Ducati has been sold, Audi the proud new owner

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The motorcycle industry is all a buzz with the news that <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18646-audi-buys-motorcycle-manufacturer-ducati" target="_blank">Ducati has been sold to Audi</a>.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Italian motorcycle company which was founded in 1926 and now employs some 1,100 people is a good fit for Audi according to their chairman, Rupert Stadler.</span></span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It looks like Ducati struck a win off the track!</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bathhurst NB<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/298-motorcycle-television/18647-bathurst-bylaw-to-be-buzzkill-for-loud-bikes" target="_blank"> is ready to crack down on noisy motorcycles </a>and unlike last year where riders got warnings, this year they will not get off nearly as lucky.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">New Hampshire's <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/18648-nh-senate-passes-motorcycle-noise-reduction-bill" target="_blank">noise bill will become law shortly</a> and will allow road side testing by police.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now Calgary Alberta also has a new noise bylaw but have taken a different tact from most communities and are tackling ALL non commercial vehicle noise with the Noise Snare.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">According to the article in <a href="http://Of 11,347 vehicles sampled over that time, only 15 produce noise that exceeded the 96-decibel threshold." target="_blank">Metro News</a>, the city tested the <a href="http://www.snrsystems.com/" target="_blank">Noise Snare </a>which operates like photo radar but tracks sound as opposed to speed, last year and out "of 11,347 vehicles sampled over that time, only 15 produce noise that exceeded the 96-decibel threshold."</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yvH0krMJ3Ek?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Different approaches are being used by various communities but at the end of the day, I like Calgary's approach - go after ALL NOISE VIOLATORS - booming stereos, loud and obnoxious diesel trucks, cars and yes motorcycles - if your vehicle is too loud - it's too loud...</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At the end of the day, the minority always seems to wreck it for the majority - in the case of those communities that have adopted the discriminatory Motorcycle ONLY roadside tests and have bought in to the MIC and MMIC testing methodologies, I think that every riding community will be watching Calgary and if the technology appears to be as sound as it looks, there WILL BE a HUGE push back and a great case for discrimination.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Most of the communities that have bought into the J2825, were introduced to the Noise Snare around the same time as Luc Fournier was going around touting the J2825. These same communities have pushed the J2825 saying there is no technology to target all noise offenders - they are wrong and in many cases appear to NOT be telling their constituents the truth and reportedly, the police services are largely responsible for the mentality that the J2825 is the right way to go. I wonder why that would be?</span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So - the question of the day is - which form of catching the offenders would you rather see? One that is labor intensive and discriminatory like the J2825 that the <a href="http://www.mic.org/" target="_blank">MIC</a> and<a href="http://www.mmic.ca/" target="_blank"> MMIC</a> have been selling to various communities or the Noise Snare, low overhead, no police involvement, no discrimination?</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">In other news:</span></b></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Do you want to win tickets to the Eric Church Concert at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis this year?</span></span></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well - guess what Russ Brown - Motorcycle Attorney has given us 2 sets of 2 tickets to give away!  We aren't quite sure what contests we will run to give them away yet so stay tuned...</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In Manitoba, a Hells Angels Prospect is<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/359-contacts/18652-hells-angels-prospect-challenging-peace-bond" target="_blank"> challenging the Peace Bond</a> that some friends and family have had placed on them.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the Electric motorcycle world, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/1901-electric-motorcycles/18649-brammos-empulse-r-leapfrogs-the-zero-s-with-a-100-mph-121-mile-range-electric-motorcycle" target="_blank">Brammo leaps ahead of Zero...</a></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There is a ton of news in the feeds today - I invite you to visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> and see what might affect your life as a rider...</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Have a fabulous Thursday - I hope that those who subscribe to the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/busted-knuckle-chronicles" target="_blank">Busted Knuckle Chronicles</a>, Canada's Rider Powered News, are enjoying the paper - it's been almost a year since I have done the layout and have gone back to the page format so many have asked for...let me know your thoughts folks!</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hopefully I will be on the road home later today, after a bout of the flu, I am finally feeling well enough to start the journey home!</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends through Facebook and email.</span></span></i></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlal84RDYRWKtRliZrK0_e_hk-fMufjIUx8A5uwmyrNDRBWQYuNLyE57pXeUSzyrqFuiLRv3pq8YGy4-es3IkE89qPcLwI5r-GwwlKepRmqivgBwIvhkr3etOGZtYoLVCWYbp0/s1600/432223_246697755420381_199020000188157_516284_174882537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlal84RDYRWKtRliZrK0_e_hk-fMufjIUx8A5uwmyrNDRBWQYuNLyE57pXeUSzyrqFuiLRv3pq8YGy4-es3IkE89qPcLwI5r-GwwlKepRmqivgBwIvhkr3etOGZtYoLVCWYbp0/s1600/432223_246697755420381_199020000188157_516284_174882537_n.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6ZUhZRZXozYm-NakEXBLXwqF_Na1x2TY3l3ZnBPEoJ2jotc9NpJuvecU0OE2jXmGNDbz6PoIWm8eWXTwkTgd4b76Ov-tONBbBA6dnk48xjYSMErC9qkqr8q0VKQHZ4I_tDYa/s1600/430470_10150725815205225_508930224_11785686_2122684803_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6ZUhZRZXozYm-NakEXBLXwqF_Na1x2TY3l3ZnBPEoJ2jotc9NpJuvecU0OE2jXmGNDbz6PoIWm8eWXTwkTgd4b76Ov-tONBbBA6dnk48xjYSMErC9qkqr8q0VKQHZ4I_tDYa/s320/430470_10150725815205225_508930224_11785686_2122684803_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktuUGV1Kx638Unc5xABIsf7u4RupN9dFBv98DOcA5RrpwUskRBc8ETrhTHHiVUZcPC7WIodN7Qa177XM5KzLldbkJegyKSPyPg0uJ6YMBidAIrDrwNTPlA55QGYOJW0A78xNj/s1600/418440_10150520971153848_160572448847_8930781_423337715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktuUGV1Kx638Unc5xABIsf7u4RupN9dFBv98DOcA5RrpwUskRBc8ETrhTHHiVUZcPC7WIodN7Qa177XM5KzLldbkJegyKSPyPg0uJ6YMBidAIrDrwNTPlA55QGYOJW0A78xNj/s320/418440_10150520971153848_160572448847_8930781_423337715_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Have a Happy Thursday!</span></span></div> <div> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Belt Drive Betty</span></span></b></i></div> <div> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Editor &a Rider</span></span></b></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>

Ducati has been sold, Audi the proud new owner

Belt Drive 0 6:07 AM

The motorcycle industry is all a buzz with the news that Ducati has been sold to Audi. The Italian motorcycle company which was founded in 1926 and now employs some 1,100 people is a good fit for Audi according to their chairman, Rupert Stadler. It … Read more »

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A job well done, how do you define it?

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I recently hired someone to layout our paper, the Busted Knuckle Chronicles. She came with good references and had 30 years of experience. What I discovered however was that this woman wanted to lay out the paper according to industry standards instead of the way I wanted it done.  I wanted the paper done in provincial sections with the appropriate columnists in their provincial category - she wanted to put all of the columnists in the middle of the paper. I wanted certain fonts and colours used - she refused to use them - so at the end of the day we agreed to disagree and she no longer works for me.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whatever happened to the customer being right? I am paying the bills, I know what I want and yet...it is virtually impossible to get people to do the job the way you ask for it to be done.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hear it all the time from other employers. Finding good quality staff is near impossible - all of the good employees are already taken...so I will be on the hunt again for a new layout artist - and I want to find someone who rides, who understands the biker community.  If you have anyone to recommend let me know.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the news today, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18615-motorcycle-speed-demons-video-catches-eye-of-police-driver-was-going-almost-300-kmh-" target="_blank">there is a story of a rider doing 299 KMPH</a> from Vancouver Island, who posted the video on Youtube and <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18623-tips-roll-in-on-biker-shown-speeding-at-close-to-300kmh" target="_blank">the cops are on the hunt </a>- this story reminds me of the joke whereby a person posted the details of their proposed robbery on Facebook. Stupid is as stupid does and the biker community takes another black eye...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Prince George a gangster from the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18636-bc-gangster-wanted-by-rcmp" target="_blank">Game Tight Soldiers who was ordered deported</a> more than 4 years ago, is now wanted for kidnapping.  Why was this man not deported? Why has he been allowed to stay in this country? I shake my head...</span><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/18618-audi-nears-ducati-purchase" target="_blank">Ducati may see the purchase by Audi</a> completed this week and <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18630-nortons-aprilia-based-tt-bike" target="_blank">Norton has come out with a TT bike with an Aprilia engine in it...</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Harley-Davidson strong armed a fan who started a social network called HarleySpace - the man has renamed his social network IronRiders, and <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18627-is-harley-davidson-riding-roughshod-over-fans" target="_blank">Harley is getting pushback over their actions.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Whitecourt AB they are getting ready to ride for <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18635-motorcyclists-will-ride-to-find-alzheimers-cure" target="_blank">Alzheimer's</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is a TON of news in the feeds today - check it all out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/" target="_blank">www.beltdrivebetty.com </a>where we sift through the news so you don't have to!</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 to kickstart your day...these come from my friends on Facebook and by email.</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/AVvXsEgeiQ2FQXc8aagAgvaQ-M785nbek8TyzBFSEYSGQOBCE5wgYSvg5-J2VVj82grmQbgRhfbFNccPH0hDexhhadwuXyxXf_E01Qi0IuExV9EHQzudcxOzTzFeXgYB9BgHq2bto-iR/s1600/image11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiQ2FQXc8aagAgvaQ-M785nbek8TyzBFSEYSGQOBCE5wgYSvg5-J2VVj82grmQbgRhfbFNccPH0hDexhhadwuXyxXf_E01Qi0IuExV9EHQzudcxOzTzFeXgYB9BgHq2bto-iR/s320/image11.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUANyct_ETI0F-a7DFWcUv1j1GylJJ9sSkKVfzdQ628XdEkZEAoJDWNl7HpBQScxNCsUQo6jUug59jIA6bPKfGuZxUJZqgxKRDUqT_1WhQva-zJnPF2MXEo7HwAVm2VcOXu-pz/s1600/374802_178312462258534_163374727085641_352987_1094927614_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUANyct_ETI0F-a7DFWcUv1j1GylJJ9sSkKVfzdQ628XdEkZEAoJDWNl7HpBQScxNCsUQo6jUug59jIA6bPKfGuZxUJZqgxKRDUqT_1WhQva-zJnPF2MXEo7HwAVm2VcOXu-pz/s320/374802_178312462258534_163374727085641_352987_1094927614_n.jpg" width="320" /></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/AVvXsEgE8cFSg7mUJiUDsCDOzwcroIeQPZ2guYjhvvcYG-nuUOJFJxGR40OyuhY2maep_um54CiV7M8BD1kx-268sHF6tUTsMfzr1GhMN2URbKPNsgyhhfYMJIYZypBDVM-5xDU77L4L/s1600/543368_266886223401534_199020000188157_565117_1116870315_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8cFSg7mUJiUDsCDOzwcroIeQPZ2guYjhvvcYG-nuUOJFJxGR40OyuhY2maep_um54CiV7M8BD1kx-268sHF6tUTsMfzr1GhMN2URbKPNsgyhhfYMJIYZypBDVM-5xDU77L4L/s320/543368_266886223401534_199020000188157_565117_1116870315_n.jpg" width="320" /></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/AVvXsEgUANyct_ETI0F-a7DFWcUv1j1GylJJ9sSkKVfzdQ628XdEkZEAoJDWNl7HpBQScxNCsUQo6jUug59jIA6bPKfGuZxUJZqgxKRDUqT_1WhQva-zJnPF2MXEo7HwAVm2VcOXu-pz/s1600/374802_178312462258534_163374727085641_352987_1094927614_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> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Have a fantastic Hump day...</i></span><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> <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;"><br /></span>

A job well done, how do you define it?

Belt Drive 0 7:14 AM

I recently hired someone to layout our paper, the Busted Knuckle Chronicles. She came with good references and had 30 years of experience. What I discovered however was that this woman wanted to lay out the paper according to industry standards inste… Read more »

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How was your weekend?

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had a fantastic weekend at Cyclemania in Saskatoon, lots of great people and incredible motorcycles - I think that's what most of us in the riding community call a fabulous way to spend a weekend! The PMS is receding and what a relief it is!</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watch for this week's Busted Knuckle Chronicles, coming out on Thursday morning for the low down on the show!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cookie attended the Port Dover, Friday the 13th celebrations and also has a wonderful report on that event in this coming Thursday's paper...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, on to the news of the day...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is an article in the news today that may prove of interest to riders here in Canada who have experienced profiling by police officers. In Grants Pass, Oregon, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/286-news-international-/18585-motorcyclists-gather-for-roadway-rally-against-profiling" target="_blank">bikers are protesting traffic stops and profiling & are considering legal action.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everyday across north America, riders encounter the discriminatory practise of profiling by the police. (A practise that is disallowed by law when applied to ethnic communities.)</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many riders believe that what the outlaw and 1% clubs do or experience have little to do with them, however they would be very wrong.  Attend an event where outlaws and 1% patches are present and you can almost bet your bottom dollar that you have been photographed, so has your ride and license plate. You can also rest assured that you are listed on an associates list in the databases of the police services.  When you see the police attending motorcycle events in a large way, protection is only ONE service they are providing - the other is intelligence gathering.  Because the police view the outlaw and 1%er clubs as criminal organizations, anyone who speaks to them, admires their machines, attends the same events is fair game in the eyes of the police because you just never know when that 75 year old grandmother might be a drug mule.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In the US there are pushes taking place all over the place to challenge and change laws that are discriminatory towards motorcyclists. Just because you ride a bike, attend events does not automatically mean you have criminal intent.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The push for equality of treatment as road users and citizens is one that every motorcyclist should consider getting behind. Some argue that it's the outlaw & 1%er clubs that have brought this on themselves and they should fight their own battles and if the police ONLY targeted those persons when gathering their intelligence and stopping riders, then I would agree with them. However, it is the police that have made these issues something that has the potential to affect every rider who attends motorcycle related gatherings of any nature. It's one of those issues that like the use of helmets and the noise generated by some riders that causes lots of debates and disagreements.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another article of interest comes from Virginia where it is now <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18573-new-law-lets-motorcyclists-ride-side-by-side" target="_blank">legal for motorcyclists to ride side by side.  </a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The old law in Virginia saw riders fined for pulling up beside each other at a light, or riding up beside a fellow rider to signal a need to stop etc..the new law now gives the riders the right to decide when it is safe to ride side by side. Bikers in that state are looking at the new law as a win against the discrimination that they face with regards to laws.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are your thoughts on this topic? I think it should make for some interesting discussions!</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;">Steve McQueen of Calgary is the<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18571-calgarian-first-in-line-for-veterans-motorcycle-licence-plate-" target="_blank"> first Albertan sporting a Veteran's plate on his motorcycle</a>. After 7 years of lobbying, his efforts have been rewarded!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Michigan where the right to choose whether or not to wear a helmet was recently granted to riders, if you 1 - take a safety course and 2 have $20,000 in medical insurance is seeing an interesting debate starting...<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18574-traffic-talk-should-motorcyclists-in-michigan-register-as-organ-donors-if-they-choose-to-ride-without-a-helmet" target="_blank">should riders who choose to ride without a helmet be forced to sign an organ donors card?</a> What do you think?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Zurich Switzerland, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18579-passengers-enjoy-wow-factor-ducati-days-at-zuerich-airport-promotion" target="_blank">travellers are being treated to a massive series of displays of Ducati Motorcycles.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Cuba, Harley riders are <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/component/content/article/18575-cuban-harley-fanatics-hold-1st-nationwide-rally" target="_blank">celebrating their first ever motorcycle rally.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are travel articles, sports news and other bits and bytes that might be of interest to you over at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> where we sift through the news so you don't have to.</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 friends on Facebook and by email...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Laughter is a great way to start a Monday!</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/AVvXsEjP79C8SuUeCHrYALZaOIxpF3CddR4QdK4ZOPKb9k03u6IGgh4RWUs3mK1cNIs1jkttlEYBIJDmQIz1eDHtCOsP_fgEEoiEbSOGpZQmPrLMApx5YUT-8-mdsxjfz_8xViBh0daa/s1600/428006_358207404201702_100000373376275_1112037_1050286515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP79C8SuUeCHrYALZaOIxpF3CddR4QdK4ZOPKb9k03u6IGgh4RWUs3mK1cNIs1jkttlEYBIJDmQIz1eDHtCOsP_fgEEoiEbSOGpZQmPrLMApx5YUT-8-mdsxjfz_8xViBh0daa/s320/428006_358207404201702_100000373376275_1112037_1050286515_n.jpg" width="319" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RNMPV1OsB0-O9L38aHvisqOiJAVsN25nr6JY1hQaD05OU8yqguxNChDn0sHl9p8cvuIQgXa2k4vu3sn0xHukMeCt8xO-Kh0u5o6nCZ3Lg1aAvod3DmQlMsXSYjBbspFl599G/s1600/548691_241518125946953_171216989643734_439814_702602615_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7TL23KHE19nIWYIVhiznLlziHsT9pi16NTCKkhup3wNhasUHgzOpAeJtSUYUnLv_s52VfFBOxqP2mUuKJF9TnLJFK1MhySeNIeYxoE3bxWzfDi4_nzkQ1W_PVHmB5gldK1vF/s1600/388859_264097406987080_170353366361485_742111_585603030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7TL23KHE19nIWYIVhiznLlziHsT9pi16NTCKkhup3wNhasUHgzOpAeJtSUYUnLv_s52VfFBOxqP2mUuKJF9TnLJFK1MhySeNIeYxoE3bxWzfDi4_nzkQ1W_PVHmB5gldK1vF/s320/388859_264097406987080_170353366361485_742111_585603030_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have a great day,<br /><i><b><br /></b></i></span><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>

How was your weekend?

Belt Drive 0 8:06 AM

I had a fantastic weekend at Cyclemania in Saskatoon, lots of great people and incredible motorcycles - I think that's what most of us in the riding community call a fabulous way to spend a weekend! The PMS is receding and what a relief it is! Watch … Read more »

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