Sad news out of Kamloops and Lindsay's Top Cop won't talk to me

There is a sad article in the news today that The Great Canadian Bike Rally is being sued by Community Futures for not paying back their $45,000 loan.

I have a call into Mike Fairfield and hope to find out what has transpired.

It seems to be the way with major motorcycle rallies here in Canada that they just can not get off the ground on any kind of solid footing. Either they are poorly managed or they are levied such high bills for enhanced policing etc that they just can't gain any traction.  It's sad...

Then there is the wonderful police chief in Lindsay Ontario who made some rather unfortunate comments about riders being disrespectful for wearing their leathers to march in Remembrance day ceremonies, apparently he is not granting anymore interviews on the topic and will not speak to motorcycle media.

This man has over stepped his boundaries hugely with his comments - using his uniform to further his personal opinions and putting the Legion in the middle.

It is sad that someone who takes a paycheque from taxpayers feels he is not accountable to them or the public at large.  I expressed my disappointment in his comments to the Police Service Board Chair - Gord James who promises this issue will be put on the agenda for their next meeting - I will not be letting this one go....this man can not be allowed to use his uniform to further a personal belief. IT IS WRONG!

I welcome your comments on either topic! Or any topic for that matter!!!!

There is a TON of news in the feeds today, visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to see what might affect your day or life as a rider:

In BC the Southern Cruisers have raised the roof for Variety!

A Solar Powered motorcycle has achieved a land speed record.

In Karachi motorcycles are being banned due to security threats.

A Portuguese racer was killed during qualifying in the Macau Grand Prix.

There is a fundraiser coming up this weekend for a motorcycle crash victim in Rapid City who is going to need a lot of help.

A gorgeous paint job was done on a bike as a tribute to a fallen female deputy in Florida

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and via emails...

Have a FABULOUS weekend everyone!


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Who has the moral right to tell people who ride they are being disrespectful of our troops...

Who has the moral right to tell people who ride they are being disrespectful of our troops if they wear their riding gear in a Remembrance Day parade?

That is the question I am asking today.

The police chief of Kawartha Lakes (Lindsay ON) John Hagarty, has stated that motorcycle gear is not appropriate garb to be marching in a Remembrance Day parade.



The riding club involved at the centre of this from Lindsay ON - the Kawartha Charity Riders.

I have interviewed the mayor of Kawartha Lakes, Ric McGee, Pamela VanMeer a reporter from CHEX TV in Peterborough, John Sherman of the Sir Sam Hughes Branch of the Legion, Rick Gibson of the Kawartha Charity Riders, sent emails requesting an interview with the chief, John Hagarty and the chair of the police service board in Kawartha Lakes, Gord James.

I will give you the results of those interviews in a much later piece - for now I want to ask the question...

WHO has the moral or legal right to tell any citizen that their wearing of motorcycle gear in a Remembrance Day parade is disrespectful?

Who would tell Darlene Cushman - Silver Cross Mother and motorcyclist that she would be disrespectful if she wore her motorcycle garb in a Remembrance Day parade?

Who will tell Trapper Cane of the CAV that he is disrespectful for wear his motorcycle garb in a Remembrance Day parade?

Or any veteran that rides with a motorcycle group/association for that matter?

Why did this man put the Legion in the middle of this?

Hopefully we will find out soon...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider