Belt Drive Betty's Blog

Bikers really are the best people...

In the last week of being on the road I have been surrounded by members of the riding community and I have had an "ahah" moment - you see I work alone in my office 12-18 hours a day 7 days a week and that kind of isolation and lack of socialization can be debilitating.  I spend maybe two hours a day with my husband around me (he can work some pretty long hours too) and other than for the odd meeting out of the house, I am pretty much alone. 
 
The 'ahah" moment came for me yesterday - when it dawned on me just how peaceful I feel - it's a feeling that sneaks up on you. Sitting at my desk at home, my mind wanders off to old hurts and angers, it wanders to negative thinking - that incessant chatter is your head that never seems to ease up unless I am on my bike.  
 
The hugs at the bike show, the sharing of feelings, hopes and dreams of other members of this community is the music that soothes the savage beast in me. I realized just how much I need people, good people around me. 
If I haven't told you people how much you mean to me, how much I draw my strength, my inspiration from you - well, I want to tell you right now - thank you for always being there - we may not always agree or see eye to eye but I love the fact that we can agree to disagree and respect each other. Bikers - it seems to me, have that ability more than most other communities and I am honored to be a part of this eclectic and wonderful community and I felt the need to tell you all how much you mean to me. 
 
There are some interesting developments in the news feeds today surrounding Sturgis North  - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14679-sturgis-north-moving-out-of-salmon-arm" target="_blank">it appears that the event will be moving to Armstrong!  </a> 
 
For those heading to Port Dover Ontario this Friday to celebrate Friday the 13th - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14682-a-real-cool-time-in-store-for-port-dovers-friday-the-13th-riders" target="_blank">it might be cold but the town is ready and waiting for you!!!! </a> 
 
In London Ontario, the police have called the OPP's anti biker unit in due to a rash of fires that they feel are <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14683-chief-says-fires-likely-linked" target="_blank">connected to rival outlaw motorcycle clubs and a potential turf war.</a> 
 
In the US - charges against the international president of the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14684-charges-dropped-against-vagos-president" target="_blank">Vagos Club have been dropped</a>. Pastor Palafox, 47, had been charged with vehicle theft involving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, possession of the stolen motorcycle and street terrorism. 
 
For those who like Blues,<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14688-horsethief-hideout-blues-weekend-may-181920" target="_blank"> Horsethief Hideout is planning a big weekend....</a> 
 
 
There are other articles in the feeds that may be of interest to you...check them out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> 
 
I leave you with a few giggles from my friends on Facebook and by email... 
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Have a good one! 
Belt Drive Betty 
Editor & Rider

Bikers really are the best people...

In the last week of being on the road I have been surrounded by members of the riding community and I have had an "ahah" moment - ...

A little kindness goes a long way...

I had the most enjoyable time at the Calgary Motorcycle Show and I want to give a big shout out to the wonderful human beings who helped me in my booth - the Calgary Chapter of the Northern Stars, Peter, Linda, Doug - you guys and dolls were utterly fantastic to work with and I enjoyed myself more than words can say! THANK YOU!!!!!  I collected over 400 hugs, met fabulous people and got a fix of motorcycles that eased and yet made, the PMS I suffer from worse. 
 
I was green with envy over the fact that so many were able to ride to and from the show and here was me in my cage...oh well - I am happy for them even if I am pouting slightly. 
 
I spent yesterday nursing sore feet and editing videos - I got some wonderful walk arounds of new models and some great interviews too - you can see the ones I have already had a chance to complete in <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/bdb-tv" target="_blank">BDB TV</a>. 
 
I am now looking ahead to the Edmonton show and seeing what that show has to offer - it is amazing how different these two shows - Calgary & Edmonton can be.... 
 
In the news today there is a heartwarming story about a young man with Leukemia - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/14671-hundreds-of-motorcyclists-arrive-at-kyle-mcgetricks-home-" target="_blank">The Ride for Kyle was the brain child of Kyle's mom's boss </a>- he organized it 5 days prior to when it took place and over 175 riders answered the call gifting Kyle with items like the Coin of Courage and art work...the kindness of all of these riders made one young man's day - one he will NEVER forget! 
 
Yesterday there was a sad report out of<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/01/08/calgary-motorcycle-crash-death.html" target="_blank"> Calgary about a rider who was killed on the weekend.</a> 
 
In California there is a<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/14672-calif-bikers-protest-helmet-law-biker-only-checkpoints-at-capitol-" target="_blank"> report about riders riding to their capitol to support two bills</a> - one that would abolish motorcycle only checkpoints and the other would see riders over 18 who have completed a safety course not have to wear helmets - right now riders have to wear helmets that have been approved by the California Highway Patrol. 
 
In New Zealand riders are being asked to <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/14670-bikies-give-input-on-safety-guide" target="_blank">provide input on a new safe riding guide</a>. 
 
In Ontario, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/296-motorcycle-television/14657-crime-stoppers-looking-for-tips-in-motorcycle-theft" target="_blank">Crime Stoppers is asking for help over the theft</a> of three fully restored vintage motorcycles. 
 
And also in Ontario, a rider who has been riding against brain cancer is <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/287-news-canadian-national/14673-riding-to-a-new-level-bikers-against-brain-cancer-2012-campaign-going-national-" target="_blank">planning a national ride to bring awareness to the disease and the needs of research.</a> 
 
 
There is a ton of other news in the feeds that may be of interest to you, so come on over to <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com%20/" target="_blank">www.beltdrivebetty.com </a>and check the news feeds out and while you are there check out the entries in our <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/2012-show-n-shine/2012-show-n-shine" target="_blank">Beat the PMS Blues  Online Show 'n' Shine</a>. 
 
I leave you with a few giggles from my friends on Facebook and from emails.. 
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Have a fabulous day. 
 
Belt Drive Betty, 
Editor & Rider