RiderFriendly.com is BY Riders FOR Riders

Many years ago, I was turned away from a motel near Rocky Mountain House Alberta, because I was on a motorcycle.

Then and there I determined I never wanted another rider to ever feel the way I had that day, especially a visitor to my country, or any country for that matter.  The Rider Friendly Business Association® and it's digital directory is the result of that day. Meant to help you find a great rider owned/friendly businesses or specific business like motorcycle repair shops to serve your needs when at home or on the road. 

If we riders support each other, we all benefit!

So, here's a quick run down on the program for the rider.  

Social

• RiderFriendly.com gives the rider access to an easy-to-use, full-feature social media component that lets you connect with other riders. Get creative with your profile page, create events, groups etc... You control your own privacy settings. Chat support available. Let your non-motorcycle friends talk about pot roast on Facebook while you join your riding buddies on a social network MADE FOR YOU!  We also have a Facebook Group if you really insist on staying there... It's the Rider Friendly Support Network Group.

Ride Safe

• All Members of RiderFriendly.com receive the services of the Never Ride Alone Program provided by Intercon Messaging. Members can call the toll-free number and provide the operator with the membership # on the bottom of your digital card (always available on your profile page).

Find Products and Services 

•  Develop a meaningful relationship :-) with the Rider Friendly Business owners. The Rider Friendly Business Association® business members recognize the value the motorcycle community brings and wants to make sure the unique needs of the motorcycle rider are met. RiderFriendly.com does our part by educating the business owners with at our own Rider Friendly University.

Save Money with our RoadTrip Rewards™ program

• Special Events, Specials and Offers/Coupons AUTOMATICALLY display right in your profile page making it handy to check while you chat with your motorcycle buds. Get member savings and discounts offered by our RFBA Members by showing your RoadTrip Rewards™ card on your phone or providing your membership # which is located on the bottom of your digital membership card. Your card automatically displays on your profile page when you are logged into the website. Easy Peasy.  EXAMPLE: Right now Choice Hotels is offering up to 20% off on rooms, worldwide, when you book on their website using our code!

What's Happening

• The latest Busted Knuckle News, Upcoming Canadian Motorcycle Events, News Feeds from the interwebs, all display on your profile pages (as well as any meet up for a ride events created by your friends).  If you are planning on coming up to Canada, we got you covered for the news and event information you need to know!

REFER A Business!  One of the best things you can do is refer your favourite businesses. If you can't find them in our directory, add them and we'll reach out to them and if they become a member, we'll share the love!!!!

Rate & Review a Business: Help your fellow rider, rate and review the businesses you use!  Let's help each other build the best directory and the best social community for riders on the planet!

"Ah.. ok so how much is this going to cost me?"
 IT'S FREE!  Plus if you refer a business you could make some dough!

We know you need to spend your money on stuff for your bike. ;-P 

On your next motorcycle trip be sure to "pack" RiderFriendly.com
"The Smarter Way to Ride"

Next time I'll tell you all about becoming a Rider Friendly Business Association member!

Belt Drive Betty,

Renee Charbonneau

Writer & Rider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

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

Season 6 Episode 5 Segment 2
The Future Motorcycling Part 2


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

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

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

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

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 4 Segment 2

Season 6 Episode 4 Segment 2
The Future of Motorcycling Part 1

Ride Like a Local finished up their interview with Erin and Lauren of Litas Calgary chapter.
Renee asked them if the had a bucket list, where would they be in 5 years.
Erin states she will be travelling.  But within that 5 years she would like to see more empowerment of women as a collective.
Lauren states within 5 years she would like to see an attitude where all are welcome.  She would like women to feel the sisterhood and be a part of the riding family.

www,thelitas.co/calgary

Next we spoke with Isabella.  A feisty and sweet 7 year old that loves the Litas.  She says her mom is a Lita and her mom says the Litas will be a very good place for her when shes older!

It was time to speak with Rob.  Rob is a 25 year old man working at Heritage Harley Davidson on the South side of Edmonton AB.  Rob has been riding for about 10 years now, and says he was inspired by his dad.  His dad had a bike and together the toured all over the place including British Columbia.

Working at Harley Davidson has given him perspective on the different types of riding and the different styles of bikes and how each one rides differently.

He says his generation is different than that of the older generation.  The younger generation, speaking only for himself, still feel they have a lot to prove.  To ride fast and to be a biking bad ass.
The older generation don't have anything to prove as they have already been there and done that.  Now it's time to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Both generations still have that sense of adventure and every age loves the comrade of the community.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 4 Segment 1

Season 6 Episode 4 Segment 1

The Future of Motorcycling Part 1
Calgary Motorcycle Show

Litas Motorcycle Club was recently formed in Calgary AB and has chapters in both Edmonton AB and Calgary AB.  Ride Like a Local interviewed the co-founders Erin Woon age 31 and Lauren Reschke age 28.

When asked what inspired the ladies to ride they had this to say:

Erin, who rides a 2015 Harley Sportster Custom XL says "It's me time, a time when I'm not dependent on my spouse.  I can appreciate whats around me.  With social media we tend to forget whats around us."  Erin grew up in a bike family.  Dad was a Harley man.  Erin, who is a transplant from Colorado to Canada said her husband had his first bike.  He encouraged her to get her license and the rest is history.  She states it was the best decision she ever made.

Lauren, who rides a Harley Sportster Iron883, says "It's a time that I am 100% present.  I'm not distracted by the phone or multitasking.  I am focused on the road the experience and using all of my senses.  It's a totally freeing feeling.  Lauren said she was riding on the back of her dads bike and could not see out front.  She knew she needed her own bike so she could be in control and see the view.

Litas has partnered with Calgary Harley Davidson to start doing charitable work.  For now, they make arts and crafts to sell and choose a different charity to donate to each time.  At the Calgary Motorcycle Show, all proceeds will go to Bikers with Autism.  Also close to their hearts are charities that involve animals and women's shelters.

Litas is established in 25 countries all over the world.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 at the Ride for Mom on Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 3

Season 6 Episode 3 Segment 3
 Ride for Mom Nisku AB


Standing beside her bike, Ride Like a Local spoke with Yvonne Wright, a seasoned rider from Calgary AB.
She stated why she was on the ride that day:
"Any abuse makes me teary.  I was able to take control of my life and if this ride helps 1 abused woman, it makes it all worthwhile."
Ride for Mom donates to Alberta women's shelters and there is simply not enough funding.  "When a shelter worker has to turn someone away because there is simply not enough beds, that worker takes that home with them.  They feel the pain."
There needs to be more alternatives and support.  With the support of the riding community, some will come for the ride  All will come for the cause.
Until one day, hopefully, we will no longer need the ride.

Ride Like a Local was then off to Tofield AB.  Once again the town of Tofield pulled off a fantastic day with the streets blocked off to accommodate the riders and the cause.
Some fun was had too.  Riders lined up to be frisked by the local sheriffs department!  The department complied and lots of laughs were had.

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

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

   

                                                                       

Our 2018 Christmas Gift Guide, helping you find great products from Rider Owned, Rider Friendly Businesses...

Our 2018 Christmas Gift Guide, helping you find great products from Rider Owned, Rider Friendly Businesses...

The Rider Friendly Business Association is filled with small businesses that truly want to help you find that perfect gift, piece of jewelry, clothing, book, bike, hotel, motel, experience....

Our 2018 Gift Guide has some incredible ideas in it!

The gift ideas numbering system is based on when the idea was sent in to us, not by any special rating or ranking.

The First 8 Gift Ideas come from U Need Parts dot CA.

Oil coolers, primary covers, brake pedals, audio headsets, grips and more await at uneedparts.ca

Gift idea number 9 is a real winner - a trip to ride BMW motorcycles in Tibet!
This 10 day vacation includes 6 days of riding, your motorcycle rental and insurance, all attraction passes, your Chinese Visitors Visa, your Chinese Motorcycle License, and all of your hotel rooms, and breakfasts not to mention transfers to and from the hotel and airport and a tour guide and chase truck!  A special damage deposit agreement was arranged at $1000 US for the F800GS, there are other bikes available.

Easy Rider Tours in Tibet has arranged for a special Airfare price which is $600 Canadian ROUND TRIP, with 2 bags and a meal included. The entire trip will cost you roughly $3000 - $3,200 American per person including your lunches, suppers, fuel and spending money. (depending on your appetite)

Visit https://www.riderfriendly.com/for-riders/riding-tibet to find out more.

We are featuring two books this season from two of my most favourite lady riders and authors.

Tamela Rich's book"Hit the Road" a Woman's Guide to Motorcycle Touring is an amazing resource on solo riding and Liz Jansen's book "Crash Landing"  tells the tale of a life very well lived.

Both books are incredible!

You can get Tamela's Book at tamelarich.com and Liz's book at lizjansen.com.

Gift idea number 12 is also a book, but is geared towards kids.  The Bikers are Animals series by Paul Jamiol help kids understand the different bikes and people who ride them in a fun and imaginative way and his cartooning skills really shine through. In every book there are colouring pages so that parents, grand parents and kids can get in on the action!
Check them out at: bikersareanimals.com

MotoChic Gear has some incredible offerings this year, of course there is the trusty Lauren Bag that is becoming a staple in the urban lady rider's wardrobe which is our gift guide idea #13. MotoChic Gear is also offering up the Bess Bag and the Ladies Antimicrobial Muscle Tee as well in spots 17 & 18. See all their great ideas at: motochicgear.com

Gigi Montrose has her amazing "Fearless" jacket up for grabs in position 14. This is a wonderfully functional jacket that will protect you with it's kevlar and make you feel feminine all at the same time ladies!

Check out the "Fearless Jacket" at gigimontrose.com

My friend and all round talented gal Shaunagh McLeod is offering up her hand wrapped pendants.
These unique pieces are perfect that for the special gal in your life guys - or for yourself ladies...
Email Shaunagh at shaunaghmcl @ gmail.com  (Fix the spaces!)

Freedom Heated Clothing from Esterhazy Saskatchewan has a way to help extend that riding season. With vests, jackets, chap liners and gauntlets, you never have to truly be cold on your motorcycle again and, you can get a set of gloves, a jacket and chap liners for about the price of heated grips!

Check them out at heatedclothing.ca

Another amazing gift idea is number 20 and it comes from Marion Redpath over at Calgary Harley-Davidson and Betty from Betty's BnB with Air BnB.  A Two Day Rental and Two Nights at Betty's! That's right, get the one you love a gift certificate for travel and accommodations from two wonderful owner operators and combine them into that perfect weekend getaway. Ideal for the person who works away and only has a short period for days off!
Contact Marion at Calgary Harley-Davidson for more details.

We also have some great stocking stuffer ideas from a couple of the riding clubs we promote - the Harley-Davidson of Edmonton Community Ladies of Harley Calendar that raises money for Kipnes House AND tickets on a motorcycle raffle from the Canadian Legion of Riders in North Battleford SK!!!!

Check them out too!

The Rider Friendly Business Association and Belt Drive Betty Media - Helping Riders Shop with Rider Owned, Rider Friendly Businesses!

Visit our online gift guide to see all of the gift ideas up close and personal - visit:
https://riderfriendly.com/for-riders/gift-guide-2018

If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and PLEASE, put a few miles on for me!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Lloydminster VS Drumheller in Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest

Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest has come down to the two HIGHEST vote getters in the last round of voting.

Lloydminster, the Border City is squaring off against Drumheller and the Dinosaur Valley.

I spoke with Drumheller's Mayor Heather Colburg and she is apparently planning on issuing a challenge to Gerald Aalbers the mayor of Lloydminster!

If Drumheller wins Mayor Aalbers will be expected to show up for Motorcycle Madness and if Lloydminster wins, Mayor Colburg will travel to the Border Bike Rally!

Oh folks, this final round is going to be exciting!

Don't forget to vote for your favourite community at riderfriendlycontest.ca every day starting May 17th and running to June 2nd at midnight MST.

Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest is brought to you by Community Futures & the Rider Friendly Business Association

#RiderFriendlyContest

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

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Round 2 of Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community is getting set to kick off!

With over 140 communities to vote for this year, the riding community got busy!
We are pleased to announce that we have the results of the first round of voting.

From what we watched in round one voting, I think there are some pretty stiff competitions shaping up for round 2!

The following communities had the most votes in their province of region and they are now being featured in a web advertising package at www.beltdrivebetty.com provided by Belt Drive Betty Media (worth $800 each) that touts them as the winners for their province/territory:

• Peachland is BC’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Drumheller is AB’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Swift Current is SK’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Snow Lake is MB’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Peterborough is ON’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Saint John is NB’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Mahone Bay is NS’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Summerside is PEI’s MMOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season
• Stephenville is NL’s MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 
• Yellowknife is the Territories MOST Rider Friendly Community of the 2017 Riding Season 

The following 10 communities got the highest number of votes over all and advance to round 2 of the voting:

Anaheim Lake BC

Peachland BC

Prince George BC

Sicamous BC

Acheson AB

Drumheller AB

Lloydminster AB

Peterborough ON

Saint John NB

Yellowknife NT

Round 2 voting begins April 26^thand runs through to May 12^th.  

For all of the details visit the contest website: www.riderfriendlycontest.ca

#RiderFriendlyContest

I am looking forward to seeing which community I will be filming in this summer!

Belt Drive Betty, 

Editor & Rider

Learning to work in new ways, with a renewed purpose.

Darby Allen

The learning curve never ends, not unless you choose for it to.

Last week I attended the Growing the North Conference and I learned about something called Indiginomics from a gal named Carol Ann Hilton, and I learned about what millenials are looking for in life and working experiences from a gal named Erin Bury and I finally got to meet Darby Allen who spoke about Grace under Fire (literally).

 I learned so much at that conference that I am still in the process of digesting it all.

I have also been working on some new projects for Belt Drive Betty Media.  The first is an online Talk Show called "Rider Friendly Report".  It's on Facebook Live @RiderFriendlyReport

We are hosting it on the WebinarJam platform so it has some unique abilities that you just don't get in a normal TV environment unless you have a huge technical crew.

We can inject videos and slides into the talk show experience, we can use a whiteboard feature, screen sharing and live chat! We host the show every Tuesday morning from now until the end of May, then pick it back up in October when our short riding season is over. We are going to have all kinds of people on the show, talking about topics you riders care about.

AND you are going to be invited to participate in different contests to win event tickets, hotel rooms and more.

It's proving to be a valuable marketing and information dissemination tool already with good watch times and a good number of people tuning in to the live show and later to watch the replay.

We are also learning a new CRM and business management platform, wow who knew one could learn at this pace on a daily basis at my age, but you sure can!

I am excited because although this platform is still in beta, it has the power and functionality my little company has always lacked.  Again, this lifelong learning curve has me standing on my head somedays but, you die if you quit learning, growing, evolving.

Canada's Most Rider Friendly Community Contest sponsored by Community Futures and the Rider Friendly Business Association already has over 90 communities entered into it, that's as many as there were in the first two years! We will begin the voting process soon so watch for announcements on that.

We will be coming out with our new Rider Survey soon.
We'll be making the announcement about when that will be ready - your answers will help us make everything we do better, at least that's the plan!

I have a business coach working with me and the difference that is starting to show in my business is huge.  My coach has me looking at my business in ways I never considered and she has me doing things I never thought I was capable of.

I have been slowly purging my home of crap I no longer need or that no longer serves me or my family. It's been the most amazing thing getting into a really solid routine and learning to take me time.  Yes I still struggle with temper flares, and yes I still have dark days where the PTSD is so demanding, mobilizing that I can't think straight, but every layer of the onion that gets peeled, means that while the pain is intense and shocking in how fast it comes on, in many cases, it's over almost as fast as its started and that has renewed my whole outlook on things.

Learning to reframe trauma into a useful tool is a tough job, but it can be done and while I am far from perfect, I am WAY better than I used to be and the odd slip into temper does not define me. It keeps me humble, but it does not define me.

I am looking forward to riding season. I MISS MY MOTORCYCLE. The relief that machine gives my brain becomes more evident with each winter that passes for this cranky old gal.
He's right here in my office beside me, but I can't ride him, and that is a form of separation that only we riders understand.

It's going to be a busy, busy year. We already have close to 2000 events in our calendars for 2018 and that's just here in Canada. Our new American calendars have already got events being added and we haven't marketed them at all, we just installed it!

We have improved tools to offer at www.riderfriendly.com and all sorts of amazing things in the hopper - I can't wait to reveal them, one at a time...all year long....I feel hopeful, excited and all kinds of other really good feelings that I haven't felt in a long, long time.

Have a fantastic week, dreaming of spring and riding season and dodging potholes!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider








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Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest - Supporting our Community!

We are awful excited that in its third year, Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest has seen an explosion in nominations.

Thanks to our relationship with Community Futures, this contest is beginning to really gain traction and we are so grateful to them for their support and love of small towns, small business and entrepreneurs!

Riders it seems are catching on!
So are communities and community leaders.

Helping smaller communities that don't usually get a whole lot of fanfare for what they do right in the game of tourism is a really gratifying thing for our whole team.

In all we and our media partners giveaway over $60K in marketing to the winning communities and provide a way for all communities that consider themselves Rider Friendly to get some attention and notice!

Belt Drive Betty Media is made up of contractors who live a motorcycle life.

We are so thrilled to support our sport on so many levels, helping to promote the CMDRA, helping to promote every charity and non profit ride that we can, every small business event, riding club event...for free in most cases - it's part of our mandate, our mission if you will!  We give back into the community we make our living from.

We promote adventure riding, motocross and anything else that our readers submit to us, and that they find interesting and engaging.  Through our events calendars, our newspaper, our contest and the Rider Friendly Business Association Community & Directory ....the community news and information we disseminate really is "Rider Powered News!"

We have some wonderful new media partners that we are now working with as well and this will only help raise Canada's visibility as a motorcycling destination of note!

Our New Media Partners:
Man Wants in the UK, the brand new Colorado Rider News and World of Motorcycling Pod Cast!
AND, our stalwart partners:
Northern Horizon Newspaper and Kick Stands Up on Reality Radio 101 with Lou DeVouono

We are working hard to spread the news and word about our great country and the amazing, unique and inspiring riding we have to offer, not just to international visitors, but to those in Canada too!

Visit our websites and see what we offer:
www.beltdrivebetty.com - International News

www.bustedknucklenews.com - Canadian News

www.canadianmotorcycleevents.com - EVENTS

www.riderfriendly.com  - A directory of businesses who are a part of the Rider Friendly Business Association, that want to serve riders and a community to connect with them.

www.riderfriendlycontest.ca - A contest to celebrate the communities that love riders.

www.motorcycletourism.ca - an Alberta registered non profit on its way to charitable status in Alberta and then looking forward to the two - three year journey to CRA status.
"We promote motorcycle tourism in Canada, the preservation/promotion of our rich military history & great customer service."

Our TV Show:
Ride Like a Local on EastLink TV and YouTube

Hope you'll check out Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest and our current champion - Port Alberni - Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community from the 2016 riding season.

#RiderFriendlyContest

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Contentious Days and Ways, Old School VS New School

It seems to me that everywhere I turn there is nothing but nasty, hurtful media, nasty, hurtful stories, nasty hurtful people doing nasty hurtful things.

If a person voices their opinion or shares their feelings on topics like Muslims and Sharia Law, expect to be attacked by a pack of rabid humans if you have any doubts, questions or fears to express.

If a person who lived through the King Ralph era here in Alberta draws similarities to what Trump is doing in the US to stimulate business and the economy and says, hey, I like those ideas, my God you'd think you were the worst person in the world and had to like and support everything about the man.  How people can make that big of a leap without evidence is beyond me.

The stuff that has been going on in our global community, our world has be making me physically and spiritually ill.

We in the motorcycle community have our own politics and they are just as hurtful and just as nasty as anything you'll see on TV.  From being told take of our vests/patches, cuts, shirts etc...to being profiled, we riders can and many have experienced a ton of garbage.

We have all sorts of outside discrimination hurled at us, and then we have our own form of  internal discrimination, sport bikers versus cruisers, touring - the whole brand bashing, Ducati eats GSXR or Indian blankety blanks H-D, clubbers VS non clubbers...some of it is good natured, some of it not so much. You'd think after the unfair way many of us are tarred that we wouldn't go down the path of discrimination but guess what...we do.

And then there's the kind of insidious personal politics that makes one scratch their head and go, what the H E DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS just happened.

I started this business, Belt Drive Betty Media, trying to find a job for myself after a car crash. After much research and courses, I landed on promoting the charitable events and causes of the motorcycle community and writing a column about our world. This one...From the Depths of File 13...

I did not want to mow anyone else's lawn and so I have stayed pretty true to that niche.

I have offered our company's services up to various organizations and many have used them very successfully.

We have operated the Canadian Motorcycle Events Calendars and provided them for free to the riding community, the clubs, the charities, the associations and the riders for 15 seasons now.

www.canadianmotorcyleevents.com

We put hundreds and thousands of hours into the calendars every year. 

I have one person named Dave Trerice, that's all he does is reach out to the riding clubs, the associations and charities and ensures their events get that free exposure.  Ali our web mistress, Rhonda in sales and myself, we all contribute, but Dave, he's the heavy lifter...

My company pays him, not well, but pays him, not what he's worth, but we pay him to help these communities and their causes. 

He makes sure that the calendars have all of the information that the posters should have but often times don't, like contacts, addresses etc.  He puts his heart and soul into helping these riding clubs, associations and causes. 

He shares all through social media doing his best to bring value to every fellow rider he meets on the net. 

He's the man that manages the CanadianMotorcycleEvents page on Facebook.  

PLEASE LIKE US!!!!!!

This is Dave. 

Dave is waiting to add YOUR motorcycle event to our Canadian Motorcycle Events Calendar @ canadianmotorcycleevents.com Email your poster to events@beltdrivebetty.com

Now I always offer anyone with a riding club web site the code to use our calendars to promote upcoming events so they don't have to re-invent the wheel and so that our sponsors get a little plug because there are a few ads on the calendars, three I believe.  Our calendars are easy to use, divided up by province, sortable by kind of event, postal code and a whole bunch of other filters that can be applied.

However, some of the organizations we have offered the free use of our calendars to, have flat out turned us down, some even preferring we do not support their causes with free advertising. 

These orgs are largely run by other women.

These organizations would rather build their own calendars than work together, I get it, but I don't.

Then there are some other gals I have come to know who are doing a publicity trip. I offered to help with hotel discounts and publicity through our newspaper.  They have chosen not to respond.  

That makes me sad.

I am too old school I guess. 

Me, I just want to work with and help everyone I can. 

I am for ever and always trying to put people together that I think will help each other.  

I do introductions all the time. 

I love to contribute to this community, our society, country; my attitude is if I can bring one more person to your event, or cause, then the effort I /we put out on promoting for you is worthwhile,  and yet, it seems to me that there are certain factions that think we want to take over instead of help. That's the vibe they give off as they aren't very diplomatic in their refusals to work together. 

Or it could be that perhaps a month and a half of flu and funerals has made me too touchy...

I don't know.

And maybe New School and Old School just aren't meant to find a bridge to working together.

I am finding it difficult to wrap my head around the fact that there are people don't want help or contributions from those they deem as outsiders.

I know we can't all like each other or understand each other, but I always thought that we should be able to rise above our selves for the good of all to work together to promote the common good.  

There have been a handful of people in my life that for one reason or another, I could not get along with on a personal level, we had a personality conflict or something going on... and yet we found ways to work together for the common good when push came to shove. 

I have something of value to offer anyone with need of a method to get their message out, the audience that does enjoy reading what I and our community contributes, the audience who loves to hate what I write - these two audiences are valuable.

I bet there would be some among my audience, you the reader...who would love to know what these ladies are up to and how terrific I think they are.

Yeah, yeah, I know, it sounds like I am whining but really, I am just shocked, puzzled, confused or maybe it is that "Old Timers" is setting in....and I'm becoming a purple sweater wearing lady.

How can you turn down a bit of free publicity, from someone who thinks what you offer is valuable...

I would love to help spread that word, shine that light...that was what my company was founded on, being a clearinghouse of information, helping riders find what they need...

I am feeling my age today because I genuinely do not need to like you to see your value, unlike some of the up and comers whom, it seems, can't work with others unless they all think the same and like each other.

Contentious days and ways....

I guess that really does make me old school. 

What say you?

Belt Drive Betty,

Editor & Rider

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