A true biker's send off....

Trevor Nason was a teacher at Caledonia Regional High School in Hillsborough at the time of his death but had spent the previous two years at Harrison Trimble High School in Moncton.

He was well loved and  if the photo in the article on the CBC web site is any indication - he was respected in the riding community too.  So many people turned out to say a fond farewell and pay their respects that the gent who organized the motorcycle escort requested by Trevor's wife Claudia was shocked:

"It takes your breath away. Really, I mean, look how many people showed up in two days, three days notice booked all their days off work, they took a day off without pay,” Korotkov said. End quote

The teacher and rider got a send off that befitted his charm and character, it's just sad that this couldn't have been a retirement party.

For the rest of the news that might impact your day, please visit our web site www.beltdrivebetty.com because man, there's a lot of it today!

I am off to a meeting in five minutes so I had best hightail it out of here.

Please - if you are riding today, ride like everyone is out to get you and BLIND and use respect with that right hand...

Until tomorrow...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Texting on a motorcycle? Seriously?

There is an article this morning where in a motorcyclist was charged for texting on his motorcycle.

I find it disturbing that anyone who rides a motorcycle could even conceive of a way to text and ride...apparently the young man in question is a habitual offender and was on probation at the time.
I guess there are some that think the rules of the road do not apply to them and I suppose that the justice system will deal with him, but even if he gets the 2.5 - 5 years that could be coming his way, will he learn?
Will he be any different when he comes out. More appropriately - WHAT will he learn while in jail?

Then there is a letter to the editor that was sent in to the Comox Valley Newspaper...

The man was referring to the recent toy run: "This time the picture on the flag was a teddy bear, a cute and cuddly creature intended to deflect criticism of this mass show of force by the lawless."

He goes on to say: "I don't respect anti-social bullies who roar around with their friends for an hour as a public relations exercise so they can continue to get away with breaking the muffler laws for the rest of the year.
I do realize that the majority of motorcyclists are decent people who ride quietly. Unfortunately, these events bring out the other kind, and we have plenty of them in the Valley.
It's time to rethink whether "rides" are the best way to show caring for others." End quote.

I will reiterate what I have said many times in the past.
The reason that so many do not like our community and it's mode of transportation stems from the rude behaviour of some.  

If we do not start policing our own, telling others who exhibit anti social behaviours that their behaviour is not acceptable, then guess what - the vocal minority will win and WILL see our events, parades and other runs shut down.

The only way to preserve and protect our lifestyle is to show consideration for others.
Remember that while we love our motorcycles - not everyone else does or they too would be riding.

How do you stop or curb the anti social behaviours of those that ruin it for everyone else?

By shunning them. Turning your back on the stunter instead of applauding him/her.  

By telling that individual that they need to be respectful with their right hand while participating in a group event and if they are not, then perhaps the next time a group event comes up that that person wants to participate in, asking them to leave.

Telling them that "I am sorry to inform you that the rest of us feel you are a heat score, and we would really rather you not attend this charity ride because we want to support our charity and do this ride for a long time and your conduct puts our charity and event at risk of being shut down."  OR "Your $20 contribution is not worth the stopping of thousands and thousands of dollars that we raise, so please do all of us a favour and go ride somewhere else"...

I wonder if we tried some sincere honesty if we could affect some positive change?

What say you? How can we stop some the silliness and turn the tides of people seeing us as anti social?

Again, there is a ton of news out there. Please take a few moments and visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to see what's happened or is happening that might affect your day and life...

Until tomorrow, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and use respect with that right hand...the mother of a colicky baby will thank you even if she doesn't know that you were respectful...

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

A weekend of mixed blessings

This past weekend I had a wedding to attend so I was unable to go to either Jasper 's Poker Run or Edson's Toy Run. It felt VERY strange not going and yet it was wonderful to spend time with my husband and our friends.

Then this morning, I got up to a news piece telling us that 850 riders took part in the Port Alberni Toy Run on Vancouver Island (YEAH BIKERS!) and the tragic news from Clarksville Tennessee that 5 people were killed when a generator leaked CO2 fumes into the RV they were in.  The 5 bikers who perished were attending a charity rally.

2 of the people who perished because a hatch did not close properly allowing the noxious fumes into the RV they were sleeping in, were a married couple with 8 month old twins.

Words escape me and my heart goes out to everyone involved.

Then there is the article on Alberta's "BIKER GANGS" are growing and flexing their muscle according to an article out of Edmonton..the pictures used by the Edmonton Sun are of one of the Warlocks.

I feel I have stood on this soap box long enough and really want to find a way to educate not only the police but the mainstream media to use correct terminology when they speak about our community but I am afraid...YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID! Especially stupid that is done on purpose and in many cases, the way the police services talk about our community IS done on purpose, to incite fear...it appears to be what they do best.

And then there is a heartwarming article from a Salvation Army in New Brunswick and it is proof positive that we bikers answer the call of duty and come through more often that not!  

In Chatham-Kent the Salvation Army has been hit really hard by the poor economy - the demands on the food bank has increased 130% . In fact, the demand was so great that here, in September they had already spent their $35,000 budget.  

According to the article in the Chatham Daily News:

"Eighty bikes and 110 riders from GWRRA, the Northern Cruisers and the CMC took part in the ride.

The participants collected enough non-perishable items from eight grocery stores through-out Chatham-Kent to fill a pick-up truck and nearly 10 skids on Saturday."

Congrats to all who rode and helped out, thank you to all who gave, every donation is a drop of water and see what happens when one can gets added to another - the spirit of giving, the absolute wonderment of prayers being answered....it does feel good - doesn't it! It does feel like Christmas in September....

In the business world, Harley is experiencing some major set backs to getting the Chinese to understand leisure riding.  

You see, the governments of some 100 Chinese cities have banned motorcycles. 

From Bloomeberg: About 100 cities in China, including Beijing and Shanghai, have restrictions that include banning two-wheel vehicles from elevated highways and major thoroughfares to curb noise and thefts, according to the state-affiliated Society of Automotive Engineers of China. 

So - to all those here in Canada and the USA who think that it is their inalienable right to see how many people they can upset with excessive and unwarranted noise...read this article and see what happens when government decides they have had enough of people like you.

The rest of you - see what happens when we do not stand united to protect our rights and freedoms...YAH - it is real and while it might involve a country that has enormous population compared to ours, look at the restrictions and oppression our community faces in different pockets of this country...think it can't happen here?... YOU AR RIGHT - IT CAN'T - as long as we care enough to work together, to protect this magnificent, wonderful and giving community that is the true biker community...that means teaching consideration,  policing our own and working towards laws that protect those who ride responsibly...

Otherwise, cars, SUV's and pick ups will be what we drive in the future - 365....

Man - I feel like I have been on a roller coaster today and the day has hardly begun!

Our charity calendars are now available for sale!

To see and order the Real Lady's of Motorcycling Calendar click here

To see and order the Motorcycle Men of 2012 Calendar click here

And to see and order the Biker Kidz Calendar click here

In all we are supporting 6 charitable causes - 2 for each calendar and when you order you can choose which charity you want to support for each calendar! With your help the donations will be of a size to do some good - thank you for getting involved!

For those who need something to kick start their heart and get the blood pumping - check out this video in the Funny Stuff section of www.beltdrivebetty.com

  BDB TV

I think it was put in Funny stuff because where else do you put it?  That is one WILD video.

I hope that all who are riding today will exercise some extra caution and vigilance - please, ride like everyone around is blind and can not see you! AND PLEASE, protect and preserve our lifestyle by using respect with that right hand...

Until tomorrow,

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

What are your pet peeves?

There is an article in the news feeds today, a pet peeve from a reader of the Cornwall Seaway News, that is peed about cigarettes and garbage being thrown out of vehicle windows by drivers who don't seem to get what a hazard they cause.

Besides texting and garbage being thrown out of windows - what pet peeve do you have when it comes to the general motoring population?

Mine is those who don't observe or seem to know the rules of the road....

Then there is news out of Quebec today about corruption in the construction industry...hmm, bridges and other infrastructure crumbling and crashing and yet millions and millions spent every year... and the political parties are up to their necks in it apparently! SHOCKING, our governments conduct business that way, DO THEY? I wished you could hear my sarcasm...

My question in all of this - with the anti "gang" laws where in if three or more collude to commit a crime, will these politicians and bureaucrats get jail time or will this be another sponsorship scandal where no one really pays the price for the treason that is enacted?

Yah - I thought so...oh well I guess we can dream that one day politicians and bureaucrats will learn to treat our money - the taxes they collect as sacred and to be used wisely...

Like every day, I love it when you talk to me about the topics of the day!

In other news - our charity calendars are now available for sale!

To see and order the Real Lady's of Motorcycling Calendar click here

To see and order the Motorcycle Men of 2012 Calendar click here

And to see and order the Biker Kidz Calendar click here

In all we are supporting 6 charitable cause - 2 for each calendar and when you order you can choose which charity you want to support for each calendar!

There are a ton of Toy Runs slated for this weekend, make sure you check our Canadian Motorcycle Events Calendar to see what's on in your community.

Or download our Events app - works on 2200 different phones including Android and IPhone!

There is also a ton of news in the news feeds over at www.beltdrivebetty.com  check it out to see what nes might affect your day, week or life!

Until Monday....please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and to use respect with that right hand...the night shift worker you wake up and make crabby just might be an automotive line worker whose sleep deprivation may cause him/her to do something that generates a recall.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Do you really trust our governments? REALLY?

I have a burning question.

How much do you trust your government?

Read the article from Open Media about the new internet spying laws they are trying to push through.

The videos below show what is at risk and folks - I know many of you won't take the time to watch these 30 second clips but you really should...

It is horrifying - the invasion of privacy, the sweeping powers the police are being given. It seems to be a global mentality of governments that they need to fear their people. 

Then read the article from Orangeville ON about a bar that is experiencing extreme difficulty with the Ontario Liquor Board and their inspectors.

I think people, it is time to lift our heads out of the sand and start asking some serious questions of our MLA's and MP's.  It is time that we start protecting our Charter Rights and Freedoms before the government takes them away for good and we become a dictatorship and an oppressed land...

Seriously folks - the very things our Armed Forces are fighting - OUR CHARTER RIGHTS and FREEDOMS -  to protect elsewhere are being taken away right under our noses...are you not angry yet?

Do you really think that we should not vigilantly protect the Charter? What the hell are we sending young men and women to die for those rights and freedoms if we ourselves do not care enough about them to protect them here?

Can you puzzle me that one?

Our Guy's and Ladies Calendars are now available for sale...remember we are only going to print what we get orders for - same with the Kid's Calendars - and please remember every calendar is supporting a Canadian based and an American based charity - you get to choose which charity you want to support!

I have a ton to accomplish today and since it is newspaper day, I thought I would leave you to read your provincial newsletters and your national community newspaper - the Busted Knuckle Chronicles.

Please take some time today to check out the news feeds on www.beltdrivebetty.com because there is a TON of news, some of which might affect your day or you life...

Until tomorrow, ride safe, like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and please use respect with that right hand, the person working night shift that you wake up could just be a mail sorter who knows your address...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Every day Hero's - what would you do?

Every now and then the news has a refreshing, heart warming story and today would be one of those days...

Imagine, a BMW pulls out of a parking lot right in front of a motorcycle, the motorcycle slams into the car and fuel from the motorcycle catches fire, the rider is trapped under the car which is now also on fire...that is the scene that played out in Logan Utah.

What would you do if you happened on this scene? Well, a number of people just pitched in and lifted the car off the rider and drug him out from under the burning car. The driver of the car who was in shock just stood there watching.  If you read the article on CNN and watch the video, you will see a whole bunch of good Samaritans in action. Heartwarming, faith reaffirming, stunning - there are so many labels you could put on this scene...and like the man's uncle - I applaud these every day heroes for their quick thinking and selfless actions.  It sure makes you feel better about humanity - doesn't it.

And then there is the sad story of a 70 year old rider being killed by an alleged drunk driver.

The driver of the car was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the road at Harrison Hot Springs when the crash happened.

One of the first responders was a local resident who also happens to be a rider...here's what he had to say about the crash and the driving situation in the lower mainland:

"Lloyd Blazs, who rides a motorcycle himself, says the behaviour of local motorists is frequently terrifying. "I moved out here four months ago and I'm regretting it," he told the Times. "In downtown Vancouver, with all the cars whizzing by, I feel safe. Out here, I'm scared s---less.

"They're speeding, tailgating, dangerous driving, passing on double-solid yellow lines," he added. "I'm a veteran rider and I'm scared here. "It seems to be a pile of undisciplined drivers who, when they get out on the road, it's 'Me, me, me, and the hell with everybody else.'" End quote.

Well Lloyd, you are not alone in your thoughts on this new breed of driver and their selfishness. Here in a small centre like Grande Prairie we are dealing with much the same scenario - rude and thoughtless, no scratch that - clueless is how I view many of the drivers I come across...

I am not sure what it is going to take to make drivers realize that the vehicle they are driving is a weapon if not used properly and I sure as heck don't know how to take these selfish and self absorbed people and get them to consider others and how their actions have a ripple effect...if any of you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

I want to take some time to thank those who visited a young rider in hospital in Calgary over the past week. Carmen Kirsh was involved in a horrid wreck, which saw the driver of the SUV back over top of her. She spent 10 days in Foothills Trauma Centre and the troops rallied to make sure her time there was passed with a bit of joy and friendship. The CMA, the WITW, the Northern Stars Galaxy of the I.S.R.A. - Sandy et al and Jeff LeGrand of the MRFD - thank you so much - Carmen told me that for the first time she feels like she is a part of a community!  She is out of hospital now, very sore, and with a long road ahead to a full recovery.

I also want to thank Jim R for the $100 donation towards helping this little gal - she is a contractor with no wages coming in as a result of the crash and will need some financial support. You can send donations to The Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association

10908-102 ST Grande Prairie AB, T8V 2X3 tagged with Carmen Kirsh Injured Riders Fund.

We have about $900 raised for her so far but she is going to need at least $3000 to see her through until section B benefits start coming in - any and all support you can offer - even $20 is going to go a long way to making her recovery a bit easier to deal with.

Like every day I welcome your feedback on what's in the news.

There is a ton of news over on www.beltdrivebetty.com  where we sift through the news so you don't have to...

Please have a safe and enjoyable day out there and remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you...oh and don't forget to use respect with that right hand, the person working nights that you wake up could be a cop and all that will do is put him/her in a real ugly frame of mind...

Until tomorrow...

Belt Drive Betty

Rider & Editor