Between a rock and a hard place.

Things are really heating up in Australia.

If you are a member of a prescribed motorcycle "gang", and you are an electrician, you will be loosing your job.  Regardless if you have a criminal record or not and quitting your club is no guarantee you will be able to keep your license.

READ THE ARTICLE by CLICKING HERE

It appears that the government of Queensland has targeted industries where they feel gangs have used them as a front for other "business".

There are two main trains of thought on this topic:

They became members of those prescribe clubs, live with the consequences.

OR

The charter of freedoms applies to them like any citizen and you are innocent until proven guilty.

But guess what, Australia doesn't have a charter of freedoms and rights.

Open up this PDF and read an eyeful:
http://www.australiancollaboration.com.au/pdf/Democracy/Charter-human-rights.pdf

Or read this blog: http://evatt.org.au/papers/charter-rights-australia.html

So the citizens of Australia have ZERO protection from overzealous politicians, police etc. and appear to be between a rock and a hard place.

It's no wonder the every day ordinary rider over there is reluctant to ride.

It's no wonder there have been funeral processions held up and riders checked out.
It's no wonder there has been a funeral procession where the riders checked in with the police before hand and still got jacked up.
It's no wonder there are riders reporting they have been stopped 10 and 11 times in a week
It's no wonder the police want you to check your group in with them before you go for a ride.

There have been a number of cases reported where criminal motorcycle "Gang" member or regular citizen riding a motorcycle are being treated the same and when you read the law and how it says you are considered "connected" if you have attended several functions prescribed gangs attend, you can and will find yourself really between a rock and a hard place.

I am more certain now than ever before that it will be a long time before I go to Australia, I just don't think I'd want to check in with the police just to go for a ride.

What say you?


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Pink prison uniforms for 1% prisoners in Queensland?

That's right, the Queensland government say they are looking to humiliate and degrade 1% criminals because they are bullies and they feel that emulating some American prisons is the right way to go.

According to the article Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie had been threatened by biker gangs since the laws were passed, but did not elaborate.

Under the new laws in Queensland which Victoria is now looking to adopt, 15 Clubs have been deemed as criminal organizations members face an additional 15 years to any prison term while authorities will have the power to destroy motorcycles.

In another article, mainstream riding clubs in Australia are fearful.
Begin Quote: Mr Katter (state member for Mount Isa) said the bill was rushed through Parliament and he was disappointed an amendment to protect the rights of social clubs for motorcyclists was not passed. End Quote

In other news, the first shots of what is believed to be the new Triumph 250cc have been revealed.

BearTek is launching a new line of  technology winter and sports gloves.
Begin Quote: By integrating Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities and other wireless technologies into the gloves, wearers are given instant connectivity in the glove fingertips to control their phone, music and other media devices like GoPro cameras without physically touching them. End Quote

In California, the Love Ride has concluded but tally information on number of bikes and total donations will not be available until later today.

In Ireland a new motorcycle touring company is getting set to kick off - RetroVentures will let you hire a Royal Enfield or a Triumph motorcycle so that you can tour the Wild Atlantic Way when it is kicked off next season.

And in the US, the cause and names of those involved in the 3 vehicle, 5 death crash have been revealed.

This whole situation in Queensland has caused me to take Australia off my bucket list for a while.

The knee jerk reaction laws that have been passed there are a little too scary for even a female rider to contemplate.  Why? If you are seen with a 1% er and you talk to them, you can be labelled an associate and you could find yourself in jail.  The way I like to talk to anyone, yeah, I am pretty sure my arse would land up in a cell so for the time being and until cooler heads prevail, Australia will be replaced on my bucket list by Greece.

What say you?

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

If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and dress for the slide, not the ride.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Aprilia is cutting production and a whole ton of other motorcycle news on tap today!

I am just back from Ireland and the tour that Stephanie and I took with Celtic Rider Motorcycle Tours.

We had a most amazing time and I am looking so very forward to sharing all about the trip beginning in December. It will take me that long to finish all of the articles from the Conga and to get caught up with editing for our TV Series, Ride Like a Local on Eastlink TV.  (Choose Alberta, Grande Prairie and then Ride Like a Local to learn more)

I am proud to announce that Kimpex has come on board as the major sponsor of our 2014 "Beat the PMS Blues" Online Show 'n' Shine. They have some incredible prizes up for grabs!

Watch for the information on entering your bike beginning in December as well!

I have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to the news in the motorcycle community.

I have been disconnected for the last two weeks and so it came as quite the shock to me to hear the Aprilia is cutting production for October and putting 360 workers on unpaid leave.
According to the article in Motorcycle dot Com poor sales and a slow Italian economy are to blame.

It would seem that the One Per Center World is exploding with all kinds of fiendish news:

The US Mongols have patched over the Finks in Australia

And it seems that US Law makers just can't work together.
Federal prosecutors have taken over a case from the Essex County Prosecutors in Boston after refusing to turn over FBI reports. According to the article in the Boston Globe -

Begin Quote "It is not unusual for federal prosecutors to take over a state prosecution and move a case to the US court system, where penalties for violent crimes could be much more severe.

But the decision to shift prosecution of the case to the federal government now under apparently contentious circumstances surprised legal observers because of the time already spent at the state level and because of the dispute over the sharing of evidence." End Quote

In Health and Technology news, Simpson has acquired the exclusive rights to manufacture and market a helmet removal system called "Eject Emergency Helmet Removal System".  Simpson has long been a leader in safety equipment for a variety of motorsports. According to the article from PR Newswire:

Begin Quote "The light weight Eject Emergency Helmet Removal System can be easily installed into motorcycle and auto racing helmets without changing the fit or feel of the helmet. The system is capable of preventing further neck and spine injuries to a crash victim by providing first responders with a safe method for helmet removal that does not cause unwanted movement to the victim's neck or spine. End Quote

There are a ton of other interesting items in the news feeds over at Belt Drive Betty dot Com.

We are undergoing a huge overhaul on our web site.  

We recently upgraded our content management system and have been battling with components that are not working properly with the new system.  Just before I left for Ireland, we had a brand new template created and are now remapping everything to the new menus.

It's a slow and painful process - but one we must undertake in order that the web site serves you your information in a way that works well.

So - I am asking for two things from you:
One - your patience as we muddle through every page and every menu to make sure everything is working well.

Two - if you see anything on our site that is not working right, is not user friendly - PLEASE drop us a line at ali4evr@gmail.com so that our web team can work the issues into their work flow and get our site smokin' again.

We are working hard to rectify the challenges and in the meantime, I will do my best to blog every day to help you find the news and information you need.

You can also subscribe to the Busted Knuckle Chronicles, Canada's ONLY weekly newspaper for riders...click here to learn more.  Want a free subscription? Click here to join our Canadian Riders Support Newtwork tand earn a free subscription or renewal!

Help us to continue to provide the riding community with free promotion of their events and riding clubs, buy your Belt Drive Betty Gear Today!

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends through Facebook and by email....
I need a laugh today! How about you?

Have a great day and if you are lucky enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor  Rider

Time is flying....

I have been home just over a week and am already looking at the looming date of Monday when I need to be as caught up from 90 days on the road as is possible. Why? Because I am going to Ireland.

It is my first time going to Europe and I am nervous and excited.  Celtic Rider has a great itinerary lined up for Stephanie and I. When we arrive, we have a day to ourselves in Dublin and then the guys will pick us up, take us to the Celtic Rider location for a safety course on riding on the left hand side of the road.  We will have a guide for the first two days just to ensure that we get the hang of things.

I am nervous as I have never ridden a BMW before much less a sport touring bike, AND I have never ridden on the left side of the road before. I don't want to be dead and I don't want to embarrass myself either.

I know I have a fair amount of experience under my belt but that does not stop a good case of the nerves from happening!

While on this trip I will also be doing product testing.

Kimpex has sent Stephanie and I some new helmets to test.  Both helmets have the ear pockets for communications devices so we will be testing the UClear communications units.
These are the ones with the boomless mics and came to us from Green Room Social, a marketing company.

We will see how they perform in non full face helmets where the sound quality is reported to be amazing.  Once we are done with the UClear devices they have to go back to the marketing firm to send out to other journalists to try.

Then I am testing out the new Heat Demon heated vest and foot warmers also thanks to Kimpex.

These babies can be hooked to the battery on your motorcycle but can also be hooked up to an external battery pack that fits in the inside pocket of the vest so that you can continue to have heat when you are off the bike.  Also if you were on a rental bike (like I will be in Ireland) that you could not attach the battery connector to, you could still be running a heated vest when needed!

When I got the gear in yesterday, I charged the battery up and then wore the vest until the battery died and I was very pleased with the amount of heat and the length of time the small external battery could provide.


4 hours on HIGH!












The vest has some pretty cool features too, the side panels of the vest give you the ability to find the right fit for you.

I am looking forward to testing out the foot warmers and seeing how they perform. These babies are one size fits all in that like insoles, there are guides for you to cut them to match up with your foot size.

The cables seem very lightweight and unobtrusive and run up your legs where they hook to a y cable and then into the controller.

Because I have arthritis in my feet in a really bad way, I am particularly looking forward to see how these babies will work.  They might solve some of the cold weather riding issues I have.

All of these products will get a work out in Ireland and I'll have full reviews on them sometime there after.

Like I said, I am nervous, excited and a tad overwhelmed with the work load I have created for myself by being on the road for 90 days, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

The minute I feel overwhelmed I look at some of the 200 plus hours of video I have to edit and I smile, remembering the wonderful people, the amazing scenery, the food...photos and videos sure keep those memories alive and vivid!

Yes, everything in life is a trade off and while I might moan a little about the work, I am so grateful to have it!


Until next time, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Motorcycle Tour of Ireland with Celtic Rider!

Getting very excited about my upcoming motorcycle tour of Ireland with the good folks at Celtic Rider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours!  Have a look at my stunning itinerary:

The strange things other cultures do to women who ride motorcycles...

There is an article out of Indonesia - from the Jakarta Globe that has my dander up.

The article expresses that the administration of the town of Lhokseumawe intends to prevent women from straddling a motorcycle - in other words if they want/need to be on the back of a motorcycle for any reason they will need to ride side saddle.

According to the article:   

Suaidi Yahya, the mayor of Lhokseumawe told the Jakarta Globe:
“We want to save women from things that will cause them to violate Shariah law. We wish to honor women with this ban, because they are delicate creatures.” End quote.

Making these "delicate creatures" ride side saddle is safer - protects them in some way?
In effect - this will also ban them from being able to ride their own motorcycle because they are not allowed to sit astride a bike - so if the woman has no other means of transportation - she will have to walk...

Because of some outdated religious thinking, women are going to die because they have to ride side saddle or suffer if they can not afford a car by having to walk.

The planned bylaw is part of the overall goal of preventing women from wearing pants in public.

I find this whole thing offensive and yet, I realize that this is the way of life these people know... I know one thing - I would not fare well in a country that told me how to dress or that I couldn't ride my own machine because I am female...

I get offended enough when I am told I can not wear my vest with a patch on the back or that I have to turn a motorcycle related tee shirt inside out if I want to go into a bar...telling me I have to wear a skirt would send me off the deep end! Telling my I could not ride my own machine would see me in the funny farm - I am sure!

How do you feel about this law? I realize India is a long ways away and that their laws there do not really affect us here, but none the less I am asking for your opinion...

In other news:

In Australia: 2 Piaggio 500 cc three wheel motorcycles were taken off the road after the brakes failed on one causing a crash.  These motorcycles were ridden by Australian paramedics in a trial and they are said to have been the latest in a string of faults and safety concerns paramedics had raised since the trial began in 2011.

In Minnesota: Polaris is excited about the relaunch of Indian Motorcycles - they are completely overhauling the iconic brand with an eye to bringing the classic style of the Indian into a new century. They have big plans based on all of the learning they have done with their very successful brand - Victory.

In Gear news: New anti concussion helmets are going to make a debut at the Supercross track in Anehiem.

There are other articles that may be of interest to you that have come in over the holidays - check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!

Our 6th Annual Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' Shine has begun accepting entries! We have a ton of wonderful prizes from a variety of sponsors - everything from gear to books!

The "Name Belt Drive Betty's Beaver mascot" contest will open on the 4th - help me name this sweet lady that renowned cartoonist ad author of the Bikers are Animals book series - Paul Jamiol has created for me.

I will be heading out today to attend the Calgary Motorcycle Show - then it will be off to Edmonton and Vancouver. In Ontario - Lou DeVuono of the Heroes Highway Ride & Rally will be running the Busted Knuckle's booth at the International Show in Toronto this weekend and next weekend in Ottawa at the International show there!

Be sure to stop by our booth - you can buy/order your "And I Must Go!" tee shirts, "Belt Drive Betty & the Busted Knuckle Chronicles" tee shirts and see the beginning of our collectibles line.

You will also be able to place your order for the 2013 Little Black Book, get three free Apps for your cell phone and renew or get a subscription to the newspaper!

And then there is the annual HUG CHALLENGE - Calgary has won two years in a row!

So for all of you western riders - come on out to the Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver shows - give me a hug - let's swap some road stories and start 2013 off with a bang!

For you in Ontario - hugging Lou or shaking his hand is like a proxy - which means I will get a ton of hugs when I see him next - which if all goes well will be at either the Spring or National show.

Lots of reasons to get out and ogle motorcycles folks - see you at a show near you!

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email!

Have a great week and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

An Irish 1% Comedy...

Yes, you read that right! There is a new online web series called the Clandestine - it's all about some geeks from an office that decide to start a 1% motorcycle club.

If you like cheesy comedy - Benny Hill kind of cheesy, this is a series to tune into!
There are two episodes on line and a bunch of videos from people who want who "join" the club. As the club President and the Sgt. at Arms go through the videos their comments and reactions to some of the prospective members are well...cheesy.

The series is made in Belfast Ireland and features music from some of Ireland's up and coming rock bands. The episodes are between 5 and 7 minutes long - not hard on the brain and as I said earlier - you might get a kick out of the parody!

There is a ton of serious news in the feeds this morning.

In Digby Nova Scotia riders are being labelled as thieves.

In Ontario, 2 American riders were seriously injured in a crash on the 401

In Abbotsford BC a 24 year old rider is dead

With the death of the XR1200, Motorcyclist Magazine is asking why Real Motorcyclists Hate Harley-Davidsons

In Manufacturer news, Zero has some big changes coming for 2013

There are two very interesting articles on World War II Bikes:
WWII & HD and WWI & BMW

There are a ton of motor sports and travel articles too...
So get your daily news fix by visiting www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!

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

Have a happy Tuesday everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Could what is happening in Australia ever happen here?

Hope you are prepared for a good long read this morning - you WILL need a coffee or tea and 15 minutes to get through this rant but I feel it is important that you take that time...

I read with much dismay, an article out of Australia, where in the new Consorting Laws have put an innocent, mentally challenged man in prison. The conviction of the man was over turned last week, but none the less, the fact that the police there appear to be using this law against people they "don't like" is troubling.

Begin Quote:

"BARRISTER Wayne Baffsky had long suspected that consorting laws aimed at outlaw bikies in NSW would be unleashed on anybody the police did not like. The Hells Angels barrister never dreamed it would happen so soon." End Quote

I have also been following closely what has been happening right here in Canada with the rank and file of the RCMP and folks, I am concerned.

There is so much in house fighting over the reforms that need to take place with in the police agency,, that truthfully, they appear to be kids in a sand box fighting over a dinky toy instead of grown adults working through an important issue. 

The headlines read:

Ontario judge rebukes top Mountie in leaked letter Email exposes top cop’s lousy leadership

Dissident Mounties threaten to expose force’s ‘orchards of Bad Apples’

Corporal’s critical letter latest salvo against RCMP management

Then there is the fact that the RCMP are in the news for more poor conduct issues with individual members, those headlines read:

Judge deems Penticton RCMP officers testimony not believable in trial

Couple not guilty after Penticton RCMP botch warrants in grow op bust

Mountie’s discipline report took eight months to write: documents

I want everyone who reads my blog to understand what we are up against when it comes to the feelings of all involved in protecting the rights and freedoms of Canadian Motorcyclists. And then ask yourself - could what is happening in Australia ever happen here?  I know how I feel - what about you?

I came home to something last night that I feel I need to share with you as it pertains to the above situations that are happening with in the RCMP.

After a great evening spent at the Howlin' Coyote Bikers Bash and a day of riding to get back home - I received the email you see below.

The criticisms in the email stem from our Police Harassment and Profiling Report.  The person in question feels that I am not attempting to foster a "work together with the police" environment on our site. 

Here is his email in its entirety, the only editing to his email was to remove the reference as to which club he rides with.

And I quote: 

I recently had an opportunity to review your website and I wanted to share some concerns. I have been riding dirt bikes, street bikes and touring bikes for almost 40 years. My wife and I currently own a 2010 Yamaha Roadstar 1700, a 2005 Yamaha V-Star 1100 and a 1996 Kawasaki Ninja. We both have served in the military for 30 yrs across the country and overseas as well thus we have also had the opportunity to ride motorcycles in various jurisdictions, in the US and elsewhere.  Upon transferring to the Reserve Force with the military I became a full time police officer and currently still work in that field. I think it is obvious that we have a significant amount of riding experience and exposure to the riding public as well as law enforcement around the world.

Your website does nothing to mention working with Law Enforcement in improving relationships with the riding community or more importantly, riding safety. There is an obvious solicitation of negative views of the police, complaints against police and input of negative interactions with the police. In addition it provides a complete questionnaire where you can provide the police officer's names, badge numbers, date/time/group of the incident, and even photographs, etc. It asks you to provide copies of the pics and or video taken however it does not state the purpose of providing the recordings/pictures. There is only one question in the entire page where it asks if the officer(s)/interaction was friendly. We, as the police do not provide the details of every traffic stop with a motorcyclist to the general public. If the matter is in the interest of the public (safety, threat, etc) the information that is released is minimal; i.e. the persons name and charges laid are detailed and only if a person has appeared before a justice. Yet you are prepared to rely on likely prejudicial information from one side of the story and to what end? Strange, not a single question of: Were you, the motorcyclist, guilty of a breach of a traffic act or criminal offense which resulted the police stopping you? Has this incident been resolved in court and if so, what was the result? Did this incident make you a better/safer rider?

Safety of the public is our mission.....working together with all of the various motoring communities is a critical part of successfully completing that mission on a daily basis. There is always room for improvement on the part of law enforcement as well as the motoring public. Open communication, training and capitalization of the safe, successful and positive interactions with the police are also part of that effort.

Belt Drive Betty is clearly not part of that community. END QUOTE

In my letter to the person who sent me this scathing rebuke of our web site and the form, I expressed my concerns regarding his sentiments and attempted to educate him on what we are truly doing with that form and the information we have been gathering.

And I quote:

As a rider for close to 40 years myself, I have witnessed both the good and bad in motorcycling and in the police services as I myself also happen to have three uncles (One biological and two "adopted" ones) who are retired from the force.

To be very frank with you, I find the tone of your letter to be accusatory instead of inquisitive and therefore it comes across as confrontational instead of educational.

You assume that we rely on a one sided version of the information and yet you don't even truly ask what we do with the information being gathered, why it's being gathered or what the possible need for it being gathered could possibly be.

So, let me somewhat enlighten you as to what the roles and our end run goals, from the perspective of Belt Drive Betty Media and the soon to be formed motorcyclists advocacy association, are.

My web site is a news and information site.

We gather, analyze, investigate and report on what we learn and we will be turning the information over to the advocacy association to work with further, in the future.

The advocacy association's job will be to educate and assist the riding community with the end run goal of fostering a better understanding and a spirit of cooperation between the motorcycling community and the police services in this country. (But that is only one area of advocacy that it will undertake.)

Of late, there have been a number of high profile situations surrounding motorcycle rallies that have had some rather disturbing incidences transpire and our community has been very upset because they do not understand the behind the scene events that have occurred.

I ascertained that there was the need to find out what was going on and hence the form was created.

The number of people who have been upset enough to fill out a form has caused me to believe that we need an advocacy group to work on behalf of the motorcycle community.

You see, many people who have experienced what they believe to be abuse of authority and or force or harassment/profiling are too scared to deal with the issues they face alone and we intend to help them to navigate the channels through the advocacy group.

We, as Belt Drive Betty Media, gather the information from them and we then contact the detachments in question, we get the officers side of the incident and if necessary we will make FIA requests.

We have a former police officer to assist us in understanding the situations on a case-by-case basis as well as a lawyer.

When the information in the forms is dealt with and we know what the facts are on the other side of the equation, we discuss the situations with our lawyer and then let the rider know the whys and what’s of the situation they faced. How it is handled from there will be determined based on a case-by-case situation and will be between the lawyer and the rider involved.
Belt Drive Betty Media plays the role investigator and gatherer of information.

I, personally, am spearheading the formation of a Motorcyclist Advocacy Association.

I wear many hats in the riding community.
I am a motorcycle tourism advocate who has been turned away from establishments, right here in Alberta – motels, campgrounds that refuse to serve me because I was on a motorcycle. I turned that lemon into the Rider Friendly Business Association to guide riders to the establishments that want to earn their business. I never want to see a visitor to my home province or my country ever be turned away just because for the machine they ride like I was. I happen to be a very proud Canadian.
I work with and support all kinds of police and military charities and riding clubs. I have sponsored hundreds of thousands of dollars in free advertising and promotion to those groups and their events.

I am a member of the CAV and my father and mother both served in the forces.

I work tirelessly to promote safe riding. We have a rider safety and training section on our web site under lifestyles.

I endeavor to ensure that we take as fair and balanced an approach on everything that myself and Belt Drive Betty Media takes on.

If you look through the news feeds, you will see that we report on everything to do with the RCMP and other police services – if it is in the news feeds and we find it, it is put out there for the riding community to find out about. You will also see the Hells Angel, Banditos, Outlaws and other 1% information. The information on both the police services and the 1% clubs comes from the mainstream media. We also have information on the various clubs, their charities and causes – so in essence our site shows the good the bad and the ugly – all of it.

But we have so much more than the regular news…

We have international, national and provincial information on travel and tourism, news and information on the manufacturers, ride comparisons, recalls, custom bikes and more.

We provide a Never Ride Alone Program, monster events calendars and a whole lot more.

I feel you are judging the quality and veracity of what we/I do based on one form, one form that I feel you have totally misjudged its intention.

Our community has doubled in size in the last 10 years. And I, more than most, understand that education HAS to play a key role in its maturity. We cannot educate until we know what the rider is feeling, understanding and experiencing in their interactions with the police services.
It is my aim to see the riding community have a place to voice their concerns, be assisted – either through education on their individual situation or through other forms of advocacy.
I have preached for the past ten years that we have to learn how to share our world in a way that is compassionate and empathetic, that we have rights, responsibilities and obligations as citizens and taxpayers, but we, as a group, as a community have no voice, no place to be educated and we have no true seat at the table to put forth questions, concerns or suggestions.

The police forces have their advocacy groups, their media departments for imparting information and education. The motorcycle community needs the same resources, not unlike the various sporting associations, employee associations etc.

I hope that the information I have provided addresses your concerns and I ask you to remember that this community has grown from 300,000 to over 600,000 in the last 10 years and as we move towards the maturation of the community we need a national organization that can have a place at the discussion table when it comes to insurance, road maintenance, policing, events and a whole host of topics.

We need a national organization that can educate, promote and lobby on behalf of the touring, cruising community on a variety of topics.

I hope you will see the value in that and decide to participate and contribute the goals we look forward to pursing not just in my business – Belt Drive Betty Media, but in the Rider Friendly Business Association and in the soon to be formed Advocacy Association.
One final thought before I close off….
My personal rule of thumb is that there are three sides to every story:
Yours.
Mine.
And the facts!  END QUOTE

Oh well - one at a time we will educate and inform both riders and police services. 

Some days I truly wonder about this job I have taken on and whether it is worth the effort.  The heat that I am getting is something I expected and yet it frustrates the daylights out of me that it even exists.

I know, I know - thick skin, thick skin - I shall put on my armour of thick skin....my big girl panties and carry one...

So - back to my question of the day - do you see the situation that is transpiring in Australia ever becoming a reality here in Canada? I'd love to know your thoughts.

In other news:

In BC - Lack of charge riles dad

A female rider from Quebec is dead following a crash in the Ville-Marie Tunnel

In Sports - Saskatoon motorcycle champ making comeback - Brett McCormick plans to race again!

In Ontario - Motorcyclists stage rolling demo T-shirts aim to raise visibility

In entertainment - Wynonna Judd postpones concerts in Canada after husband hurt in South Dakota motorcycle crash

To fill yourself in on what is happening in the motorcycle community and see what might affect your day and life as a rider visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping YOU informed.

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

Laughter - I REALLY NEED SOME TODAY!

Have a fantastic Monday - if that's possible...

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

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor and Rider

Switching sides... things that make you go HMMM

There is an article out of Australia regarding a police officer who has quit the force and has taken a position with a law firm that assists "Bikies". Apparently, there are many Australian police officers who have done the same.

This officer, Nick Crawford, was one of the officers involved in the first application to the government of Australia to see the Gold Coast Finks be charged as a criminal organization.

I wonder what it is that makes a co take such a drastic turn in his career? According to the article, Mr. Crawford is not the first police officer to do this in Australia.

I find this rather curious - is it just about money? Or is there some moral conviction that sees this officer switch teams?

Here in Canada, we are finally going to see some reform of the RCMP. No, don't laugh, according to the article from RCMP Watch - Who is holding them Accountable Blog, we are going to see major reforms to the RCMP's culture.  The article likens the conduct of the RCMP and their moving "bad apple" cops around to different detachments to be similar to that of the Roman Catholic Church and their habit of sending "misbehaving priests" to other diocese.  Hmmm, well I for one hope that this turns out to be a step in the right direction and not just more political rhetoric!

Speaking of "rotten apple cops"  have you had a bad experience with the police in your area of Canada?  If so, we are collecting information on police harassment, profiling and abuse.

Our goal is to collect enough evidence of what really happens to bikers to challenge the Charter and see riders become recognized as a visible minority...check out the form and keep it in your memory banks should you ever need it.

The news feeds are full today and sadly much of the news is not good - more deaths and injuries of Canadian riders being reported...

Check out the feeds at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping YOU informed.

I will probably not make the Horse Thief Hide Out event this weekend - it's been a rough few days around here and I have to get the book keeping done before I can leave...so, if I get done in time - I'll be there - if not - have fun!

I leave you with some funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails...


Have a fabulous hump day!


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

What do you think?

Out of New Zealand today is an article about the lack of motorcyclists in that country. According to the article, there was a study done in the EU regarding travel times where in it was discovered that if 10% of the driving population rode motorcycles, the wait times in traffic would be reduced by 40%.

Traffic congestion is a problem in many large cities and regions and New Zealand is concerned that only 3% of drivers between 15 and 24 hold a motorcycle license. This age group accounts for 15% of all drivers in New Zealand.

Begin Quote: Ian Stronach, MTA Marketing and Communications General Manager says "Though there are some differences in the transport situations between Europe and New Zealand, it is entirely possible that an increase in the use of motorcycles of the level mentioned in this study could see significant reductions in traffic congestion locally. It's only logical that more people using physically smaller and more nimble forms of transport would lead to less congestion, fewer emissions and faster travel times." End Quote

Mr Stronach goes on to say:

Begin Quote: Stronach says: "The bulk of those licensed to ride motorcycles on our roads is a carry-over from the heyday of motorcycling, 20 and 30 years ago. If the trend continues, it will not be feasible for New Zealand to even contemplate motorcycles as an aid to reducing congestion; as older riders 'retire' from riding, there simply aren't enough new license holders coming through to replace them.

"With active encouragement, effective training regimes and friendlier road design, motorcycling could take its place as an effective part of our overall transport system." End Quote

I truly find it amazing that a study needed to be done to figure out that smaller vehicles reduce congestion, and I also find it hard to believe that young people are not riding motorcycles in New Zealand...what are your thoughts?  There have been many reports done about the fact that younger people are not embracing motorcycles like we old timers.

What could we as a community do to encourage more young people to ride?  What do you think is the biggest barrier to young people riding?

I would love your opinions and take on this subject.

In other news:

1% era are are making news on two fronts today, one report out of Sweden says that a local leader for the Outlaws was found murdered just hours after his trial was to get under way.
The other is out of Germany, where a World War II bunker was being used by the Hells Angels for a marijuana grow op.

Out of Daytona comes a story about women, cabbage and a competition.

Speed signs that can catch you speeding? They a reality in Scotland!

And those poor beggars in Nigeria are protesting their motorcycles being confiscated...

There are many other articles in the news today that may have bearing on your life as a rider, check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com

Today is Busted Knuckle Chronicles day...51 pages of event information and articles from across Canada!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends either through emails or on Facebook...giggling is a great way to start your day!

Have a fabulous day everyone!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Imagine...

Imagine living in a country like Nigeria where they have banned motorcycles.That's right, motorcycles are banned in the Nigerian county of Yobe right now because of the acts of a few. The violence that has taken place in that county, largely by people who ride motorcycles has caused the government there to ban their use.  In a county where the farmers and poor rely on motorcycles as their only transportation, the Nigerian government has had to get creative in getting farmers out their fields in order to ensure a good agricultural season.

Can you imagine living in a place where motorcycles are BANNED?

Then in the UK...imagine you are riding along, hot dogging' it a bit because you have spring fever and a Hyabusa pulls up along side you....the police officer pulls you over and then shows you a video, with your average speed and either decides to teach you or charge you...
That's what is happening in Britain right now...Yes the police in Humberside have an unmarked Suzuki Hyabusa equipped with video and speed equipment and they can and will catch you and teach or charge you - all at the officer's discretion.

Now... imagine... living in a place like Lake Weir where if you don't love motorcycles and other outdoor recreations involving quads, boats and other  "BIG" toys, perhaps this isn't the place for you to buy!

Begin Quote: Lake Weir Living® is for a generation raised on rock and roll. The parents of boomers enjoy a slower lifestyle, engulfed in an HOA restricted golf community. The Generation Dylan boomers (GDs) are opposite. GDs like the fast lane for their hot rods and Harley-Davidsons (AARP). They made motorcycles mainstream. GD 'toys' range from motorcycles, jet-skis, boats and hot-rods to RVs. They typically have two or more toys, they don't care for 'anti-toy' restrictions found in many communities, and the rules that prohibit custom home designs are a big turn-off. They certainly don't like paying "HOA fees to the man," says Jack McCann (Lake Weir Living resident since 2010). End Quote

Lake Weir sounds like my kind of retirement place....what do you think?

In other news:

The old Rossmeyer dealership in Daytona is all set to become a museum

With the capture of L'animal in Panama, there is now a renewed push on to find another wanted Canadian Fugative - Hell's Angels Member - David MacDonald Carroll

What do you get when you bring Arlen Ness, Rick Fairless and Dave Perewitz together at Daytona Bike Week for All State Insurance? Three custom bike unveilings....and one giveaway bike...

There are other articles that may prove of interest to you over at www.beltdrivebetty.com, where we do our best to bring to you the news of the motorcycle community.

We've had a rough few days moving our web site -  we are almost done and I can not wait to flip the switch!  Ali and I are both eager to get the rest of the content streamlining done and continue the work of implementing all of the tools and resources we have for you to use and enjoy!

I leave you today with a few funnies, shared with me by my wonderfully crazy friends on Facebook and through emails...

Have a fabulous day everyone and remember to IMAGINE!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider