So, how ARE YOU going to remember? November 4th - 11th

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is Remembrance Week. With our soldiers in such desperate need in this country, we the people they protect...we need to do what our government doesn't appear to be - we need to show them our thanks, we need to honor them and THEIR FAMILIES.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I have made three personal decisions:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1) To send a box out for the Chosen Soldier Program for Christmas</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.trevlac.biz/Chosen_Soldier.htm">http://www.trevlac.biz/Chosen_Soldier.htm</a>)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This program offers the soldier a few creature comforts not provided by the Government. Things like word search books and hand sanitizer, baby wipes, licorice...little things that can mean soooo much. One box serves a group of 12 soldiers on average.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2) To write to my MP to ask for reform of the New Veteran's Charter</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3) To attend an OUTDOOR Service on November 11th</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's how I intend to honor and support my troops, and how I intend to remember.</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are you doing? I want to hear from you.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Join the discussion either on Face Book, in the forums on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> or right here in my blog.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In other news:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Creed - the band - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7643-creed-sues-to-stop-advertiser-exploitation-of-music">is suing Yamaha</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Harley-Davidson strong arms more <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-business/304-businessindustry-news-american/7645-harley-davidson-threatens-to-close-kc-plant">American employees</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/7640-poppies-coming-to-motorcycle-plates-">the Poppy is coming to</a> a motorcycle plate near you!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A second young man in Nova Scotia has <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1656-ns-rider-down/7639-second-teen-dies-from-crash-injuries">died as a result of a crash</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-sports-canadian/343-candian-motocross/7641-revy-riders-new-dirt-track-ready-for-riding">Revelstoke BC a new dirt </a>track opens</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, you luck dog...PLEASE ride safe, and put on an extra few for me K cause - yah this sucks being without my ride, it sucks harder than you know.....</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Rider & Editor</span></span></i><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span>

So, how ARE YOU going to remember? November 4th - 11th

Belt Drive 0 3:59 AM

This is Remembrance Week. With our soldiers in such desperate need in this country, we the people they protect...we need to do what our government doesn't appear to be - we need to show them our thanks, we need to honor them and THEIR FAMILIES. I hav… Read more »

Read more »

Supporting our troops means....

<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Supporting our veterans.</span></b></i></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is tragic - to me at least, that our veterans - people who have laid their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, to attempt to gain freedom for those who are oppressed - are being treated the way they are by the military bureaucracy and our Federal Government.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I encourage and beg all of you - please find out what initiative is being promoted in your region to assist our veterans in getting the poorly and unfairly crafted "New Veteran's Charter revisited. Let's get out and stand behind the men and women who make it possible for us here in Canada to live in relative peace and freedom.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is the link to the New Veterans Charter - Services and Benefits:  </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=information-canadian-forces/services-benefits">http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/clients/sub.cfm?source=information-canadian-forces/services-benefits</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our Veterans - IMHO deserve to be treated with honor and respect and part of that respect is paying them decently for their service, both while they are in service and after they come home. If it is a drain on the federal government's coffers then I recommend highly that our MP's take a cut in their pension and that they not be allowed to draw a pension until they have served at least two tours of duty - two elections.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you need to understand the changes that have taken place, find a CAV FULL member, or a member of the Defenders (Or any military member retired or active)  and talk to them about the changes and how unfair they are and how they affect the people who serve US.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This weekend in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-suport-our-troops/422-contacts/7630-veterans-demanding-change">Trenton a number of military personnel - some of them CAV members</a> are going to be protesting the New Veterans Charter and asking for changes.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you can, join them - please.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you can't - then please take a moment to write your MP.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Demand that your MP either pick up a rifle and head over seas into a place of conflict or get off their butts and do the right thing by our vets.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In case you are unsure of who your MP is or how to contact them:</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E">http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E</a></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;">For those of you who are unsure of what to write and what to ask for here is my letter to use as a guide (just substitute the name of your MP):</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dear Mr Warkentin,</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am writing to you as a citizen of Canada.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am asking you to please force the re visitation of the New Veteran's Charter.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The men and women who sacrifice their lives and the quality of their families lives, deserve far better treatment than is being offered in my opinion and I ask you to please ensure that these proud men and women never have to grovel or beg to get the assistance and help they need when they come home from combat or peace keeping missions.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is because of their courage, their dedication that we here in this country live in relative peace and freedom. It is because of their willingness to put their lives on the line that you and I do not have to fear suicide bombers or dodge gun fire in our streets on a daily basis. It is because of their courage and their willing hearts that you and I can sleep peacefully at night. Our biggest worries are how we are going to juggle our schedules to attend the upcoming Christmas parties, ensure the kids get to hockey practice and how we will pay our bills.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is because of them that we do not truly know fear in this country.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I beg you to take a lead in ensuring that the men and women who serve our country are given the medical health benefits, the mental health benefits and financial and practical aides they need and DESERVE. A widow/er should NOT have to pay inheritance tax or beg for benefits. A soldier who has seen too much and or comes home broken on the outside as well as the inside - PLEASE take the lead to ensure that he/she gets all of the help they need to ensure a certain quality of life.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A soldier should know when he/she signs on for the job the their Government VALUES their service and recognize their contribution to a safer country. They should not have to fear their government.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If we as the taxpayers - who actually make up the Government of Canada - are not prepared to look after these people when they come home - then we should not be asking them to lay their lives on the line. Make no mistake though, there is far, far more to a soldiers sacrifice than the mere laying their lives on the line.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For every soldier who comes home wounded - either physically or mentally (spiritually) there is an entire family that is affected - you are not dealing with but one person but many and if you are not prepared to support that family as much as the soldier than you have NO right to ask the soldier to go lay their life on the line. It is OUR duty to protect their families, just as the soldier protects ours.</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;">I ask you to please aide in the reforming of this poorly crafted peice of legislation that does not assist in keeping our country stong and free. How will we ever attract the right caliber and quality of people to defend our country and it's freedoms and rights if we are not prepared to pay for their service in a fair and equitable way?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are not prepared to take a lead in reform of the New Veteran's Charter, then please sir, feel free to go to basic training and take a soldiers place. I will be more that happy to send your unit a care package as part of the <a href="http://www.trevlac.biz/Chosen_Soldier.htm">"Chosen Soldiers" Project</a> this Christmas.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I thank you for your consideration of this request and await your answer, which I expect by way of action, not by response to this letter.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yours in Support of our Troops,</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Renee "Belt Drive Betty" Charbonneau</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Member 3 CAV Supporter Member</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Grande Prairie AB</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well folks, like every day - I hope you will wade in on the days topic and share your point of view - I would be VERY interested in your thoughts on  this topic.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can do so here in my blog, on Face book or in the forums over at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> (for BDB Club members only)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I want to congratulate LJ James and Chuck D on 2 years of Biker Lowdown Radio. They are doing a great service to riders everywhere by having a place you can voice your opinions and share information on the various issues that affect the riding community from around north America and the world! Congrats on a job well done you two, I am honored to be a sponsor and a fan! (<a href="http://bikerlowdown.com/">http://bikerlowdown.com/</a>)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a ton of news today over on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For those of you who subscribe to our newspaper, The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, today is paper delvicery day - we have some great stories this week!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And for members of our web site - Voting kicks off in our Ride like a Local Photo Contest. One lucky rider will win either 2 nights hotel or $150 cash! We have a ton of GREAT photos!</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, you luck dog...PLEASE ride safe, and put on an extra few for me K cause - yah this sucks being without my ride, it really sucks.....</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Rider & Editor</span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq"><br /></span></span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span>

Supporting our troops means....

Belt Drive 2 6:18 AM

Supporting our veterans. It is tragic - to me at least, that our veterans - people who have laid their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, to attempt to gain freedom for those who are oppressed - are being treated the way they are by the milita… Read more »

Read more »

22 Murders to Toy Run Meetings - it's all in the news today...

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Quebec they have charged Normand (Casper) Ouimet with 22 counts of murder.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All of the murders stem back to the Quebec "biker" wars.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, according the report in the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-qc-news/297-motorcycle-television/7605-quebec-biker-charged-with-22-murders">Winnipeg Free Press</a>, Ouimet was also involved in the parliament hill refurbishing project and is also going to be facing charges from his involvement in the Quebec construction scene.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you know a Canadian soldier who rides and deserves to be nominated for the Hometown Heroes contest with Victory Motorcycles?</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Throughout November, consumers are invited to nominate “Hometown Heroes” on the Victory Hometown Heroes website (<a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.victoryheroes.com&esheet=6492962&lan=en-US&anchor=www.victoryheroes.com&index=1&md5=95520c6c240d193c93ac865e558942e0">www.victoryheroes.com</a>). Those currently serving in the U.S. or Canadian military and all veterans are eligible to be nominated. All nominations will be open to public voting on the site, beginning in early November and concluding on December 5. Following the conclusion of public voting, the veteran or person currently serving in the military receiving the most votes will be selected to receive a free Victory motorcycle. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-lifestyle/446-motorcycle-reviews-/7615-victory-motorcycles-hometown-heroes-program-honors-a-supports-military-personnel-">Read the entire press release </a></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Canada - who are we nominating? We need to get behind someone and really make our votes count don't yah think? Man that is a wonderful thing they are doing...congratulations and well done Victory!</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/latest-candian-national-news/287-news-canadian-national/7609-victoria-motorcycle-club-enters-hall-of-fame">Victoria Motorcycle Club</a> is being inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Congratulations folks! Over 100 years as an organized club....amazing and inspirational!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the Salmon Arm Observer today they are warning the organizers of Sturgis North and the public to be careful. Reportedly town council has NOT granted the permits to host the event yet and even if they do, they may put strong stipulations on the event. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">  “I think a lot of people think it’s a done deal,” remarked Coun. Chad Eliason. “I would strongly recommend to the applicants that they make sure they have the support of council before they spend a lot of money.” <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-bc-travel/308-bc-motorcycle-events/7607-council-suggests-caution">Read the article here</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Our very own Robert Whaley  from Thunder Bay waded in on the Caledon Motorcycle Noise Bylaw Issue...He makes some salient points that I think could be incorporated into speeches and write ups. Read his letter to the editor: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/7613-too-loud-for-whom-"> Read his letter here</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well folks, like every day - I hope you will wade in on the days topics and share your points of view - I would be VERY interested in your thoughts on all or any of the above topics that arose in the day's news feeds!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you live in the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-bc-travel/308-bc-motorcycle-events/7604-west-kootenay-toy-run-next-meeting">West Kootenays of BC and have some time the Toy Run Committee </a>is having a meeting tonight! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a ton of new motorcycle unveilings from the <b>2010 EICMA show in Milan </b>to read about in the Lifestyles - Motorcycle News and Reviews category on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></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 riding today, you luck dog...PLEASE ride safe, and put on an extra few for me K cause - yah this sucks being without my ride.....</span></i><br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Rider & Editor<br /></span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span>

22 Murders to Toy Run Meetings - it's all in the news today...

Belt Drive 0 5:16 AM

In Quebec they have charged Normand (Casper) Ouimet with 22 counts of murder. All of the murders stem back to the Quebec "biker" wars. However, according the report in the Winnipeg Free Press, Ouimet was also involved in the parliament hill refurbish… Read more »

Read more »

The American Icon - H-D sees green and is going for it and NO we are not talking environmental protection

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The American Dream, apple pie, gold streets and toys - lots of expensive toys....</span></span></i><br /> <i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As the American economy flounders and fails to re start I have to ask myself why the US government isn't DEMANDING some loyalty, some pay back, out of Harley-Davidson.</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Back when the importation of foreign motorcycles saw heavy tariffs and duties applied to slow the retail sales of the foreign products and protect the "Iconic" brand Harley-Davidson, H-D was grateful, humbled even. Back in the late 40's early 50's the US government protected H-D...It happened again in 83 when Ronald Reagan imposed a 45% tariff on imported bikes and bikes over 700 cc engine capacity...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It appears however that H-D's Colors are not red, white and blue the way they claim in all of their patriotic, chest pounding commercials but GREEN and they are a running to the green as fast as they can. (See the article on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/7596-harley-davidson-announces-ckd-assembly-operations-in-india">the new CKD plant in India </a>being built)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It saddens me to realize that something the American Consumer has held so dear - gave up their hard earned dollars to defend and protect (remember - taxpayers protected it) to see that brand live to be over 100 years old and then slap the American rider, the American Consumer, the American Employee - the American government (State Govt too) right upside the head and say thanks for protecting us so we could make money.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now that you need jobs here in the US though - well too bad - we can make or build stuff cheaper elsewhere so too bad America...employees - you will do with far less, cities and states - we WILL pull our plants out of here if you don't bend to our will...I wonder if the next time this ICON needs a bail out because of their decision making - will the American Government, the taxpayer - the employee/consumer actually look back in history and go - yah - NO....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sorry folks - I  understand this is commerce and business and I get it that it is their right to seek those greener pastures and yet I can't help but ask myself...why...why are the the governments of the various cities and states not protecting the American job?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The bail out and stimulus needs to be revisited and should have a lot more to do with jobs in the US... (Mind you the work ethic and the wage expectation needs to be revisited as does the price of things like cars and trucks etc...) with out our biggest trading partner being healthy, our economy is going to falter farther too.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Harley-Davidson Motor Corp is about as loyal and patriotic as the man in the moon - no scratch that unfair comparison - at least the man in the moon hasn't run off to greener pastures...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's commerce, I get that.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">India...the American dream of nice cars and homes, and toys - lots of toys - has moved to a country called India where sacrifice is a way of life. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">India - where generation after generation live together under one roof, learning and sharing - these people know short term pain for long term gain. Their work ethic today is what the work ethic in North America used to be. Their sense of family values and protectionism very much the same as it used to be here.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But something tells me that if H-D were to ask for protection - a bail out the way they did so many years ago here in North America - they probably wouldn't get it from the Indian government - the Indian government would look at the history books, see what H-D did to the US of A in it's time of need and say - yah, no - Hero Honda is offering us a better deal...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The American Icon - H-D sees green and is going for it, the American consumer will go on feeling loyal to the brand, the American Employee will grudgingly stay at their job at the plants that H-D threatened to move out of Milwaukee and the state and municipal governments will go on letting H-D push them around. Nothing much will change and yet...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Any company that touts itself as a patriotic one, that builds its image the way H-D has done....by being seen as this patriotic retailer, well I think they have set themselves up to get kicked around just a bit....and that's my humble opinion.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(And yes, I ride a Harley...)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As always - I welcome your thoughts and opinions - please jump in to the discussion here in my blog, on Face Book or in the Forums on<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"> www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> - I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this topic.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Check out the days news over on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a>...The Surete Quebec has</span></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">caught someone they have been looking for since 2009.</span></i><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 riding today you luck dog...PLEASE ride safe.</span></i><br /> <b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Rider & Editor</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span>

The American Icon - H-D sees green and is going for it and NO we are not talking environmental protection

Belt Drive 0 6:30 AM

The American Dream, apple pie, gold streets and toys - lots of expensive toys.... As the American economy flounders and fails to re start I have to ask myself why the US government isn't DEMANDING some loyalty, some pay back, out of Harley-Davidson. … Read more »

Read more »

IMBBA, New Events and Event News

<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The International Master Bike Builders Association (IMBBA) has accepted the Busted Knuckle Chronicles as a Sponsor for Canada and the International arm leading up to the world Championship which will be held in Laval QC in 2012. (<a href="http://www.masterbikebuilders.com/">IMMBA International Site</a>   <a href="http://www.imbba.ca/">IMBBA Canadian Site </a>and the <a href="http://www.imbba.ca/html/shows.html">Event information page for Canada</a>)</span></i></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is exciting - I get to work with people in the motorcycle industry that I respect and admire.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">MJ Reynolds will be supplying articles for us on the different builders from around the world who are committed to competing at the 2012 event!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes - it is exciting and rewarding to be able to be involved in seeing our aftermarket shops starting to have their own Quality assurance seal. We had tried to do that here in Canada about 6 years ago with CADA but we could not get enough builders or repair shops to see the merit at the time. Perhaps now that the consumers faith in the little guy needs some bolstering the builders and repair shops will get their buts on board with a program that is meant to lend credibility for quality workmanship.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This year there are two new motorcycles in BC - both the same weekend - One in Merritt and the other in Salmon Arm. The good news is - they are close enough together that if you are in the area attending both is not out of the question.</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;">The Merritt Event - the <a href="http://greatcanadianbikerally.com/">Great Canadian Bike Rally</a> is supporting some great kid's charities </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and the <a href="http://www.sturgisnorth.com/">Sturgis North</a> event is in someways an evolution of the Salmon Arm Summer Stomp with a music festival and vending experience being incorporated in the town of Salmon Arm.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The one thing about hosting out door events and working with bikers - you lot are last minute people - if it rains one direction you are looking for something to do elsewhere.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Getting you to pre book is like pulling teeth unless there is some HUGE advantage to doing so - you have 30 year mortgages on your homes and 5 year loans on your vehicles and bikes, and a 3 year cell phone contract but you are afraid of commitment when it comes to choosing events, entering contests doing pretty much anything else - I know, I been working with you in one capacity or another for over 30 years and the last 7 have been real eye openers!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The other challenge that event coordinators face - weather - both venues are blessed to be in good weather belts but we all know mother nature is female...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is beginning to look like my Motorcycle Awareness Conga this year will leave from Merritt and head for Cape Breton and the Thunder in the Highlands...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's right folks - we are planning on doing it again....July16th 2011 to August 15th 2011</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Riding across Canada on an awareness campaign to remind motorists to share the road with us and to raise money for the CMTA's Injured Riders Fund. Remember - July is the month with the highest number of deaths and accidents hence why the RCMP an police services call it Motorcycle Road Safety Month.</span><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The news feeds are pretty quiet today so I am going to take advantage and get back to work on our community phone book....</span></i><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 riding today you luck dog...PLEASE ride safe.</span></i><br /> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i><br /> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">Rider & Editor</span></span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="sqq">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bustedknucklenews.com/"><span class="sqq">www.bustedknucklenews.com</span></a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"><span class="sqq">www.beltdrivebetty.com</span></a></span>

IMBBA, New Events and Event News

Belt Drive 0 5:11 AM

The International Master Bike Builders Association (IMBBA) has accepted the Busted Knuckle Chronicles as a Sponsor for Canada and the International arm leading up to the world Championship which will be held in Laval QC in 2012. (IMMBA International … Read more »

Read more »