A lesson on Defensive Riding

Defensive Riding – staying safe starts with YOU.

There is no one more responsible for your safety than you. Defensive driving skills keep you safe, by helping you to be prepared for the unexpected.

SIPDE - Scan, Interpret, Predict, Decide, Execute

SCAN:

All too often drivers/riders fall into the bad habit of only focussing only on what is directly in front of them, allowing their mind to wander and losing sight of what is up ahead.

The smart approach to driving/riding is to be constantly thinking ahead in order to assess the oncoming hazards and potential risk factors that could lead to an incident.

This ensures that you are adequately prepared to handle any sudden change in conditions (like an obstacle or pot hole), other driver behaviour (aggressive high risk drivers or inattentive drivers) and take the necessary steps to avoid danger.

One of the best ways to keep yourself safe is to keep your eyes moving – KNOW WHAT LIES AHEAD and BESIDE you.

Use your eyes to check your mirrors, as well as performing frequent shoulder checks to evaluate your blind spots, and KNOW what/who is around you.

Scan the ditches and side streets/approaches.

INTERPRET

Another common mistake made by drivers is that they take the actions of other motorists for granted. 

The smart approach is to focus on your driving and be consistently giving yourself enough room to move and AVOID a collision if necessary. 

Never put yourself in a bad position, especially not out of retaliation for another’s bad driving habits or mistakes.

When you see another driver who is driving aggressively, predict the WORST thing this driver could do.

DECIDE

Decide how you are going to handle that driver (hazzard), move yourself away from potential harm. 

In the case of dealing with someone texting or exhibiting road rage/aggressive driving, you might be right, but is it worth being dead to prove that you were right?

EXECUTE

Once you have decided where the safest place for you to be is, execute your move ensuring you know where the other drivers are in relation to you.

The Edmonton office of the Alberta Safety Council has given us some courses to giveaway.

I chose the Gearing Up course for our first contest.

I came across a video that I felt would challenge people's knowledge of the rules of the road and decided that the first person who could tell me who caused the crash, not who would be charged, but who is responsible for the crash happening would win the course.

I hosted the contest on one of my Facebook Pages - Belt Drive Betty

Sadly, no one from Alberta answered the question successfully.

Here is the video from the Facebook Page of Tyga :

Video dissemination:

At 11 sec there is a sign that I believe reads "State Law white lettering in the black portion at the top and Keep Right Except To Pass in the white portion (You see the black bar at the top of the sign and can ALMOST make out the words at the 11.5 second mark). Its a very familiar sign if you have done any riding/driving in the US.

At 28 seconds you see a shadow of another vehicle in front of the pick up is clearly visible. 

The pick up is clearly very close to it.

In fact the ALL auto drivers, including buddy with the dash cam drive too close to the other drivers around them (Tailgating).

At 30 seconds you see a 65 MPH sign – this is clearly in the US

At 32 seconds the Camaro enters on the right of the screen, if you look ahead of the pick up you can see a shadow of another vehicle in front of the pick up

At 36 seconds the Camaro attempts to move into the left lane.

At this point, the pick up should have backed off and let him in.

At 47 seconds the pick up bails on his brakes

At 58 seconds, you can see that the shadow of the other vehicle that had been ahead of the truck is gone and it is obvious they are going up a small incline.

At 1:06 you see the pick up pulling ahead of the semi.

At 1:15 you see that the Camaro is almost at the semi’s door.

At 1:17 as they are cresting the small grade, you see the semi begin to pull ahead of the pick up.

At 2:26 you can clearly see that the vehicle that had been in front of the pick up is a long ways ahead.

So who is at fault for causing this crash?

The Answer is ALL THREE. All three drivers played a roll in what happened, here's how:

# 1) The driver of the Camaro is an idiot, broke several laws, tailgating, passing by using the shoulder, median or ditch, dangerous driving and will ultimately be charged for causing the crash.

HOWEVER, both the driver of the pick up and the semi are at fault for impeding the Camaro’s progress. The driver of the pickup more so than the driver of the semi…BUT….

#2) If the truck driver was truly a professional, he would not have colluded with the driver of the pickup by keeping pace with him, he should have slowed down and given the Camaro room to move ahead of him.  (Or for the pickup driver to move over to the right, as he should have – although with his mindset he probably wouldn’t have moved over.)

He will not be charged.

#3) The driver of the pick up who was clearly pissed when the Camaro attempted to sneak in front of him was as big of an asshole and as much at fault for this crash as the Camaro driver. 

He will potentially be charged if the police have the video footage.

You are to keep right unless passing. That is the rule of the road in this instance.

Remember folks you might be in the RIGHT, but you can also be DEAD and in the Right.

NUMBER ONE RULE OF THE ROAD - DRIVE WITH YOUR HEAD - NOT YOUR EMOTIONS.

NUMBER TWO RULE OF THE ROAD - KEEP YOURSELF SAFE BY BEING AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU AND HAVE YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE PLANNED.

NUMBER THREE - DON'T PLAY THE ROLE OF TRAFFIC MONITOR - LET THE POLICE DO THAT BY USING YOUR HANDSFREE DEVICE TO CONTACT THE POLICE. YOUR ACTIONS WILL PISS OFF ANOTHER DRIVER AND CAUSE A CRASH.

KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS.

That's how I see it.

And you, what did you see besides a self centred a$$hole in a Camaro that was is some kind of hurry?

Belt Drive Betty,

Editor & Rider

Go on Vacation & Improve Your Skills!

March, April and May are three of the hardest months in the year on a rider's psyche, especially if you are from most places in Canada.

In March, Mother Nature generally delivers some horrid snow falls and blizzards.  April starts bringing hope, but ice and mud prevent many from getting their bikes out of the garage.
May presents such a mixed bag that you can't really plan anything because of the potential for - you got it - MORE SNOW!

Going on a vacation where it is generally warm and you can ride is something a lot of riders from the northern climates do.

Have you ever considered going to California to ride the Pacific Coast Highway?

If you have, then you might want to consider taking your spring refresher course from
Superbike-Coach, Can Akkaya.

 
Can (pronounced Jon) is a former pro racer with many records and trophies under his belt.

When he retired Can worked as a test rider and a coach for track days all around Europe and found he had a passion for teaching and became the head instructor of Germany's first racing school.  In fact he has taught over 2,500 riders so far!

Can immigrated to the US in 2008 and has a book coming out soon called "Racers Story"

When he and his family moved to California, Can opened up his school, Superbike-Coach and developed courses for those who want to race, those who already race, stinters and regular everyday riders.

He has also put together an amazing guided tour of California that you can take.

So if you are frustrated by Mother Nature and PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) and you are considering an escape, why not check out the Superbike-Coach, take some training which starts at $89 US, take a tour and come home to Canada ready to conquer the roads with your brushed up skills.

According to the testimonials from former students, it's the best money and time you will ever spend on training.

I am not in a position to go down to California so I'll have to make do with watching the action in the 2014 Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' Shine where our sponsors like Kimpex are giving away some great prizes!

Have a great Thursday everyone,
And please, ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you if you are lucky enough to be riding.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Motorcycle Insurance, New Riders and Safety

SGI - Saskatchewan Government Insurance has released some information on the proposed changes to motorcycle insurance and rules in that province.

According to the article in the Times Colonist, SGI intends to see new rules in place regarding getting a license to ride, the clothing you must wear but mandatory rider training is not on the agenda.

Before you can get a license you will have to do a skills and ability test, no more writing an exam and hopping on a bike.

All riders in the graduated licensing program will be required to have their arms and legs covered, wear ankle boots, a three quarter helmet minimum, wear gloves and eye protection.

Another change is that anyone wanting a motorcycle license would have to hold a class 5 drivers license.

Fearful that people will not be in a good frame of mind to learn and that rural areas will not be able for provide it,  means that mandatory rider training has been ruled out.

Don Fuller of R.A.G.E., Riders Against Government Exploitation, says that while R.A.G.E. likes the changes for new motorcyclists that the recommendation to charge rates based on type of motorcycle doesn't do enough to address rider safety.

Now I have a couple of questions about these proposed changes.

Why is it only new riders are being required to wear a minimum amount of safety gear?

Why aren't all riders required to wear a minimum amount of safety gear? If this is about reducing the cost of claims, then every rider should at least wear proper footwear, jeans and a jacket on top of gloves, helmet and eye protection.

Just calling for arms and legs to be covered means little. That means I can wear a long sleeve tee shirt and my arms are covered or that I wear spandex tights and my legs are covered. Neither of which are going to protect me at all in a crash situation. The road will chew that fabric up and grind it into your hide along with the gravel, sand and dirt that is on the road.

Why should you have to have a drivers license to get a motorcycle license?
Being a car driver does not equate to you being a good rider.

Sadly it seems we have to make laws to protect people from themselves in order to reduce crashes and claims, so since that seems to be the case, why are these proposed changes so broad and vague in their descriptions and requirements?

Personally I think SGI should reduce your insurance by the amount the rider training costs you for your second year of insurance thereby taking the financial sting out of mandatory training.

With the advent of Kevlar Jeans, Kevlar shirts, armour and the advancement in the cooling capabilities of modern jackets and all of the other advances in safety gear, there is no reason for a rider to go unprotected.

What are your thoughts on minimum gear requirements - people being people, do we need to be more clear about what constitutes minimum gear? What should that minimum be?

I'd love your comments and feedback - tell me what you think of mandatory gear and mandatory training and lets hear what insurance is like in your province.

Have a fabulous day everyone...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A successful Calgary Motorcycle Show

Well folks - I think that I am finally recovered from the Calgary Motorcycle Show.
It was a great time with lots to see and do.

The Yamaha Kid's Riding Academy was busy teaching the littles how to ride, the Trials riders from the Second Gear Club put on some fabulous demonstrations - the Extreme show saw all kinds of stunts performed and then of course there was Clayton Bellamy who sang his heart out to an appreciative audience.

And there were motorcycles - lots of gorgeous iron to ogle.

Johnny Pag was on hand with some of their 2012 models, the 2013 will debut in Edmonton provided customs let's them through on time. Johnny Pag Jr. himself was also on hand for Saturday. What a wonderful young man he is. Did you know that their motorcycles are available in 20 countries?!!!

Shaganappi Motorsports is the new name home Calgary Harley-Davidson! 

They feature Harley-Davidson, Indian, Ducati and more!

MV Agusta, Ducati and all of the major manufacturers were on hand giving people a wide variety of choice and then there were the accessories and the riding clubs.

There were also some motorcycles to be won!

I had a blast filming interviews - R.Jeff Legrand acted as my video guy and we talked with some of the greatest people! Watch for some of that video this Thursday when our newspaper come out!

 Here I am with Ethan Barkley - the fastest man in Pro Street on the track with the CMDRA!

with Jordan Szokes - another really fast man -
the Canadian Superbike Champ!

 with Lexi Pechout of the Second Gear Club

Fine example of the entertainment in the
Evolution of Extreme!

Thanks to R Jeff Legrand, our Calgary area reporter for the fabulous photos.

I had so many great hugs too - 458 of them and when you consider how busy I was and how seldom I could be in the booth - it was utterly fabulous!  I wonder how things will go in Edmonton...

My producer, Tim, from Eastlink Cable will be with me Friday and Saturday and I will be learning the finer points of doing interviews - I am so excited to be embarking on that learning curve!

There are some interesting articles in the news feeds today.

In the US they are going to force manufacturers of electric vehicles and hybrids to create a minimum level of noise!

Also from the US, a man who attempted to bury his motorcycle in an effort to collect the insurance money was sentenced to 180+ days in jail and 3 years probation!

AND the man who plowed into a group of 12 motorcyclists in Wisconsin in May of 2012 had 4 more charges added to his already long string of charges.

The 2013 Dakar rally is underway and there are a couple of great video updates available.

There are many more new articles in the news feeds that might be of interest to you - to check them out visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed.

I want to congratulate Lou DeVuono of Kick Stand Up on Reality Radio 101 for his MAX Award that he received at the Toronto International Super Show!  Great job Lou and Gary!!!!

Our 6th annual Beat the PMS Blues online Show 'n' Shine is getting some great entries - we accept entries until January 31st so get them in folks for your chance to win some great prizes - as always - it's free to enter!

And then there is our Name Belt Drive Betty's Beaver (mascot) contest - oh my word there are some great entries!  Get yours in soon folks as we will begin voting to determine the top 10 finalists soon!

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

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Improving and honing one's skills

Yesterday afternoon I arrived at the Alberta Safety Council's rider training facility on the south side of Edmonton.

I was excited and nervous - I was about to embark on an advanced rider course.

Now I don't know about you but I have a tendency to become very self conscious when around other riders - especially those who are very seasoned and experienced riders. I also choke on exams.  I put so much pressure on myself that sometimes I just can't breath or relax.

I was in a class of 5 riders who would be taught by 2 instructors - after orientation and signing paperwork in the classroom, we headed out to the bikes.  All of us came from different backgrounds and varied experiences as riders.

Day one was challenging and interesting...and VERY informative, the instructors made it fun and I can't wait until tonight for part 2.

I will be doing a write up on the course and what I learned and will share that information with you in an upcoming issue of the Busted Knuckle Chronicles!

In the news today is an update on the BC rider who was killed in Oregon.

There is also news of another crash, this time in Ottawa.

Apparently the Mongols are not terribly happy about how heavy handed the police were for their run to Boulder City Nevada and say the reason so many businesses did not benefit from monetary gain was the fact that many opted to stay at their hotel instead of being harassed.

There are other articles in the news feeds that may be of interest to you as a rider, check them out at 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 through emails...

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone and please, if you are riding - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

How safe a rider are you?

An article from Perth Now about motorcyclists, crashes and their causes exposes some scary information on crashes involving bikes there.

In all - 12 motorcyclists have died on Australian highways since the beginning of the year, with 5 fatal crashes since February 29th.

According to the article, in at least 4 of the 5 recent fatal crashes, alcohol, speed AND/OR inattention were factors.

State traffic operations commander Michelle Fyfe said: "While these crashes are still being investigated it would appear that in each case the rider was at fault," she said.

"Regardless of who is at fault it is a waste of a life."

Mrs Fyfe said police were pulling over motorbike riders on the roads simply to remind them of the risks.

"We've lost too many in the last couple of weeks and we don't want to lose anymore," she said.

"We're asking people to take responsibility for their actions and they need to understand that they are vulnerable when riding a motorbike." End Quote

With riding season right around the corner - I wonder how many of you actually brush up on your skills before you head out for that first ride of the year? Do you plan on taking any kind of advanced rider training?  

Drinking and riding as we have seen over and over again is not wise and yet so many riders seem to think they can push that envelope, what do you think could be done to remind people that when they make decisions, they ultimately affect everyone who loves them? 

It's the same think with helmets and the law - I think adults should have a right to choice, but I also feel that you need to be fully aware of the consequences of that choice - if you are in a crash and die, your family and friends grieve, if you are in a crash but alive and in a vegetative state, your family suffers for that decision too.

Everything in life is cause and effect - choice and consequence.

What are the right choices for YOU and what consequences you are willing to live with?

In other news:

In there is a move to have motorcycle clothing discrimination added to the state legislation on discrimination in Denver Colorado. 

AND

In Virginia - NO MORE MOTORCYCLE ONLY CHECKPOINTS!

There are many other articles in today's news feeds that may be of interest or have impact on your day or life as a rider: www.beltdrivebetty.com 

Have you gotten your roadside assistance package for the year yet?

If not, become a member at www.beltdrivebetty.com (membership is free) and take advantage of the Best Roadside Assistance package for OUR MEMBERS!

Check out all of the benefits - in your car? No problem...On your bike - no fear, in your pick up or SUV - you are covered!  Have a spouse? ADD THEM FREE! 6 calls - shareable between spouses and transferable from vehicle to bike!  

I leave you with a few giggles and thoughts to ponder, shared by my most fabulously bent and cracked friends on Facebook and through emails...

Have a fabulous Wednesday everyone!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor &Rider

Rider Safety - an issue on a lot of fronts right now...

An article out of Denver today caught my eye. It is about a look twice sign to be placed at intersections that are particulariyl bad for auto-motorcycle crashes.

Here in Grande Prairie AB, our city manager has agreed to host a test project of a similar sign. (Once the information is all put together the project will go to council and we hope, get their blessings!)

It is very rewarding to see what is happening in the US with 25 cities getting involved with the pilot project. The difference in the US? Well there - the Insurance Industry has backed/endorsed the program, here in Canada I was told they would not back any product! Oh well - we will get the signs up here in Grande Prairie next year with or without the blessings of the Insurance Industry.

And another article - this one from Motorbiker - about a study in the Netherlands that says that Daytime Running Lights on all autos will increase the visibility of motorcycles...I am with Motorbiker there - HOW did they come up with that conclusion?

Out of Ontario comes the news that the Sikh community wants the helmet law as an election item...

What part of infringing on the rights of taxpayers don't these people get. Yes I understand the religious aspect of their "fight" but I also know that your charter rights stop when mine are infringed upon...so unless they are going to carry extra medical insurance so that when they have a crash with a head injury our taxes are not being used for their care then I say wear a helmet.

After a small hiccup with my blog yesterday it appears we are back on track...I hope you will check in to our web site: www.beltdrivebetty.com to get caught up on all of the news that could affect your day!

I am up to my arse in work as usual so I will sign off wishing you a wonderful day and ask you to PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and to please, use respect with that right hand to protect our lifestyle...

Until tomorrow...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Rider Safety - how do we improve it?

I read the news feeds this morning and like many mornings when I am looking at clear skies and a motorcycle that teases me and tries to lure me away from work - I wonder what will it take for my brothers and sisters of the family wind to be safe on our roads?

Advanced rider training is something I think we could all benefit from. I have watched the Ride like a Pro DVD Series and have benefited a lot from it but still feel that some hands on training could help me take my skill to a higher level. While only one part of the safety equation, it is very valuable I believe.

But what about the rest of it? The drunk drivers who wipe people out? The distracted driver who switches lanes without ever turning their head or looking in their mirrors...

What about the pot holes and the absolutely awful road repairs - I wonder if those who glob asphalt on a crack or pot hole with out smoothing it or feathering it have ever considered the damage a bad repair can inflict on a motorcycle and their rider?

How about the road construction where no signs indicate grooved pavement or sharp drops, or how about the sand and gravel on dirty and unkempt roads?

How about those unsafe loads - I have dodged plywood coming off the back of pickups or trailers, 4 x 4's off the back of welding trucks. I wear braces today because someone couldn't tie their canoe down properly....

Yes - I wonder what it is going to take for the DOT to enforce truckers to tarp their loads of wheat, sand and gravel, to secure their loads properly and clean their frames and rails off when they come out of the bush...these things are laws on the books that seldom get enforced. Then there is the whole issue of maintenance of these vehicles and how parts come off of them like the incident in Calgary recently or when tires shred...

Road debris from people throwing bottles, cans and other garbage either out of their moving vehicles or leaving it in the ditches as a method of disposal (for the wind to catch and whip all over the place)...then there are those who flick their cigarettes/cigars out the window only to land in the lap of a rider, or to go down a jacket front or in the eye...I have seen all three of those things happen and the ensuing chaos is NOT pretty!


I wonder at the death, the injury - the lives destroyed and forever altered - in many cases because someone who was driving a vehicle thought they were the only ones on the road, never once thought about how their actions could affect someone else.

Yes folks, there are many things to consider and think about. I know that only I can make my actions different, that only I can control my attention and keep myself focused on the task at hand. Only I can change my behaviors and force myself to think of how my actions might impact or affect someone else...

But can I make the lady who is scolding her kids or the engineer who is looking at a map and writing down directions as he his driving, can I make them understand BEFORE it is too late that their vehicle, being driven by some one who is otherwise occupied is now a 2, 3, 4, or 5,000 lbs weapon?  How about the girl who is texting her boyfriend and he is texting her back, both while driving or the gal putting on her make up or the guy who is reading his book...can i make them understand and want to change their behaviour before they kill or maim someone?

Can I make the trucker who is on his cell phone driving a truck with the seat slammed down on the floor so his head barely rises above the steering wheel - who forgot to or couldn't afford to repair his brake drums or put on new tires - that his truck is a 100,000 pound weapon?

I wonder...what is the answer????

Well one part of that answer - which has to be multilevel and multifaceted is AIR HORNS. 140 decibel AIR HORNS for about $50!

As always - your feedback, you comments ARE ALWAYS welcome here.

The news of the day is available 24 hours a day at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we comb and sift through the news feeds so you don't have to.

If you are one of the fortunate and you are riding today, PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is blind, cannot see you and is out to get you and please, Ride Proud not Loud - save those pipes for when they are truly needed - when someone is about to violate your lane.

Belt Drive Betty 
www.beltdrivebetty.com

A MAX Award winning web site!
National VP of Marketing
Foundation for Injured Riders, Rights & Education
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www.canadianriders.ca
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www.greatcanadiandayrides.com
Contact Me

Controversial information in the news today

 A Motorcycle Accident Study Suggests Safety Courses Don’t Reduce Crashes (US)

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has apparently found that requiring young riders to take safety courses before getting their motorcycle licenses doesn’t reduce their likelihood of crashing. In actual fact, they found just the reverse to be true. Collision claims for riders younger than 21 are 10% higher in states that require them to take training courses, compared with states that do not require such courses is what the study found.

Now isn't that something else. Teaching people does nothing or little to reduce accidents - I wonder why?

Does the training give young riders a feeling of superiority or cockiness?

The study also found that bikes with antilock brakes are 37% less likely to be involved in fatal crashes than those without them. Motorcycle models with antilocks also have 22% fewer damage claims per insured vehicle year (a “vehicle year” refers to one vehicle insured for one year).

What we are supposed to do with this knowledge is frightening to contemplate...

In the UK they found something out that is also rather scary and mind blowing...
Tyresafe cited figures from the Department for Transport from 2008 that claimed that there was a 28% increase in the number of motorcycle accidents where illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres were a contributory factor.

I don't know about you folks, but those two articles have me scratching my head...

In other news:

Alberta's annual speeders crackdown is coming to a town near you.
In Oshawa, the Hell's Angel's Club House  has been torn down,
A motorcyclist in Oshawa is dead...
MRFD is gearing up to teach men about prostate cancer.

And the winners in the Blog Book Tour hosted by Adelle Laudan are: 
1st for Iron Horse Rider Series in PRINT ---- Lobo!
Congratulations!!

2nd for Iron Horse Rider Series in
EBook ---- Michelle Shields
Congratulations!


If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - please ride with care and respect....

Belt Drive Betty
Editor- The Busted Knuckle Chronicles
www.beltdrivebetty.com
A MAX Award winning web site!
www.bustedknucklenews.com
www.canadianriders.ca
www.riderfriendly.ca

Contact Me

In the news today...

Dayton Boots was sold to a former Reebok Executive. The company will maintain it's operations in Vancouver.

Motress' Vicki Grey is hosting a tour of Germany's Lake district and the Austrian Alpine roads.
She will be hosting a one day riding clinic as part of the 12 day tour. Seems like a long way to go to get training, wondering why this storied Canadian wouldn't do something like this in Jasper where way more women could attend than 12. I bet we could get Jasper Motorcycle Tours all over something like that.

Or how about around the Nelson, Kaslo region....a day of training, then a day of riding - practice.  Now wouldn't that be a cool way to take an advanced rider training course....
FLO - you reading this???? Any hoteliers in the area willing to do some special room rates????
Mary? Special camping rates....
HMMMM....I feel an idea brewing.

Calling all members of the www.beltdrivebetty.com web site.


Our sharing wall has been fixed!
This means Ali can start loading all of our modules back in! Hopefully a lot of them will be reinstalled by this afternoon!

That also means we will have our BDB Points coming on stream where you can earn prizes by participating on our web site!

It also means our 2010 "Beat the PMS Blues" On line show 'n' shine will be coming on board again soon too and like last year, you will be able to win some fabulous prizes!

Yeah - I am so happy with the way this wall is working now and all of the interesting things we are going to be able to do again!

Moving servers was the best thing we ever did!

Hope you are having 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
Natioanl VP AIM-Can
www.aim-can.com
www.beltdrivebetty.com

Learning to find inner peace...

It has been a challenging and interesting time for me.

Learning that there is a way to find peace inside when all around you is in turmoil and chaos has been a life saver - literally.

This book I am reading, A New Earth, has given me a way to find that small oasis of truth, peace and sanity in a world gone mad.

I know many, many people who have had similar challenges to mine and I have seen them be consumed by the pettiness and cruelty of others - I have seen them be decimated by other people.

Other people and their hidden agendas and cruelty can only affect you if you allow it.
If you give them the power and let them rent space in your head - they win.

It will take me time to master the concepts that are laid out in "The New Earth" but I am grateful to have some tools at my disposal that will allow further personal growth.

I know that many people who read this blog have been on a similar journey - one of growth and change....I would be so interested in finding out what tools, books, web sites have helped you grow and come to a place of understanding and peace.

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

Belt Drive Betty

The RCMP, a Supreme Court Ruling and Rider Deaths & Injuries

In BC, the Supreme Court verdict is in.

The members of the Hells Angels are guilty as charged of their crimes, but they did not commit their crimes on behalf of a Criminal Organization, namely the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club - it is not illegal to belong to the club. Read the news article.

So what are your thoughts on that ruling?

If you are Pro the Charter of Freedoms and Rights you will probably applaud it.
If you think the club is a criminal organization you'll probably be scratching your head.

I am sure of one thing: the RCMP must be pulling out their hair. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers money has gone in to trying to prove that the club is a criminal organization.
Thousands upon thousands of man hours by the RCMP have gone in to that fight.

How does this ruling affect the one from Ontario? Or the laws in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta that have banned the wearing of the club patches due to the "Criminal Nature" of the club? I wonder what the next move in this chess game is going to be...
Stay tuned as I am positive the saga will not end here.

In other news the numbers of deaths of riders is appalling.

I believe that the time has come in this country for a few things to happen...

Number one for me is AFFORDABLE Mandatory Rider Training- it has to be introduced in this country. It is long since past time in my humble opinion.

Number two: Graduated licensing for those wishing to purchase sport bikes - just like what is being introduced in Quebec OR Mandatory Road Racing Training. These machines are far too powerful, too responsive, too short in wheel base to be allowed on the street with inexperienced riders in command of them.

If mandatory Road Racing Training came as part of the package - the riders of these machines would be given the skills to handle the power. Out of all of the machines available to ride - these machines are the easiest to have a fatal accident on in my humble opinion - it's simply a matter of physics.

I know that may opinions my not be terribly popular however, I am tired of seeing young people on these machines winding up dead or severely injured. I feel for their families and friends.

I am also very discouraged by the number of accidents I am reading of that involve cagers and left hand turns. Driver Awareness and Rider Awareness campaigns need to increase to my way of thinking.

I also think that Advanced Rider Training needs to become more affordable and more widely offered. The Ride like a Pro V DVD will help those of us that are not in locales where advanced courses are offered and I think that if every rider practiced the techniques offered on the DVD there would be a lot fewer deaths and severe accidents.

Read the main stream media news feeds on www.bustedknucklenews.com
They are filled with accident information...I can only imagine how many of these accidents could be prevented if riders were given extra training, if drivers of automobiles paid more attention and if young riders did not have this idea that they are invincible.

Your thoughts and ideas on preventing accidents - your ideas on my opinions are VERY MUCH welcome. It is through dialogue with members of our own community and those of the non riding community that perhaps we can find some solutions that will help us all.

If you are lucky enough to be riding today, PLEASE - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, stay hydrated and use respect with that right hand.

Belt Drive Betty

Wind...

The wind is both friend and foe...

Yesterday a rider in central Alberta died when his motorcycle went off the road - his passenger is apparently going to make it....The wind can be both friend and foe.

As I am preparing to head out from Swift Current the wind is gusty wildly and the article in the news of www.beltdrivebetty.com serves as a reminder of what that kind of wind can do.

I am heading to Calgary and before I get on my trusty steed I am saying a prayer that the lord will keep me safe today...

If you are riding today - please stay safe...
Ride like everyone around you is blind and can't see you and use respect with your throttle hand.

Belt Drive Betty

This just in from Layton Park

STAR Touring and Riding Association, Okanagan Chapter 5108, will be hosting the Riders Edge Group Riding Course, Saturday March 10th in the Board Room of the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna. 421 Cawston Ave.

This course had been designed by Harley Davidson and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to specifically assist in group riding. The course will show you step by step, how to organize and ride in the ultimate group adventure. You'll learn ride planning and preparation, formations, hand signals, how to deal with road hazards and a lot more. You will be led in discussion with other riders who will share their experiences and be able to test your knowledge with a multiple choice evaluation.

This is a 2 hour course 10 am to noon.

Registration is free to STAR members and $25.00 for non members

To register go to www.startouringbc.ca



Layton Park