Creative Solutions for when stuff goes sideways with a paint job.

Many of you know about the heartbreak I have experienced over a paint job gone wrong.

After picking up my tins and seeing the mess they were, I became paralyzed.  I was stuck in the most awful mental loop.  One minute angry, one minute sad – the next fearful about the extra expense this could cost me, just before this big trip.  

After trying several body shops, only to be told Mid May – June before I could get in – well, I had run out of ideas – the only thing I could think of was to slap some stickers with the name of the paint shop on it and ride it…

YUCK – but – I didn’t see anything else I could do.

When I threw the idea out there on my Facebook community – I got some responses back like – let it go – don’t humiliate the shop further etc…when I explained that I had 10 days before I start filming and needed my bike together and asked people for ideas and was not wishing to be vindictive - that wasn't my motivation at all – well man the ideas came back hot and heavy!

1 idea was having the tanks and saddlebags sprayed with box liner for a rat rod look. 

Another involved me spray bombing everything in camouflage.

Yet another suggested flat black spray bomb for tanks and bags.

I was told about plastic kote and hydro painting and then Terry Rae suggested powder coating.

Jeff from Kreater Kustoms recommended talking to my local dealer to see if they had any take offs…

I got offers from painters as far away as Ontario and all sorts of support.

Talking to the people in our community who have had bad experiences and others who work in the industry made all the difference.  The ideas and offers of help were utterly amazing.

Because of all of the wonderful ideas, my tanks are being powder coated by Lee’s Sheet Metal & Powder Coating.

Apparently because my tanks have been empty for so long, there is no risk of fire etc. so one hurdle down as I can have them back on Friday!

While driving into Grande Prairie I saw the guys from Chaotic Customs outside – they hadn’t called me back yet. I wheeled in and talked to Mark and I was in luck – they are spraying gloss black paint today and can have my tins back to me by Friday. WOW.

Some creative thinking and a little bit of luck made a horrible situation so much better – is it ideal?

No.

Is it what I wanted, No.

But at least I don’t have to stare at a reminder of a really bad experience every day I am on the road and I don’t have to feel bad about how my bike will look on camera either.

I’ll be able to hold my head up and that is all thanks to the people who helped me get my brain un stuck and out of that awful place it was – in neutral  - with not an idea of how to resolve this.

If you ever find yourself in a position where you are stuck on how to turn a bad situation around – ASK.

Ask everyone you can, you just never know who or what is going to be the answer you seek…

Thank you riding community – you saved my peace of mind, warmed my heart and helped me to not look like a vindictive bitch, cause really – that is not who I am and I really did not want to have to look at that paint job every day for 91 days on the road.

With much gratitude to all who pitched in with ideas…

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Crowd Funding for small business

Big companies like Harley-Davidson use crowd sourcing for their commercial ideas and there are a ton of crowd funding opportunities for non profits and community based fundraisers, but there have not been many platforms for small business to gain extra funding, or exposure to people who might be able to help their small business grow.

Community Futures is where I got my funding for my business.
They offer a ton of mentoring and services that one can access even if you do not get funded by them.

They offer all sorts of services like business plan writing, grant writing and have courses you can take on marketing and other aspects of being in business.

Here in Grande Prairie we have a great team that is headed up by Holly Sorgen and their help and support not to mention the training and support they have provided to my business have been invaluable.

Recently I was sent an information packet on Alberta BoostR. It's a brand new Crow Funding platform for small business and it is a joint effort of the Chambers of Commerce of Alberta, Community Futures and Alberta Treasury Branch.

Since I would like to upgrade the video cameras I have to use for our upcoming TV show "Ride Like a Local" I decided to give the platform a try.

The team of gals running the AlbertaBoostr site offer great support to help you set up your campaign - they have an interview over the phone with you. They discuss your funding needs and write a "story" for you about what you are doing and why you would like support.

They help you decide what perks you are going to offer to the people who "Boost" your business with a donation and they provide you with tools to promote and generally just hold your hand through the process.

They also along with ATB Financial, the Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures tweet and Facebook about your campaign and do what they can to draw attention to your small business.

Even though it's brand new - the platform is already gaining some traction for 3 small business in Grande Prairie (we here in GP are the first city that AlbertaBoostR is being rolled out in.)

The platform has one limitation - if you do not raise ALL of the funds you are asking for - you don't get any of the funds. The people who pledge to donate do not get charged and you don't send out any perks.

That said, it is another wonderful way to get exposure for your small business - even if you end up not getting the funding you were hoping for.

I dove in head first - and with the help of Chett, Tina and Leah got my campaign decided on and built in about 2 and a half days from start to finish.

My campaign is for TV quality video cameras. I would like to get a new Sony - Journalist in a Backpack kit and 3 new Drift Ghost Cameras and the appropriate accessories for my bike.

We have a new TV series about Motorcycling in Canada starting later this summer on Eastlink TV.
It's community programming - there is no pay in it for me, but there will be phenomenal exposure for the the charities, the small businesses and yes, my business.

I currently have two Drift Stealths and one HD170 - as I said, they are decent quality but the technology available int he latest version is so superior.

Here is a link to my AlbertaBoostR Campaign.  I would appreciate you considering our small business for a boost - we have some great perks to offer you in return...and if you are a fellow small business owner and need some support - why not give AlbertaBoostR a try - what have you got to loose?
The platform is going to roll out across the province very soon.

BELT DRIVE BETTY'S ALBERTA BOOSTR CAMPAIGN

I appreciate your taking the time to look at my campaign and am looking forward to purchasing the cameras that will help my business tell the stories of the Canadian motorcycle riding community.

In other news...

We have a columnist from Nova Scotia named Medric "Cous" Cousineau.  He is also known as SeaDawg the Magic Man.

Medric has suffered from PTSD for over 25 years as a result of his service to our country.
He will be walking with his service dog Thai - from Eastern Passage NS to Ottawa raising funds for 50 dogs in 50 days for 50 veterans.

His message?  Service Dogs work better than drug therapy in the treatment of PTSD so why won't Ottawa consider funding them?  Why do veterans have to pay for their service dogs with no support from the government? Drugs are covered - why not service dogs?

Medric and his service dog Thai are being featured in a documentary called "Working Dogs" that will air on Eastlink TV on May 5th.

Visit Medric's site to find out more about his mission: www.pawsfurthought1.com

Join his Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paws-Fur-Thought/165464803600780 - to show him support and when the time comes - please consider opening your wallet to support his walk to Ottawa and or his mission of raising the funds for 50 dogs for 50 vets.

My National Conga called "Bikers United in Remembrance" will be donating 25% of the money we raise to support Medric and Thai in their quest - and there is a fundraiser called the Hillbilly Scavenger Hunt - held in to the Toronto area that will be supporting Medric and Thai in their quest to see other veterans get the supports they need to reclaim their lives.

There are two requests for support on this page - if you can only help out with one cause - then please
SUPPORT MEDRIC AND THAI...

Have a great day everyone - I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and via email...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Should you be fired because your spouse is a clubber?

That is the question being asked by a woman who was fired from her job as a human resources technician in Kingman AZ.

According to the article:
The termination notice stated that the city had "great concern" Summerson was associated with an "Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG)" that works as a "support club of the Hells Angels."

"Your association with an OMG coupled with your access to sensitive employee information has our law enforcement, legal, dispatch and judicial system employees very concerned with regard to their personal information," the notice said. End Quote

Should someone be fired because the police claim that a club is affiliated with one of the "Big Clubs"?  I wished articles like this expressed what the employee's work record was like and whether or not they were good at their job.  Sometimes I wonder at the people who do the reporting...how did the police come into play in her firing?  Has she ever done anything to cause concern?

I wonder...what say you on this topic?

In other news:

KTM's CEO just bought Husqvarna from BMW

Author Alex Caine claims that there is a turf war brewing in BC

In Ontario, the driver involved in a fatal crash is found not guilty

Want to use your smart phone without taking your gloves off?

You help is urgently needed - there are over 120 suggestions for names for my Beaver Mascot!  Help us find the RIGHT ONE!!!

We here in Grande Prairie have a couple of things to celebrate...
New Owners and New Name for our Harley-Davidson dealership! Mighty Peace Halrey-Davidson will be opening it's doors soon!!!!

David Wilcox is coming to town on February 22nd and we are going to be giving away some VIP Tickets!  Watch our web site: www.beltdrivebetty.com and our Facebook Pages for more information!!!!

I wonder how many riders think this is a great invention?

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

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Belt drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Feeling the winter time blues...

The first attempt at winter this year has hit Grande Prairie AB - that dreaded white crap - snow hit mid day yesterday - not much, but enough to remind me that my life line to sanity is about to be cut off for a few months.

I have struggled every year for the past 35+ years to find a way to deal with Parked Motorcycle Syndrome. The very thought of not having my ride at my disposal when my soul needs some clearing, when I need to find my joy and bliss - well - it hurts. It's a physical, mental and soul wrenching hurt.

What do you do to overcome that empty feeling?

I would love some suggestions - I get PMS so bad that I will sit on my war pony - shades on, feet on the highway pegs, leaning back - reliving the season, it helps, but it just misses the mark in making me feel that rapturous pleasure that riding brings.

How do you cope with winter and the separation from your ride that it brings ?

For those of you who are members of our web site, www.beltdrivebetty.com today is newspaper day.

I hope you enjoy the stories from the riding community on Remembrance Day and I hope you will join the rest of the world as we pause tomorrow to give thanks and Remembrance to those who have paid for our freedoms. 11-11-11 - no matter where you are, what you are doing - please, stop for 1 minute and REMEMBER.

Until Monday
Please - stay safe out there and Remember to Remember

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

The Boob Tour and other interesting ways bikers support various causes

Biker Comedian James Uloth is coming to Grande Prairie and I can't wait to go the the Stonebridge Hotel to finally meet the man. The Boob Tour is stand up comedy at it's best featuring some talented comedians and they have been affected by Breast Cancer in one way or another. James, at 16, watched his best friends mom die of breast cancer and has wanted to do something positive to impact the disease ever since.

The Boob Tour is the result of that effort.
Begin Quote: To date, the tour has raised close to $150,000 and now that they're entering their second year, Uloth says that word is spreading. Their recent return to Edson and Hinton saw a huge jump in audience attendance.

"People really catch onto the idea and when they see the quality of what we're doing, people really get behind it," he says.

At this weekend's event, the audience can expect the night to be like any other evening of comedy.

"That's one of the most common questions we get. It's pretty much a regular act, we all touch on cancer a little bit. It's not 90 minutes of boob jokes like some people are afraid of. It's meant to be a laughing affair that's uplifting." End Quote

Besides James,  Lars Callieou, Alysia Wood and Allison Lane, who is a breast cancer survivor will be on stage to fight Breast Cancer with humour...The Boob Tour plays at the Stonebridge Hotel here in Grande Prairie AB on Saturday. Tickets are $30 and can purchased through the Canadian Cancer Society by calling 780-538-8205.

In Smithers BC, the HOG Chapter is holding a bowling night right after their meeting to discuss the MDA Dance in March. For those of you interested only one member on your team needs to be a HOG member and the HOG Chapter is picking up the tab...

In Ontario, there is a new CAV Unit called Sicily, and is named for the 1943 Battle of Sicily when the Allies launched one of the largest combined operations of WWII for control of Sicily.
Begin Quote: There are three regions: 1st CAV which covers central Canada (Manitoba to Quebec), 2nd CAV in Eastern Canada and 3rd Cav in Western and Northern Canada. Members gather in units named in tribute of Canadian Battle Honours.

The local unit is in 1st CAV and is named for the 1943 Battle of Sicily when the Allies launched one of the largest combined operations of WWII for control of Sicily.

“Our mission statement is to ‘ride and have fun, while helping others’,” said Betts whose nickname is Lurch and who was an Administrative Clerk in the military for 14 years.

CAV does have several charities of choice, such as “Ride for Dad”, an annual ride for prostrate cancer and ICROSS, International Community for the Relief of Starvation and Suffering of the world’s poor. It also supports a number of military organizations including Soldier On and the MFRC (Military Family Resource Centre). End Quote

In Airdrie AB, the Kosovo Unit of CAV honoured area soldiers who gave up their lives for this country in a moving ceremony and ride.  Begin Quote: The Remembrance Day ride and march began at the Legion and eventually wound its way up Veterans Boulevard where Legion members erected white crosses along the road in memory of the fallen soldiers.

Each cross was starkly marked with the soldier's name, age, rank and date of death ­— a symbol of quiet heroism that was not lost on anyone attending the event.

"I saw one cross that truly moved me," noted Kosovo Unit Secretary/Treasurer Norman Macrae. "It was a boy from the Royal Canadian Navy who was killed in 1916 at the age of 14.

"These crosses represent real people with real names and real families. End Quote

Information on The CAV can be found at www.thecav.ca

There is a ton of interesting news in the feeds today and I hope you will check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news so you don't have to.

I hope that those of you who subscribe to our National Newspaper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, are enjoying the paper, it has some wonderful stories in it!

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, Please - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and if your baby is put away for the winter, hope you have changed the oils...you gotta protect her yah know!

Have a fabulous Thursday,
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A sad Christmas is waiting....

Shrewsbury  England is the place where Christmas is going to be far bleaker for a lot of children. Why? Due to budget cuts the police will not, claim they can not, support the toy run with an escort.

It seems to me that world wide, the police services are becoming more and more heartless.
They won't let civilians block intersections,(insurance risks don't yah know) the closed ranks do not want to allow a professional blocking course for civilians because that would take away from their paycheques and yet they will shut down an event because they can't get their double over time to block traffic.

Sad, disgusting, shocking, mind numbing, what ever negative label you want to put on it would be appropriate me thinks.

The bureaucracy is mind boggling.  25 years the toy run in Shrewsbury has been going on. Hundreds of children helped each year to have a better Christmas than they would have had without the kindness of strangers...

I have had very little respect for the police services as a whole over the last few years. Yes there are some wonderful officers and detachments and yes there are those who wear their uniform and do their job with pride, fairness and decency and then there are the bureaucrats, the ones who run things, and they disgust me as a whole. (we won't get into the way I feel about certain individual members)

In this day of budget cuts and poor economies there has never been a greater need for generosity and kindness,  and you would think that there would be one or two officers at the very least, willing to volunteer an hour or two of their time. VOLUNTEER - to GIVE back to the people who pay their paycheques, but no...either their commanding officers won't let them VOLUNTEER and use tax payer paid for police vehicles to block traffic or the police forget who employs them - who pays them...

It makes my heart sick - we almost lost our toy run here in Grande Prairie to a similar narrow minded mentality. Because we have a 1% club in town, the police penalized the rest of the community. If they are present (1%ers) we can not be seen to participate - YOU are no longer allowed to block traffic - it's too great an insurance risk.  The city's staff are so stretched with other parades through out the year that doing blockades with barriers is far to costly for them to help yet another parade...so what to do...

A compromise was finally reached where in the police provided an escort for the 20 or so blocks that the parade was allowed to be this year...As small as the parade route was this year, some 20 blocks, it was still better than no parade, by a long shot. Here in Grande Prairie, the toy run committee works all year long holding a variety of fundraisers and awareness events in an attempt to ensure that no matter how many or how few riders show up that the kids in this community and the surrounding region will have a good Christmas and feel special at least one day out of the year. The toy run is the culmination of a whole year's effort and is the final push to ensure that the kid's who need some cheer in life get it.

I see the support other communities like Whitecourt, Edson and Hinton get from their police services and fire departments, with toy runs that wind through town for a half hour and are really treated like a parade, like the special event they really are and it simply boggles my mind that Grande Prairie can only garner enough support from their counterparts here in GP to hold a 20 block parade. And yet, looking back on the alternative...the shutting down of a 33 year old event, well I'll take 20 blocks...yes, we will, and say a huge THANK YOU at the same time because at least there was compromise and dialogue a new beginning.

Let's discuss what the alternative would have meant here in Grande Prairie.  If the Toy Run was cancelled here, there would be between $25 and $30,000 less in toys that the Children's ward at the hospital, the Pregnant & Parenting Teens Group, Big Brother's & Big Sisters and the Salvation Army would have to distribute.

Let's do the math...the average price of a toy or article of clothing that is given to these organizations to distribute is $25 thanks to the huge discount Zeller's gives the Toy Run Committee - that's 1,200 toys/clothes, 1,200 children....never mind the donated toys that fill a small trailer!

I don't know the numbers in Shrewsbury England, what the toy run brings in or the costs of toys there, but let's say that the 350 riders the article alludes to supply toys to 500 kids...all for the lack of a few police officers willing to DONATE or VOLUNTEER some of their time 500 children are going to be impacted.

SHAME ON YOU.

Oh and by the way, to the Grande Prairie RCMP, the City of Grande Prairie and the Toys for Tots Committee...thank you for being willing to meet at the round table and find a compromise and I am confident right now that I can say that thanks not just from myself, but from every child and young teen that will have at least one gift under the tree...it may not be ideal, it may not have lasted for very long, but that it happened at all is an absolute blessing to so many, so THANK YOU.

And that's my 2 bits worth, what say you?

In other news:

In the US a bunch of the Vagos Motorcycle Club members were raided and arrested in California

In Quebec the Hells Angels were also raided and members were arrested.

On TV, Sons of Anarchy episode reviewed...

A rider shakes his head at drivers who pass on the right

There are many other articles of interest in the news feeds today, please check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com  if you want to know what's happening that could affect your day or impact your life...check them out!

I have been fielding some questions about the Charity Calendars and when they will be shipped out...Pre sales run until October 31st. At that time I will do a count of what is needed and I will get that many calendars printed off as I refuse to get stuck with any.  The calendars should be ready for distribution the end of the second or during the third week of November...

I sign off today wishing you a happy Friday, a great long weekend and a Happy Thanksgiving

Until Tuesday...Ride safe and be happy

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

I love to hate WEST JET

I am sitting in Edmonton instead of being at home - why? 

Because West Jet held the plane for a passenger in Hamilton but did not hold the plane for three of us going on to Grande Prairie.

Yes they put me up in a hotel - no they did not feed me supper last night - yes I did get breakfast and I will get lunch - but all of the appointments I had booked for today - I have to re arrange - I never got to see my husband before he left for Montreal and his dad's funeral - I am frustrated - but what can you do?

When I called West Jet and said look, cancel the GP portion and let me rent a car to get home - nope - can't do that...I tried everything with them but - all doors and avenues were closed to me getting home last night.

I am hearing lots of complaints from others about West Jet and their service - in fact on the flight to Toronto they held my bags in Edmonton and I never got them until the day after I arrived - I am so sick of air travel and yet there are times you just have no choice. 

They charge you $2 - 10 to eat anything on the plane, and they only take credit cards on the plane and no debit. Unless of course you buy a voucher at the counter when you check in - IF you remember to do that... Yes air travel is becoming a right royal pain but - they have you by the short and curlies because as I said - sometimes you have no choice but to fly.

Oh well - the good news is I had a blast at the Heroes Highway Ride - like all the riders who attended I got DRENCHED - Riding with 2,400 other machines down the road and seeing all of the people who came out to cheer us on in spite of the weather - well it was nothing short of awe inspiring... but more on that when I can get home and go through my photos and videos - I will have a HUGE report on one of the BEST done events I have ever attended - I promise.

Have a Happy Monday - mine will be once I am home and can unpack and get everything sorted out and back on track! I am getting ready to finally get on a plane home so I will talk to you all tomorrow.

Please ride safely and remember to use respect with that throttle hand.

There are tons of interesting bits in the news today - check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com

Love you all!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Wishing the news was better today

Well, the first long weekend of the season is behind us but the tragedies and aftermath of the weekend are just coming to the surface.

A Grande Prairie rider was killed this weekend when he crossed the center line coming around a corner and ran into a group of 3 oncoming motorcycles.

In Montreal 2 riders are dead.

I attended Slack Alice's Show 'n' Shine this past weekend and while the numbers were down significantly, the event was very enjoyable. I think the fact that it was a long weekend with many competing events, and is typically a family weekend with people taking their kids camping contributed to the lower than normal numbers.

It is the first time this event was held on a long weekend - organizers have been attempting to find a weekend when Mother Nature will be a wee bit more cooperative - the event started out on the Easter weekend, moved to Mother's Day and now to the long weekend - I am hoping to get word from Karla to see what they may do for next year.

This coming weekend has lots of events right across the country gearing up. I will be heading home from the Okanagan on Thursday/Friday and getting ready to head to Toronto and the Hero's Highway Ride - I am so honored to have been invited to be one of the honorary road captains.

I have so needed the miles under my belt and riding through the Okanagan has been nothing short of fantastic.

In other news - the helmet law is back on the table for debate in Pennsylvania

In BC - RCMP are saying the HA gatherings in that province were very quiet.

In Ontario the big HA Trial is over and the verdict of not guilty of being a criminal organization was the result - however the individual members were convicted of various offences.

In PEI a man was charged with drunk driving after a crash with a motorcycle.

In the US - a Patriot Guard rider who was on a national run to promote veteran's issues was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle in New Mexico.

There are many more news worthy articles to read today - so visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to get informed!

Ride safely today people...ride like EVERYONE around you is blind and can't see you.


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Motorcycle Only Parking - Handicapped Parking Spots etc...

In Australia, motorists who get caught parking in motorcycle only parking spots in front of a rider owned pizza parlor are complaining and snivelling about the fines they are getting.

I do not understand that personally....

If a sign says handicapped only or motorcycle only or taxi's only or delivery only or customer of  - why do you even bother whining when you get ticketed for parking there?  The signs are there for a reason. It is the same as those who get ticketed for being on their cell phone instead of using hands free.  What is it about the human race that we think we are entitled to be treated differently than the next guy - that we are somehow special? It is to me, a major sign of the ills of our society and world. 

As I get older, I am beginning to shed that selfish, self involved way of thinking and learning to put empathy into play. I don't succeed all of the time, but I am far better than I used to be. Like my good friend Wyzwmn who stated - Wyzwmn is an ever evolving work...well that's how I feel.

I feel like I am on an accelerated learning curve - constantly being given challenges to face that teach me about human nature and my own shortcomings. When I get a lesson, I get it well but like every evolving masterpiece there are times when I miss the mark completely.

I catch myself often grumbling under my breath about all kinds of negative things and now that I am aware of the power of those thoughts, I am learning not to begrudge people their happiness, their achievements or their success just because they hurt me. I am learning to be happy for them. Obviously they are doing some things right. I also figure that if someone who hurt me can be successful in spite of their shortcomings, there is hope for me.

I hope that each of us can find some peace with the laws that are there to protect the greater good, I hope that those laws that don't make sense get put to rest where they belong in file 13...I hope that at some time in the future, the very near future that people who are hired to do a job learn to just do it and not feel entitled to a pay check just because they showed up.

Customer service is a dying art and when I get treated well I am learning to be deeply appreciative of it and let go of the sense of disappointment or resignation when it is less than good.

Our society - world wide - is broken is so many ways - but when we get around the good people, those who are true to themselves but compassionate and empathetic as well - this is the MOST BEAUTIFUL place in the universe to be. 

I thank my lord and the universe for every lesson, no matter how painful, for every friend, every kindness and every bit of love. I am becoming a person I like - less angry and frustrated - kinder and more forgiving and when I am really having a good one, I am even gentle.

I am learning to relax in traffic and just take the time to breathe and let go, I am learning to deal with the people who can make decisions and create less stress for myself...

These people who are being ticketed for parking where they shouldn't be parked need to learn that the world does not revolve around them, they are not more special that the rest of us.

It's like the Motorcycle Noise Bylaws - we are not more special than any other road user so why should we be held to a different standard than the rest are?

Yes, there are laws that make sense, that are fair and there are laws that make no sense, but instead of fighting against what I don't want, instead of focusing on the things I don't like, I am working towards what I do want - if everyone tried that - they would find their lives filled with more contentment and peace than they knew was possible.

I have a few more hours on the paper and then I say good bye to Vancouver and hello Grande Prairie with a stop in Sorrento to see my sister in law and nephew.

There is a whack of interesting news from around the block and around the world - hope you will go check it out and offer some feedback on the things our community is experiencing and doing.

Our Beat the PMS Blues on line Show 'n' Shine is accepting pictures until January 31st - where are your pictures? Are you gonna wait until the last minute? Tsk, Tsk....

Have a great day everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Travel

There is nothing more that I love than a good road trip, I love the sights, the people and the adventure.

Today I head out on the 10 hour drive from Grande Prairie to Calgary, then next week Edmonton and then to Vancouver. I am excited - I always get butterflies of excitement roaming around in my tummy - it is the anticipation!

I have my wireless Bluetooth speaker for my car, all of my trade show gear is packed and being shipped in to the various shows, rooms and places to stay are all organized, meetings lined up with different people...it's exciting and nerve wracking!

Year end is all but wrapped up at the office with the books ready to go the my CA when I return and although I have not accomplished everything I wanted to before I leave, I am pleased with what has been accomplished.

I am looking forward to making two very major announcements as to the benefits of BDB Club membership and two very exciting new offerings...just waiting for the paperwork to be completed...might even be in time for Friday morning. One of the major benefits to membership this year is the Never Ride Alone program hosted by Intercon Messaging. Perhaps had the rider in California that died because his phone could not provide his location been a part of the Never Ride Alone program he might not have perished.
(My prayers go out to his family and friends)
The other two benefit announcements will be equally as important to riders I hope!

The Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine has taken off nicely - it seems that there are others out there who are suffering from the same deadly dis-ease that I have and like me, seeing motorcycles helps them deal with this little known dis-ease. Either that or they like winning great prizes.

There's lots in the news feeds today so make sure you visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to get your daily fix.

I need to get on the road so all of you wonderful people have a fantastic day and for you Calgary and area riders - HUG O METER time! Remember to stop into my booth at the Calgary Motorcycle Show and give me my New Year's Hug! For those in Toronto - stop in to the Ride for Progeria Booth and see Amanda Lynn or the Ontario Chrome Diva's Booth for subscription specials. I am donating $5 from every subscription sold to the Ride for Progeria and their marketing efforts as well as to the Ontario Chrome Divas and their Cancer fund raising efforts.

Until tomorrow...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

On the road again...

Willie Nelson's song won't leave my brain for some reason and even though it's very appropriate after hearing the tune roll around in the empty cavern of my brain for a day and now a morning well - it's getting old...

The drive to Blackfalds - about 6-7 hours from Grande Prairie took longer than anticipated as it was a balmy -33 before the wind chill, the wind was HOWLING and it was icy. Once I hit Little Smoky on the other side of Valleyview it warmed up to -14.

I had a great trip after that, stopped in to see some of our BDB partners on the way - if you get a chance you HAVE to stop in to Slumdog Bar and Grill in Bentley - and if you like Pizza - this would one of those places to try one - I had a Mexican Pizza - was it ever good. Not too spicy - a great balance of flavours...nice place too.

Anyhow, I am safe and sound in Blackfalds, getting my news and blog done for the morning, heading in to Olds and then in to the BMO centre at Stampede Park to get set up. I am looking SOOOO Forward to it!

In the news today: our very own Amanda Lynn from Fytness Fanatik announced that it is official, she's getting hitched! Congrats girl.

One lone Motorcycling Canadian is left standing in the Dakar Rally.

Harley is taking aim at riders of other brands and trying to lure them to the dark side with a $500 incentive. Also - they really want you to stop in at their booths and if you present the down loadable coupon from Free Canadian Stuff - they'll give you a free set of valve stem covers

The 4 ton statue that went missing at the HD Dealer down in the states was actually taken back by the artist...

And buddy who said he was sleep driving when he killed a rider and seriously injured another one was found guilty - appears the judge didn't buy his defense.

And, that's what's fit to print today - remember, we comb the news of the motorcycle community so you don't have to!

If you are a lucky dawg who lives in a climate where you can ride - PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you! For the rest of you, here's one way to shake off the PMS - Parked Motorcycle Syndrome - Visit our On Line Show n Shine (enter your bike for a chance at over $4,000 in prizes from coast to coast) & all you Albertans...PLEASE come give me a hug at the Calgary Motorcycle Show...

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP A.I.M. Can
www.aim-can.com

Feeling pretty humble today...

Last night I received the President's Award from Grande Prairie Regional Tourism for promoting motorcyclists and motorcycling in the Grande Prairie Region.
I am so honored and touched. I never expected this!

L - Kim Grey is the Past President of GPTRA  and R - Emilia Hovorka and of course me, "all teeth" in the middle!

We had a fabulous supper, with incredible entertainers and hubby and I even won a Jacuzzi room at the Stanford Inn in the Silent Auction!

It was a fabulous night and the award is something I will cherish for years to come.

My deepest thanks to Kim Grey and Emilia Hovorka for choosing me and to the board of Grande Prairie Regional Tourism for backing the nomination for it!

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - I am green with envy, and I hope you will look upon riding in November as a blessing and a treat and honor it by riding safely.

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP - A.I.M. Can
www.aim-can.com

An award....

I got a call yesterday from the Grande Prairie Tourism Association. It appears that on Wednesday, the 19th of November, I am to receive some award of excellence for marketing the Grande Prairie area. 

I appreciate the recognition and am grateful to those who chose me, however, it's a very bitter sweet award.

GPRTA just had their funding from the City of Grande Prairie cut and so now the Tourism Association can not afford to honor their contract with us for the 2010 marketing year.

They are having to revisit all of their efforts and will see where that leaves the Busted Knuckle and the Rider Friendly directory. We could end up with 35% of the original contract being honored or we could loose it all - we won't know the extent of the affects of the budget cuts for a few more days.

It's going to be a challenging time - it's going to mean changing some things, adapting to the new realities - but it can and will be done. 

I know that this too shall pass - I know we can deal with it all - I hope you will bear with us as we adapt to this new economy and the new reality of doing business...


Time and patience, right? Good thing I quit smoking...


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
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP A.I.M.Can
www.aim-can.com

Toy Runs and what's in the news today....

Today is our 30th Toy Run in Grande Prairie.
How many of you attend toy runs? Why are they important to you?
For me it is a pay it forward thing. 21 years ago my daughter had a Christmas thanks to the motorcycle community and I have done my best to pay it forward every year.

I hope that you will share in the good feelings going on a toy run parade fill you with.

In the news today there is more death and more injury in our community. It breaks my heart. Two accidents in the mainstream news feeds from BC - one rider dead another in hospital. Also from the main stream news feeds a rider in New Brunswick was sent to hospital.

The Hells Angel have been making the headlines in BC again. It appears that they are now being linked to a whole host of puppet clubs and a murder on the lower mainland.

I am starting a new contest:

I want you to submit an original video - 30 seconds long on the following topics:

• Rider Training and why it is important.
• Driver Awareness
• Sharing the road with motorcycles.

The winning videos will be played on every web site we can get to play them.
Including but not limited to the AIM-Can's National site, Belt Drive Betty dot Com, Peace Country Chapter of AIM-Can....

We will also be submitting them as commercials known as Public Service Announcements for the 2010 riding season to every TV station - we'll see who takes them seriously.

I have created new play lists in our video section on www.beltdrivebetty.com
You can either load them to you tubs and then submit the link right on our site or you can upload them to our site directly.

This contest will officially begin today and run until January 31st, 2010.
We will let everyone vote on them and the ones with the most votes will be submitted for air time with full credits to the producers.

If you are riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can't see you.

Belt Drive Betty
National VP - AIM-Can
Alliance for Injured Motorcyclists
www.beltdrivebetty.com

A ride of memories

After yesterday's very moving service for Ray Seely here in Grande Prairie yesterday, I came home to find that hubby was in to trying to ride.

We had wanted to go last weekend but circumstances prevented it.

So we saddled up and went to Sexsmith for a late lunch.

For me the ride was a memorial. The whole time I was remembering the faces of people who have gone before me. My dad, my grand parents, and so very many friends.

I wasn't sad, I wasn't down, I was just remembering. Remembering all of the happy times.

Hubby enjoyed the ride even though his legs were not happy. You could see it in his eyes.
His soul was happy. I haven't seen that look of rapture in is eyes in quite a while.
It did my heart so much good. It was only 50 kilometers - but it was enough for him to feel some freedom a while. I think he was remembering too. Good times...

I am so grateful for the ride we shared yesterday and am looking forward to many more.
My husband in my best friend and a good man and I was so happy to see the bike hole in his heart get filled up!

In other news our classified section has been reinstalled and is now working and ready for your ads. Our cook book is ready for your recipes and Ali has a whole host of little things she is fine tuning. When you have a moment, log in to www.beltdrivebetty.com and come check it all out! We'd love to have you visit and contribute!

If you are lucky enough to be riding today, please take a walk around that iron steed, stay hydrated, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and please, use respect with that right hand.

Belt Drive Betty