As a Certified Travel Agent with CMTA Travel Services, I regularly get requests from clients looking to extend their Alberta trips into British Columbia's wine country.
While I specialize in motorcycle tourism and haven't made it to the Okanagan recently myself, I've been researching dining options for riders and travelers who want something better than roadside stops.
Here's what keeps coming up in my research:
Nature's Table at Summerhill Pyramid Winery consistently appears in reviews with a 4.4 Google rating and 4.6 OpenTable rating.
(https://www.summerhill.bc.ca/dine/)
Located at 4870 Chute Lake Road in Kelowna, reviewers specifically mention the organic farm-to-table approach and stunning Okanagan Lake views.
Multiple reviews note good parking accessibility and vegan options - important for travelers with dietary restrictions.
The price point runs higher ($30+ per plate based on reviews), but guests seem to feel it's justified.
O'Rourke's Peak Cellars Garden Bistro in Lake Country shows up with a solid 4.6 rating across 464 reviews.
(https://peakcellars.com/Visit-Us/Garden-Bistro)
What catches my attention is the consistent mention of it being "less touristy" with vineyard-side patio dining overlooking orchards and the lake. For travelers looking to escape crowds, this appears to be a solid choice.
Both establishments are seasonal operations, so checking ahead is essential when planning your route.
When I'm mapping out wine country extensions for clients, these are the types of stops that can elevate a good trip into a memorable experience.
The key is balancing scenic routes with quality dining that justifies the detour.
Planning a BC extension to your Alberta adventure? Contact CMTA Travel Services - I can help you map out the complete route, including rider-friendly accommodations and fuel stops along the way.
Have you discovered any hidden gems in wine country that deserve a spot on travelers' itineraries? I'm always researching new recommendations for clients.
As I am just back from a tour with Celtic Rider Motorcycle Rentals & Tours, I found it rewarding to see that they had won yet another award. I can say from first hand experience that their dedication to tourism in their country is amazing. It's rare to meet people who love what they do and where they live and who exude enthusiasm the way they do. So Paul, Mick, Sibodhan, Liam et al - congratulations for being rewarded for a job well done! You truly deserve it. In other news, BC's Hells Angels have set themselves up as constitutional champions on behalf of all British Columbians. The have mounted a challenge of British Columbia’s Civil Forfeiture Act in the B.C. Supreme Court. According to the article in Maclean: “It’s really an end run around checks and balances in the criminal process,” says Michael Vonn, policy director at the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. End Quote
And the Hells Angels lawyer agrees. Begin Quote: the group’s lawyer argues, is not a proven criminal organization, therefore, forfeiture of its properties in east Vancouver, Kelowna and Nanaimo is a violation of its Charter rights. End Quote
The BC Civil Liberties Association says: Begin Quote: It’s a battle others in similar situations can’t afford to take on, says Vonn, noting the minimum cost to defend a civil claim is tens of thousands of dollars. Because of this, she says, many on the receiving end of forfeiture claims end up settling. The Civil Liberties Association also questions whether penalties administered through forfeiture fit the corresponding crimes. While originally meant as a tool to target organized crime, regular folk have had their homes liquidated for housing a handful of marijuana plants, or their cars seized for speeding, says Vonn. End Quote
I have to say it, bizarre as it may sound, that the Hells Angels are probably the best suited to take on this charter challenge. Is everyone who wears their patch a criminal? I would hazard a guess and say no. Have they been convicted as a criminal organization? Not in BC. Do they have the money to fund this kind of fight? Probably, they all seem to have good paying jobs or businesses.
Queensland Australia is heating up the battle of the bikies with the first arrests under their new laws.
Under these new laws it is illegal for bikies to attend their clubhouse, to work in Tattoo Parlours, they are not allowed to wear their colours to hotels or be seen in groups larger than 3.
Under the new laws, automatic mandatory 6 month jail sentences for the above crimes will be handed out.
About the first arrests -from SBS: Begin Quote: Peter Johnson and Mark Filtness, both 47, were arrested in Cairns on Friday morning and charged with offences under the state's new anti-bikie gang laws. The pair were granted bail in the Cairns Magistrates Court about 4.30pm (AEST) on Friday. The men must surrender their passports and are due to reappear on November 1. They were arrested on Friday morning and each face one charge of being a participant in a criminal organization entering a prescribed place. The court heard that the pair told police they had been members of the Odin's Warriors for 20 years. Their lawyer, Philip Bovey, said the pair had been at the gang's clubhouse as both of their flats were located on the same property. He said the men were arrested shortly after Johnson visited Cairns Police Station to ask whether it was against the law for him to be living on the same property as the clubhouse. Mr Bovey argued the men didn't pose a flight risk or a threat to the community. He said Johnson had no criminal history, while Filtness had only been convicted on minor charges in 2000 and in the 1980s. Johnson works as a diesel fitter in Weipa on Cape York and Filtness is a truck driver. Police prosecutors opposed bail, saying the men were a flight risk as the club could provide financial assistance. They argued that the pair could flee as they face a mandatory six month jail term if convicted. End Quote
Reportedly the government in Queensland is planning on building a new "Bikies ONLY" prison, where each prisoner would be in lock down for 23 hours a day, among implementing other harsh conditions. From ABC.net Begin Quote: "Mr Bleijie says the confiscated bikes will be crushed if gang members are convicted of the offences. "Legislation that I introduce tomorrow into Parliament will have certain new offences for criminal motorcycle gang members," he said. Upon those offences being committed, there will be immediate impoundment of the motorbike and upon conviction of the particular offences, the motorbikes will actually be crushed." End Quote
Members of 26 bikie gangs declared criminal organizations in Queensland face being locked up in maximum security jails for a minimum of 15-years unless they rat on associates. Legislation introduced to State Parliament yesterday will make it almost impossible for outlaw motorcycle gangs to exist in Queensland with jail terms applying for riding in groups or even wearing club colours to a hotel. More serious offences such as drug possession, trafficking, dangerous driving or assault will carry additional mandatory sentences of 15-years, plus an extra ten for office-bearers, unless the gang member becomes a police informant. End Quote
I for one am very concerned about the laws in Australia because like it or not, there are police officers who are rogue and will harass innocent riders just because they wear their riding group patch and the cops in many cases don't know the difference nor do they appear to care to. Even if it only happens infrequently - it's wrong.
Then there is the BC Hells Angels issue. I for one say good. In enough cases to warrant my comment, the punishment has far out weighed the crime. If the Hells Angels are truly a criminal organization then it is up to the system of law we have to prove that, charge them and have them convicted. But again, as with the case in Australia, what happens to the rest of us who ride with non 1% patches - are we going to have to waste hundreds of hours, money etc to continually prove we are who we say we are?
Is there NO Balance that can be found when it comes to 1% issues and the lives of ordinary people who ride?
So - what are your thoughts on the key two topics for today?
Are the BC Hells Angels Charter Champions for all British Columbians and the Harsh new bikie laws in Queensland Australia - what do you think?
This should provide some heated conversations - let's see if we can be more level headed than government!
Join us onFacebook, Twitter, Google+,Linked In or right here in this blog for some discussion - hopefully civil about these topics.
In the meantime, I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and via emails:
If you are lucky enough to be riding today, remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and please remember to dress for the slide and not the ride!
I am sorry that I have not been able to keep you updated as to my travels for the Bikers United in Remembrance Conga. Internet connections here in the Yukon are sketchy at best! Once I get to Kamloops BC it should be far easier for me to keep you updated on the adventures of Road Trip Rita and myself! I have finally posted information on my travels and you can find them here: Travel BC by Motorcycle: http://bcbymotorcycle.blogspot.ca Travel Yukon by Motorcycle: http://yukonbymotorcycle.blogspot.ca I still have to write about my adventure on the Top of the World Highway, my time in Beaver Creek at Buckshot Betty's and my stay at the Heritage House B & B in Whitehorse but time is short and I need to pack up and head to Watson Lake and Nugget City where I will be staying tonight... I am praying for all those affected by the flooding in southern Alberta...you are in my heart and on my mind as I ride... Ride Safe out there, Belt Drive Betty Editor & Rider
Mondays are the day of the week I hate and dread, just like many of you. But my reasons are going to be much different than yours are, I am pretty sure. I don't work 9-5 or Monday to Friday. Monday holds no "jail like" meaning for me about trudging off to work for 5 days. Just like it being Friday really means nothing to me. I work 7 days a week. And I love my job, just not all of it... So why do I hate Mondays? Every morning I generally sift through the news feeds to ensure that there are no mountain biking stories mixed in with the motorcycle news for our web site. And every Monday, more than any other day of the week, I have to read and post about the motorcycle crashes that have taken place over the weekend. Some involve people I know personally, some involve severe injury, some death and yet others walk away. As a rider, everyone of these crashes affect me. Reading the stories, seeing the crash site images, watching the videos...everyone one of the breaks my heart. In far too many cases, dumb choices be it from the rider or the other vehicle driver (when another vehicle is involved) have contributed to the crash. For the riders - going too fast, not being aware of surroundings, not using emergency techniques, target fixation, riding in blind spots, riding without good gear, riding over their ability. Our roads are in such disrepair across this country...and have been contributing factors in crashes. For the drivers of other vehicles - going too fast, pulling unsafe u-turns, turning left without looking, changing lanes without looking, target fixation, texting, well, the list goes on... Then there are the crashes that involve game (wildlife) - these tend to be the true accidents of our community... I have hardly scratched the surface of the ways these crashes happen. Every Monday my heart breaks just a little bit. Every Monday those images, the stories and the senselessness of it all hits home - HARD. There are people who think I am far too opinionated for my own good, far too serious about things. To those people I say: "You don't sit in my chair and see the things I see. When you read the news, it's about the things that interest you. For me, I read it whether or not I want to because it's my job." The stories I read, daily harden me in some ways. I work really hard to keep a balanced perspective on everything. I work to see both sides of every situation, but - the stories I read sometimes make it really hard to not be a pissed off human being, to not be hard nosed and vocal. Monday is the day for me, when I have to screw up the courage to do my job because I know I am going to be sad, mad, disappointed... Well, besides the motorcycle crashes the took place in Toronto, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Vancouver Island this weekend (see the Riders Down news feed on our site www.beltdrivebetty.com), the news had a ton of articles about the Hells Angels Annual run from Nanaimo to Victoria in BC. According to the article on Castanet: Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit spokesman, Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said: "the bikers ignored red lights at intersections, were seen speeding, and unsafely passing other vehicles.
He says the group blocked traffic and refused to pull over for safety inspections by police.
Houghton says those who did not comply with police direction have been noted and will face appropriate enforcement action.
He says police won't allow bikers to intimidate communities with their noisy rides.
Houghton says May is designated as Motorcycle Safety Month in BC, and police used the opportunity to conduct road safety checks on members of the outlaw motorcycle gangs." And yet, according to a video of their ride, they observed the rules of the roads and did not appear to be speeding, running red lights and their pipes did not seem to be overly loud.
So - besides being sad today, and frustrated over the deaths and injuries this past weekend, I am PISSED at the RCMP again... Motorcycle Awareness month is not an open ended license for discrimination. And yet this RCMP spokesman blatantly admits "police used the opportunity to conduct road safety checks on members of the outlaw motorcycle gangs." The problem with Mr. Houghton's commentary is that not all who wear the patch of an outlaw club are 1% and the police too often stop and unlawfully detain all kinds of riders based on the erroneous assumption that a three piece patch means gang. Ask members of the Falcons...the Veteran's Canada MC and on and on...
Not only that, but it would appear based on the video evidence above, that yet again, the RCMP are lying about the conduct of the riders in question.
And then there is his most ignorant of comment: "police won't allow bikers to intimidate communities with their noisy rides."
In other articles like the one from the Province:“Seeing a large group of bikers rolling down the highway and through towns can be intimidating for the public and that is their intention — to intimidate,” Houghton said. “Today was yet another example of groups like the Hells Angels thinking they are above the law. CFSEU-BC and its policing partners will continue to monitor events like today’s and ensure the public’s safety by seizing every available and appropriate enforcement opportunity against those involved in organized crime.”
The article from the Times Colonist was equally PRO police.
“Our goal was to stop them and let them know we are aware of their activities and that we will continue to monitor them like this in the interests of ensuring public safety. We will seize every opportunity to look at appropriate enforcement action against the people engaged in organized crime in communities around B.C.”
Houghton said traffic on the highway was at a standstill for 15 to 20 minutes.
“Understandably, on a nice day like this, it was an inconvenience for people. We did have a very large area off to the side of the road, and if the bikers had complied, there would have been no delay in traffic. But they chose not to,” he said.
“Seeing a large group of bikers rolling down the highway and through towns can be intimidating for the public, and that is their intention — to intimidate,” Houghton said.
“Today was yet another example of groups like the Hells Angels thinking they are above the law.”
The spin doctor in all of these articles, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit spokesman, Sgt. Lindsey Houghton would have the general public think that ALL large groups of riders are out to intimidate.
He would also have the general public think that the Hells Angels - READ BIKERS IN LARGE GROUPS do not respect the rules of the road and should subject themselves and their motorcycles to a traffic safety stop that they know full well will be filled with questions about their patches, tattoos, associations and other discriminatory/harassing questioning.
Their motorcycles would have been safety checked by people who are not mechanics and whose sound testing equipment is not "certified". Now let me clarify a few things: The RCMP have reportedly in the passed used noise testing equipment that is not standardized by anyone. And under Federal law - the officer's opinion is what counts when it comes to whether or not a vehicle is noisy.
We all know that the J2825 noise test for motorcycles that the SAE put together for the MIC and MMIC is subjective to the officer's skill level and the surroundings in which the test is conducted.
And we know that most officers do not follow the testing requirements hence why so many of these "violations" get thrown out of court if a person has time to fight them.
And remember, if your bike is damaged during such a test - your motorcycle is NOT covered by YOUR insurance - your only recourse is to sue the officer.
On a side note, that I am aware of, the RCMP federally has not as of yet been trained to do the J2825.
I will attempt to find out about that...
The spin doctor would have the general public believe that the bikers are at fault for traffic being halted, when in fact, the RCMP are the cause. Staging big public displays at exorbitant expense is something we have seen done time after time with no positive results. This time appears to be no different.
The RCMP, it appears, want the general public to be pissed at large groups of bikers. Period.
Time and again you read and hear this man say - "police won't allow bikers to intimidate communities with their noisy rides."
I ride without a patch, I ride a stock motorcycle, I have ridden in large group rides that have been pulled over for "motorcycle safety checks".
I have never been ticketed. BUT I have been inconvenienced, asked ridiculous questions about "who is holding the drugs", where are the Hells Angels and other equally intimidating and disgusting questions that have nothing what so ever to do with the ride I am on or the safety of my bike - which was never checked by the by. Only my helmet and papers were ever checked.
This mentality of the RCMP disturbs me.
And it should disturb you too.
There are many who never ride in group rides for any cause or charity simply because they have no wish to be labelled or tarred or inconvenienced. There are some who never ride in large groups cause it isn't their bag.
BUT - whenever a police agency starts saying discriminatory things with the sole purpose to mis lead the public - it should concern every citizen.
You and I both know that there are those in some of these 1% clubs that are bad asses.
But there is nothing illegal about going for a ride as a club. They are after all members of a motorcycle club - motorcycle being the operative word.
You and I both know - if you have been around this community for any length of time, that it is a very, very rare thing for a full patched member of any 1% motorcycle club to do anything in public that will reflect badly on their club.
The RCMP however would have one believe that they are all criminal and the only reason they get on their bikes in large numbers is to intimidate.
You and I both know that sweeping statements like that are ridiculous, dangerous and highly mis leading.
It is too bad the general public only has the mainstream media to rely on for their information, that they are never subjected to the mannerisms, demeanour or attitude of a police officer who wants to be an intimidating, fight provoking jerk.
Don't get me wrong - the job of a cop is not easy, it is filled with danger and there are many cops who do their uniform a great credit. There are those on police forces everywhere who know how to use critical thinking skills - who understand you get more with honey than vinegar. Those who know it is wrong to label everyone based on the actions of the few.
But there are enough of them out there who are in no way polite or courteous - those who look for and instigate fights, who are adrenaline junkies that thrive on anger...that should cause very citizen to be concerned.
I am tired of the never ending spins that the RCMP and other police services use when it comes to the riding community and the main stream media that seldom ever prints the other side of the story.
So, if you start noticing more aggression and push back towards riders, you can thank three groups of people.
The RCMP and police services for their special brand of spin.
The mainstream media that does so much one sided reporting.
And you can thank the people who lend credence to the police services myths about ALL bikers and ALL BIKERS IN BIG GROUPS.
You know, the guy/gal who rides 300 KPH through traffic.
The guy/doll who uses their loud pipes, not in times of danger but as fashion plate attention seeking accessory.
Or the guys/girls who wheelie in traffic...or on big group rides.
These people are the people who are our "Bad Press" spin doctors.
Their conduct is a black eye to all riders.
And the conduct of those riders polarizes the non rider against the rider because the actions of a few combined with the spin by the RCMP/Police forces as printed and un -investigated by mainstream media creates a hatred.
We have had riders purposely run off the road by other drivers who hate motorcycles.
And then we have riders who when they realize a guy is trying to purposely run them off the road - put themselves in really dangerous positions TO BECOME A STATISTIC.
I am sad and angry and frustrated...that's how I can tell it's Monday.
JoinKickstands Up on Reality Radio 101 as I join Lou to have a frank discussion about our riding season and the ways to successfully enjoy it...
I hope you have a good week and if you are fortunate enough to be taking advantage of the glorious if late riding season, PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.
I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and via emails. After a crappy start to my day, I like to balance it our with laughter and meditation.
Graham Ritchie - a British Columbia rider who was well loved and respected and an active volunteer in the BC motorcycle community passed away last night. The video below touched my heart as I thought of Graham. When he speaks of looking over his shoulder and all of a sudden 30 years had passed...(30 years since it's been spring) As the singer spoke of the King getting slower, and how he wanted to keep it going a little longer, that there was so much still to see and so little time... We all feel that way at times, like life goes by too quickly - and it does and we loose our friends, our bodies start letting us down... My wish for you as you watch this video is that you never pass up a chance to tell the people you love how much they mean to you, to embrace life, to be of service to your fellow man and make this life - this very short life - the richest and most rewarding it can be.
Rest in Peace Graham, your work here is done, you have earned your retirement ride. We will remember you fondly and often, you will always ride with us... Belt Drive Betty
Today I have many people to thank. We held a quick auction over the weekend to raise some funds for the employees of Mountain Man Servicesin Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island BC. Mark Mullen and his mom Kristina Toomey donated a full set of the original cast of SOA prints to the cause and while we did not hit my mark of $900 we were darned close. We raised $750. It was fabulous that in spite of it being so close to Christmas - so many got involved. The first day of the auction I was concerned as it didn't seem to be going well and I desperately wanted us to raise some good coin, but in true biker fashion, it picked up steam on day two and concluded well. Kristina and Mark - thank you for your generosity and paying it forward attitude. To all who bid whether you won or not - thank you for getting involved and for those who could not afford to jump in on an auction but promoted it to your friends via Facebook and Twitter -THANK YOU. It's a tough time of year for everyone. We all have our own families to think about, presents to buy and I have to say, I am, as usual awed by the generosity of so many. Without you, we have some at risk youth who would not be going back to work! We have enough Canadian Tire Money and cash to kit out 4 of the employees so that they can get back to work. We will be collecting Canadian Tire Money right through January so keep on sending it! The gift of Jobs for Christmas - what a better way to celebrate Christmas is there than knowing these young people can continue being bread winners for their families. THANK YOU EVERYONE! We only have a few days left in our Johnny Pag & Belt Drive Betty have a secret contest. You could win some fabulous swag from Johnny Pag and Belt Drive Betty - all you have to do is log in to www.beltdrivebetty.com and make a guess! I am like a little kid right now busting at the seams to make the announcement which will come via the Busted Knuckle's lead article! If you don't get the newspaper we will be making the announcement later in the morning on Thursday on Facebook & Twitter. I actually have some other big news coming down the pipes that we will announce (hopefully) just before Christmas. It has to do with our new TV series - Belt Drive Betty -Ride Like a Local...all the contracts are done with Eastlink and the show will be promoted on 10 specialty channels and aired 6 days a week from June to December. As soon as we have the details all worked out for our big announcement - I'll be letting you in on it! The news feeds aren't overly busy yet this morning - I had two cats wake me up at 3 AM and could not fall back to sleep so I decided to get up and get at it this morning! We will be checking them periodically all day long so stay tuned to www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed! In today's news: In Ottawa - the Ottawa International Bike Show is getting geared up! Toronto just finished up the Power Sports Services show. 30,000 bikers turned out for the Sun Run to aid sick children in Florida Another 1,500 turned out in LAfor the Skid Row toy run. In Long Beach - a police officer rides his first electric motorcycle. In Australia -it appears the government is finally listening to bikers. I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and via email - have a good giggle cause soon you'll be fully awake and realize that it's MONDAY!
Have a fantastic week everyone! Belt Drive Betty Editor & Rider
There is an article out of Oregon this morning that caught my eye, it's all about how the Hells Angels and the Mongols caused a rally to get shut down. According to the article, the Run to the Cascades rally at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds was closed down by the police after they heard that although the Hells Angels had packed up as the Mongols "ordered them to" it was reported the Hells Angels were getting more members to come back to the event and retaliate. As there had already been two prior arrests at the rally, one in a dispute Friday night reportedly involving a knife, and another early Saturday after a man fired a gun at the fairgrounds, the police shut the rally down. In BC this summer we riders experienced extreme police presence and harassment because the Hells Angels had booths at several events. Now I personally know a few members of the Angels, people I like. There are many I do not like - again for personal reasons. My question for the day is how do you feel about organizations like the Hells Angels, the Mongols, the Outlaws etc... What are you biggest concerns about them? Is there anything we can do as a community to distance ourselves from the reputation these groups have? Is there anything we can do to prevent our events from being shut down because of organizations who feel it is their right to fight over turf at a public event? How do we riders protect the 99% from being profiled because of the actions of the 1%? Any ideas? Thoughts? Comments? I'd LOVE to hear them. There is a lot of news in the feeds today, some of it may affect your day or life as a rider, so check out the news feeds at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping YOU informed... This past weekend I was at the CMDRA Drags in Edmonton and on Monday and Tuesday I was filming in the Peace River region with Joe Media for Travel Alberta. I am not sure which was the coolest experience as I was at the drags with my nephew Luke and in the VIP Skybox for Blackjacks Roadhouse in Nisku. Luke is my deceased brothers son and it was so wonderful to spend time with him! Filming with the gang from Joe Media and fellow riders Greg from Peace River and Trayr from Calgary was definitely one of the cool experiences in life. I now understand why actors and actresses of any caliber get the big bucks. I was amazed at how hard the job really was. I enjoyed riding with Greg and Trayr and was amazed how well we did at riding together for three people who had never done so before! The video will be about 3 minutes long we are told, and will air on Youtube sometime in January. I am amazed that it took 2 very full days to get the filming done for a 3 minute video and can only imagine the work that will take place in the editing suite after that! Our new clothing line has launched and we have hoodies, tees, tanks and long sleeves available - hope you will consider buying a shirt and supporting us so that we can continue to provide you with the news and tools we do! We have partnered with Urban Rebel Clothing in Vernon BC to provide a TOP NOTCH line and free shipping is offered on orders over $99! The BDB Store is where you can get our new clothing! I am signing off for today by sharing a few giggle from friends on Facebook and by emails...
Have a fabulous Thursday everyone! Belt Drive Betty Editor & Rider
A story out of BC comes at a very appropriate time for me. It involves 2 riders riding up the shoulder while traffic is backed up and how one truck driver took offence...apparently a fist fight ensued... Now the reason the timing of this story is so important is that on Friday I will be at the CTV 2 Studios for a discussion on Alberta Primetime regarding lane splitting. I have such mixed emotions on this topic and this article from the Saanich News makes me even more torn on the topic. Lane splitting or riding on the should have so many benefits until you factor in the human race... I would love your thoughts on this topic - they may help me be a good representative of the feelings of all riders both for and opposed! It should prove to be an interesting topic. I'll let you know when the program airs. I will be leaving at 7 am in order to be at the studio in Edmonton on time, then I will be attending the CMDRA All Bike Gras season finale at Castrol Speedway. I will be in the Black Jack's Lounge VIP Skybox when I am not on the line doing photography and video! Liane from M.O.D.E.L. will be joining me...come say hi.... I will sign off by reminding you to check our website, www.beltdrivebetty.com for all the news and information that might impact your day or life as a rider and by sharing a few funnies to get your day off to the right start! Thanks to all my crazy, loveable friends who have shared these with me wither through FB or by email!
Have a fabulous Thursday and please, ride safe no matter where your travels take you this weekend. Belt Drive Betty Editor & Rider
The RCMP have become a joke - a cruel and unnecessary one that we tax payers need to stomp on. I have heard so many stories of absolute harassment and discrimination between the Great Canadian Bike Rally, Sturgis North and the The Stomp that I am sick to my stomach. Bikes that are legal in Alberta, where they are licensed and inspected being ticketed for infractions in BC. Riders blowing .02 being given 24 hour suspensions. A woman, 83 years old having her face smashed. Poker Runs being jacked, every bike being searched and the riders being violated. Motorcycle only check stops - supposedly safety stops that were done in unsafe locations on the highway causing near misses with motor homes and other vehicles. Biker Enforcement Units and Gang Squads everywhere harassing and generally making riders feel unwelcome. I AM SICK TO DEATH OF THIS STUFF - have you had enough? If you have then I urge you to fill out our police harassment and profiling form on www.beltdrivebetty.com At the Sturgis North Bike Rally, the police presence was so stifling that many people simply left. Those who stayed have expressed their great displeasure at the heavy handed and snarling attitude of these officers and their conduct. Merritt was not much better. The Stomp experienced some police pressure as well however being held on private land and with no liquor license ensured less presence than the other two rallies, but still the police had to jack their poker run. According to an article in the Merritt Herald only 40 tickets were issued and that while that number was higher than a normal weekend it was far less than the now defunct Merritt Music Fest - so how are the police going to justify what they have done to the riding community? The first year of the Merritt Bike Rally was mellow and quiet, so why did the police bring in so many extra officers? Why was the police presence so oppressive? Why were they so rude and unwelcoming? Why were they harassing people for walking down the street or across parking lots? Why - I want to know. So, my mission for today is to start phoning the various police departments to see what their answers are to my questions. How far do you think I will get? Will there be any honest answers? I know what I think,I want your thoughts. The RCMP have become a group of people that I no longer respect or trust. Their public conduct at events and the information that is available about them in the news makes me sick.
Why are RCMP officers given the power to be judge and jury at the roadside?
Why are they always using intimidation and disgusting behaviour - did no one ever teach them that you get far more with honey than vinegar?
I know their job can be dangerous and tough - but seriously, the majority of people are pretty respectful so why not start out giving the person in front of them the benefit of the doubt?
Why start out being hostile?
What purpose does it serve?
Time and again, they bring in all of these extra police to "manage" us and then report that we were for the most part respectful? Why is all of this money wasted and yet our governments report that they can not fund our education and health care systems better?
So how do we force the RCMP to get back to community policing - policing that makes sense, that does not treat everyone as if they are some sort of criminal? We, the taxpayer, the citizens of this country need to start a thoughtful and measured campaign that protects our lifestyle and our freedoms - if we don't do it, who will? If we don't stand united on this one issue, the issue of the police targeting us for special treatment, the police harassing and demeaning us - we will be legislated right off the highways. If we don't do it then every soldier who has ever fought for our rights and freedoms is being dishonoured by us. It is our duty to preserve and protect our freedoms, rights and lifestyle. We have become a police state, a state where the men and women who wear the badge that says to Serve and Protect use their badge to harass and profile us. Are you going to take a stand to preserve our rights and freedoms? Are you going to fill out the police harassment and profiling form when you get stopped and hassled? Are you going to be ready with a few dollars to fund our national law suit and charter challenge? Do you love riding a motorcycle? Do you like attending events? Do you want to see our lifestyle continue? I sure hope so. There are many articles in the news today that may affect your day or life as a rider, I hope you will check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com Please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you... Belt Drive Betty Editor & Rider
