A bad day of riding beats a good day at work - hands down!

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got a pleasant surprise yesterday as my friend Rocky lent me his bike to go ride in the Poker Run for the OMRA. My International Female Ride Day ended up being such a positive!</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I geared up to go for a ride the weather in OK Falls was a balmy 18 and sunny. I rode in to Penticton and by the time I got there I was feeling pretty comfy on Rocky's Deluxe.  I parked at Slack's and went on to see who all was there and ran in to Duncan from Calgary and Paul from Toefield - I got to see Mike Whittaker from OK Falls and a host of other familiar and friendly faces!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I went out with a group of a half dozen or so, by the time we left Penticton the skies had turned black and the wind had kicked up.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was wearing fingerless gloves and as I was soon to find out, Okanagan riding in the spring can be just as cold hearted and just as iffy as northern Alberta riding. We weren't 10 minutes into the ride when the rain started - you know the kind the feels like pins hitting your face...half way to Keremeos half formed hail was coming down and while it didn't hurt as much as hail can - on the unseasoned hide it was hitting it still didn't feel so good.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By the time we got to Keremeos my hands were frozen and not one person I talked to had an extra set of gloves (Like a dumb ass I had left my winter riding gloves in the car). OH Well, suck it up princess. Off to Osoyoos. Sorry to the guy on the black and silver anniversary HD bike - the guy wearing the full face. (I had changed lane position like three times in a short span - I could not see in those mirrors much at all and with the cold and no windshield well I had limited range of turning my head to the right - so if you thought I was a bit erratic - you are right - I was.) More rain, high winds, more hail like slush...Hot coffee and popcorn was the order of the day at the pub we stopped at. I ran into Cindy from Princeton and we had a good gab... then off to OK Falls - I had rummaged around in the little tool pouch on the front of Rocky's bike and found a face mask - man am I glad because the rain was coming down in buckets! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By the time I got to OK Falls I was one cold and miserable human being but oddly enough I still had a smile on my face. Some sausage, cheese and veggies, a couple of cups of coffee and I was ready to head back to Rocky and Diana's place (Biker Barbie's B & B)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My theory or motto in life is simple - even a bad day of riding is better than a good day of working...yesterday's ride was cold hearted and miserable but filled with good friends and I WAS RIDING!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not a ton in the regular news feeds today - a few sports stories and <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4735-rider-stomped-on-bus-drivers-face-">an update on Tom Bregg - Motorcycle </a>Instructor and ETS bus drive who had been savagely beaten - and his 25 year old attacker and what is happening with him. (Glad to hear that Tom is doing better but the road to recovery is far from over)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And a 64 year old Kitchen ON man is dead after riding<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4732-kitchener-motorcyclist-without-helmut-dies-in-crash"> a motorcycle with no helmet and striking a fence.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4728--second-annual-precious-metal-gala-is-taking-place-next-tuesday-may-11th-in-downtown-toronto">Deeley H-D Precious Metal Gala</a> is coming up on the 11th of May</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and out to get you and ride proud, not loud!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <!--WISESTAMP_SIG_START--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <div dir="ltr"> <div> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award Winning Web Site</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP F.I.R.R.E.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Western Canadian MotoRescue Representative<br /> <a href="http://motorescue.ca/">www.motorescue.ca</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> YOU, make it a great day!</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders <br /> and your hand over my mouth! Amen</span></span></span></span></div> <div style="font-size: 13.3px; padding: 5px 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">Contact Me</span> <a _service="" href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/beltdrivebetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Linkedin" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/linkedin.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/beltdrivebetty?ref=profile" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/facebook.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://twitter.com/bdbetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/twitter.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Blogger" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/blogger.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a></span></span></div> </div> <!--WISESTAMP_SIG_END-->

A bad day of riding beats a good day at work - hands down!

Belt Drive 1 8:38 AM

I got a pleasant surprise yesterday as my friend Rocky lent me his bike to go ride in the Poker Run for the OMRA. My International Female Ride Day ended up being such a positive! As I geared up to go for a ride the weather in OK Falls was a balmy 18 … Read more »

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May 7: International Female Ride Day

<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How many ladies will get on their machines and ride?</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If Vicki Gray has her way - all of them right around the world.</span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I sadly don't get to - I am in Okanagan Falls (going to Slacks in Penticton later today) at Biker Barbie's B & B and had to take my car to get here because of the snow I had to drive through to get here.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So I have to settle for riding on the back of a friend's bike in order to get a bit of a fix - better than not at all in my world.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was a long and gruelling day yesterday as I was in meetings with some business partners in Jasper until 11 am and then headed to Okanagan Falls - I got here about 10 pm. What a beautiful spot.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyhow - I need the day to get organized and back into a bit of a routine...I'll try and have a good blog post for you tomorrow with lots of good info from the trip. I have a great editorial planned for the upcoming newspaper as well!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are riding today - lucky you - I am green. Please ride like everyone around you is blind and is out to get you and please ride proud not loud!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And ladies - if you can - get out there and ride today!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div dir="ltr"> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: black;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award Winning Web Site</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP F.I.R.R.E.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.aim-can.com/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Western Canadian MotoRescue Representative<br /> <a href="http://motorescue.ca/">www.motorescue.ca</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> YOU, make it a great day!</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders <br /> and your hand over my mouth! Amen</span></span></span></span></div> <div style="font-size: 13.3px; padding: 5px 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">Contact Me</span> <a _service="" href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/beltdrivebetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Linkedin" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/linkedin.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/beltdrivebetty?ref=profile" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/facebook.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://twitter.com/bdbetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/twitter.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Blogger" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/blogger.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a></span></span></div> </div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>

May 7: International Female Ride Day

Belt Drive 0 8:21 AM

How many ladies will get on their machines and ride? If Vicki Gray has her way - all of them right around the world. I sadly don't get to - I am in Okanagan Falls (going to Slacks in Penticton later today) at Biker Barbie's B & B and had to take my c… Read more »

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Communication - a learning curve

<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Communication is the cornerstone of everything.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /><i>Without solid communication things just don't get done.</i></span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now that I have people that I need to communicate with for the newspaper - like Marion who is doing lay out for us, I have to learn new skills and better ways of communication. I need to learn how to express my needs and deadlines better because they sadly can't read my mind.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over the years Ali and I have developed pretty decent skills and I know that over time Marion and I will too, I just hope you all can bare with the little hiccups that will inevitably happen over the years to come.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope that you enjoy this week's newspaper - there are some incredible stories in it like the one about the couple in Texas looking for a Hoka Hey Challenge sponsor.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am in Jasper today meeting with some of our business partners and looking forward to getting into Kamloops and maybe even Vernon tonight depending on meetings and sales appointments. Driving through the snow at Grande Cache yesterday made me grateful I took the cage. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news today:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Motocross legend <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4709-danny-qmagooq-chandler-1959-2010">Danny Chandler</a> has died</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mickey<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4704-mickey-rourke-hops-on-the-hog-for-tony-scott-and-hells-angels"> Rourke is taking the Red </a>& White to  Hollywood again </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Port Dover<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4711-embro-company-wants-341-acre-campsite-for-august-biker-day"> might get a rally???</a>?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4703-the-motorcycle-anti-hit-list-">Motorcycle Recalls are out.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's a ton more news on www.beltdribebetty.com in the latest news section and don't forget to drop in to the forum and vote for the bike of the month!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div dir="ltr"> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award winning web site!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP of Marketing</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span>oundation for <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>njured <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>iders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>ights & <span style="font-weight: bold;">E</span>ducation</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.canadianriders.ca/">www.canadianriders.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bikerfriendly.ca/">www.bikerfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.motorcycletourism.ca/">www.motorcycletourism.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.greatcanadiandayrides.com/">www.greatcanadiandayrides.com</a></span></span></div> </div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>

Communication - a learning curve

Belt Drive 0 7:14 AM

Communication is the cornerstone of everything. Without solid communication things just don't get done. Now that I have people that I need to communicate with for the newspaper - like Marion who is doing lay out for us, I have to learn new skills and… Read more »

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Learning to live life with gratitude and happiness

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am grateful to my friend Don Mustard for posting a video this morning on Face Book about Dr Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture - it was an interview with Diane Sawyer - it moved me and I ended up on You Tube and found his lecture video from the Oprah show - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9ya9BXClRw</a></span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a sexual abuse survivor - I could not relate to the happy childhood this man had to draw from. But I could relate to his philosophy on living life and choosing happiness and choosing to live every moment to it's fullest.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The handicaps that a person starts their life out with when they are an abuse survivor be it physical, sexual or emotional abuse can be very hard to overcome. Therapy, friends and mentors are responsible for getting me as far as I have come - I am not discounting my own desire to learn to be different, to grow - but without the friends and mentors - the people who care enough to point out when something you do is wrong or unacceptable well - you have no compass from which to live. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dr Pausch makes one statement that to me was so profound in light of somethings that have happened to me over the course of the last two months that I cried almost uncontrollably - because what he said was so true and so liberating - "<b>When you are doing a bad job and nobody points it out to you that's when they have given up on you." </b>And the next thing that had me crying and shaking my head in agreement was about brick walls - "<b>they are not there to keep you out - they are there to show you how much you want it" </b>(talking about your dreams)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Recently I had a situation where in someone I had befriended in business decided they didn't like my reaction to a document they wanted me to sign. It was one of those situations where I took things personally ( I reacted like an abuse survivor) instead of treating it like business.  </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, had I treated the situation like it was just business - I would have simply taken this piece of paper and told the person to get over themselves, that they weren't that important and walked away from the potential business transaction like I intended to do from the moment I got the document - I already had my plan B in place.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But no - as I said,  I reacted as a survivor and I took an almost identical document and told them I needed them to sign it. I was purposeful - I wanted this person to know how insulting and demeaning their request really was in light of the simpleness of the potential transaction. Truly, I was just as petty as they were. I should have simply said thanks but no thanks - but the survivor in me needed to lash out (and I forgot that I can control her.)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At the end of the day I had a decision to make - I could stay in that wounded, victim role or I could decide that I didn't need toxic selfish people around me and embrace yet another lesson about myself and my reactions to hurt.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The brick wall that I face is a really big one, it must be for I have been tearing bricks out of it for a long time. I want to learn to live life peacefully - without drama, without anger because as Dr Pausch so aptly explains - anger never fixes anything, it is up to us to decide how we are going to deal with the cards we are dealt.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am sad that I reverted to anger/spite - I am grateful to have realized so quickly that that is what I did.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Learning, growing, changing evolving all starts with awareness. I am learning to stay aware of my feelings, my own ego and how to accept that nothing is perfect except the dream.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am learning the art of living life with gratitude and happiness -  thankfulness.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>So what does all of this have to do with motorcycles?</b> I am telling you all this because I want to draw your attention to the Little Warriors Poker Run... $500.00 poker run July 10/20010 at the New Castle Pub. 6108 90 Ave.Edmonton, AB. Rain or Shine. Tickets are $30.00 proceeds are going to The <span class="il">Little</span> <span class="il">Warriors</span>. (Education for prevention of sexually abused children. ) There will be door prizes, 50/50 silent auction, dinner, and a group photo included in the price of tickets, and MORE !!!!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Help make a kids future brighter and easier - don't make them learn the hard way - the way I do sometimes - don't let them feel alone - most abuse survivors feel alone/abandoned  - give them tools at an early age to live life with happiness and gratitude....support Little Warriors - PLEASE.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are lucky enough to be riding your motorcycle today, please ride like everyone around you is out to get you, is blind and can not see and and ride proud - not loud!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br /> <div dir="ltr"> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award winning web site!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP of Marketing</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span>oundation for <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>njured <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>iders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>ights & <span style="font-weight: bold;">E</span>ducation</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.canadianriders.ca/">www.canadianriders.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bikerfriendly.ca/">www.bikerfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.motorcycletourism.ca/">www.motorcycletourism.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.greatcanadiandayrides.com/">www.greatcanadiandayrides.com</a></span></span></div> <div style="font-size: 13.3px; padding: 5px 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">Contact Me</span> <a _service="" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/beltdrivebetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Linkedin" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/linkedin.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/beltdrivebetty?ref=profile" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/facebook.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Blogger" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/blogger.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://twitter.com/bdbetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/twitter.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://my.wisestamp.com/link?u=34bn7sshwvdps3b9&site=www.wisestamp.com/email-install"><br /> </a></span></span></div> </div> <!--WISESTAMP_SIG_END-->

Learning to live life with gratitude and happiness

Belt Drive 0 7:31 AM

I am grateful to my friend Don Mustard for posting a video this morning on Face Book about Dr Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture - it was an interview with Diane Sawyer - it moved me and I ended up on You Tube and found his lecture video from the Opra… Read more »

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Tons and TONS of news today!

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, this is the busiest the news feeds for motorcycles have been in a good long while!</span></i></span><br /> <span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The first order of news today is that I woke up to SNOW - <b>NOOOO </b>I have my bike all packed and ready for Penticton and Slack Alice's and now it looks like I will be taking the cage! CRAPPY.... oh well - welcome to springtime in Alberta.</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4671-undercover-police-photograph-hells-angels-bikers-remember-mysterious-disappearance-">Hells Angels have made the news again </a>- according to one very deluded reporter for the Province newspaper - a Danielle Bell - the police "secretly" monitored the Zeke Run on Vancouver Island - I guess this gal has never been present at an event where the Hells show up and I guess she has never seen just how "Secretly" the police go about photographing everyone's license plate etc...I just about peed my pants when I read her account of how things go down - you can tell she was spoon fed by the police service!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am sorry - I guess I found her coverage funny - really though - if you read the whole article - what a waste of the tax payers money!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then they (the Hells) made the news again over the sentencing of <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4669-prosecutor-says-judge-erred-in-lenient-sentencing-of-hells-angels-punko-read-more-httpwwwtheprovincecomnewsfraser-valleyprosecutorsaysjudgeerredlenientsentencinghellsangelspunko2981444storyhtmlixzz0mxa1wbkt">PUNKO..</a>.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I won't even go there with what I thing of this article...read it yourself and tell me what you think of our justice system in this country.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By all accounts the<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4666-motorcycle-show-hundreds-of-motorcycle-enthusiasts-gathered-at-the-thompson-drill-hall-at-c-f-b-kingston-to-get-a-taste-of-heavy-metal"> CAV's motorcycle show </a>was a huge hit!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Read the article and see the video!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Regina, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4665-regina-car-enthusiasts-weigh-in-on-noisy-vehicles-dispute-">car enthusiasts finally weigh</a> in on the proposed bylaw for noise pollution... where in the Mayor intends to lobby the government to make it illegal to sell aftermarket exhaust modifications for any kind of vehicle.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Victory motorcycles make the news twice today - once for <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4661-2010-victory-cross-country">Jerry "Motorman" Palladino's </a>review of the Victory Cross Country and once for making the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4663-victory-motorcycle-dealers-achieve-highest-ranking-in-2010-pied-piper-prospect-satisfaction-indexr">highest customer satisfaction</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://rating./">rating in the phantom shoppers reports.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario the Durham Diva's invite <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/375-contacts/4660-please-come-and-join-the-durham-divas-at-our-first-bike-night-of-the-season-">you out to their ride nigh</a>t and the <span class="_alphanum" style="display: inline;"> </span> <span class="_alphatitle" style="display: inline;">Kawartha Bikers Church </span>invites you out to the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/375-contacts/4599-kawartha-bikers-church-may-9th--1000-am">blessing of the bikes on Mother's Day May 9th.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well folks - there's probably more than one story that I have over looked - for all of the most current news visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> under latest news!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always - I invite you to weigh in on the topics of the day - your feedback is IMPORTANT to me! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If - UNLIKE ME - you are lucky enough to be riding today - please, stick your tongue back in your mouth and ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, IS out to get you and ride proud - NOT loud!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div dir="ltr"> <div style="font-size: 13.3px; padding: 5px 0pt;"> <b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award winning web site!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP of Marketing</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span>oundation for <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>njured <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>iders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>ights & <span style="font-weight: bold;">E</span>ducation</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.canadianriders.ca/">www.canadianriders.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bikerfriendly.ca/">www.bikerfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.motorcycletourism.ca/">www.motorcycletourism.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.greatcanadiandayrides.com/">www.greatcanadiandayrides.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">Contact Me</span> <a _service="" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/beltdrivebetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Linkedin" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/linkedin.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/beltdrivebetty?ref=profile" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/facebook.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Blogger" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/blogger.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://twitter.com/bdbetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/twitter.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>

Tons and TONS of news today!

Belt Drive 2 6:16 AM

Well, this is the busiest the news feeds for motorcycles have been in a good long while! The first order of news today is that I woke up to SNOW - NOOOO I have my bike all packed and ready for Penticton and Slack Alice's and now it looks like I will … Read more »

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More tragic news to report

<b><i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This past weekend has been a deadly one.</span></span></i></b><br /> <i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i> <i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Australia - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4625-motocross-star-mcfarlane-dead-">Andrew McFarlane, 33 , </a>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.</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A 22 year old <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4644-22-year-old-bc-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash">rider from Coquitlam BC</a> died when he lost control of his bike at an intersection - no other details have been released.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And in Southern Alberta - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/4643-three-fight-for-lives-after-highway-crash-">three people are fighting for their lives after </a>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.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">People - DRINKING AND RIDING causes so much more harm than death. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">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.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">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.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">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.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">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.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And what can one say about Andrew McFarlane - again just tragic but obviously, the good lord needed him home with him for some reason...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">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.</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">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.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i> <br /> <div dir="ltr"> <div> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">A MAX Award winning web site!</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">National VP of Marketing</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">F</span>oundation for <span style="font-weight: bold;">I</span>njured <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>iders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">R</span>ights & <span style="font-weight: bold;">E</span>ducation</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.canadianriders.ca/">www.canadianriders.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.bikerfriendly.ca/">www.bikerfriendly.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.motorcycletourism.ca/">www.motorcycletourism.ca</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.greatcanadiandayrides.com/">www.greatcanadiandayrides.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span></div> <div style="font-size: 13.3px; padding: 5px 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">Contact Me</span> <a _service="" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/beltdrivebetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Linkedin" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/linkedin.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/beltdrivebetty?ref=profile" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Facebook" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/facebook.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Blogger" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/blogger.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a><a _service="" href="http://twitter.com/bdbetty" style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0pt 2px;"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" height="16" src="http://www.images.wisestamp.com/twitter.png" style="padding-bottom: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="16" /></a></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 10px;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">--- @ <a href="http://my.wisestamp.com/link?u=34bn7sshwvdps3b9&site=www.wisestamp.com/email-install" style="color: grey; text-decoration: none;">WiseStamp Signature</a></span>. <a href="http://my.wisestamp.com/link?u=34bn7sshwvdps3b9&site=www.wisestamp.com/email-install">Get it now</a></span></span></div> </div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>

More tragic news to report

Belt Drive 0 5:32 AM

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 Motoc… Read more »

Read more »