Kawasaki 1700.
It's looking like it will be a glorious day here in the great white north!
I hope that everyone who lives where riding is possible today will ride proud not loud, and like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Some of the items on the agenda will be helmets, graduated licenses and a review on motorcycle accidents. I am looking forward to my inaugural meeting as there is s much I will be able to bring back to the meeting in Thorsby on Sunday!
Remember folks that Sunday at 2pm at the Community Centre in Thorsby a ton of us are meeting to decide the fates of our AIM Can Chapters here in Alberta and look at joining forces with a ton of others who want to start a Riders Rights and Awareness group.
If you ride and live in Alberta - this meeting is for and about YOU!
And I plan on going for a ride - somehow this afternoon in between teleconferences!
I am not sure what the heck is going on with blogger but - all of my links are at the bottom tucked inside the blogging area??? I have written to them but as usual - no response yet. From looking at other blogs - the only thing I can say is - I am NOT alone!
In the news:
A new survey out of the US declares that motorcycle thefts are down!
A Kelowna BC racer enjoyed his best Superbike finish in the US yet and Brett McCormick
got a lucky...
Berlusconi Buys Failing Moto Morini: Berlusconi is rumored to be the one interested in buying MV Augusta from Harley-Davidson too.
On Vancouver Island an 18 year old male is in critical condition after he hit a slow moving dump truck.
And Memphis Shades has come out with a new bat wing fairing for the Kawasaki 1700.
It's looking like it will be a glorious day here in the great white north!
I hope that everyone who lives where riding is possible today will ride proud not loud, and like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
My hats of to an amazing woman...
Our web mistress Ali and her hubby Gator celebrated their 6th anniversary yesterday and while congrats are in order, that is not the reason I tip my hat to Ali. This woman has taken our humble little spot on the World Wide Web and made it one of the top spots in motorcycling in Canada and we are moving up in the world too! When we moved our web site to the new host because things were so painfully slow - our web site was ranked 5 million in the world. We had 20K pages of information and it was ungainly.
Now we have 13K pages - we left a bunch of out dated stuff behind - and Ali is constantly working on streamlining the information and how to submit and how to share. You can share your stories with Face Book and Twitter and a whole host of social networks. Our forums are catching on, it seems people like the new format.
It's a HUGE no scratch that - it's an ENORMOUS job but she's doing it and promises it will get nothing but better! I am so deeply, humbly grateful that she has come into our lives, her talents and ability have made our little spot on the World Wide Web an amazing place of sharing and caring and I can't wait to see what she does next!
Of course it doesn't matter how much she and I work, if you riders who use the site, read the news and use the events calendars didn't like what she and I do - none of the stats would be moving the way they are - so thank you for seeing the value in sharing your community news and event information with us that we might share it with the rest of the Canadian Riding Community and the world and brag up our little corner of the world called Canada!.
If ever there was a humbled human being - it would be me today.
Thanks you - all of you!
In the news today:
STARS ride in Westlock, the Hearts of Gold Ride and the Falcons MC all have some interesting information for you.
MV Augusta has a new triple out...
In BC, two friends motorcycles collide - one man is dead.
Also in BC, an Angel gets his wings clipped.
And in Motorcycle News & Reviews we have 5 new articles to share with you, one on a really interesting Organic/Green Chopper out of Russia.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE, ride proud and not loud - and ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you but still out to get you!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Now we have 13K pages - we left a bunch of out dated stuff behind - and Ali is constantly working on streamlining the information and how to submit and how to share. You can share your stories with Face Book and Twitter and a whole host of social networks. Our forums are catching on, it seems people like the new format.
It's a HUGE no scratch that - it's an ENORMOUS job but she's doing it and promises it will get nothing but better! I am so deeply, humbly grateful that she has come into our lives, her talents and ability have made our little spot on the World Wide Web an amazing place of sharing and caring and I can't wait to see what she does next!
Of course it doesn't matter how much she and I work, if you riders who use the site, read the news and use the events calendars didn't like what she and I do - none of the stats would be moving the way they are - so thank you for seeing the value in sharing your community news and event information with us that we might share it with the rest of the Canadian Riding Community and the world and brag up our little corner of the world called Canada!.
If ever there was a humbled human being - it would be me today.
Thanks you - all of you!
In the news today:
STARS ride in Westlock, the Hearts of Gold Ride and the Falcons MC all have some interesting information for you.
MV Augusta has a new triple out...
In BC, two friends motorcycles collide - one man is dead.
Also in BC, an Angel gets his wings clipped.
And in Motorcycle News & Reviews we have 5 new articles to share with you, one on a really interesting Organic/Green Chopper out of Russia.
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE, ride proud and not loud - and ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you but still out to get you!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Aging Rebel - a unique perspective on the motorcycle culture
A good friend of mine, Poet, turned me on to a blog called the Aging Rebel.
I began reading and a little over three hours later, a cold cup of coffee in front of me I went "Humph, that was good, really good." I was so engrossed that I did not finish my coffee. For anyone who knows me, that is a feat and half!
There were two articles in particular that kept me rather captivated.
The story on how Harley-Davidson is doomed and the article on how the Mongols story ends.
The Harley one I found rather fascinating as the writer expresses my thoughts and feelings on the motor corp almost to a T. And I quote: The simple fact is, Harley stopped being a motorcycle manufacturer long ago. For decades Harley has been a company that sells magic on credit.
What many of you who read this blog or use our web site www.beltdrivebetty.com
don't know about me is that back in 1986 I had a company whose products were official licensed products of Harley-Davidson and the motor corp. did not treat me well, but that is a story for some other time when I no longer rely on the motorcycle industry for support or I decide to write my memoirs. Although I currently ride a Harley, I do so predominantly because it is the machine with the accessories I need for carrying my electronics etc. If I could find an import with those same accessories that I could lift of the kick stand or and Indian with the kinds of accessories I need - I'd be off the Harley in a heart beat - brand loyal or brand snob - I am not. I am more loyal to the dealer who treats me well.
Anyway - back to the story at hand - the Aging Rebel's blog and the thoughts shared about H-D...The Aging Rebel knows how to get the reader going by pushing the buttons that people like me who need to eat can't afford to do and it is done with a style and clarity that is impressive.
The article on the Mongols is yet another example of the well written, well crafted articles - the research and the knowledge of this blogger.
If you are looking for a place that will give you a dose of reality - that will not sugar coat the truth and will not allow others to do that then the Aging Rebel is one blogger you might want to follow. If on the other hand you feel safer not knowing - then don't go there as the reality fix might be more than you can handle.
In the news today:
One dude in Winnipeg is gonna be a sore boy following a single motorcycle accident.
Bryan Harley from Motorcycle-USA does a great review on the Indian Larry Chopper Shaman book and David Booth from the National Post takes a look at the H-D Cross Bones
The news has been rather quiet the last few days other than for sports which has been a good thing - I have been under the weather and glad for the quiet time!
If you are lucky enough to be riding today - PLEASE ride like no one can see you and yet they are all out to get you! And remember to ride porud - not loud.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
I began reading and a little over three hours later, a cold cup of coffee in front of me I went "Humph, that was good, really good." I was so engrossed that I did not finish my coffee. For anyone who knows me, that is a feat and half!
There were two articles in particular that kept me rather captivated.
The story on how Harley-Davidson is doomed and the article on how the Mongols story ends.
The Harley one I found rather fascinating as the writer expresses my thoughts and feelings on the motor corp almost to a T. And I quote: The simple fact is, Harley stopped being a motorcycle manufacturer long ago. For decades Harley has been a company that sells magic on credit.
What many of you who read this blog or use our web site www.beltdrivebetty.com
don't know about me is that back in 1986 I had a company whose products were official licensed products of Harley-Davidson and the motor corp. did not treat me well, but that is a story for some other time when I no longer rely on the motorcycle industry for support or I decide to write my memoirs. Although I currently ride a Harley, I do so predominantly because it is the machine with the accessories I need for carrying my electronics etc. If I could find an import with those same accessories that I could lift of the kick stand or and Indian with the kinds of accessories I need - I'd be off the Harley in a heart beat - brand loyal or brand snob - I am not. I am more loyal to the dealer who treats me well.
Anyway - back to the story at hand - the Aging Rebel's blog and the thoughts shared about H-D...The Aging Rebel knows how to get the reader going by pushing the buttons that people like me who need to eat can't afford to do and it is done with a style and clarity that is impressive.
The article on the Mongols is yet another example of the well written, well crafted articles - the research and the knowledge of this blogger.
If you are looking for a place that will give you a dose of reality - that will not sugar coat the truth and will not allow others to do that then the Aging Rebel is one blogger you might want to follow. If on the other hand you feel safer not knowing - then don't go there as the reality fix might be more than you can handle.
In the news today:
One dude in Winnipeg is gonna be a sore boy following a single motorcycle accident.
Bryan Harley from Motorcycle-USA does a great review on the Indian Larry Chopper Shaman book and David Booth from the National Post takes a look at the H-D Cross Bones
The news has been rather quiet the last few days other than for sports which has been a good thing - I have been under the weather and glad for the quiet time!
If you are lucky enough to be riding today - PLEASE ride like no one can see you and yet they are all out to get you! And remember to ride porud - not loud.
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com