Belt Drive Betty's Blog

Outlaw Bikers - the DVD Series

Belt Drive 5 Canadian Riders, Law & Politics, riding community 9:39 AM

I recently received a set of DVD's from the <a href="http://www.e1entertainment.com/entertainmentone/">E1 Entertainment</a>  office here in Canada. They wanted me to watch series and then write a review on them so here goes - Outlaw Bikers - is is a 3 DVD box set - actually six because it contains both French and English versions of the shows. 
 
The set is divided into the individual shows as they aired on A & E: 
<ol>
<li>Hells Angels</li>
<li>Masters of Mayhem</li>
<li>The Road to Hell</li>
<li>Angels Go Global</li>
<li>Angels Descending </li>
<li>Inside the Outlaws</li>
<li>Warlock War</li>
<li>Bandido Nation</li>
<li>Outlaw Women Bikers</li>
</ol>
 
The series delves in to the world of the one percenter motorcycle clubs from the perspective of both the one percenters and law enforcement. I found it interesting that in this DVD series - and when I originally watched in on A & E last year - that all of the police officers who infiltrated the clubs seemed to actually bond with the outlaws they were sworn to arrest. I also found it interesting that in many cases their police officer family did not support the officers the way the one percenters did. 
 
I found the whole series to be enlightening. It was fairly well balanced as well and when it comes to dealing with the two sides/faces of the law that is a tough job. 
 
The police officers involved in the series did their jobs but it did appear to be tough on them, some by their own admission, rebelled and felt guilt for doing their jobs. In a lot of ways they seemed to really get the life style - a couple of them made me think that if they were younger and hadn't chosen law enforcement for a career that the life of a one percenter would be their choice. They truly understood on some level that they were betraying their "brothers". It's almost as if the cops and the clubbers are the opposite sides of the same coin. It is as if the cops respected and  - admired the clubbers on some level. 
 
All of the Hells Angels segments were engaging - interesting and - yes, scary and fascinating. 
 
Again though -what I find is the scariest, the most fascinating of everything that these shows portray is the police officers and how they truly love the life even though they are sworn to uphold the law. 
 
The Warlocks segment was very interesting - done from their perspective it goes through their history. 
Their definitions and explanations of who they are and how they came to being in their own words makes the Warlock segment very interesting to me anyway. It clearly and explicitly shows the contradictory way the police feel about their involvement with the "brotherhood". Betrayal, brotherhood and exile is what this segment is all about. 
 
The Bandido segment was again one of those that makes you realize that maybe the reason the cops don't appear to be able to shut down the "criminals" is that they don't want to. I get the feeling, the impression that the officers see some of themselves in the one percenters they "chase" and that they truly revel in the chase. 
 
 
I have one criticism and that is of the Outlaw Women Bikers segment. 
I felt the whole thing made all women who ride look like wanna be one percenters to those who don't ride and or are not part of the riding community. 
 
The women of the <a href="http://www.leatherandlacemc.com/index.htm">Leather and Lace MC</a> are NOT one percenters nor are they really an outlaw club - their patch is not one percenter or an outlaw club,  the founder - Jennifer Chaffin - may have been be married to a one percenter and may be currently married to a one percenter but that does not make her club a one percenter club or an outlaw club.  She might be a biker woman - but an outlaw? Hmmm. I have investigated a lot of the various women's MC's and honestly - there are few that truly emulated anything outlaw or one percenter. In this instance Leather and Lace MC do not have a prospecting phase and their patch is not that of an outlaw or a one percenter club - there is no territory in the bottom rocker. 
 
I also found the way the "Property of" patch and segment was introduced to be again, for the outsider a tad confusing.        
 
On a personal level, I have never understood a woman being proud to be viewed as property of...I guess that is why I am an independent... 
 
That was my impression of the Outlaw Women Bikers segment - yours may be different. I feel that the way the women riders were portrayed they could have been any female and I feel that the women who ride pillion with the outlaw and one percenter clubs - if they were going to be included in the series, a more in depth look into the psyche of these women who feel the need to live that type of lifestyle would have been more appropriate. I guess I just felt it was confusing two "types" of women - I think the segment should have been called the Women of the Outlaw Biker World - to me that would have been a more accurate title. 
 
Over all - I think the series was well done though and found it very informative.  
 
I would be interested in your take on the DVD Series - or it you watched it on A & E. I am always interested in what others thinks about films and TV Series that expose the "other" side of our community. 
 
We have 2 of these DVD sets to give away. 
How should I do that? 
I will give one away to the person who suggests the best way for me to give away the second one...I will choose the way on Monday... 
 
As always - your comments, feed back and insight are welcome here - I love it when others share divergent and different ideas. It's how we grow! 
 
In the news today: 
In BC a rider<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5553-motorist-ignored-injured-motorcyclist"> laid in the ditch, injured and also impaired and completely</a> ignored by fellow motorists. 
Also in BC a former cop<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/5560-protect-yourself-from-road-ragers"> offers some suggestions so</a> that you don't become a victim of a road rager after a 61 year old motorcyclists exhibited road rage at  its worst. 
 
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5566-volunteers-needed">BCCOM</a> is looking for volunteers. 
 
In Alberta the<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5562-countdown-on-for-enforcing-motorcycle-noise-bylaw-riders-flock-to-testing-stations-"> count down is on for the beginning of tickets</a> for the new noise bylaw and if what a few of the people who participate in my Face Book group are right, Harley Davidson is along with all of the manufacturers responsible for this bylaw to be coming in to efect - and that is supported by the City of <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/292-motorcycle-television/5547-internal-police-memo-shows-edmonton-police-behind-new-noise-bylaw">Edmonton Police's memo</a> and a Globe and Mail article on the MMIC's involvement in the creation of the SAE standard. The manufacturers official party line is that this makes testing less subjective but we are told that the motivation is to boost new motorcycle sales as anything but OEM equipment will not pass the test. 
 
It appears, from what we are being told that the after market industry is being targeted via law enforcement by the manufactures and that law enforcement is only too happy to oblige...perhaps my take on things is wrong but this is my personal understanding of everything I have read. I guess we will need to have the lawyers sort this one out. Too bad CADA never went anywhere - the Canadian After Market Dealers Association was originally started after the RCMP started targeting custom made and custom manufactured bikes about 5 years ago.  It could have represented its industry and customers and could have maybe helped in the fight but as usual, no one had time to do anything in and with the organization so it folded almost as soon as it started. 
 
BMW is recalling a ton of Motorcycles -<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5563-bmw-recalls-15532-motorcycles"> read why! </a> 
In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5561-motorcycle-clocked-at-high-speeds">New Brunswick </a>and in<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5555-bike-clocked-at-116-kms-over-limit-on-401-"> Ontario </a>a couple of riders find themselves in serious trouble over excessive speed... 
There is lots of other news today - visit the home page of<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"> www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> to read all about it! 
 
There are a number of events this weekend rigfht across this fair country of ours - which ever one you are attending, where ever you are riding to, please ride like everyone around you si blind and can not see you and IS out to get you and ride proud not loud. 
 
Belt Drive Betty 
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Outlaw Bikers - the DVD Series

Belt Drive 5 Canadian Riders, Law & Politics, riding community 9:39 AM

I recently received a set of DVD's from the E1 Entertainment office here in Canada. They wanted me to watch series and then write a review on them so here goes - Outlaw Bikers - is is a 3 DVD box set - actually six because it contains both French an… Read more »

26Jun2010

Ear Plugs - a novel partial solution to the noise issue...

Belt Drive 0 Community, Law & Politics 5:33 AM

A person named <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5543-just-buy-some-earplugs">Dusty Diehl who writes for the Star Phoenix in Saskatoon</a> made a brilliant observation that for those who are upset with city noises when they are trying to sleep - invest in ear plugs - and for about a dollar you can save your sanity. Hmmm...what a great idea! 
 
Now for those trying to have a BBQ or a conversation at an out door bistro, that won't work but if the part of the population who is bothered by noise when they are trying to sleep be it daytime or night time invested in ear plugs the complaints about noise would go way down... 
 
I have written on the noise issue ad nauseum but I am devoted to continuing to flog this animal -  I have ZERO issue with the authorities trying to curb noise levels and I know that some people have pipes that are down right annoying, even to me, a lover of the rumble but the laws need to be enforced consistently and across the board. To single out one community is so desperately wrong. 
 
I have an issue with car alarms. Last night, I had been asleep for about an hour when all of a sudden a car alarm goes off waking me out of a peaceful slumber. An hour later finally the damned thing quit. No one pays attention to their alarms - I am not sure why vehicles even have the damned things. 
Did I call city hall or the bylaw officer - NO. 
 
When you live in a city, noise is a part of life - there is NO way around it but yah know, I am gonna put earplugs on my night stand from now on so that my sleep - what precious little I get, does not get broken up...Ear Plugs - for about $1 you can eliminate 50% of the complaints about noise...an idea whose time has come! 
 
No - the ear plugs solution is not a be all end all but definately should be a part of the equation I think. 
 
From now on when someone phones in to city hall and complains about excessive noise at night or when they are sleeping (for shift workers etc) the operator should ask for a mailing address and the person calling in should be sent a set of earplugs... 
 
I am so glad that Dusty wrote about such a simple and affordable solution - I know so many husbands that use ear plugs to drown out the noise their wives make...I am amazed I never thought of this simple and cost effective way of shutting off the noise. 
 
In other news: 
In New Brunswick they are getting ready for <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5542-alanticade-motorcycle-festival-set-for-june-30-july-4-in-st-andrews">Atlanticade next week</a>. The event is being held in its new home of St Andrew. 
 
Waterloo ON tourism is doing their <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5540-waterloo-a-the-scrc-team-up-to-create-ride-maps">best to attract more motorcycles </a> 
 
In Kitchener ON there is a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5541-new-ms-fundraiser-calls-on-motorcycle-enthusiasts">new ride for MS...</a> 
 
In Windsor ON a rider says that loud <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5535-loud-bikes-not-safer">bikes are not safer. </a> 
 
 In Red Deer AB a 28 year old rider is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5538-man-killed-in-motorcycle-crash-on-32-street">dead after a left hand turning</a> accident. 
  
In motorcycle Industry news: MV Agusta <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5537-2010-mv-agusta-f4-recall-air-filter-may-come-out-of-position">has a recall for the F4</a> 
 
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 
 
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Ear Plugs - a novel partial solution to the noise issue...

Belt Drive 0 Community, Law & Politics 5:33 AM

A person named Dusty Diehl who writes for the Star Phoenix in Saskatoon made a brilliant observation that for those who are upset with city noises when they are trying to sleep - invest in ear plugs - and for about a dollar you can save your sanity… Read more »

25Jun2010

What to do and how to proceed in our determination to see fair laws...

Belt Drive 1 Edmonton AB, Law & Politics, riding community 7:07 AM

The noise bylaw thing in Edmonton and every jurisdiction that is watching what's going on is weighing on my mind. 
 
Along with gathering signatures I think it is time we start a defense fund folks. 
I am hoping to attract a really good riding lawyer to take the case on as a civil rights suit - all the way to the supreme court if needed but I also want to have some really good scientific testing done on the loud pipes save lives "Theory". 
 
Now I know first hand that pipe noise can be a wake up call for the distracted motorist beside me - but most people who resist the idea the loud pipes save lives use the argument that noise travels backwards and therefore our argument is faulty. Does anyone know of a really good, well respected testing house that we can use? 
 
I  would be interested in any ideas that people can bring forth that would aide us in proving what we say about our pipes in certain urban riding conditions. 
 
I would also be interested in what we could do to put a lid on the rude and inconsiderate in our community. After all - if people weren't being jerks from 9 pm on in to the wee hours of the morning, it is doubtful that there would be so much anger towards our community... 
 
As always, your thougts and feed back is deeply appreciated... 
 
In the news today: 
 
In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5522-motorcyclist-airlifted-by-stars-after-crash-in-rimbey">Rimbey AB a rider was air lifted </a>to hospital after a collision with a semi 
 
In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5521-motorcycle-vs-car-crash">Edmonton a rider escaped serious</a> injury after a collision with a left hand turning car. 
 
In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5525-motorcyclist-slightly-hurt">Guelph ON another rider </a>escaped serious injury from a left hand turning vehicle... 
 
Non riders and riders are sick of extreme motorcycle noise as two articles, one from <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5524-bikers-arguments-dont-pass-muster-">St Albert</a> and in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5520-noisy-bikes-too-loud-or-not">Edmonton</a> indicate. 
 
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today please ride like everyone around you is blind AND out to get you - ride proud not loud! 
 
Belt Drive Betty 
 
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What to do and how to proceed in our determination to see fair laws...

Belt Drive 1 Edmonton AB, Law & Politics, riding community 7:07 AM

The noise bylaw thing in Edmonton and every jurisdiction that is watching what's going on is weighing on my mind. Along with gathering signatures I think it is time we start a defense fund folks. I am hoping to attract a really good riding lawyer to … Read more »

24Jun2010

A Good cup of coffee...

Belt Drive 0 Community 6:01 AM

If you are like me - a good cup of coffee can make almost anything better. 
I am a coffee freak - certifiable! 
 
I am sitting here this morning (started work at 3:30 am) and I am grateful to be up at this time of the day - why? Because my shipment of <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/">Biker Coffee Company Coffee</a> - <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/belt_drive_betty.html">the Belt Drive Betty Blend </a>- arrived yesterday and I am enjoying a whole pot all to myself - the aroma of this coffee makes your mouth water, opens your eyes wide and when the coffee hits your tongue it's a wee bit of heaven here on earth...I did warn you I am certifiable about loving my coffee! 
 
I recently agreed to lend my "name" to a blend of Coffee by the <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/">Biker Coffee Company</a> - their city Blend is now the <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/belt_drive_betty.html">Belt Drive Betty Blend</a>.  I have been asked by others who make various products to allow them to use my road handle to endorse their products but after trying them out decided yah - NOT. 
 
This time was different though. The right product with the right quality. To me, an idea whose time had come... 
 
The <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/">Biker Coffee Company</a> in Ottawa is owned and run by three gents who all have day jobs and a passion for their lifestyle and their coffee - Wayne, Frank and Scott. 
 
These riders have put together some incredible blends of Fair Trade ORGANIC coffee - heck even their take out cups and lids are green! 
 
The <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/bavarian_bobber.html">Bavarian Bobber</a>, their chocolate blend is wonderful - it's like eating chocolate without the calories and their <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/sissy_bar.html">Sissy Bar French Vanilla</a>, the aroma this stuff gives off makes you think of the most incredible childhood memories of baking and grandma and if you love Vanilla, then this blend should hit your taste buds the right way. I haven't tried the<a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/ignition_coil.html"> Ignition Coil Irish Cream</a> yet but their <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/discbrake.html">Disc Brake Decaff</a> is one of the BEST decaff blends I have ever tried. 
 
Yes, the <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/">Biker Coffee Company</a> is a company I can believe in. They deliver a TOP Drawer, TOP Quality product at a fair price. Their Organic coffees are on average $13.95 per pound - compare that to Star Bucks - a huge company with incredible buying power at $11.95 per pound for Organic coffee.  Many other Organic Coffees range from $16 to $23 per pound. 
 
And none of the companies who carry organic coffees that I have investigated appears to be comprised of riders save the <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/">Biker Coffee Company</a>! 
 
These three Amigos have taken the rider world by storm! They have been interviewed by the Biker's Inner Circle and have had so much interest from riders who own coffee shops and gift shops, tattoo shops...why? Well because bikers love their coffee and these guys have made it easy - they have these really great <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/sampler_box.html">sampler boxes </a>- you get 20 packages of coffee - 4 different blends - 5 packets each for about $69 retail - the wholesale price for businesses is less. You can then use these great coffee packages in gift baskets etc or you can sell them to people who want to take some home to try out before buying the one pound packages. For small businesses this is a great way to expand their offerings in an affordable way! 
 
Yes - I love good coffee, the smell, the taste...to me it is nothing short of a religious experience and folks - this company, the <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/">Biker Coffee Company </a>really should have franchises right across the country - all over the US - heck around the world too so that riders everywhere could go have a great cup of Java surrounded by other riders in an environment that makes them feel welcomed and supported.  In my very humble opinion - MOVE THE HECK OVER TIM HORTONS and STAR BUCKS - HELLO <a href="http://www.bikercoffeecompany.com/">BIKER COFFEE COMPANY</a>! 
 
In the news today: 
The West Kootenay Toy Run in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5504-bikers-tour-area-play-poker-for-cause">September is already making the news </a>They held their Father's Day Run and it was by all accounts very successful! 
 
Also in BC - A gal who reached for a coffee ended up on her roof and while that alone is interesting from a riders perspective on distracted driving, the article that appears on the same page but below the headline article is the one that caught my eye. The road rage incident <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/5506-reaching-for-coffee-caused-crash-on-a-dangerous-road">between a rider and an auto driver....</a> And another <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/5503-dispute-ends-with-injury">road rage incident involving</a> a BC rider.... oh and how about this one - yet another <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/293-motorcycle-television/5501-motorcyclist-61-faces-road-rage-charge">BC rider involved in road rage</a>...you guys need some good coffee.... 
 
In Alberta a young rider was <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5507-man-killed-in-collision-with-elk">killed in a collision with an Elk</a>. 
 
Also in Alberta, a small protest by riders over Edmonton's new bylaw that comes in to effect in a week or so saw at some points as many as <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5505-edmonton-bikers-oppose-noise-law">25 motorcyclists but also gleaned over 600 signatures in support of the riding communities pleas for fairness. </a>These riders want to see all noise violators be charged not just riders - the article states that according to the city there is no testing science in place for other vehicles - <a href="http://standards.sae.org/automotive/">what a load of bull pucky that is.</a>.. If you follow the link you will see that under the automotive category there are 53 standards set by the SAE  <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1008462317">- M</a><a href="http://measurement%20of%20noise%20emitted%20by%20accelerating%20road%20vehicles/">easurement of Noise Emitted by Accelerating Road Vehicles</a> 
The Test number for this test is: J2805 
<h1 style="font-weight: normal;">
<a href="http://standards.sae.org/j1030_200210/">Maximum Sound Level for Passenger Cars</a> and Light Trucks - test number J1030 - it says canceled in 2002 and yet the test procedure method can still be purchased so not sure what it really means. Or how about this test <a href="http://standards.sae.org/j1096_200005/">for Heavy Trucks</a>...J1096</h1>
<h1 style="font-weight: normal;">
Under Commercial Noise Standards there are 40...<a href="http://standards.sae.org/commercial-vehicle/nvh/noise/standards/">http://standards.sae.org/commercial-vehicle/nvh/noise/standards/</a></h1>
<h1 style="font-weight: normal;">
Unless I am totally reading the information on the SAE web site wrong, it appears to me that, these people in council really like to baffle with BS... as it appears that brilliance is not their strong suit. Ironically I am told by other members of the Vulnerable Road Users Committee that the <a href="http://www.mmic.ca/content.asp?contenttype=whatsnew">MMIC</a> and the <a href="http://www.motorcycling.ca/mcc/issues/?lang=en">MCC </a>funded the motorcycle noise emissions test - they claimed it was to set a standard so that tickets would not be subjective...</h1>
In Montreal a huge drug bust sees some <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5510-hells-angels-among-11-busted-in-drug-sweep-">members of the Hells Angels </a>taken in to custody. 
 
In New Brunswick a rider who failed to <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5511-community-shocked-as-partner-in-law-firm-killed-while-jogging">navigate a corner kills a lawyer </a>while she is out jogging. And also in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5512-lack-of-legislation-makes-it-hard-to-crack-down-on-loud-vehicles-police">New Brunswick they are struggling </a>with noise issues. 
 
In Ontario the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5514-durham-divas-motorcycle-club-ride-night">Durham Divas are hosting their Wednesday Ride Night</a> and one of Rider Friendly Business Association partners Classy Chassis is taking part! 
 
There is a ton more news today so check out all of the headlines at: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/ </a> 
 
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today please ride like everyone around you is blind AND out to get you - ride proud not loud! 
 
Belt Drive Betty 
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A Good cup of coffee...

Belt Drive 0 Community 6:01 AM

If you are like me - a good cup of coffee can make almost anything better. I am a coffee freak - certifiable! I am sitting here this morning (started work at 3:30 am) and I am grateful to be up at this time of the day - why? Because my shipment of Bi… Read more »

23Jun2010

Sometimes you just have to admit defeat...

Belt Drive 3 Canadian Riders 8:24 AM

I have had to come to the harsh reality that I am only one person and that no matter how passionate, no matter how much I believe in what I am doing, I can't do it alone. 
 
Being a Gemini, I guess I always thought that meant I was really two people and have always worked at the pace of two people. 
 
Sadly, this week, the work load has taken its toll and has manifested itself in horrible physical pain, not to mention what it has been doing to my marriage and my husband's health. (Mark has MS and the stress and worry he has been experiencing as a result of my taking on too much is causing his MS to flare.) 
 
I have therefore decided to step down from my position of VP in charge of marketing for FIRRE as of October 1st, 2010. That should give the fledgling group time to get organized and the assistant VP in charge of marketing time to get up to speed on everything I have been working on. 
 
I will stay on as a National Sponsor of FIRRE - as injured riders, riders rights and the education of both riders and non riders are things I am terribly passionate about, and I will continue to be a member of the Southern AB Chapter of FIRRE.  However, the Busted Knuckle and the Rider Friendly Business Association and my involvement with motorcycle tourism has to take a front seat right now. 
 
My layout artist had to leave the paper due to an urgent family crisis and the new person I had hired sadly did not work out. So, until I can find a team to work with me on the newspaper and the Phone Book I need to put my volunteering duties on a back burner. There simply are not enough hours in the day or me to go around and life has gotten in the way, the health of my business, my person and that of my husband need to come first for a change.  
 
Like last week I find myself needing to do a 30 page newspaper in less than 24 hours and I am working alone...again... I have 14 follow up calls, banking and book keeping, shipping of auction items, a business plan to re vamp yet again in order to apply for operational grants etc and that's just what's on my plate for today. 
 
I just physically can not handle the pace by myself any more. 
 
Forgive me that this blog post is sparse today but I have had a lot of work to do this morning just trying to divest myself of a ton of the volunteer duties I had taken on. 
 
Sadly - I can not keep up the pace I have for the past 7 years - not if I want a business, a marriage or a healthy body. 
 
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. 
<div>
 
Belt Drive Betty</div>
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National VP of Marketing</div>
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Sometimes you just have to admit defeat...

Belt Drive 3 Canadian Riders 8:24 AM

I have had to come to the harsh reality that I am only one person and that no matter how passionate, no matter how much I believe in what I am doing, I can't do it alone. Being a Gemini, I guess I always thought that meant I was really two people and… Read more »

22Jun2010

A tragic weekend on Canadian Road ways

Belt Drive 0 Canadian Riders, Motorcycle Community 7:00 AM

I had had a fabulous weekend and arrived home around supper time last night and was feeling on top of the world, that is until I started doing the news updates. 
The news feeds are filled with accident/collision news. 
 
One rider in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5474-motorcyclist-loses-head-after-accident">Coquitlam BC lost it on the person who cut him off</a> - apparently the reporter feels that anger management needs to be part of driver education... 
 
A man from <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5470-motorcyclist-killed-after-collision-with-deer">Grand Forks is dead </a>after he hit a deer. 
 
Speed was a factor in a crash involving a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5472-motorcycle-crash-on-ospika">Prince George rider who got up in the gravel </a>and went down - he suffered serious injuries and in another accident a rider suffered injuries when a car driver ran a red light in Prince George. 
 
Tons of accidents/collisions in Saskatchewan - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5476-paramedics-baffled-by-busy-weekend-">Saskatoon reporting two with motorcycles</a> 
 
An accident near Radium BC claimed the life of a Calgary woman, she was the passenger, reportedly the riders involved in the accident were both <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5477-one-dead-another-injured-near-radium">Calgarians from the Calgary Cruising Club</a> 
 
In Ontario: One motorcyclist is dead after <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5475-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash">a crash on Dundas</a> and a rider is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5468-deadly-intersection-claims-life">dead and his passenger in critical condition...</a>in another collision - In Toronto paramedics responded to a number of collisions including one where a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/5469-busy-weekend-for-paramedics">19 year old rider suffered life threatening injuries.</a> 
 
There is news about the motorcycle noise testing in Edmonton, a few articles on motorcycle fund raisers on the home page at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> 
 
After the great weekend I had, reading all of the tragedy that has struck our community this weekend has taken some of the wind out of my sails...I think I am going to go work out and get rid of some of the sadness and anger I feel... 
 
I will have a full report on New Norway and the Ride & Auction for the Military Families Fund in the Busted Knuckle NEXT week! 
 
IF you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you - IS out to get you and please ride proud not loud - save those pipes for the time they count - when someone is beside you and drifts into your lane. 
 
 
 
<div>
Belt Drive Betty</div>
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<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></div>
<div>
A MAX Award winning web site!</div>
<div>
National VP of Marketing</div>
<div>
Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.canadianriders.ca/">www.canadianriders.ca</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.bikerfriendly.ca/">www.bikerfriendly.ca</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.greatcanadiandayrides.com/">www.greatcanadiandayrides.com</a></div>
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A tragic weekend on Canadian Road ways