Motorcycle Awareness Month is putting a light on some interestingSafety Innovations

The news feeds are busy today and filled with interesting news!

An article out of the Fairview Post talks about the potential of a major rally in Fairview - one of the former organizers of the Digby Wharf Rat Rally - Peter Robinson has pitched the idea to the Fairview Chamber and they are receptive - so we shall see if northern Alberta will finally have a major rally again!

Another TV series about outlaw bikers is set to hit the small screen. This time it's from the land of OZ!

An article out of Macon Georgia caught my eye and is very fitting with May being Motorcycle Awareness month - a man by the name of Don Koehler who had a bike wreck has his wrecked motorcycle mounted on a trailer with a great big sign that reads:
“Help me teach all drivers, young and old, to slow down and look twice to save lives.”

I think that it might be a very effective campaign and wonder if it shouldn't be repeated in every major city across north America!

A rider safety innovation in the UK that would be beneficial here in north America is the new manhole cover design. It is skid resistant and improves traction in wet and freezing conditions!

The city of Edmonton is urging riders to stay safe by using a video from Australia regarding speed & motorcycles and accident reconstruction.

There are many articles in the news feeds today - some may have bearing on your life as a rider, visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where I work is keeping You informed!

Today is newspaper day so for those getting the Busted Knuckle - Canada's ONLY Weekly newspaper for the riding community - I hope you are enjoying all 58 pages!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email...
A giggle is good for the soul!

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Homeward bound

Steve Drane Harley-Davidson has gone through the 2004 Night Train that was washed up on shore in Haida Gwaii BC  and determined that the bike is rebuildable. The frame, front end, engine and tranny appear to be all OK!

Now the bike is being crated and shipped back to Japan where Harley-Davidson of Japan will restore the bike before returning it to it's owner a 29 year old who lost everything during the Tsunami.

What a wonderful story - from an honest man on a remote BC Island to a Canadian Dealer going above and beyond and Harley-Davidson of Japan stepping up to make things better for one man - this is the story of the year in my mind!  I think the efforts of all involved to see this young man get his motorcycle back all deserve a great big hug, a round of applause and an Atta Boy!!!!!

In Stony Plain AB they are getting geared up for the Finning Ride for the United Way which will be held on May 26th - there are still a few days left to register!

Windsor-Essex is getting ready for their chapter's Motorcycle Ride for Dad on May 27th and are urging Ontario riders to come out and support this great cause.

News out of Los Angeles is that Young & the Reckless clothing and the Hells Angels have settled things over the unlawful use of the Death Head Logo!

In sports news, rumours abound that Valentino Rossi will retire after this season.

In Maine the group that lobbied for and won a Breast Cancer Plate for vehicles is now pushing for one for motorcycles.

And last but not least the rider caught doing 264 KPH in Edmonton has been charged....can you say DUMBASS?  Another black eye our community really did not need - selfish, self centred people are why our community is always taking hits that the majority of us DO NOT DESERVE...

I am signing off with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email - I hope they start your day off with a giggle, because laughter is an important requirement for a healthy mind!

Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A tragic weekend in Ottawa

Saturday's Biker Church Swap Meet and Information day was marred by the death of a well loved Ottawa motorcyclist, Mike Jeffries. Mike and his wife were riding to the Vanier Biker's Church when their motorcycle struck a van - details have not yet been released on the crash.
His wife has been released from hospital where Rob Dale, the pastor of the Biker's Church had to break the news to her that Mike did not make it.

I had the opportunity to meet Mike, and everything that was said about this mountain of a man is true - he was friendly, a jokester and a caring and giving man. His loss is going to leave a hole in the hearts fro many for a long time to come of that I am sure.

Our hearts go out to all of the members of the Ottawa Biker's Church and Mike's family.

On Vancouver Island the Ride for Safety was very successful. Over 150 riders road the Malahat Highway to put an emphasis on safe riding and driving - congrats to all who took part.

Kristy Falconer, the event organizer was very appreciative of the efforts of the provincial government and their commitment to 8 million dollars in safety upgrades to the highway and felt that riders really needed to step up again to show the non riding community that riders are safety minded unlike the rider depicted in the YouTube video riding at 300KPH.  The Malahat has seen some devastating crashes involving motorcycles and has caused grave concerns among the riding community.

Nova Scotia's annual Biker Blessings saw 1,400 riders participate at Victoria Park in Truro.
The event had riders from as far away as Florida attend!

In Illinois a group of riders heading to a Motorcycle Awareness event experienced irony at work as a woman in a car pulled out of a gas station and struck the lead rider putting him in hospital.

The news feeds are filled with news and information that may affect your day and life as a ride, I invite you to check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping YOU informed.

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by my wacky friends on Facebook and through emails - laughter is very much needed this morning...

Have a fabulous Monday and remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider