How you can make a difference....

I got word late last night that KISS FM (http://www.1075kiss.com/) in Vernon hosted a poll to see if the Mayor of Vernon BC, Rob Sawatzky, should support Sturgis North - sadly I did not get the notification to rally the troops until it was too late - however, if like most riders you are tired of being tarred with a brush that is not yours to wear - there is still something you can do to show support.

You can email the mayor of Vernon to express your support for this event: mayor@vernon.ca

Ray Sasseville and Joan Hansen of Sturgis North are doing everything in their power to pay people back after the losses that were suffered at the 1st Sturgis North event in Salmon Arm - if this event is not supported or allowed to go ahead - they will never be in a position to make things right and in my humble opinion they deserve the opportunity to attempt to make things right for everyone.

The fact of the matter is that the Hells Angels seldom pose a problem at a public event - they are far smarter than the cops or politicians give them credit for being...

The poll of Kiss FM had the following results:
82% in favour of the Sturgis North event and 18% not in favour...
All systems are green for go for this event - but the more support from the public, the better.

With bands like The Guess Who, Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd, Edgar Winter and the Stampeders already booked - this should prove to be a fun and well attended event - let's just hope for all concerned there are not more DEA and Anti Biker Units present than there are spectators and that we as a community will be allowed to have some fun without the scrutiny that we riders were put through last year. Your support NOW has a chance to make that happen.

Someday we riders will be able to attend an event and not be treated like second class citizens but that will only happen if this community starts getting vocal!

There are other articles of interest over at www.beltdrivebetty.com

Don't forget that entries for the 2012 Beat the PMS Blues online Show 'n' Shine are only accepted until midnight MST on January 31st - if you aren't entered you can't win!

I leave you with a few giggles that have been shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails...

Have a fabulous Friday and weekend!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

ARE YOU SERIOUS????

The Sturgis North Motorcycle Rally & Music Festival is front and centre of a blatant fear mongering article by the CBC.  

Were there members of the Hells Angels at the Sturgis North last year? Yes - did they cause trouble? NO - in fact a really stupid woman who was fighting with her boyfriend caused more ruckus and BS than anyone there. I know because I dealt with her when she wouldn't quit attacking the man who kept trying to walk away from her.

The ridiculous article will fuel the Anti Biker Units and the RCMP to swarm the event and cost the event coordinator tons of money for enhanced policing and will put a damper on the event as every rider who attends will be put under police scrutiny - UNFAIRLY - AGAIN.

The main stream media is so often used as pawns but the police services and yet again, it appears that the CBC would rather create sensationalism as opposed to report on the real news.

I shake my head at this inane report that sees the mayor of Vernon all worked up and concerned that unlawful people might enter his town as a result of the event....

In other news:

Abbotsford BC is getting geared up for Motopsycho Mania - here is the link for your chance to win tickets: Win Tickets To Motopsycho Mania In Abbotsford

In Virginia they are getting ready for a fight to do away with motorcycle only check points - wouldn't that be wonderful if they are successful!

In South Carolina there is another fight brewing over the H-D spring rally - the dealer wants to make it 10 days and now Horry county is considering banning all vendor permits and the ABATE is not happy with the dealership...

There are many other articles in the news feeds that may be of interest to you - visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to see what might affect YOUR world!

I leave you with a few giggles shared by my friends on FB and by email...

Have a fabulous Thursday and remember - get your show n shine entries in!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

In the news...

The news feeds are filled with all kinds of interesting articles, some that we really need to pay attention to!

The one of particular interest is the bill that is in the State Senate House in Florida - It's known as the Stiffer Penalties Bill.

If passed this law will maThe news feeds are filled with all kinds of interesting articles, some that we really need to pay attention to!

The one of particular interest is the bill that is in the State Senate House in Florida - It's known as the Stiffer Penalties Bill. 

If passed, this law will make the penalties for injuring riders much more severe. If you get caught following too close the fine is $100, if you rear end a bike and injure someone, the offence becomes a misdemeanour and will result in a fine, jail time and license suspension. Causing death is a far stiffer penalty.

American Bikers Aiming Towards Education has been working towards seeing this bill get passed for over 9 years and is frustrated that it has not yet passed.

The fact that this bill is in the senate is a great thing - it will not only protect the motorcyclists but other motorists and bicycle riders as well but why has it not passed as of yet? I am unsure of what may be holding it up, this is one story we will be doing our best to follow as it could all be the framework for a similar law to be introduced here in Canada.

It is my fondest hope that more Canadian riders start lobbying for our rights to be protected by the law instead of us always being subjected to preferential treatment in an unconstitutional way...

In other news:

In BC - Sturgis North is awaiting the finalizing of their contract with MotoPlex Speedway and Event Park for their event to be held July 18-22.

The Speedway is located on the old Kamloops Highway between Vernon and Falkland.

In Ontario - the Heroes' Highway Ride has HUGE news to share with everyone...

Also in Ontario, the 4th shooting suspect in the case of a Hells Angels member and a woman who were shot in London has been caught.

In Orlando Florida - BACA raised over $8,000 for their fight against child abuse.

There are many motorcycle reviews and other articles that may be of interest to you in the news feeds over at www.beltdrivebetty.com

You have one week to get your entries into our Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' Shine. We have incredible prizes up for grabs including a Leather Jacket from Underground Heads, a $100 Keg GC from Dalton Timmis - Home for Chrome Insurance, Gift Certificates from Ernie O's, a Drift Camera and a weekend camp out for 12 at the Bunkhouse Resort in Haida Gwaii BC.

There are many other prizes up for grabs as well folks - it's free to enter and a great way to have some fun while we are daydreaming about riding.

I will leave you with a couple of jokes shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email...

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider