A Look Back at 2018 Boreal Bike Rally Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 3

Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 3
Boreal Bike Rally
Plamondon AB

Ride Like a Local spoke with Mel Kurpowsky with the Lac La Biche Lions Club and the organizer of the Boreal Bike Rally.  This is the 2nd year for the rally.  The ride is a get together for many riders to raise money and come out and enjoy themselves.

This year they are raising money for a young man who is loosing his eye sight.  Mikeys Sight, the name of this ride, will be raising money for computer equipment Mikey needs.  Mikey was born with a birth defect that causes him to lose his sight.  No in his early 20's he still sees a bit but it's going down.  His dream is to be a computer tech so the Lac La Biche Lions Club took him under their wing to get him the equipment he needs.

This is the Boreal Bike Rally's 2nd annual bike run.  15 volunteers, Lac La Biche Lions club, Apostles Motorcycle Society, the local art club as well as local individuals come together to offer their help and support.

Come share the beautiful forest area all year round with many events held all year round.
Go to classicwheels.org to find out more.

Don "Trooper" Minard
Apostles Motorcycle Society and Ministry

The Lac La Biche Lions Club approached the Apostles Motorcycle Society and Ministry about helping them with the rally and they were more than happy to offer their help.  They were responsible for organizing the rodeo and making sure all riders stay together and safe on the poker run.

Everybody had a great time and lots of laughs were had!

Phyllis Maki
Community Futures Bonnyville & Lloydminster

Phyllis couldn't wait to join in the fun for the day.  She loves to ride!
The community of Lloydminster just won Canadas MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest.  Phyllis is hoping the win will put a different slant on the way people view bikes and to get people excited why they hear the bikes.  To get people to see how much fundraising the bike community does and how much money they will spend when they ride through your community.  Phyllis is also hoping to do educational pieces around it.

Bordertown Hog is also doing their 8th annual Toy Run in Lloydminster Sept 15, 2018 and will be doing the presentation for Canadas Most Rider Friendly Community.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 2

Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 2
The Future of Motorcycles Part 3
Yamaha

Ride Like a Local got to talk with the young men of the Yamaha Riding Academy.  With various interests in bikes, these young men were here to ride for the first time and practice up for the nicer riding weather.  We spoke with them before and after their rides.

Elijah before:  Elijah wants a bike for his birthday.  His dad said if he wants one, he has to get on one and try it out first.
Elijah after:  One he got the hang of the clutch and the brake he had a great time.  Of course, going fast was his favorite part.  Elijah is in grade 4 and wants to be a plastic surgeon!

Aden before:  Aden has never ridden a bike but can't wait because he knows it's going to be exciting!
Aden after:  Aden really enjoyed himself and can't wait to ride his own bike.  He plans on getting a street bike when he is 15 or 16 years old.  Aden is in grade 6 and loves to get smarter and have a good education.

Harwan before:  Harwan is Adens brother and each got dirt bikes for Christmas.  They are out here today to practice before getting on their own bikes.
Harwan after:  Harwan said the ride was pretty good and it felt great to go fast.  He almost wiped out a couple of times but made it unscathed.  Harwan is in grade 7 and not certain of his career in the future.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

 

The Meaning of LIfe According to Bikers. A book review.

Louise Lewis had this brilliant and inspired idea to get riders from every walk of like, the famous, the infamous and everyone in between, to talk about their philosophy and approach to life.

As a result, “The Meaning of Life According to Bikers” is without a doubt, one of the most inspirational books you could ever hope to read.

Actors, actresses, generals, CEO’s, race car drivers, US Senators, astronauts, nurses, writers, singers, automation engineers, logistics managers and more are all present and give you the most amazing insight into who we riders, as a collective, really are.

I am a member of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units where the motto is “Ride, Have Fun While Helping Others”.
This book embodies that philosophy, but I’d say it takes it a lot further…. “Grow yourself, grow your community, spread your love and generosity and KNOW you are amazing. Don’t doubt your tribe, yourself or the higher power that guides you.”
These are just some of the tidbits that I have gleaned from this read.

As you turn each page and admire the amazing photography and read the stories of inspiration from all those who share this passion we call motorcycling, you will find strength and resilience, kindness, joy, tenacity, love and heroism all represented.  You will find yourself represented here as well.

The question about why we love to ride is often brought up to riders by those who don’t.
And while no one can fully explain the “why” or express truly the kinds of hearts and souls that are drawn to motorcycling, this collection of some 100 or so riders stories, comes the closest I have ever seen.

It is a book that everyone who loves to ride really should read for themselves, for their own gratification and a sense of connectedness, and then they should pass one on to every non rider out there, for this book has the ability to win over hearts and minds.

Renee “Belt Drive Betty”
Writer & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 1

Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 1
The Future of Motorcycles Part 3
Babes on Bikes

Ride Like a Local was at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show and visited the Babes on Bikes booth.
We spoke with Reta, who is almost 40 years of age and has been riding for 2 years, and Natalie, who is 55 years of age and has been riding for 10 years.

When asked why they think there are fewer lady riders and younger riders, the ladies had some good thoughts.  They think maybe it's the fear that holds the lady riders back.  The traditional stereotype of bikers can be pretty scary.  It's a scary thought to be on a bike, on the road, with nothing around you to protect you.  We need to educate them on how a bike works and foster their confidence. We can attract the younger generation by talking to them, continuing the conversation, and encouraging them to try.

Mothers, don't hold your daughter's back and please, expose them early.

When speaking on Babes on Bikes, they say they have a weekly ride about 2 hours long.  They always stop for ice cream!  At the end of the day, everyone gathers for feedback and to check and make sure everyone is alright.

Babes on Bikes...Amazing support and living life to the fullest!

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 5 Segment 3

Season 6 Episode 5 Segment 3
The Future of Motorcycling Part 2

First we spoke with Payton, a 16 year old dirt biker at the Calgary Motorcycle Show.  Payton would love to have a street bike but his Mom has said no.
He loves the KTM sports bike and says he will save his money and take the safety course before buying one.
Payton wants to graduate and become a welder.  He started welding last year and just loves it!

Next we spoke with Filipa Borges Rechlo.  A 35 year old female rider from Lloydminster AB.  Filipa works up in the Yukon as a welder.

Filipa grew up in Ontario where riding was huge  No one in the family rides, although, she knows it's in her blood.

The industry struggles with getting more women and younger riders.  Filipa says women and younger people need to get more comfortable with riding and enjoy it more.  The industry is catering to women by making smaller bikes.  We should all be more encouraging and let them know that they can do it.

Women riding groups are a big help for getting the female riders together and overcoming the fear!

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Motorcycle Safety Tips for the New Riding Season

Spring has finally sprung across most of North America and that means motorcycles are back on the road.

In our little piece of heaven here in Alberta we have already had several riders killed.
A motorcycle crash happens in the space of a half second.

How many of you have spent any time getting reacquainted with your significant other before heading out on a ride?
Did you check your tire pressures?
Remember you only have two tires making contact on the pavement, you want them to be filled properly so you have maximum traction and control.

How about your fluids? Have you checked your brake fluid?
If your brakes feel spongy and/or need to be bled off, I’d recommend checking to ensure there is no water present.
Water collapses far more than brake oil will, and that can cause that spongy feeling.
Is it milky looking? If it is you most likely have water in your braking system and it needs to be flushed and new fluid and potentially a new gasket will be needed.

Your engine oil, when was it changed last?
Is your air filter free and clean of debris so that your bike’s engine can breath well?

Are your brake pads in good shape and what about your signals, are they working?
Fork seals should be free from leaks and when you pull in your brake lever, your forks should have give to them.
High beam, low beam, headlights should be checked too.

Now that you’ve gone over your baby with a fine tooth comb and you are ready to climb on board, what’s your first order of business?
For me it’s a parking lot 2 blocks from home where I can spend a half hour reacquainting myself with my motorcycle’s weight and my clutch and brake.

A little bit of parking lot time helps me make sure that everything about my bike is performing as expected during a fast/hard stop, during some cone weaving and obstacle maneuvers.  A Half hour of reacquainting yourself after 5-7 months off is definitely worth doing in my books.

When you head out, make sure you are watching for those who are not watching for you.
You need to ride like everyone around you is blind and can’t see you.
They aren’t looking for you. They are reading texts, scolding their kids, eating lunch, and basically doing everything but driving.
If you accept that fact and roll with it, you are less likely to fall prey to an inattentive human being.

A rider needs to be like a coyote , always looking for a way out.
When I took my rider training course they drilled into our heads SIPDE - Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.
Your head should be on a swivel, constantly scanning the road ahead as well as ditches and side roads.

When you identify a potential hazard or danger, like a car that is pulling up to a stop sign on a side road, you need to predict what that driver is going to do and then decide how you are going to handle things when they pull out in front of you. Then you execute on your decision.
All of this will transpire in the space of seconds.

Be on the lookout constantly, stay focused and aware and enjoy your riding season.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider.

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 5 Segment 2

Season 6 Episode 5 Segment 2
The Future Motorcycling Part 2


Back with Amanda Dobby, she had some good tips and tricks for the riding enthusiast:

Always wear your gear!  Sometimes it's hard to find gear for the female rider.  Build awareness and share with others where you get your gear.  Some things may need to be custom made.  Share your finds with others.

Keep your chin and your head up.  Always look ahead, check your mirrors and be aware of your surroundings.  New riders should not have music.  The road needs your undivided attention.  Stay focused.  Watch out for animals.  They pop out of nowhere and it's totally beyond your control.  And stay hydrated!!  Always carry a lot of water and or electrolytes with you on a ride.

The generation of ladies before have paved the way for today's generation.  Now it's our turn to make it bigger, better, and more beautiful.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 5 Segment 1

Season 6 Episode 5 Segment 1
The Future of Motorcycling Part 2

At the Calgary Motorcycle Show, we met with Amanda Dobby.  Amanda is 33 and one of the co-founders of The Litas.  Wearing a beautiful nose brace from hitting the handle bars on her dirt bike, Amanda showed up as she was not willing to miss the Calgary Motorcycle Show!

Amanda has been riding a street bike since she was 18 (around 15 years).  She now rides a Harley Nightster 1200.  This is her 5th bike and since she originally started with sports bikes as a broke student, she absolutely adores her Harley.

Amanda is a adrenaline junkie.  She always rode with her brother, behind him on his bike.  She always new she needed her own bike so she could be in control.  As a yoga instructor, she finds riding a form of therapy and meditation.  It is a liberating and empowering feeling especially being a woman.

She says that even with the age gap between different riders they always find something in common.  The riding community is always inviting and welcoming so that you may meet many different types of people but the all have a common connection and passion.

She also states some important rules that The Litas always follow.

• Ride within your means.
• Always be safe.
• Know basic bike maintenance.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 4 Segment 3

 Season 6 Episode 4 Segment 3
The Future of Motorcycling Part 1

We met with Sarah from the Harleys Owners Group.  A group that meets about twice a month for different events, functions, and rides.

Sarah, who is 27, is a Muslim woman and motorcycle rider.  She says as a Muslim woman, the riding community has been very warm, welcoming, accepting and inviting.

As for the future of motorcycling, shes says the community that is diverse but comes together with shared interests of wanting to get out together and explore.  In a very polarized and diverse community, the riding people have come together.

Women don't have to be fearless to be brave.

Sarah has bonded with the people in her group because just as she is discriminated against for wearing her hijab, riders from the community are discriminated against because of their gear and the stereotypes placed upon them.

Inclusiveness in the riding community is what keeps is women coming back and passing it on to the next generation.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider