Belt Drive Betty's Blog

Laws in other Countries...some make sense....others not so much

Belt Drive 0 In the News, Law & Politics 8:20 AM

<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today there were two articles in the news feeds that caught my attention.</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/361-contacts/14528-kids-motorbike-safety-bill-okayed" target="_blank">One from the Phillipines</a> - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this article they discuss the fact that it is now illegal for kids 10 and under to be a passenger on a motorcycle without a helmet and spells out clear parameters as to when a child is old enough to ride as a passenger:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Begin Quote:</b> <i>Under House Bill (HB) No. 5626 or the Motorcycle Safety for Children Act of 2011, it seeks to ensure the safety of children aboard motorcycles by regulating the operation of motorcyclesalong highways and roads.</i></span><br />
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The protective helmet must comply under Republic Act (RA) No. 10054 otherwise known as “The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.”</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>RA 10054 provides that a child can be transported if his or her feet can comfortably reach thefootrests of the motorcycle and the arms of the child can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle driver. </i><b>End Quote</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This law seems pretty straight forward, late in coming perhaps, but clear and simple to understand.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The one below - not so much...</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/361-contacts/14529-jos-police-to-ban-okada-during-new-year-festival" target="_blank">In Nigeria, Okada Riders</a> - (Motorcycle Riders) are being banned from riding from 6am to 6pm on January 1st.  The article goes off on this wild tangent about the police not having enough technology but what I was able to glean after reading and re reading was - that there had been an attack on a Church just before Christmas - by someone on motorcycles - (this is an assumption on my part), and this attack caused the ban.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, from my understanding, in Nigeria - a good number of people who ride motorcycles operate like taxi's and there are some gangs in that mix. Hence, everyone who rides a motorcycle there, tends to be treated like a criminal - and if I am also interpreting/reading this article right, the police feel they must act in this way as they have no technologies to assist them and they are over worked.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Glad I don't ride there!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So - reading about the different approaches to the laws and enforcement of different jurisdictions of the world over the past few days, I got to wondering....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How come it is not mandatory to wear proper foot wear and clothing on a bike?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I mean if safety and reducing health care costs are really as important as government officials would lead you to believe - then why is that aspect of safety gear always overlooked by law makers?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to why that might be?</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would love to hear your thoughts and I would love links to articles on really strange laws regarding motorcycles - I love seeing how truly bent politicians can be...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And that, my friends is a perfect segue to present you this link....<b><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/strangelaws">http://www.squidoo.com/strangelaws</a></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">on Strange and Dumb Laws from some US states - I thought that they might give you a few giggles but more importantly drive that age old lesson home: BE AFRAID OF LARGE NUMBERS OF STUPID PEOPLE!!!!  (Congress, Parliament Hill - no country it appears, is immune from them)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are many other articles in the news feeds that may be of interest to you today - check them out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/" target="_blank">www.beltdrivebetty.com </a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few funnies that have been shared by friends on Facebook and through email - laughter lights up the world...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_izDJ3eJ8UcqJYJ5S-CZfMroOFOHX6NFbZ5CigLpA4usd67YbsnCnJ5OWfLqhbaiSbBEY7T2SE64C5ZEmNKZWT3EigqKfEqRED41plqlNLeScMEddkpsTtzaPCvzYwCkdVij/s1600/389340_213452835393902_100001875602052_526924_849087666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_izDJ3eJ8UcqJYJ5S-CZfMroOFOHX6NFbZ5CigLpA4usd67YbsnCnJ5OWfLqhbaiSbBEY7T2SE64C5ZEmNKZWT3EigqKfEqRED41plqlNLeScMEddkpsTtzaPCvzYwCkdVij/s320/389340_213452835393902_100001875602052_526924_849087666_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpCm5uj885Vo1oCEzyDR0uEFjiNVYACPW6i2hkh8F894w1TYn3m4nTEbJypBFG3CuMzJqBryrg8tM7rfNRvQixITyKd7R3HBLLZEdoA_8z_PG-G4qsEGTK6yvjHbcfHgneejT/s1600/399362_311249542239948_130810663617171_1050627_377811244_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpCm5uj885Vo1oCEzyDR0uEFjiNVYACPW6i2hkh8F894w1TYn3m4nTEbJypBFG3CuMzJqBryrg8tM7rfNRvQixITyKd7R3HBLLZEdoA_8z_PG-G4qsEGTK6yvjHbcfHgneejT/s320/399362_311249542239948_130810663617171_1050627_377811244_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_1aruKyDSO09gSzHdNYQzTtTZ5h-MvfdHAm-AUuziUE1hWh92hv1HSJulS2gscTIZQyJZM3l83BrFQlMfwULCjw2YysrARD2ZqMPC8rlV3plCr5Npe84Bco007cR2KW_oPJC/s1600/388219_303070733039153_100000086878062_1342309_1861092708_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_1aruKyDSO09gSzHdNYQzTtTZ5h-MvfdHAm-AUuziUE1hWh92hv1HSJulS2gscTIZQyJZM3l83BrFQlMfwULCjw2YysrARD2ZqMPC8rlV3plCr5Npe84Bco007cR2KW_oPJC/s1600/388219_303070733039153_100000086878062_1342309_1861092708_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy New Year everyone, please don't drink and drive....see you all in 2012!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty </span></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i></div>

Laws in other Countries...some make sense....others not so much

Belt Drive 0 In the News, Law & Politics 8:20 AM

Today there were two articles in the news feeds that caught my attention. One from the Phillipines - In this article they discuss the fact that it is now illegal for kids 10 and under to be a passenger on a motorcycle without a helmet and spells out… Read more »

30Dec2011

2012...

Belt Drive 3 Community 7:07 AM

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2012 is coming faster than I would like...I still have so many things to do to get ready for the motorcycle shows - so many things that I am waiting on others to do before I can do my thing...it get's discouraging and frustrating some times - but, it's life right.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have a couple of questions for you all...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What is the MUST DO event on your riding season list?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What is the MUST DO road on your riding season list?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What is your one gear acquisition you are determined to make in 2012?</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My must do event this year is the Great Canadian Bike Rally in Merritt BC, My must do road is the Top of the World Highway in the Yukon/Alaska..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My gear acquisition is a new set of Froggs Toggs....I lent my old ones to someone and haven't gotten them back so...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a few items in the news f<a href="http://www.be;tdrivebetty.com/">eeds today</a> that may be of interest or value to you - it's of course been pretty quiet but that will all change in a bout a week's time as everyone starts going back to work so I am taking advantage of the reprieve by getting as much of my stuff done before I leave home next Wednesday morning when it will be destination CALGARY and lots of HUGS!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few giggles, shared with me by friends either through email or Facebook...hope they put a smile on your face...</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOasaQBGxLZv-NuUZ28GlVSggc7izi2zwMyX47u2GjW_Hzlf6obXx6E7DFM0I1f1q51OyYJnFCM2ahcjh_CqJ9iYzSHK9-cWpEbAMkZGNeWL9-vcyJ-_hjWEDj5jjlHy5JH8eD/s1600/394774_10150550678305225_508930224_11194310_1635068543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOasaQBGxLZv-NuUZ28GlVSggc7izi2zwMyX47u2GjW_Hzlf6obXx6E7DFM0I1f1q51OyYJnFCM2ahcjh_CqJ9iYzSHK9-cWpEbAMkZGNeWL9-vcyJ-_hjWEDj5jjlHy5JH8eD/s320/394774_10150550678305225_508930224_11194310_1635068543_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-zNI1Q-GUkoIUCJYr3jfqEXj4OQRiregCWfYUjx7TO2o2QvHZq_z5YPEJ16F-FkLpRnAXnOixqY_jIejzSNjcXE06rHl-4LMFSj6r76Z6ZzNXpvtjDwZh9tS5IZOlSN6tz54/s1600/387667_222412641161989_212147665521820_528927_917089474_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-zNI1Q-GUkoIUCJYr3jfqEXj4OQRiregCWfYUjx7TO2o2QvHZq_z5YPEJ16F-FkLpRnAXnOixqY_jIejzSNjcXE06rHl-4LMFSj6r76Z6ZzNXpvtjDwZh9tS5IZOlSN6tz54/s320/387667_222412641161989_212147665521820_528927_917089474_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRfAPfRzYjeSRs6QuiZ-Nb5BpmE0DsYQq0R8mkB-BXrSyQ_v6E1gSHP0S6P8UkIgbvTz0wg2s4RLGmlfhkhbFZsVJG42oUaYmHumJ2AKr-mV9R6mS-re5LHrt38VF_7PvhX0t/s1600/376213_283932831640372_143791405654516_900611_1732539517_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRfAPfRzYjeSRs6QuiZ-Nb5BpmE0DsYQq0R8mkB-BXrSyQ_v6E1gSHP0S6P8UkIgbvTz0wg2s4RLGmlfhkhbFZsVJG42oUaYmHumJ2AKr-mV9R6mS-re5LHrt38VF_7PvhX0t/s1600/376213_283932831640372_143791405654516_900611_1732539517_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRfAPfRzYjeSRs6QuiZ-Nb5BpmE0DsYQq0R8mkB-BXrSyQ_v6E1gSHP0S6P8UkIgbvTz0wg2s4RLGmlfhkhbFZsVJG42oUaYmHumJ2AKr-mV9R6mS-re5LHrt38VF_7PvhX0t/s1600/376213_283932831640372_143791405654516_900611_1732539517_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

2012...

Belt Drive 3 Community 7:07 AM

2012 is coming faster than I would like...I still have so many things to do to get ready for the motorcycle shows - so many things that I am waiting on others to do before I can do my thing...it get's discouraging and frustrating some times - but, it… Read more »

29Dec2011

A Motorcycle Safety Campaign that appears to really WORK!!!!

Belt Drive 3 Rider Friendly Business Association, Rider Safety 6:50 AM

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.aroundthecorner.org.uk/index.asp"> Around The Corner</a> </b>- an award winning motorcycle safety campaign that appears to really work!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am not sure when exactly it was that Scotland and it's police services became so wise  - but I am here to tell you that I personally feel this is THE SMARTEST POLICING Campaign to promote safe riding that I have ever seen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Around the Corner Campaign combines tourism, riding skills advancement and policing in a way I have dreamed of for years but never knew the right people to implement it here and in my humble opinion I think every country in the world should be adopting this strategy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can truly see why this campaign has won not one but two prestigious awards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Police officers, armed with special gifts (Not necessarily tickets either), patrolling the highways and rider haunts - sharing ROAD TIPS, BIKER FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT TIPS - SAFETY TIPS & other valuable information like road maps, construction reports etc all combined into a campaign that includes a tidy web site with one clear message - come, ride, enjoy and be safe while doing it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This police supported project encourages tourism and riding in a way that can and should be embraced everywhere - instead of the police being heavy handed and suspecting everyone of being asses or bad guys, they treat you like a fellow rider and encourage you to explore - help you to enjoy your riding - THIS IS WHAT COMMUNITY POLICING IS ALL ABOUT!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am SUPER IMPRESSED!!!! Congratulations Scotland - land of my Great Grandfather's birth...you deserve the accolades - you deserve the flattery that imitation bestows because truly - every country in the world should be imitating/mirroring you in your efforts..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bet you never thought you'd hear me applauding the police - did you!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make sure you check this site out (<a href="http://www.aroundthecorner.org.uk/index.asp">http://www.aroundthecorner.org.uk/index.asp</a>) and then encourage your local police department to consider getting involved in something like this - it may be the answer to the sand box fight we always find ourselves in - riders VS police....it just might be that attitude changing development that we need so badly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are lots of interesting articles in the news feeds today and I hope you will take some time to explore the latest news over at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> to see if anything there might affect your day/life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by my friends on Facebook and through emails...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Laughter - IS the medicine our souls really need!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NH2A90PDKx19qv55N6VFGU4L6C4pQdYMX7Vda-Oc3L82fkatWGhTcE2FIvRBTKb29H4IITHmluISSDyZhyoh6zXcyZa7KrG8qToW_tVyj461zr2gmMF5Ur9Fc2pGysMuEbV2/s1600/381262_10150366595063869_653173868_8281630_1686845577_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NH2A90PDKx19qv55N6VFGU4L6C4pQdYMX7Vda-Oc3L82fkatWGhTcE2FIvRBTKb29H4IITHmluISSDyZhyoh6zXcyZa7KrG8qToW_tVyj461zr2gmMF5Ur9Fc2pGysMuEbV2/s320/381262_10150366595063869_653173868_8281630_1686845577_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoku7254Unas086IRVxKVSoRG-F_pyS3QrmJUt336RlpYzV2no9tctlTn-7-BLAUYN7nih-LvSjO5nHgi1TJvdCm9n6-Jkayn8Ilkl6tidJe_6A9_EbZPUSUGn1OgpZixsBXI/s1600/378030_188525674563227_100002173862026_404578_625982525_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoku7254Unas086IRVxKVSoRG-F_pyS3QrmJUt336RlpYzV2no9tctlTn-7-BLAUYN7nih-LvSjO5nHgi1TJvdCm9n6-Jkayn8Ilkl6tidJe_6A9_EbZPUSUGn1OgpZixsBXI/s320/378030_188525674563227_100002173862026_404578_625982525_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDHJgcG1oxBcCVHrLnPIeSW07GQos_BqwNU27FigfExw5YbTlmIPxJHCh_Fbth0Z9yGqaYKDyEfCkZuLW6Qe5Lz-mqqZhEQIYdhwMmjs3vfQmjmaV8s7y7KFstVCsmKl0bKkp/s1600/377378_203626376380015_132352533507400_487346_1926140973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDHJgcG1oxBcCVHrLnPIeSW07GQos_BqwNU27FigfExw5YbTlmIPxJHCh_Fbth0Z9yGqaYKDyEfCkZuLW6Qe5Lz-mqqZhEQIYdhwMmjs3vfQmjmaV8s7y7KFstVCsmKl0bKkp/s1600/377378_203626376380015_132352533507400_487346_1926140973_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Have a fabulous Hump Day!</span><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;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

A Motorcycle Safety Campaign that appears to really WORK!!!!

Belt Drive 3 Rider Friendly Business Association, Rider Safety 6:50 AM

Around The Corner - an award winning motorcycle safety campaign that appears to really work! I am not sure when exactly it was that Scotland and it's police services became so wise - but I am here to tell you that I personally feel this is THE SMAR… Read more »

28Dec2011

A wonderful holiday...

Belt Drive 0 Community 9:04 AM

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and that you enjoyed the true meaning of Christmas, the sharing of love...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was fortunate enough this year to have my daughter prepare Christmas dinner - her first big "Family" meal - she cooked for 9 of us!  Yes mom helped out, but what a treat to have someone else worry about the menu and all of the details!  I was so proud to watch her, the love and care she put into everything she did made my heart swell. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I watched her I couldn't help but remember myself at her age, and it was heartwarming to remember all of the time I spent in the kitchen teaching her and to see that the lessons really were learned, it was surreal watching her and remembering myself doing the exact same things...it was a wonderful dinner - the menu was perfect and there was enough food left over to feed a small army!  I love left overs! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I finally got to meet my daughter's finance's family. It was a great experience, one I am glad to have had!</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was so warm here, I really wanted to take my bike out, but with all of the heavy grit and ice, I decided it wasn't worth the risk, but oh my heart needs a ride so bad!  Good thing the bike shows start soon, at least, for a little while, I will be able to take care of the PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) and I will get in some great hugs as the Hug O Meter fills up in each city to see who gives the MOST hugs - not the best hugs - because seriously - there is no such thing as a bad hug!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are hosting our 5th Annual Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' Shine - entries begin on January 1st so I hope you have dug up your favourite photo of your bike.  We will be giving away, among other things a Drift Camera, a group camp out in Haida Gwaii BC for 12, Shuzi Bracelets, Detailing kits and more - so if like me - you suffer from PMS, join us for our FREE Show 'n' Shine - not only do you have a shot at some great prizes but you also have the chance to put the PMS to rest for a few minutes at a time  -  but take note: you will probably need something handy to wipe the spittle off you chin from drooling over everyone's photos - just sayin!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over the last few days of the holidays the news feeds have been pretty quiet, however there are some very interesting stories from other countries, including the US on various laws dealing with riders...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>From the feeds today:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In New Hampshire, since the courts decided a municipality can not set a lower Db rate than the state's, people there are being urged to support a new state law to reduce the Db limit on motorcycles. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/360-contacts/14492-support-bill-reducing-motorcycle-noise-in-nh">Read about their lobbying efforts</a> - I wonder what the riders next move is?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Massachusetts a cop there is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/444-rider-training-and-safety/14494-taunton-cop-statistics-prevail-over-proposed-motorcycle-helmet-bill-">touting stats as a reason why helmet laws need to stay</a>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Nigeria, Okada riders are put under what they call - EXTREME restrictions and the Lagos Okada (Motorcycle) Riders are <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/14493-why-we-cant-leave-the-expressways-lagos-okada-motorcycle-riders">expressing their frustrations</a>. These motorcyclists operate taxi like services and are frustrated that they are only supposed to carry one passenger at a time and that passengers MUST wear head gear...it's a different world there for sure!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And in India - riders prove once again that there are certain things that just go hand in hand with motorcycling, NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE - a good coffee (in this case tea shop) and lots of great conversation. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/14496-a-cosy-corner-for-bikers">What they describe in this article is appears to be not unlike what you will find at any Timmy's here in Canada - not even the time of day seems to be different for ride nights- 5 - 10 pm</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;"><b>In other news:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A 105 year old <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/446-motorcycle-reviews-/14490-rolling-towards-a-fortune-the-105-year-old-motorbike-which-hasnt-been-ridden-in-40-years-but-could-be-worth-p50000-read-more-httpwwwdailymailcouknewsarticle-2078992rolling-fortune-the-105-year-old-motorbike-ridden-40-years-worth-50-000">Indian from the DuPont collection is taken out of hiding.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A rare bike is up for sale in  Michigan Thumb - 1976 Bicentennial Edition Electra Glide motorcycle - to benefit the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/14499-charity-in-thumb-town-has-rare-harley-for-sale">Caseville Community Christmas Fund</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am going to have the new Pat Savage Wind & Fire CD available for sale at my booth - Pat and I teamed up to reduce the costs that shipping adds to ordering a CD on line - come visit my booth in Calgary - #832, in Edmonton - #546 and in Vancouver - #809 to get your copy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkwVXDa0C6-rTGwb1_b8GEe2r8DnjVo-hF4PYzKyH0_HU8AuCylVMoLmOughip-LBuIRLd16zh9S6BiZYr3ocUj3a00NIYRO0JWro6Y0vCvVX6lgPd_yJXDOw9hQnfBe6NgCt/s320/cropped-page-header.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.savageroads.com/">http://www.savageroads.com/</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are other articles that may be of interest to you over at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a>  hope to see you there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you today with a few funnies and thoughts from that crazy zany bunch I call friends and family - they share some of the craziest, funniest and most inspirational of stuff with me..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcGNYfjt7PW_GJfnXy6FJZZ6wRX1WtOJF9E4xGS0GPXGt4n_jTQHwg3m9gg-yysO6BDOfb8w4CRWpCEV_zrNEJZ3CptGa84yEpDz5F-POaJF-RIHdb4tUeUZpJ1kvHdJYKWsa/s1600/375663_217960964940490_212147665521820_518007_1776672609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcGNYfjt7PW_GJfnXy6FJZZ6wRX1WtOJF9E4xGS0GPXGt4n_jTQHwg3m9gg-yysO6BDOfb8w4CRWpCEV_zrNEJZ3CptGa84yEpDz5F-POaJF-RIHdb4tUeUZpJ1kvHdJYKWsa/s320/375663_217960964940490_212147665521820_518007_1776672609_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36ji3fk4_WskLSGv-pm4nru2HvV35zKHSQ2x1z5N_20gPlRp9Yffgb0_KTVghl23Ix6KMOwhppONaYVNV2j39c2GMFBcLN2PTPzd1WMZPENBj_o1ZFk0NLwqNumw9YkeNhgQ-/s1600/316114_296181303739635_100000433041251_1121524_943251817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36ji3fk4_WskLSGv-pm4nru2HvV35zKHSQ2x1z5N_20gPlRp9Yffgb0_KTVghl23Ix6KMOwhppONaYVNV2j39c2GMFBcLN2PTPzd1WMZPENBj_o1ZFk0NLwqNumw9YkeNhgQ-/s1600/316114_296181303739635_100000433041251_1121524_943251817_n.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFo-2-rFJzeQdC4AHQ7fMpC_RaWaYfxbGKBpQR1_6U3qJan0bIx1uZMa4CVDvDNX_yRLLAioOq_UougPjv8_PgXUomTELsB4lbrLFfT3ZWGeKZSWBlj1H5PofSKIKvD_PMZ5X/s1600/248563_177266382328159_125581387496659_386246_5896106_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFo-2-rFJzeQdC4AHQ7fMpC_RaWaYfxbGKBpQR1_6U3qJan0bIx1uZMa4CVDvDNX_yRLLAioOq_UougPjv8_PgXUomTELsB4lbrLFfT3ZWGeKZSWBlj1H5PofSKIKvD_PMZ5X/s320/248563_177266382328159_125581387496659_386246_5896106_n.jpg" width="282" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love my friends and thank them for the joy and good health they spread by the stuff they share, cause laughter really is GOOD Medicine!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

A wonderful holiday...

Belt Drive 0 Community 9:04 AM

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and that you enjoyed the true meaning of Christmas, the sharing of love... I was fortunate enough this year to have my daughter prepare Christmas dinner - her first big "Family" meal - she cooked for 9… Read more »

27Dec2011

So this is Christmas....

Belt Drive 0 Community 7:35 AM

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is my fondest hope for all, that the true spirit of the season fills your heart and that somehow you manage to hold on to that feeling for more than a day or a few hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No matter your religious views or lack there of, I wish for you to experience, love, joy, acceptance and peace - not from the world around you, but from the world INSIDE YOU.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Love yourself, accept yourself, find joy in being you, find peace by destroying the old tapes of negativity that run through your brain and discover the real YOU.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wish you the health to enjoy the journey, the wealth to do the things you are meant to do and the spiritual love and balance that will make you appreciate this beautiful gift called life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I look forward to talking to you all on Monday, hearing about your presents, your time with friends and family until then, have a Merry Christmas and remember, you are the best gift you can share with anyone.</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a number of articles in the news feeds today that may be of interest to you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please check them out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by my friends on Facebook, Twitter and by email...Laughter is another great gift you can give yourself and others...</span></i><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1t2tsepmqHftojKSiTVeY1YoNG6e5f-uhlDHZlgNkNLyo9ZvDjZPvHCD251TgIbUHMJACMOd9j1PVTrRHyzGP02751j3QRHoIu3Uskssmc29XXUfj4-3YG3bOqvADHwJemMx/s1600/379544_10150524719480225_508930224_11099432_186547_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1t2tsepmqHftojKSiTVeY1YoNG6e5f-uhlDHZlgNkNLyo9ZvDjZPvHCD251TgIbUHMJACMOd9j1PVTrRHyzGP02751j3QRHoIu3Uskssmc29XXUfj4-3YG3bOqvADHwJemMx/s1600/379544_10150524719480225_508930224_11099432_186547_n.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ41F1C-c16ORBYTIYEomygEbsJp_zt_AjSkQwjhAyF-H32opJfQHwDOW54hX1X69DTL0iJR-ilUa4nJiDJLxocFp8fzGDKPoW3kk0iP-uuB2ykjTsY6uGirDi1JUE34QmJb7k/s1600/377027_1996467851841_1847821901_1343732_98230807_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ41F1C-c16ORBYTIYEomygEbsJp_zt_AjSkQwjhAyF-H32opJfQHwDOW54hX1X69DTL0iJR-ilUa4nJiDJLxocFp8fzGDKPoW3kk0iP-uuB2ykjTsY6uGirDi1JUE34QmJb7k/s320/377027_1996467851841_1847821901_1343732_98230807_n.jpg" width="261" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7Ylzk2vVwwT1FjGDTF5f729uUuTg_eQQLIvajuQB_2wV4EzhrFwcmQuCCq9VHI9vsoDZl_CMiu63WUIpi9Zgyj5izwxGbUvXM1ICKAzojxFpKasig6vafordIz0lljByDuo0/s1600/392289_237255096347632_127583850648091_577857_350656021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7Ylzk2vVwwT1FjGDTF5f729uUuTg_eQQLIvajuQB_2wV4EzhrFwcmQuCCq9VHI9vsoDZl_CMiu63WUIpi9Zgyj5izwxGbUvXM1ICKAzojxFpKasig6vafordIz0lljByDuo0/s320/392289_237255096347632_127583850648091_577857_350656021_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>Have a Fabulous Friday and a Joyous Christmas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i></div>

So this is Christmas....

Belt Drive 0 Community 7:35 AM

As we get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is my fondest hope for all, that the true spirit of the season fills your heart and that somehow you manage to hold on to that feeling for more than a day or a few hours. No matter your relig… Read more »

23Dec2011

I wonder what it would take?

Belt Drive 0 Community 7:53 AM

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have just spent the last hour and a half or so on FB, on my own web site, responding to comments, e-mails, wishing people Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and connecting with my Cyber Family and I wonder...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Almost everyone is posting the most positive, joyful and caring things from videos on random acts of kindness and the meaning of Toys for Tots to inspirations about God, the Universe, and Christmas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wonder what it would take for this spirit of love, tenderness and kindness to continue on, all year long...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am feeling rather emotional today and these things that people are posting mean so much on days like this.  They lift you up...</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why am I emotional? Christmas, this time of year that is supposed to be about hope, joy, potential, love -is also a time of sadness, longing...there are so many people who have gone to meet their make that I miss at this time of year and while I know that they are out of pain and in a better place, in a place of abundance and love, I can't help feeling a wee bit blue, because I miss their love, the arguments, the laughter, the hugs, the kisses, the giggles and whispers, the encouragement and even the chastisements...yes they live on in my heart, but man, a hug would sure feel good too - yah know what I mean?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know that many, many of you share this same experience, the bitter sweet mixture of joy and sadness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There have been so many tragedies around the world, both man made and Mother Nature driven. Thousands of lives lost, millions of lives altered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is my fondest wish that the sharing and caring I am seeing amongst my friends on Facebook, Twitter, in emails and other places on the web and in neighbourhoods everywhere, would continue all year long and that everyone who feels strangely alone even in a crowd of people can feel connected to something beautiful and special - themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wish you all the gifts of connectivity, peacefulness and wholeness - and that you always know that when you are in that emotional place of love and light, and I am in that place - we are together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wish you love and with much gratitude, say THANK YOU, for caring and sharing and being who you are. Though we may be miles apart, lives apart, you are in my heart - always.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a few items in the news feeds today that you might find of interest...check them out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you on this glorious Thursday with a few giggles to help it stay a Glorious Thursday...(Thank you to all my friends whose funnies I am sharing...you know who you are!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlkPWSFBQMal80R_ottNa5OZ8XdMcYo-qwVe2B2VK666_NckgwyxLO6qDJjE0VisK0KkhPPbKIkMCeLjxujp84ib6iAHIhdkCV9rKrzHa84XwhD5XTV3QipCjgxePBVFG8413/s1600/374938_10150474357349173_117249209172_8395759_1638880235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlkPWSFBQMal80R_ottNa5OZ8XdMcYo-qwVe2B2VK666_NckgwyxLO6qDJjE0VisK0KkhPPbKIkMCeLjxujp84ib6iAHIhdkCV9rKrzHa84XwhD5XTV3QipCjgxePBVFG8413/s320/374938_10150474357349173_117249209172_8395759_1638880235_n.jpg" width="283" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOrWKtLr-PKyvWor3EXDNOkLoe7ehCrgtR8PyR5vdxTb6tUVZLFiwOom3yHode8c_a9xACcIv-VbJxVErxzTsJ_qLaNB1dAVpoUom0E9ARIaBJ2v_KPCI1fjeGcs1dZ0MZRSu/s1600/390350_246835668709810_100001501375043_701131_1813847145_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOrWKtLr-PKyvWor3EXDNOkLoe7ehCrgtR8PyR5vdxTb6tUVZLFiwOom3yHode8c_a9xACcIv-VbJxVErxzTsJ_qLaNB1dAVpoUom0E9ARIaBJ2v_KPCI1fjeGcs1dZ0MZRSu/s320/390350_246835668709810_100001501375043_701131_1813847145_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn2aO7OMT5SdVGV9_B9_LFnUjf6Jcr8HbnqG0A2dkQBx9nl7igtLkGxBU1-MHT9oiarqKuahCu4xqtz7aHljtOolqggg7rijrygm_Wo0olCzUkxOXt6XgTC25ltIcrzwyf3cC/s1600/383982_1996465051771_1847821901_1343714_524671769_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn2aO7OMT5SdVGV9_B9_LFnUjf6Jcr8HbnqG0A2dkQBx9nl7igtLkGxBU1-MHT9oiarqKuahCu4xqtz7aHljtOolqggg7rijrygm_Wo0olCzUkxOXt6XgTC25ltIcrzwyf3cC/s320/383982_1996465051771_1847821901_1343714_524671769_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Thursday</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;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

I wonder what it would take?

Belt Drive 0 Community 7:53 AM

I have just spent the last hour and a half or so on FB, on my own web site, responding to comments, e-mails, wishing people Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and connecting with my Cyber Family and I wonder... Almost everyone is posting the most positi… Read more »

22Dec2011

I AM SOOOO In love! (And I think any true gear head will be too!)

Belt Drive 0 Community, Riding Gear 7:15 AM

<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An odd title for a blog post done by a crusty, rough around the edges old broad who loves motorcycles?</span></b></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">NOT AT ALL!</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In another lifetime, many, many years ago, I wanted to be a jet engine tech. I had completed my medical, my physical and my exams for entrance to the Canadian Armed Forces when I was 19 and I waited.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the meantime - between working as a waitress, modelling and working in a service station (I was working on my gas engine apprenticeship), I could be found down at the<b> Old </b>Edmonton International (Northern Lights) Race Track in the west end - powder puff racing. That's where I met my ex husband, Doug Rose of the Green Mamba Jet Car fame. The day I was boarding a plane to a new life in California to apprentice on jet engines, I got my call for boot camp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I chose California...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">At 21 years old, I got the opportunity to attend Bonneville and like many a gear head I fell in love with the pure raw speed and power of it all, the smells, the excitement, the fear, the disappointments and frustrations and laughter - I LOVED IT ALL.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Over the 5 years that I travelled the Jet Car Circuit first as a crew member and then as a crew chief, I had the opportunity to meet men like <a href="http://www.the-rocketman.com/Ky_bio.html">Ky Michaelson - the Rocket Man</a> and <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/11/03/craig-breedlove-going-for-800-mph-land-speed-record-in-2013/">Craig Breedlove of Spirit of America fame</a> and men like <a href="http://www.vetechnet.com/rocketcar.htm">Slam'n Sammy Miller</a>.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While I enjoyed learning on internal combustion gas engines, I loved JET POWER and Rocket Power. PROPULSION-THRUST - the stuff fascinated me, still does. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Working with exotic metals like titanium and inconel... the plumbing of lines to feed hydraulics, fuel and air, the blending and balancing of stator blades and the tuning of ignitor boxes, the hammering and bashing to create afterburners and bishop's cones...yes, many of these are probably antiquated terms by today's standards, but in my day - this was the way to my heart....this was the talk of speed.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I remember being fascinated by the propulsion and the volatility of rocket fuel and weighing the pros and cons of jet cars over rocket cars and the wild discussions that took place in the Propulsion Enterprises Race Car Shop in Tarzana CA over things like frame designs and down force.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watching, learning, doing - taking in every little bit of knowledge that I could glean from others. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I remember the hours, night after day after night - working side by side in the race car shop with men like Jerry Segal, George Hedebeck - the names Arfons, Sibley, Motz, Shockley, Sample, Eierdam, Hendricks,  Knuth, Ivo - some of the greatest of the greats in Jet Car Racing - these names, names I idolized, these became the names of friends & rivals.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes - I am in love this morning with a motorcycle that captivated my imagination and brought forth things, memories - experiences that I had not thought of in years. I can't describe how fast all of these old well loved memories came to the surface for me the minute I laid eyes on this beautiful beast.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jet Reaction - a helicopter powered motorcycle built and designed specifically for the Bonneville Salt Flats. Richard Brown hopes to set the Land Speed record at 720 KPH.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LTIbYrQt329BXOqsAR7Wc_Tqc0W3eNDaIX_064lFzQ3Wbjkzf8cLeZG6oq4CTH9-w1YAmtsAIqPqUFeJ3PPN4RQTISUE34mZgkiT2RIN_dgXAqEFZcrPASfcb3QB-ip_Pf47/s1600/Jet+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LTIbYrQt329BXOqsAR7Wc_Tqc0W3eNDaIX_064lFzQ3Wbjkzf8cLeZG6oq4CTH9-w1YAmtsAIqPqUFeJ3PPN4RQTISUE34mZgkiT2RIN_dgXAqEFZcrPASfcb3QB-ip_Pf47/s1600/Jet+bike.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jet Reaction a helicopter engine powered motorcycle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Man 2013 is going to be a year to be at the Salt Flats - history is no doubt going to be made one way or the other...seriously, this is THE YEAR to go to Bonneville and take it all in, as on top of this magnificent jet motorcycle going for a record so too will Craig Breedlove go for yet another streamliner world record as well in 2013!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2013 - Bonneville - I may just have to be there!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are lots of interesting articles in the news feeds this morning - check them out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> where we sift through the news so you don't have to!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are offering, for the next two weeks, <a href="ttp://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/buy-2012-calendars-limited-time-offer">the opportunity to get a 2012 Calendar</a> - the Kidz, the Ladies or the Man's - we have had comments from some who wanted calendars but missed the first deadline and have been hoping we'd bring them back so we have.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is slated to be another very busy day so I had best bust a move and quit daydreaming about Bonneville!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends either in emails or on Facebook...laughter is the music of the soul!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoaFRiAdx16fB8Kr1THgqIk3VxU1GInfYWVQQQ3AEQ2SO1KlxNBJMeHLYORF18zOy8BErRQo1q2CSOa4NcDniXwUdMUuYzGdaAFulPf_2t0Lx7gbghcDxZFGDa66hZA35XUj0/s1600/377374_240995539298582_197693266962143_741935_618010239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoaFRiAdx16fB8Kr1THgqIk3VxU1GInfYWVQQQ3AEQ2SO1KlxNBJMeHLYORF18zOy8BErRQo1q2CSOa4NcDniXwUdMUuYzGdaAFulPf_2t0Lx7gbghcDxZFGDa66hZA35XUj0/s1600/377374_240995539298582_197693266962143_741935_618010239_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MvC9eysZBsDz0avdgD9jQcvEjpuQpF5XFh2iAVb1yjRPibkhH3ExvUlFjKALZY4CN_QVD8PUBgmZOKUs1Q0tk9Ih21IVOPR2AvEG6pIf4uerSo33jdvDQheTwekqW6YBVwbW/s1600/378502_2581131206341_1196250529_32493420_1379312035_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MvC9eysZBsDz0avdgD9jQcvEjpuQpF5XFh2iAVb1yjRPibkhH3ExvUlFjKALZY4CN_QVD8PUBgmZOKUs1Q0tk9Ih21IVOPR2AvEG6pIf4uerSo33jdvDQheTwekqW6YBVwbW/s320/378502_2581131206341_1196250529_32493420_1379312035_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzdEcpM5DZVv2u5bN3IoOJjGNdKAHKbWd34-xuahVsZE5proA1WkfBe6Zhm_mnQGjGh7IVeDceYbJGre5WrWKxowJkpIwkkK1kEudiXXCM5co7fzCpTG1_HThHKFEGmgDwld5/s1600/379035_296571830376472_143791405654516_938385_1621532338_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzdEcpM5DZVv2u5bN3IoOJjGNdKAHKbWd34-xuahVsZE5proA1WkfBe6Zhm_mnQGjGh7IVeDceYbJGre5WrWKxowJkpIwkkK1kEudiXXCM5co7fzCpTG1_HThHKFEGmgDwld5/s1600/379035_296571830376472_143791405654516_938385_1621532338_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a fabulous, incredible HUMP DAY...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty </span></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i></div>

I AM SOOOO In love! (And I think any true gear head will be too!)

Belt Drive 0 Community, Riding Gear 7:15 AM

An odd title for a blog post done by a crusty, rough around the edges old broad who loves motorcycles? NOT AT ALL! In another lifetime, many, many years ago, I wanted to be a jet engine tech. I had completed my medical, my physical and my exams for e… Read more »

21Dec2011

Life a constant learning of Lessons

Belt Drive 0 commu, Community 9:50 AM

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles started out as a hobby. It was something I started to keep me feeling like a productive citizen after a car/canoe crash altered my world.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I started it, I had a dream and vision of helping my community have a place to celebrate it's triumphs, discuss and share important issues and information. For me, the newspaper has never really been about me - even though it is my baby...I have always wanted it to belong to the motorcycle community here in Canada - to be about the motorcycle community here in Canada.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, I have realized that dream and along the way I have had a lot of life lessons thrown at me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some I got, some I have had to repeat, some are new - I have come to view life as a perpetual classroom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not only am I learning how to become a bona fide business person, but I am learning how to teach people what I know, what I do, as I build a team. I am learning how to use new technologies, to become a better and more effective communicator.  I am learning on so many fronts, tripping and falling, dusting myself off and trying again. I did not know one could trip and fall and get back up that many times!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I feel like I am in Hyper drive...learning to find some sense of balance - being able to shut the business off, the chatter off in my head - that is my single biggest challenge and the life lesson I feel I need to learn the most. Every time the business grows it is the same challenge, finding that balance - learning how to manage things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I get out of balance, I become over sensitive, sharp and insensitive, I forget important things and struggle with things that should come naturally. A lot of it comes from the constant dialogue that runs through my head - I have been learning meditation as a way to shut that constant chatter off, and it seems to be helping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For me, riding my bike has always been a way for me to get my priorities straight and during the winter when I am deprived of being on my bike, I tend to struggle with balance worse than in the spring, summer and fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is my fondest hope that others who ride that are in business will share some of their techniques for staying balanced, focused and calm. When you can't be on your bike, when you can't get that therapy session in, how do you cope?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other things I want to learn more on are time management, prioritizing, effective leadership, communications - there are so many things I need and want to learn and so many courses out there by so many teachers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finding the one whose method of teaching hits home for me has proven very tedious and expensive. Buying books, CD's, spending time only to find - I didn't come away with the things I needed to learn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I appreciate and value your ideas, experiences and suggestions - so please, feel free to help a girl out and share the tools you have used to take charge of your life and to be the best person you are capable of being.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In the news today:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There was a false story leaked out on a blog that Jon Bon Jovi was dead - <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/12/bon-jovi-jokes-about-death-reports-at-concert.html?track=icymi">rest assured that it was a hoax.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are some workers at Harley-Davidson <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14406-harley-davidson-offers-voluntary-layoffs-in-wisconsin">that have tough choices ahead</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A company in India reached an out of court settlement with<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14411-future-group-a-harley-reach-out-of-court-deal"> Harley-Davidson over a trademark infringement.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario a judge overturned an acquittal of a cop. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14412-cop-in-document-leak-has-acquittal-overturned-">Const. Dean Rudge is to be retried for leaking police documents to the Hells Angels</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are other articles in the news feeds that may be of interest to you, check them out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</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;">I will leave you with some funnies that have been shared with me by email and on Facebook...hope they brighten your day!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivDOI7yh8EDBmxkUaxIh9TzGJgTcRM4u8Sph_0qFCvLDz13zBKROCxcVoQFbS5zX5jUpou5-QZ9_e9TH4gW6-BS5JzR5ie2NuXBCMhTr-IJ-RYl81POKL_0qCqDYwQHyG0uqB/s1600/395186_316753235015017_100000410281311_1164734_299279249_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivDOI7yh8EDBmxkUaxIh9TzGJgTcRM4u8Sph_0qFCvLDz13zBKROCxcVoQFbS5zX5jUpou5-QZ9_e9TH4gW6-BS5JzR5ie2NuXBCMhTr-IJ-RYl81POKL_0qCqDYwQHyG0uqB/s320/395186_316753235015017_100000410281311_1164734_299279249_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PAyyUc6VUbU0azKe1FHbKxqF16fkdew8GgFcweKMqyqif01chTr9oyMx5OnQCnzWGyhJuGYP-6m-NouRt19upc5X-EO0y-J95CcAs2CANdi2R2KIkiWL7Ub4AN1Ac16tECkh/s1600/385814_289385214440943_236124369767028_882260_138488407_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PAyyUc6VUbU0azKe1FHbKxqF16fkdew8GgFcweKMqyqif01chTr9oyMx5OnQCnzWGyhJuGYP-6m-NouRt19upc5X-EO0y-J95CcAs2CANdi2R2KIkiWL7Ub4AN1Ac16tECkh/s320/385814_289385214440943_236124369767028_882260_138488407_n.jpg" width="258" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lqdPDHL7vemzstCHleWuPAvKXZdBtPeAgy8s4X8FkO4kLTh0bh2Dis27RghhI78Nniq4fD3RozjxQu6d2ZuMl1LYpAd_nufY3AHpAOmTkQ0qp3DC1IdGJVZEGjb0o1bVKmNG/s1600/407690_315503228473351_100000410281311_1160565_1918095849_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lqdPDHL7vemzstCHleWuPAvKXZdBtPeAgy8s4X8FkO4kLTh0bh2Dis27RghhI78Nniq4fD3RozjxQu6d2ZuMl1LYpAd_nufY3AHpAOmTkQ0qp3DC1IdGJVZEGjb0o1bVKmNG/s1600/407690_315503228473351_100000410281311_1160565_1918095849_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PAyyUc6VUbU0azKe1FHbKxqF16fkdew8GgFcweKMqyqif01chTr9oyMx5OnQCnzWGyhJuGYP-6m-NouRt19upc5X-EO0y-J95CcAs2CANdi2R2KIkiWL7Ub4AN1Ac16tECkh/s1600/385814_289385214440943_236124369767028_882260_138488407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a FABULOUS Tuesday!</span><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Life a constant learning of Lessons

Belt Drive 0 commu, Community 9:50 AM

The Busted Knuckle Chronicles started out as a hobby. It was something I started to keep me feeling like a productive citizen after a car/canoe crash altered my world. When I started it, I had a dream and vision of helping my community have a place … Read more »

20Dec2011

A Moving week...

Belt Drive 0 Community 6:42 AM

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Alberta and PEI there are many people saying prayers and shedding tears. One young lady is having surgery today and three of her friends are going to be buried soon. The tragic shootings on an Alberta highway by a jealous former boyfriend have devastated so many people just before Christmas. My own family has been affected as my niece Casey went to school with two of the three young people from PEI who were killed.</span></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As we get ready to celebrate Christmas my prayers go out to those who are hurting, lonely, sad and scared. I hope that they find the strength and love they need to get through the days and weeks ahead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It has been an interesting time around <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the rest of the world is winding down for Christmas Holidays, Ali and I are busier than ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We moved web hosts last week and while we are far from done with the revamping of the web site into it's new template, things are coming together nicely. With every new module and component that Ali is installing to get all of our content displaying right she is testing and tweaking and testing some more. It's an arduous task moving some 500K pages of content but she's doing a fabulous job!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being on a web host that offers cloud servers is fantastic too - the speed of the site makes me SOOOO happy.  Yes it will be a little inconvenient for another week or two - some of the navigation isn't in, some of our tools aren't loaded yet, but when it's all done I think we will have one of the best sites around...at least that's the goal!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I decided to make the 2012 Calendars - the Ladies, the Kidz and the Men's available for one more week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just got the reprint of the Kidz calendars in and am so happy with it - I will be sending them out to all who ordered - free of charge - later today. I am also sending out a reprint of the Men's and the Ladies calendar free of charge - they should be here today. I - along with everyone who got them first time around was disappointed - it is my hope that the new calendars will make everyone happy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They are costing me more but, you got to do what's right - RIGHT? I want people happy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So - if you wanted a calendar but didn't get one - now's your chance - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/buy-2012-calendars-limited-time-offer">http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/buy-2012-calendars-limited-time-offer</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Biker's United in Remembrance Patches are selling well, I can't wait to tally up the donations we are going to be making to the Military Families Fund and Camp Maple Leaf...I think it is absolutely impressive that the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders has already ordered another 100 patches - they will be making a nice tidy donation too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7zyaRr-PQZIw45-y_jnS6ahpEw0PRc4t06zR7zH3gMq0XPjm5tQxgeG3-wMXDoRc-H99pyGA6sGZWy77jRc3nfDXe5xwnwfBiRWWLhXbsPuJLFDmZ0b9t1dFiClhsuWNvcfn/s1600/BKC-LOGO-BLACK.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7zyaRr-PQZIw45-y_jnS6ahpEw0PRc4t06zR7zH3gMq0XPjm5tQxgeG3-wMXDoRc-H99pyGA6sGZWy77jRc3nfDXe5xwnwfBiRWWLhXbsPuJLFDmZ0b9t1dFiClhsuWNvcfn/s200/BKC-LOGO-BLACK.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq5YjxNkDE-FDdmMZuIhe79anxzZop_12Nk-vKPwiFRanSiIRcq6AyG7NFO9RDTph3wwaCoDqLeQ3WgkgA0cxaCpPhqzLmcEA7fxd5oDs_QckYfVsGRejZ4lukXPheDLtEBsZ/s1600/Busted-Knuckle-LogoR.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq5YjxNkDE-FDdmMZuIhe79anxzZop_12Nk-vKPwiFRanSiIRcq6AyG7NFO9RDTph3wwaCoDqLeQ3WgkgA0cxaCpPhqzLmcEA7fxd5oDs_QckYfVsGRejZ4lukXPheDLtEBsZ/s200/Busted-Knuckle-LogoR.png" width="200" /></a>Speaking of patches - we finally have a new logo for the newspaper, and yes we are getting patches made! I hope you like it.. </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 will know the cost and delivery times later today - we will have them in time for the Bike Shows I hope!!!!</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;">Speaking of bike shows - I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help us in our booths in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver - we are fully staffed!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's been an incredibly busy week and I don't see that slowing down any time soon!</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;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Mumbai - Blue Tooth head sets for<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/14393-bikers-bluetooth-headgear-spells-headache-for-cops"> motorcyclists are giving the cops a head ache</a>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Quebec they are <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/297-motorcycle-television/14311-quebec-motorcyclists-should-pay-more-report">trying to make a case for higher motorcycle insurance</a> - AGAIN!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Ontario there are two petitions that really need your signatures!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The first is on<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/296-motorcycle-television/14379-petition-to-have-ontario-regulations-59610-and-61143e-deemed-of-no-force-or-effect-"> handle bars</a>  and the second is on <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/296-motorcycle-television/14380-petition-for-hov-lane-use-in-ontario">HOV Lane use</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;">I leave you with a few funnies from around the internet, from my emails and my Facebook friends...Laugh - it's good for the soul....it's necessary to your sanity to laugh!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnDIuguOcAqsExW4OMRA0ILFsI5lMGC1MshydEz7STL0shcuD5MhuAuIw6sPgBl2ZkbqdCH-Tg28RvTcx_b5Ap7s9b_cw5aZhmdplugnNnuRe8RK-WEa_g0HcMWOPGow5T72b/s1600/384257_2222916894349_1290519780_32026376_1081789436_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnDIuguOcAqsExW4OMRA0ILFsI5lMGC1MshydEz7STL0shcuD5MhuAuIw6sPgBl2ZkbqdCH-Tg28RvTcx_b5Ap7s9b_cw5aZhmdplugnNnuRe8RK-WEa_g0HcMWOPGow5T72b/s320/384257_2222916894349_1290519780_32026376_1081789436_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtiWu1rBiEZrDTrbj-u8xJ2C-9WY0QsgNZ6OMuCUe56ovORTT3w8ZSvmV0MxyqQOzfvDHuOv3gOLY0sLwtADr8sJrT168_GEktY5Ab4qCiJzmUanV3_tr493iLH6HEhH1JLaB/s1600/377962_303649156335406_143791405654516_953095_1289470090_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtiWu1rBiEZrDTrbj-u8xJ2C-9WY0QsgNZ6OMuCUe56ovORTT3w8ZSvmV0MxyqQOzfvDHuOv3gOLY0sLwtADr8sJrT168_GEktY5Ab4qCiJzmUanV3_tr493iLH6HEhH1JLaB/s320/377962_303649156335406_143791405654516_953095_1289470090_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s84LgZQFVR4nWOfwJCd6YfUYZj5h97pA4OQKOOb-R6jMxf7OTUKHAlgpo4UTXZhttGIkVzhxtaXuDED4D_mxy3UY5KqU71EbJCbMody8FdtboGJocHgZ9jortSA4yDFhaqdb/s1600/378158_201961679878672_100001945256117_454030_1272453905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s84LgZQFVR4nWOfwJCd6YfUYZj5h97pA4OQKOOb-R6jMxf7OTUKHAlgpo4UTXZhttGIkVzhxtaXuDED4D_mxy3UY5KqU71EbJCbMody8FdtboGJocHgZ9jortSA4yDFhaqdb/s1600/378158_201961679878672_100001945256117_454030_1272453905_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

A Moving week...

Belt Drive 0 Community 6:42 AM

In Alberta and PEI there are many people saying prayers and shedding tears. One young lady is having surgery today and three of her friends are going to be buried soon. The tragic shootings on an Alberta highway by a jealous former boyfriend have dev… Read more »

19Dec2011

Europe is one step closer to anti tampering laws

Belt Drive 0 International News, Law & Politics 5:53 AM

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How would you feel if you were told that you are not allow to beef up your cam or put large bore pistons in? What if you were told you couldn't change sprockets to change your torque range or how about increasing airflow by having your heads ported and polished...</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If the European Parliamentary committee <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14337-meps-push-ahead-with-plans-to-make-tuning-impossible">on anti tampering laws has anything to say about the situation that is exactly what will happen in Europe.</a></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee wants to ensure that if you do modify your bike for power improvements that you have to submit your bike for testing before being allowed to use it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other measures they are calling for are stricter emissions control and mandatory ABS.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The British Motorcyclists Federation says there will be a battle royal over these tough new restrictions.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14336-find-anti-tampering-proposals-confusing-dont-ask-the-chair-of-the-committee-behind-them">MCN Magazine interviewed Malcolm Harbour</a> Malcolm Harbour, Chair of European Parliament’s lead committee on anti-tampering proposals not only could the man not say who or what the new anti tampering laws would apply to but he tried to side step his lack of knowledge by saying he had lots of dossiers to follow, one of which is tractors.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pretty hard for the lay person to understand what's going on when the head of the committee doesn't appear to know. And this man headed up the voting!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hear it time after time - I don't get harassed for my pipes or being on a motorcycle, so I feel no need to get involved in protecting my rights - I don't feel violated or restricted. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But what if these proposed anti tampering laws come to North America? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Would that be enough to get you involved? Nah, I didn't think so. I am not sure there is anything that government could do to us to make motorcyclists unite in this country. ( And if there is a topic that could convince people to unite and work together I WOULD DEARLY love to know)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the US there are gated communities that ban the use of motorcycles, they won't even let you ride your motorcycle to your home, you must park outside of the community, now, imagine, entire cities that restrict the use of motorcycles and in fact ban them on many highways in their areas.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>From <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Driving_in_China">Wikitravel:</a></b> For example, motorcycles are banned from downtown <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Guangzhou">Guangzhou</a>, <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Dongguan">Dongguan</a>, <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Shenzhen">Shenzhen</a>, <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Zhuhai">Zhuhai</a> and <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Hangzhou">Hangzhou</a>, and there are restrictions in <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Beijing">Beijing</a> and <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Shanghai">Shanghai</a>. Riding a motorcycle into these prohibited areas can lead to fines and possible confiscation of the bike. There can also be licensing complications; for example in some cities (such as <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Beijing">Beijing</a>,) only cities registered within the metropolitan area can be legally ridden." <b>End Quote</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>China has an estimated 200 cities and regions</b> that ban/restrict motorcycle use with the rationale that motorcycles are prone to accidents and motorcycles are used largely for robberies.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14330-caam-calls-for-government-to-loosen-restrictions-on-motorcycles">China there is a call for the government there to loosen the restrictions</a> in municipalities regarding motorcycle use on highways and inside cities. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Li Bin, secretary general for the The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers - Motorcycle Division, at a recent industry summit quoted European studies which showed that if 10 percent of automobile drivers in any given city rode motorcycles, said city's traffic congestion could decrease by 40 percent.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Begin Quote:</b> "China is the only country in the world to restrict motorcycles," he said, adding that it was municipal authorities, not the central or provincial governments, who have authorized the restrictions. <b>End Quote</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mr. Li discussed the fact that safety is about the operator not the type of vehicle, and he points to Taiwan where almost every person owns a motorcycle save for the very young and the elderly and that that you would be hard pressed to find a rider who does not wear a helmet. He says education is the key.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He also denounces the whole motorcycles are used largely for conducting robberies rationale as ludicrous.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Begin Quote:</b> According to Mr. Li, the CAAM is currently in discussion with several government bodies regarding the topic. The CAAM is providing the authorities with foreign research on motorcycle usage with the aim of loosening restrictions on the Chinese motorcycle market. "We hope to see the market for motorcycles open up [and develop], allowing motorcycles and automobiles to share the road equally." <b>End Quote</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am positive that every motorcycle manufacturer in the world has their eyes trained on this topic because the demand for motorcycles in China could go up in dramatic fashion if these restrictions get lifted.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But I again wonder - what would it take in this country to become PRO ACTIVE and work towards never seeing these types of restrictions come to Canada or the US?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a lot of other items of interest in the news feeds today like the article on the member of the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14339-man-dies-after-fall-from-parade-float">Relic Riders in Newfoundland that was killed when he feel from a float</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> to read more about what's happening in motorcycling across the country and around the world...we sift through the news so you don't have to!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our web site move has been completed but Ali still has modules to turn on, components to check for issues when the data was moved over etc. It will be a few more days before everything returns to a state of normalcy but I know one thing I am super impressed with the speed of the site now! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am excited about this move, not only will the new template allow us to make our site easier to navigate, but it is also state of the art for mobile use so that should improve your experience when using your smart phone to view the site.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bare with us for a few more days as we get everything tweaked and if in your travels through the site you find anything out of whack - be sure to let Ali know (ali4evr@gmail.com)  Your telling her what you encounter will help us make sure that the web site is better and easier to use than ever!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am going to leave you with a couple of funnies from my friends on Facebook and from emails I have gotten because I truly think a good giggle makes the day go better!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoTFi0ldxGvErjm2QVu3oiwlCXElflEUMHjMJSv5uPcWurboUyYQJ4daLpIg39hP5JiqwB2cAhSuDfQnl7PctVpJ2eaPVdFHWn4OzW0UFRqNqu2eKcnv5R4_sykcx-AUO2hDB/s1600/374852_272433682808410_100001253403872_899935_485382716_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoTFi0ldxGvErjm2QVu3oiwlCXElflEUMHjMJSv5uPcWurboUyYQJ4daLpIg39hP5JiqwB2cAhSuDfQnl7PctVpJ2eaPVdFHWn4OzW0UFRqNqu2eKcnv5R4_sykcx-AUO2hDB/s1600/374852_272433682808410_100001253403872_899935_485382716_n.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZp80e9OmIUm4jq0-RcbIJpcg5MMQRQtUbO8IQt0gKE3C_o2YyTRIbgTUlcUI3K3iFnnPXwsqV6y8nKDU8a90KQej1tK2Cz-5mZfy_wRWB1TRNqiQXB5V6CVM4567CmY3bT8r/s1600/385777_223614231041830_212147665521820_532157_1864815325_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZp80e9OmIUm4jq0-RcbIJpcg5MMQRQtUbO8IQt0gKE3C_o2YyTRIbgTUlcUI3K3iFnnPXwsqV6y8nKDU8a90KQej1tK2Cz-5mZfy_wRWB1TRNqiQXB5V6CVM4567CmY3bT8r/s320/385777_223614231041830_212147665521820_532157_1864815325_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZp80e9OmIUm4jq0-RcbIJpcg5MMQRQtUbO8IQt0gKE3C_o2YyTRIbgTUlcUI3K3iFnnPXwsqV6y8nKDU8a90KQej1tK2Cz-5mZfy_wRWB1TRNqiQXB5V6CVM4567CmY3bT8r/s1600/385777_223614231041830_212147665521820_532157_1864815325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty,</span></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i></div>
</div>
</div>

Europe is one step closer to anti tampering laws

Belt Drive 0 International News, Law & Politics 5:53 AM

How would you feel if you were told that you are not allow to beef up your cam or put large bore pistons in? What if you were told you couldn't change sprockets to change your torque range or how about increasing airflow by having your heads ported a… Read more »

13Dec2011

It's definitely a Monday!

Belt Drive 0 Community 4:56 AM

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQI-6Yy4Yk_u29XAU2kavg16OGEi1sWmRuQTfHUJCSfKjak9EhKgkKRCpmmSVE69zuCUrEAmc65j7V5Y6ei36Yn1CjD9_scPkydGtzhf1J5NmA3ScD0zyDFNFAo8N5UlSfSBE/s1600/391166_255376657854497_100001464957275_769021_1245115124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQI-6Yy4Yk_u29XAU2kavg16OGEi1sWmRuQTfHUJCSfKjak9EhKgkKRCpmmSVE69zuCUrEAmc65j7V5Y6ei36Yn1CjD9_scPkydGtzhf1J5NmA3ScD0zyDFNFAo8N5UlSfSBE/s320/391166_255376657854497_100001464957275_769021_1245115124_n.jpg" width="307" /></a>I will have news feeds and jokes and other goodies for you later today as although everything has been moved over to the new web host, not everything is turned on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ali figures two hard days and she'll have most everything back up and running properly - she is asking that as you navigate the site if you come across anything that appears to not be working right to please let her know (ali4evr@gmail.com)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By mid week we should be back to our old comfortable routine - until then...what else can one say except it's MONDAY!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great one - and as I said I will get the news done ASAP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

It's definitely a Monday!

Belt Drive 0 Community 4:56 AM

I will have news feeds and jokes and other goodies for you later today as although everything has been moved over to the new web host, not everything is turned on. Ali figures two hard days and she'll have most everything back up and running properly… Read more »

12Dec2011

And Murphy strikes again....

Belt Drive 0 Community 10:07 AM

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My fiasco with calendars continues...I got an email from someone who ordered a kids calendar - at first I did not understand the email - so I went and looked at my only copy of the calendar and sure enough the printer never put in the calendar pages - rendering this calendar completely - totally useless - I shake my head - I guess in the excitement to get them out I never really looked at them - I just wanted to get them in the mail - so I did the only thing I could do - I refunded $10 of the money paid by these people.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Calendars were $20 with $10 going to charity - since the charity - The Little Warriors had been paid already - I refunded the calendar cost - so in all - I would have been farther ahead to have just donated to the charity without all of the work it took do the calendars and have to fix someone else's mistake - live and learn right...somedays you are the windshield - some the bug!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am keeping today short and sweet since I am already three hours behind on the day - check out the news feeds at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> to see what might affect your world...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I leave with with a few giggles from around Facebook etc...cause I NEED TO LAUGH RIGHT NOW!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6scffqV-As6kXereoET1IXiULcF3to35Skwvqz8_l9PdQDbMG-z9OZWpAUJSIn04hVaR8xsp9TLiS6Rdn2SrccSgYRDHJZrdn6athAQmKC1jUa56KyQ6EWocOnO4QBLKzeEj/s1600/Insanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6scffqV-As6kXereoET1IXiULcF3to35Skwvqz8_l9PdQDbMG-z9OZWpAUJSIn04hVaR8xsp9TLiS6Rdn2SrccSgYRDHJZrdn6athAQmKC1jUa56KyQ6EWocOnO4QBLKzeEj/s320/Insanity.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSYMDR6j9BcD8XBm7WWwGbyLX2MU8eU4ZNgHawAT7N2X86MyBECTxaGvgQwhkDFhrcecAhnD1CbqxbQpr9VL9br9qb4071t9ISGDY5GfW6LVilxp9hMW58eWjahZywVBRc4xm/s1600/300944_238614059531539_100001488414471_685650_1815201331_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSYMDR6j9BcD8XBm7WWwGbyLX2MU8eU4ZNgHawAT7N2X86MyBECTxaGvgQwhkDFhrcecAhnD1CbqxbQpr9VL9br9qb4071t9ISGDY5GfW6LVilxp9hMW58eWjahZywVBRc4xm/s320/300944_238614059531539_100001488414471_685650_1815201331_n.jpg" width="259" /></a></span></div>
<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;">Have a fabulous Friday and a great weekend...</span><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;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Editor & Rider</span></b></i>

And Murphy strikes again....

Belt Drive 0 Community 10:07 AM

My fiasco with calendars continues...I got an email from someone who ordered a kids calendar - at first I did not understand the email - so I went and looked at my only copy of the calendar and sure enough the printer never put in the calendar pages … Read more »

Only $10.00 cnd + 2.50 s & h