A Look Back at 2018 The Watchmen Crew & Noize for Toyz Season 6 Episode 7 Segment 3

Season 6 Episode 7 Segment 3
The Watchmen Crew and Noize for Toyz

At J.P. Outpost after a beautiful ladies ride, Ride Like a Local spoke with Tammy Wilson.  Tammy is a board member and admin assistant with Noize for Toyz.

Tammy has a few hats she wears at work.  She counts inventory, gathers donations, posts on social media, and advertising.  She is wherever she is needed.  She feels her most important job is getting their name out there and making sure everyone knows who they are.

Even more importantly, Tammy has 5 children and 2 step children.  Tammys children are all involved and learn that giving back to the community teaches then valuable life skills and will end up as great adults.  They all love the riding community.

Next we met with Avery Chalifour.  She is a rider and the Youth Council Leader for Noize for Toyz.  As a young rider, Avery feels the support of her group, has several "moms" within the group, and has also learned how to act and behave around other riders.  She feels it's like having her own tribe with a whole lot of moral support.

Avery says coming out of high school, she saw a lot of kids struggling and it meant a lot to her to know that there was someone out there to help them.  Her goal is to bring more young people into the Noize for Toyz group that there is someone to take over so they may continue their service for years to come.  They try to bring in more members with each event.

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 Watchmen Crew & Noize for Toyz Season 6 Episode 7 Segment 1

Season 5 Episode 7 Segment 1
The Watchmen Crew and Noize for Toyz

At the Watchmen Crews Poker Rally in Grande Prairie, Ride Like a Local spoke with the Vice President Darrin Stuffs.  The first rally of the season they were out there to meet people and have a great time.  This year they were raising money for Christmas Angels.  Every year The Watchmen Crew makes a donation to a family in need at Christmas.

Secure Energy was on site that day.  They supplied the trailer, all the food and all the drinks to ensure all the money raised would go directly to charity.  They are an awesome company that supports many fundraisers in the community.

When asked why The Watchmen Crew fund raises for so many charities involving children, Darrin had this to say "We support kids because they are the most vulnerable people in our society.  Helping them can build good adults from a solid childhood.  It is important that they are involved in sports and activities so that children have healthy functioning lives.  We can make a big difference and change the lives of a child one at a time."

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 6 Segment 1

Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 1
The Future of Motorcycles Part 3
Babes on Bikes

Ride Like a Local was at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show and visited the Babes on Bikes booth.
We spoke with Reta, who is almost 40 years of age and has been riding for 2 years, and Natalie, who is 55 years of age and has been riding for 10 years.

When asked why they think there are fewer lady riders and younger riders, the ladies had some good thoughts.  They think maybe it's the fear that holds the lady riders back.  The traditional stereotype of bikers can be pretty scary.  It's a scary thought to be on a bike, on the road, with nothing around you to protect you.  We need to educate them on how a bike works and foster their confidence. We can attract the younger generation by talking to them, continuing the conversation, and encouraging them to try.

Mothers, don't hold your daughter's back and please, expose them early.

When speaking on Babes on Bikes, they say they have a weekly ride about 2 hours long.  They always stop for ice cream!  At the end of the day, everyone gathers for feedback and to check and make sure everyone is alright.

Babes on Bikes...Amazing support and living life to the fullest!

  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