Belt Drive Betty's Blog

Family first

I am blessed to have two families - my biker family and my blood family. 
While I consider you all my family, I do have a biological one. 
 
My kid brother lives near Kamloops, he's 48 years old and like so many people, he is dying from Cancer. It is a form of lung cancer that has him in it's grip. The tumor he has is on his Vena Cava - the main artery that brings the blood back into the heart after it's journey through the body. 
 
Consequently he is suffering from low oxygen, he has emphysema and he tires easily. 
Yes, like so many of us from the 60's my brother smoked. In our family mom, dad, one grand mother and two grandfathers smoked - it was accepted and condoned even if no one knew the consequences. My brother never quit until he was forced to because he couldn't breath. 
 
When he and I saw each other recently after a number of years of being estranged - he asked me to quit smoking. When I told him I had almost a year ago now, well he started to cry and when I told him my daughter and my husband had quit too well, he was beside himself. He asked me to make sure I used my pen (this blog) to make sure his plea was heard. 
 
So please, quit smoking...not because you have to, not because it's expensive and hard on your body but because you want to, because you love the people in your life and want to be around to enjoy them. Do it for YOU! 
 
I am leaving today to go help my sister in law out for a while. 
Because of the radiation treatments my brother is having a hard time swallowing, his sense of smell is acute and things don't smell right to him - he can't eat because he can't swallow - he's hungry but just can't eat, he's loosing weight rapidly and I sometimes wonder about these treatments... 
 
My sister in law is tired and scared and just really needs a break. 
I am going yes to see my brother, but more to support her - this could be a long process or a fast one - only God knows. I was always taught to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. My sister in law needs to look after herself and have a break from the sorrow - get out of the house for a bit and enjoy just being...re charge. I hope to be able to give her a bit of that by taking care of the mundane but necessary so she can sleep all day or go for a walk knowing everything else is taken care of. 
 
I leave on a month long road trip soon - this is my opportunity to make a difference and to show them they are loved - and I am taking it. I don't know if my brother will be here when I get back so I am not taking the chance. 
 
I have always believed in living my life to say I am glad I did, not I wished I had... 
 
If there is someone in your life - that you love and care for you really do have to MAKE time in that busy life to put family first... 
 
Please know I love you all - I may not know you well but if you have touched my life, my heart - I love you. I am built that way - I want the best for you that life can offer and I want you to live a fulfilled and grateful life. If you smoke - Please, take my brother's advice - quit smoking - but do it FOR YOU. 
 
There is so very much in the news today so hop on over to <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> for your daily fix, or if you are a subscriber check your emails cause today is Busted Knuckle Chronicles Paper day! 
 
Don't forget our photo contests - the worst road repairs or lack of repairs and your favorite Canadian Attraction & your bike!  We have some great prizes up for grabs! 
 
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE - I beg you  - Ride like every SOB in the country has an unsafe load, is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you and please ride Proud not loud and consider some push back on the issues that affect our safety! 
 
 
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Belt Drive Betty </div>
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Family first

I am blessed to have two families - my biker family and my blood family. While I consider you all my family, I do have a biological one. ...

Free Rider Training...how do they do that?

Belt Drive 0 Motorcycle Training, riding community 6:35 AM

In the beautiful state of Pennsylvania they appear to do things differently than the rest of north America... 
 
According to a press release this morning: Pennsylvania riders can enhance their driving skills and safety awareness by taking free training offered through Pennsylvania's Motorcycle Safety Program. Courses are free to Pennsylvania residents and are held from March through October at approximately 70 sites across the state. Motorcycle permit holders who successfully complete the course will be issued a motorcycle license. 
 
The 15-hour, Basic Rider Course (BRC) consists of five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience on a riding range under the watchful eyes of certified rider coaches. The BRC is a comprehensive safety and skills overview that provides valuable training for new riders. This course is also helpful to more experienced riders, allowing them to polish their skills and recognize any unsafe habits they may have picked up. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for students taking the basic course. 
 
If a rider has completed the BRC, the six-hour, Experienced Rider Course helps experienced riders refresh their safety knowledge and hone their skills on a riding range under the guidance of certified rider coaches. Students taking the ERC must provide their own motorcycle and helmet. 
 
So - how can they do it and no one else seems to? Free rider training...to read the rest of the article and to find out more on the rider awareness program: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6153-penndots-live-free-ride-alive-documentary-makes-online-debut-motorcyclists-urged-to-put-safety-first-take-free-training-courses-">Click here</a>. 
 
I think that there is a ton that could be done to increase the awareness of riders and drivers a like - the task or the challenge is to get the grants to hire the staff to be dedicated to that mission. For volunteers to try and do anything - well - life gets in the road no matter how good their intent!  As a member of F.I.R.R.E. I will be encouraging our executive to apply for operational grants to hire staff to tackle these very issues.... 
 
In the news today: 
 
Harley-Davidson has <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6152-harley-davidson-offers-three-new-models-for-2011">announced it's 2011 models </a>and it's CVO Models (we will have the CVO info and the new military line of clothing info for you this afternoon). <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/446-motorcycle-reviews-/6141-2011-victory-motorcycles-lineup-all-models-to-use-freedom-106-engine">Victory has also outlined their 2011 offerings </a>- the 106" Freedom Engine will be the only engine offering for Victory this year - no more 96"! 
 
Right across this fair country of ours there are a rash of Motorcycle Accidents and Deaths to report. Visit the<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/rider-down"> Rider Down section of our web site to learn more</a>. 
In Sports: Jordan Skoze is on his way to <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6144-superbike-megastar-bound-for-shubie-final">Shubenacadie and his 5th championship</a>! 
 
The third annual<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/343-candian-motocross/6140-bushwacked-in-the-outback"> Bushwacked in the Outback </a>event went off without a hitch. 
 
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE - I beg you  - Ride like every SOB in the country has an unsafe load, is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you and please ride Proud not loud and consider some push back on the issues that affect our safety! 
 
 
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
Belt Drive Betty </div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
A MAX Award winning web site!</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
National VP of Marketing</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<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>
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<a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bikerfriendly.ca/">www.bikerfriendly.ca</a></div>
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Free Rider Training...how do they do that?

In the beautiful state of Pennsylvania they appear to do things differently than the rest of north America... According to a press release...

An idea whose time has come?

Belt Drive 0 Community, Rider Friendly Business Association 6:09 AM

In the US of A the American Motorcycle Association he decided that it was time for riders to educate themselves about where the various politicians stand on issues related to motorcycles. 
 
Being a non partisan organization they do not endorse any candidate but they do help you wade through the mire and get straight to the matters that are most important to riders. 
 
Between questionnaires that were sent out and the voting records on the various issues, the AMA has been able to give one a pretty good insight as to the politicians and their mind set. Perhaps here in Canada it is time to do the same thing? 
 
Lord knows it would be nice to know where some of our politicians stand on things like noise pollution, road and infrastructure maintenance, policing, helmets, after market pipes and accessories, importation... 
 
Yes, I think the AMA may be on to something very significant! 
 
In other news: 
I am getting frustrated with the news feeds - the rash of injuries and deaths being reported is worrisome and saddening. Visit the Rider Down section on our web site at: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com </a>to read about the various accidents and deaths that have taken place. My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by a crash... 
 
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6120-motorcycle-ride-for-dad-highlights">Don Cherry and Rick Hillier</a> are getting ready to ride across Canada with the 10th Anniversary Ride for Dad Prostate Cancer Run. 
 
In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6127-sport-bikes-lose-momentum-">Montreal and throughout Quebec</a>, new insurance rates slow the sales of sport bikes. 
 
Business is taking on a twist of sorts...<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6128-new-era-of-falling-sales-rising-profits">falling sales but soaring profits</a>... 
 
That rockin' province - Nova Scotia plays <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6129-6th-annual-dutch-mason-blues-festival">host the the 6th annual</a> Dutch Mason's Blues Fest 
 
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE - I beg you  - Ride like every SOB in the country has an unsafe load, is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you and please ride Proud not loud and consider some push back on the issues that affect our safety! 
 
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
Belt Drive Betty </div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
A MAX Award winning web site!</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
National VP of Marketing</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<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>
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<a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bikerfriendly.ca/">www.bikerfriendly.ca</a></div>
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An idea whose time has come?

In the US of A the American Motorcycle Association he decided that it was time for riders to educate themselves about where the various poli...

A great weekend to light a F.I.R.R.E.

Belt Drive 0 riding community 6:20 AM

The Southern Alberta Chapter of F.I.R.R.E. held it's very first fund raiser - a poker run to assist two riders families: Yvonne Perry & the family of Rick Betts. 
 
Yvonne was a passenger injured in an accident back in May - the rider of the motorcycle - John was killed in that accident and Rick Betts from Lethbridge was killed in an accident and his family needed some support. His wife Levi was hospitalized after the accident.  
 
 
Helping a fellow rider or passenger in the advent of an accident is a big part of what the Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education is all about. 
This weekend in Southern Alberta, the Riding community got together to show 2 families - one a single mom & her 12 year old son and the other - Rick's wife - Levi, that they are cared about. Reaching out a helping hand, working to make a difference in our own community - within our family "Wind". 
 
 
You see, every weekend we riders reach deep into our pockets and help all sorts of charities and while that is wildly important so is helping our own family, our own community, the riding community. I am so proud of our brothers and sisters in that southern AB country - what a great job for your first time out of the gates! 
 
 
The next group to be working to impact the riding community and help light a F.I.R.R.E. is the central AB Chapter in Thorsby on August 7th and 8th:  
<a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca </a>for all of the information! 
 
In the news today: 
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6087-putin-rides-harley-at-a-biker-convention-">took part in the HOG Rally</a> in the southern Ukraine 
 
In Calgary AB the final <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6088-bikers-bring-bucks-and-bags-of-toys-to-childrens-hospital-">ECL Choppers for Charity </a>ride brought in a ton of cash and toys for it's last time and the Hells Angels <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6106-police-say-hells-angels-annual-gathering-low-key">anniversary bash was a low keyed</a> affair. 
 
 
In the Windsor and Essex County region Kathy Troiani & the<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6090-for-love-of-riding-and-helping-others"> Essex County Riders</a> make a difference and in Ameliasburgh ON <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6105-museum-motorcycles-mix-events">Bikes & the Museum</a> mixed it up! 
 
In Manitoba <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6103-motorcycle-rider-killed-in-collision-with-car-on-highway-405">a rider was killed and his passenger </a>hospitalized after a collision yesterday. 
 
In Nova Scotia -<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6104-fortress-of-louisbourg-made-for-interesting-setting-for-2009-thunder-in-the-highlands-bikefest"> Cape Breton to be exact they look back</a> at last year while anticipating this years Thunder in the Highlands Bikefest! 
 
 
In St John's NL the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/6107-mac-rally-of-hope-rolls-into-capital-city">MAC Rally rolled in to it's final </a>destination raising approx. $75K for Breast Cancer research! 
 
If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - PLEASE - I beg you  - Ride like every SOB in the country has an unsafe load, is blind and can not see you and IS out to get you and please ride Proud not loud and consider some push back on the issues that affect our safety! 
 
I LOVE YOU and want you around to argue with, to bench race with and to just generally hang out with so please - take care of YOU...YOU ARE IMPORTANT HERE! 
 
 
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
Belt Drive Betty </div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
A MAX Award winning web site!</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
National VP of Marketing</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education</div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<a href="http://www.firre.ca/">www.firre.ca</a></div>
<div style="color: #cccccc;">
<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>
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<a href="http://www.riderfriendly.ca/">www.riderfriendly.ca</a></div>
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<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> <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.blogspot.com/MkykqmWUuSZSzQy9wgWg3f01WF4.txt"> 
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A great weekend to light a F.I.R.R.E.

The Southern Alberta Chapter of F.I.R.R.E. held it's very first fund raiser - a poker run to assist two riders families: Yvonne Perry &...