Until recently I have been a really trusting soul - that is until the last 2 years or so - this past three months in particular. I have always tended to take people at face value - and have worked from a place of good faith. Sadly, that is changing, as is the way I conduct business. I used to share ideas, information and projects with people who appeared to have the same interests and goals. I used to share sponsors, sponsorship information and other opportunities with those I thought could benefit, those I thought would reciprocate and work with me for a better/stronger community.
Since the recession began in the motorcycle industry 2 years ago, I have been taken advantage of by more than one person and generally by those I considered friends.
It appears that today, very few people in business are good for their word.
I come from an era where a hand shake and a man's/woman's word was all it took to have an agreement. Today you need everything written 10 ways to Sunday and in triplicate.
Some of the recent things that I have experienced have me shaking my head but of course to go in to any detail about the insults would see the same people one tried to help sue you for talking about the hurt you feel.
For far too many their ego's and personal agendas get in the way - they forget their friends, they step on anyone they want and they do not care who or what they hurt, offend or destroy. Some even seem to get a kick out of it, a perverse pleasure if you will.
I have recently become a member of a company called Pre Paid Legal in order to have the legal protection I need as I learn to deal with those who are less than honest and like to insult and use people. They have a document repository that allows a little business like me to be able to protect themselves by having professional contracts and agreements without big expense, along with certain supports like the free review of contracts and reduced legal fees for paid services that aren't covered or that go over what membership allows. (Membership fees are pretty affordable too)
We now have a terms of use document for rider members and businesses using our Rider Friendly Business Association's on line phone book and web pages and other services.
I now have non disclosure/confidentiality and non compete agreements. Hell I even have contracts for contracted employees and commissioned sales people.
You know the thing I hate about all of this being super professional and protecting myself? THE FREAKING PAPERWORK!
My passion and desire to help people is still alive but with it has come a new wariness.
After the abuse that has happened of late by people I have helped, told "trade secrets" too etc., well I have to tell you - I am getting really gun shy.
I know that there are really good and trustworthy people out there - I have met some and there are some that I hold very dear to my heart.
However - sadly, the scumbags of the world are beginning to take over. I am told that the more popular you become, the bigger the target you represent. Kind of like our web site - it is right now ranked by Alexa as the 5,307 most popular web site in Canada and with that popularity the number of spammers that try to infiltrate it has risen by about 2000 percent, Ali and I manually approve everyone who signs up for our site and I am glad we do or our site would be over run with porn and stupidity.
When I started this newspaper and web site, I never once dreamed it could become so popular, nor did I dream that I would become a target-but guess what, here I am today and as I reflect on everything and all of the changes I have to say I am really sad on some levels.
Don't get me wrong - I am excited too, there are a lot of positives - but I am sad over what is a sort of innocence that has been lost.
In some ways I wish for simpler days when what I did was fun - all of the legal crap and the dishonesty/insults have taken a lot of the fun out of things, not all of the fun but a good portion of it simply because there is very little time left for fun - that's being taken up by legal paperwork.
And yet - the new experiences that I am embarking on, the learning, the growing - well those things are very intriguing and exciting, it doesn't stop me however from fondly remembering the simpler days when bikers were bikers and a person's word meant something.
There's only a bit of news this morning - to check it out visit the Latest News Section on the Homepage of our site: www.beltdrivebetty.com
If you are fortunate to be riding today - PLEASE, ride like everyone around you id blind and can not see you, is out to get you and remember to ride proud not loud.
In the news today a helmet maker in the US has been ordered by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Over 17,000 helmets are affected.
Advanced Carbon Composites has been ordered to cease business.
Well folks, that's all well and fine - but my question is what happens now?
Unlike cars that have serial numbers are these helmets going to be pulled from store shelves? Who reimburses the store owner? If there is no reimbursement then will the store owners actually pull them from their shelves?
So okay folks that brings me to my next question...the rest of our gear. Is there, anywhere in the world, an actual safety standard for motorcycle gear? You know - jackets, chaps and gloves? I have had no success finding anything so far and am sorely frustrated at the crap I see some of these importers bringing in like the really thin chaps for $29 - in this economy someone will buy them thinking they are better than no protection when truth be told a good pair of jeans probably offers as much protection.
This might be a topic to bring up with F.I.R.R.E. the next time we meet and perhaps with the Vulnerable Road Users Committee as well.
I would appreciate your feedback on gear and helmets - the best brands, the right fits - it appears that none of the gear suppliers we work with have any time to address these issues for us as most are owner operated but perhaps somewhere either in my Facebook group or through those who read this blog here on blogger there is someone who can help guide us to good solid answers - my gear needs replacing soon - where should I start and why?
In other news:
Tomorrow launches Motorcycle Awareness Month and while I have had little success finding Public Service Announcements or videos here in Canada to promote that fact it took all of two seconds to find it on the NHTSA web site: http://trafficsafetymarketing.gov/motorcycles/ShareTheRoad/index.cfm
In Toronto Harley-Davidson Motorcycles are being given a year's rest by the police service and who knows, if the trial with the BMW's go, it could mean a permanent retirement of the H-D's.
In Niagara and Manitoba - Ride for Dad is getting revved up...
In Montreal an appeals judge has been removed from a Hells Angels case because the courts learned that he had advised them about trademark issues back when he was a lawyer.
In Shediac NB they are getting geared up for the Lobster Fest - motorcyclists turn out in droves for that rally - our article is in French
And last but not least, H-D is telling it's employees in Milwaukee that the belts must be tightened or we move...hmmm - I wonder if that means the CEO is taking a pay cut from his 6 plus million a year or if it is only geared towards the poor stiffs who actually help him make that kind of wage?
If you are riding today - please - don't think you can out run a motorola like the dude in Edmonton - ride like everyone around you is out to get you AND BLIND! Ride Proud NOT loud...
Why?
It is a question I ask myself often.
Why did the rider who was killed in the Bragg Creek area decide to pass in a place that was illegal to do so?
Why did the rider in Wycliffe BC decide to pass when he did?
Why did the dude in Ottawa decide to pretend he was a member of the Hells Angels?
Why do some people volunteer to belong to a group and then never show up to do anything?
Why do some people feel it is their right to cancel things that others have organized?
What motivates people to build castles?
Why does one person feel they have the right to destroy 25 plus years of work that others have done?
The Peace Country Chapter of AIM Can has decided to put itself in moth balls and is awaiting the decision of the judge with regards to AIM Can's appeal against Vancouver AIM before any other decision is made - that puts our motorcycle awareness event here in jeopardy...but the group felt that until they knew what was going on with the parent organization and unless others decide to become active and involved in the community here it was the right thing for the majority to do. It was a sad group at the meeting last night.
So I ask again...Why do people do the things they do? What motivates them?
I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of the human condition...
I look very hard every day to find the rainbow that I know has to be there because I know that the Good Lord always gives us things to hold on to, to be joyful and happy over - he puts opportunity and answers in front of us every day it's just that sometimes they are cleverly disguised as obstacles...but what we need is always there.
The rainbow today is that our web site - www.beltdrivebetty.com - is ranked as one of the best in Canada (Alexa rank of 5663) and I can take very little credit for that. Our web mistress deserves that! It does however do my heart a whole lot of good to know that all of the hard work that this woman has done is being recognized!
I have some other rainbows that have come up as well - and Good Lord willing the opportunities that have presented themselves will manifest soon...Belt Drive Betty has been given the opportunity to have it's own IPhone App for the Rider Friendly Business Association, we have also been invited to partner with a company called Snow Seekers that does what Ali and I do but for the winter/snow loving community and Moi, Belt Drive Betty has been invited to endorse a blend of the the Biker Coffee Company's Coffee - I LOVE THEIR COFFEE and hope that the lawyer gets the paper work done soon. I am excited, humbled, honored...what can I say except thank you God for bringing these amazing opportunities into my life! I hope they all come to fruition and even if something were to happen that they didn't - it's still an honor to be considered and invited to participate in such exciting things!
There are a ton of items in the latest news today over on our site at www.beltdrivebetty.com and if you are a registered member on our site you will see that we have a number of new business partners and some renewing partners listed in the newsletter.
The newspaper this week is fabulous - Marion did a great job of the layout and the community did a fantastic job of writing it!
Have a terrific day everyone, and if you are riding today - please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, is out to get you and ride proud NOT loud....
Belt Drive Betty
So folks I am conflicted.
Some times my opinions - and really that's all they are - opinions, well, they aren't always popular and sometimes I think that's a good thing because I believe that healthy debate gives us a way to grow our minds and souls. However, even when my heart is in the right place, sometimes I suffer from hoof in mouth disease or I write something meaning one thing and it gets misconstrued or....the joys of the written word - conveying emotion and meaning can be tough!
I am learning how to talk about the things I see going on around me and not immediately react like 'jane" rider...no I am actually learning how to see both sides of a situation and learning how to share that way - it's kind of like debating against yourself. So here's a touchy and troublesome topic for me, being the VP of marketing for the Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education...
This helmet thing in BC - it rubs me the wrong way and yet...
I do not like the infringement on our freedoms and rights. The law is pretty clear that your rights stop where mine get hurt by yours. So, seeings as that's how our country is supposed to work - to be based on mutual respect and consideration - well, I think adults should be able to choose their risk level.
HOWEVER - If they are injured and brain damaged or in some other way incapacitated by their choice to not wear a Snell or other accepted safety sanctioned helmet, and are injured so as to be a true financial burden to the medical system, and since this is a universal health system in Canada then that choice was a violation of MY freedoms as a tax payer.
That issue could be addressed simply by allowing people to purchase private insurance and having a sticker on your plate so the police have no reason to stop you - then you are no longer infringing on my rights by exercising yours.
There is another level to this whole topic that HAS to be brought in to play here.
The familial - be you brother or sister, mom or dad, uncle or auntie, husband/old man and wife/old lady - you are bound to have someone out there who loves you, who makes your heart happy...your untimely demise or long term impairment hurts them so bad, you have no idea.... it's complicated being human - the feelings, the thinking...the not thinking
As always - your comments and thoughts are always welcome, either here in the blog (www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com), on my Facebook page or in the forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com
I really do appreciate knowing what others think and feel.
We can't grow as humans unless our ideas and ideals are challenged once in a while.
In other news, the registration form for F.I.R.R.E. is now operating and most references to the AIM Can group are pretty much gone. If you see any that we have missed, please let us know. Membership fees are $20 for a single rider and $30 for a couple. We provide a free Never Ride Alone Program, a toll free rider emergency hot line and we are hooked up with Go Travel Canada to provide discounted hotel rooms (15% savings). Over time we will have more benefits to membership as well as the support for each other during a time of need. The education and rights committees will be fleshing out their plans for growing the awareness of riders and lobbying for parking, handicapped stickers etc.
Our new logo is almost done and we are only a short period of time away from having all of our I's dotted and t's crossed. In Grande Prairie we will find out if there is any will or desire to get on board with the new organization or not. Volunteer-ism seems pretty low right now - I see so many people that I know totally suffering from burn out. I can empathize because if I wasn't volunteering my own work would be far easier to manage but - someone has to do this stuff and I am plain old stubborn, I believe in this cause, supporting my fellow rider - with all of my being....We'll know after tonight. I could be the only member here in GP and I guess, that's OK for now. The lawsuit between Vancouver AIM and National AIM Can didn't help things, it kicked the heart out of a lot of people. They need some time to heal...
There are a ton of items in the news today: BC is toughening up it's impaired driving laws.
Yanko Designs has a new sport bike out.
The cops are clamping down on speeders in Montreal too.
In Nova Scotia a rider was injured after a collision with a pick up.
In Ottawa half price parking for motorcycles is back.
In Kingston the CAV Are getting ready for their motorcycle show.
For more news in the motorcycle world check out www.beltdrivebetty.com
If you are lucky enough to be riding today, please remember to ride proud, not loud and remember to ride like everyone is out to get you and that they are blind to boot!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award Winning Web Site
National VP F.I.R.R.E.
www.firre.ca
Western Canadian MotoRescue Representative
www.motorescue.ca
YOU, make it a great day!
Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders
and your hand over my mouth! Amen
Depending on which jurisdiction you live in the RCMP reports on crime and safety might be good or not so good - and some of that is subjective as it depends on which side of the fence you are on.
In Kelowna BC they are reporting that drunk, unlicensed motorcyclists is on the rise - Now just what is up with that?
In Fairview AB - the RCMP report gives us a list of the months and what the RCMP concentrate on each month:
Bracken identified ongoing and upcoming RCMP campaigns for council: April is a campaign against speeders, May will be Young Drivers' Month, June they will concentrate on Commercial vehicle safety, June and July they will be partnering with Alberta Sheriffs to ensure they have adequate personnel to deal with traffic to and people at the Many Island Boat Races and the Fairview Rodeo. July will also be Motorcycle Safety Month, August will focus on impaired driving, September back to school safety, October occupant restraints (seatbelts and child seats), November pedestrian safety, December impaired drivers, Jan 2011 intersections, Feb., distracted drivers, March occupant restraints. (Fairview Post)
An aggressive motorcyclist in PEI has the RCMP looking for him/her and a vehicle owner some angry - $1,500 damage after a motorcyclist passed on the right hand side....again What is up with that?
A man in Manitoba lost control of his motorcycle...PEOPLE - WHAT IS GOING ON?
HAS SPRING FEVER GOTTEN YOU? I mean really what is going on? DO we not face enough dangers from thoughtless and distracted drivers - do we really need to court more disaster?
Just two days ago a rider was killed near Bragg Creek AB because he passed a vehicle when unsafe to do so.
Riding drunk, riding too fast, riding without a license - great way to either get yourself killed and subsequently hurt all those who love you or land yourself in hot water again making those who love you pay the price...not only are most of these behaviours dangerous - they are selfish.
As always - I welcome your thoughts and comments on all of the topics I write about - discussion and debate is healthy!
In other news:
BCCOM wants to remind you of the meeting tomorrow: From the thorny topic
of helmets to the horse power to weight ratio and all the rest. Other
topics will include parking in Vancouver and the MLA Ride on May 6th. Be there if any of the topics matter to you.
In Montreal one man asks why motorcycles are so noisy...
William Shatner's H-D is going on the auction block for charity.
And last but not least Bill Davidson has been named Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum and Factory Tours
In sports - the MotoGP rises out of the ashes of the volcanic eruption to reappear in Spain!
If you are a fortunate soul who is riding today - please think and ride...ride like everyone around you is blind and out to get you - ride proud not loud AND PLEASE remember road rash hurts.
I am hoping that you will help me light a F.I.R.R.E. across Canada.
F.I.R.R.E. stands for the Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education - we are a non profit, non partisan organization that assists riders and their families in the advent of an accident, we will be lobbying for riders rights like motorcycle parking, handicapped stickers for plates on trikes and bikes and we intend to educate riders to stay safe and choose good gear, motorists to share the road and the general public as to the many faces of riders and who we are when the helmets are off! (www.firre.ca)
The idea is this: I spread the word about F.I.R.R.E. to the riders and the press and the message about sharing the road and each individual/group who joins me is invited to share and spread the word about their cause.
Together we can change the perception about who we riders are.
Cancer, Progeria, Sharing the Road, God & Salvation, The Trades & Further Education - no matter the cause, it is people behind it and like the Poem/Video You Didn't See Me - I want people to hear our messages both individual and joint...
I am a volunteer, my causes are injured riders and MS, and you need to share the road with me when I am on my motorcycle...
I am a fitness instructor, my causes are progeria and fitness, and you need to share the road with me when I am on my motorcycle....
I am a pastor, my cause is salvation and love and you need to share the road with me when I am on my motorcycle...
I am a grandma and my cause is a safe world for my grand children...we all have a message -
Let's give the non motorcycle community a good look at the various "Faces" that make up the motorcycle community!
I am attaching the ride itinerary.( https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AptVZkv4kvn2dEdWQ1pMeTFUS3JLMDRuUi1jSkFHYkE&hl=en)
In order to accommodate the needs of my husband and his work schedule (and his desire to see family in PEI) I have revised my schedule and sadly I will not be stopping in Toronto but am truly hoping that those who believe in what I am doing will join me in either North Bay or Ottawa.
In all I am touching about 25 cities and towns across Canada and it is my fondest hope to have you join me be it for a rally in a parking lot, to have a cup of FABULOUS Biker Coffee Company Coffee, with the Bikers Church in Ottawa or for hundreds of kilometres on the road.
Whatever works for you! I hope you will join me, or help me in spreading the word and the F.I.R.R.E.
I have some Rally Ups tentatively booked already and hope that you will help me flesh out the stops and where they should be and who can join me. We need motorcycle shops, riding clubs etc to host press conferences...We want to have press conferences & rallies in every town possible and already have the support of Motoress, Riders West Magazine, The Motorcycle News and a few other publications that are talking about helping us spread the word - either I submit stories to them or they will interview me along the way.
I want to ride in your local communities, find out why you love the towns you live in and what great rider owned and friendly businesses and attractions you have - I want to EXPERIENCE your communities wherever possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I am hoping you can join me and help me raise awareness for and start new chapters of F.I.R.R.E.
RIGHT ACROSS THIS FABULOUS COUNTRY OF OURS!!!!!!
Help me light the F.I.R.R.E. of community in the souls of everyone we touch on this trip!
In the news today:
A Southern Alberta rider is dead after he made an illegal and unsafe pass of a vehicle near Bragg Creek
A Saskatoon Business man who is suing Honda Canada is please with the small victories he has had.
A Kamloops RCMP officer is facing drunk driving charges (Remember my blog of the other day???? The new laws MUST apply here as well as to us!)
Husqvarna has released their TC450 motocross machine prototype
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 and please ride Proud not Loud!
Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award Winning Web Site
National VP F.I.R.R.E.
www.firre.ca
Western Canadian MotoRescue Representative
www.motorescue.ca
YOU, make it a great day!
Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders
and your hand over my mouth! Amen
