Ducati has been sold, Audi the proud new owner

The motorcycle industry is all a buzz with the news that Ducati has been sold to Audi.

The Italian motorcycle company which was founded in 1926 and now employs some 1,100 people is a good fit for Audi according to their chairman, Rupert Stadler.

It looks like Ducati struck a win off the track!

Bathhurst NB is ready to crack down on noisy motorcycles and unlike last year where riders got warnings, this year they will not get off nearly as lucky.

New Hampshire's noise bill will become law shortly and will allow road side testing by police.

Now Calgary Alberta also has a new noise bylaw but have taken a different tact from most communities and are tackling ALL non commercial vehicle noise with the Noise Snare.

According to the article in Metro News, the city tested the Noise Snare which operates like photo radar but tracks sound as opposed to speed, last year and out "of 11,347 vehicles sampled over that time, only 15 produce noise that exceeded the 96-decibel threshold."

Different approaches are being used by various communities but at the end of the day, I like Calgary's approach - go after ALL NOISE VIOLATORS - booming stereos, loud and obnoxious diesel trucks, cars and yes motorcycles - if your vehicle is too loud - it's too loud...

At the end of the day, the minority always seems to wreck it for the majority - in the case of those communities that have adopted the discriminatory Motorcycle ONLY roadside tests and have bought in to the MIC and MMIC testing methodologies, I think that every riding community will be watching Calgary and if the technology appears to be as sound as it looks, there WILL BE a HUGE push back and a great case for discrimination.

Most of the communities that have bought into the J2825, were introduced to the Noise Snare around the same time as Luc Fournier was going around touting the J2825. These same communities have pushed the J2825 saying there is no technology to target all noise offenders - they are wrong and in many cases appear to NOT be telling their constituents the truth and reportedly, the police services are largely responsible for the mentality that the J2825 is the right way to go. I wonder why that would be?

So - the question of the day is - which form of catching the offenders would you rather see? One that is labor intensive and discriminatory like the J2825 that the MIC and MMIC have been selling to various communities or the Noise Snare, low overhead, no police involvement, no discrimination?

In other news:

Do you want to win tickets to the Eric Church Concert at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis this year?

Well - guess what Russ Brown - Motorcycle Attorney has given us 2 sets of 2 tickets to give away!  We aren't quite sure what contests we will run to give them away yet so stay tuned...

In Manitoba, a Hells Angels Prospect is challenging the Peace Bond that some friends and family have had placed on them.

In the Electric motorcycle world, Brammo leaps ahead of Zero...

There is a ton of news in the feeds today - I invite you to visit www.beltdrivebetty.com and see what might affect your life as a rider...

Have a fabulous Thursday - I hope that those who subscribe to the Busted Knuckle Chronicles, Canada's Rider Powered News, are enjoying the paper - it's been almost a year since I have done the layout and have gone back to the page format so many have asked for...let me know your thoughts folks!

Hopefully I will be on the road home later today, after a bout of the flu, I am finally feeling well enough to start the journey home!

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends through Facebook and email.

Have a Happy Thursday!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor &a Rider

A job well done, how do you define it?

I recently hired someone to layout our paper, the Busted Knuckle Chronicles. She came with good references and had 30 years of experience. What I discovered however was that this woman wanted to lay out the paper according to industry standards instead of the way I wanted it done.  I wanted the paper done in provincial sections with the appropriate columnists in their provincial category - she wanted to put all of the columnists in the middle of the paper. I wanted certain fonts and colours used - she refused to use them - so at the end of the day we agreed to disagree and she no longer works for me.

Whatever happened to the customer being right? I am paying the bills, I know what I want and yet...it is virtually impossible to get people to do the job the way you ask for it to be done.

I hear it all the time from other employers. Finding good quality staff is near impossible - all of the good employees are already taken...so I will be on the hunt again for a new layout artist - and I want to find someone who rides, who understands the biker community.  If you have anyone to recommend let me know.

In the news today, there is a story of a rider doing 299 KMPH from Vancouver Island, who posted the video on Youtube and the cops are on the hunt - this story reminds me of the joke whereby a person posted the details of their proposed robbery on Facebook. Stupid is as stupid does and the biker community takes another black eye...

In Prince George a gangster from the Game Tight Soldiers who was ordered deported more than 4 years ago, is now wanted for kidnapping.  Why was this man not deported? Why has he been allowed to stay in this country? I shake my head...

Ducati may see the purchase by Audi completed this week and Norton has come out with a TT bike with an Aprilia engine in it...

Harley-Davidson strong armed a fan who started a social network called HarleySpace - the man has renamed his social network IronRiders, and Harley is getting pushback over their actions.

In Whitecourt AB they are getting ready to ride for Alzheimer's

There is a TON of news in the feeds today - check it all out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news so you don't have to!

I leave you with a few funnies to kickstart your day...these come from my friends on Facebook and by email.

Have a fantastic Hump day...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

How was your weekend?

I had a fantastic weekend at Cyclemania in Saskatoon, lots of great people and incredible motorcycles - I think that's what most of us in the riding community call a fabulous way to spend a weekend! The PMS is receding and what a relief it is!

Watch for this week's Busted Knuckle Chronicles, coming out on Thursday morning for the low down on the show!

Cookie attended the Port Dover, Friday the 13th celebrations and also has a wonderful report on that event in this coming Thursday's paper...

Now, on to the news of the day...

There is an article in the news today that may prove of interest to riders here in Canada who have experienced profiling by police officers. In Grants Pass, Oregon, bikers are protesting traffic stops and profiling & are considering legal action.

Everyday across north America, riders encounter the discriminatory practise of profiling by the police. (A practise that is disallowed by law when applied to ethnic communities.)

Many riders believe that what the outlaw and 1% clubs do or experience have little to do with them, however they would be very wrong.  Attend an event where outlaws and 1% patches are present and you can almost bet your bottom dollar that you have been photographed, so has your ride and license plate. You can also rest assured that you are listed on an associates list in the databases of the police services.  When you see the police attending motorcycle events in a large way, protection is only ONE service they are providing - the other is intelligence gathering.  Because the police view the outlaw and 1%er clubs as criminal organizations, anyone who speaks to them, admires their machines, attends the same events is fair game in the eyes of the police because you just never know when that 75 year old grandmother might be a drug mule.

In the US there are pushes taking place all over the place to challenge and change laws that are discriminatory towards motorcyclists. Just because you ride a bike, attend events does not automatically mean you have criminal intent.

The push for equality of treatment as road users and citizens is one that every motorcyclist should consider getting behind. Some argue that it's the outlaw & 1%er clubs that have brought this on themselves and they should fight their own battles and if the police ONLY targeted those persons when gathering their intelligence and stopping riders, then I would agree with them. However, it is the police that have made these issues something that has the potential to affect every rider who attends motorcycle related gatherings of any nature. It's one of those issues that like the use of helmets and the noise generated by some riders that causes lots of debates and disagreements.

Another article of interest comes from Virginia where it is now legal for motorcyclists to ride side by side.  

The old law in Virginia saw riders fined for pulling up beside each other at a light, or riding up beside a fellow rider to signal a need to stop etc..the new law now gives the riders the right to decide when it is safe to ride side by side. Bikers in that state are looking at the new law as a win against the discrimination that they face with regards to laws.

What are your thoughts on this topic? I think it should make for some interesting discussions!

In other news:

Steve McQueen of Calgary is the first Albertan sporting a Veteran's plate on his motorcycle. After 7 years of lobbying, his efforts have been rewarded!

In Michigan where the right to choose whether or not to wear a helmet was recently granted to riders, if you 1 - take a safety course and 2 have $20,000 in medical insurance is seeing an interesting debate starting...should riders who choose to ride without a helmet be forced to sign an organ donors card? What do you think?

In Zurich Switzerland, travellers are being treated to a massive series of displays of Ducati Motorcycles.

In Cuba, Harley riders are celebrating their first ever motorcycle rally.

There are travel articles, sports news and other bits and bytes that might be of interest to you over at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news so you don't have to.

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email...
Laughter is a great way to start a Monday!

Have a great day,


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

WOOOO HOOOOO

What a great day of riding, it feels so good to be back in the saddle. It is amazing what a good 900 KM ride can do for the soul and the brain. All that stuff that seems so important, so overwhelming gets put back into perspective!

I have about an hour to get to Saskatoon and then head over to get set up for Cyclemania and I know I said I probably would have an editorial today but...yeah - I find it hard to not work!

We have some exciting news!!!!

We will be holding a contest very soon wherein we will be giving away 2 sets of two tickets to the Eric Church Contest at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis courtesy of Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys!!!!!  We will announce the details soon so stay tuned! (Click here to find out what Russ Brown has planned.)

There is a ton of news that riders should check out:
In Saskatoon a rider was killed, the 19 year old lost control of his bike when he hit a patch of gravel

There is a great article from Greg Williams of the Calgary Herald on some Calgary area events

If you are a Ted Nugent fan, check out the article on the Michigan Thrills Bike Festival in July

An unlicensed 19 year old who turned left in front of a rider causing his death gets 120 days in jail, 100 hours of community service and a 3 year probation....

Audi is reportedly making their decision and announcement on buying Ducati next week - stay tuned, as soon as we hear, we will let you know!

Sonny Barger is about to add film producer to his list of accomplishments! Dead in 5 Heartbeats is the film...

There is a TON of other news in the feeds - check it all out at www.beltdrivebetty.com

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

To all those heading out to Port Dover today - PLEASE ride safe....you are important yah know!

For those in Saskatoon and area - stop by my booth - I WANT A HUG!!!!

Have a FANTASTIC weekend and if you live in Calgary/Southern Alberta - remember, this too shall pass!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Growing pains and learning curves!

Our humble little newspaper, The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, is going through some growing pains.

First it was the challenges with the web site and moving to a dedicated server - that had me and pretty much everyone attempting to use the site pulling out our hair - now that those issues have settled down - the site is fast as all get out and Ali is working at getting all of the sections fleshed out and finished.  Hopefully by the end of the month most everything will be back where it belongs and humming along wonderfully.

Darryl Flowers, our biker layout artist from Montana has seen his newspaper expand in a big way, and with how big our paper has become well, we decided it was in the best interest of both publications if I found a new layout person so....

We have a new layout artist that we are training and that is proving a wee bit challenging.
Like everything else - learning curves take a bit of time to over come.

Joei Warm, a former rider who lives in BC,  is our new layout gal and brings a lot of wonderful and creative ideas to the table and as she gets the hang of where things belong and what we need from her it is only going to keep improving so bare with us!

I want to thank Darryl for all of the work he has done for us and wish him nothing but the best as the Fairfield Sun Times grows for him!  It is wonderful to see another rider owned business growing the way it is!

Our phone book's second printing has had to be delayed due to some technical challenges for some of our advertisers - as soon as we know when they will be ready - we'll let you know when and where you can pick up your free copy. We will have some available for those who want us to mail them out - as soon as we know what Canada Post is going to charge us for shipping we will make them available by Pay Pal.

I used to get so worked up by these kinds of challenges but I have come to a place where I am learning to roll with the punches - it is sure making for a happier me!

My bike is packed and I am ready to head to Saskatoon and Cycle Mania - I can't wait to see my friends from northern Saskatchewan and Alberta!

I will be heading out this morning and should be in Toon Town tomorrow...

You probably won't hear from me until Monday now so have a safe weekend, if you are riding, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and remember they WANT YOUR LANE!

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

Ride Safe,


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

If they can do it to them...who is next?

"To serve and protect" - it used to mean something, but in this day and age it seems to be a case of "to bully and lie".

The news out of Manitoba today has me questioning law enforcement in this country in a way I never have before.

I am all for putting criminals behind bars and making our communities as safe as can be. HOWEVER, I am NOT for SWEEPING DISCRIMINATION.

The article in the Winnipeg Free Press has me concerned on a number of levels.
Here's why - Begin Quote: The Free Press has uncovered details of a campaign being waged in the courts following a recent undercover sting that dealt a serious blow to the Hells Angels. At least seven members and associates have been arrested in recent weeks, despite no evidence they have committed crimes. More arrests are expected. END QUOTE

The article goes on to say that "The remaining few members and associates who weren't snared by the criminal investigation, including Sweeney's brother, Rod, are being caught in the peace-bond net. The result is that almost every person linked to the Manitoba Hells Angels is either in custody or barred from having contact with any other member or associate."

So, a brother - a BLOOD brother, who has no criminal record is now not allowed to associate with his brother because his brother is a Hells Angel, if he does it's do not pass go, go straight to jail...

Are the RCMP going to enforce this law on Liberal Party of Canada for the Sponsorship Scandal? By their own definition (The Liberal Party's Definition that now constitutes a law in Canada) they - the Liberal Party of Canada are a criminal organization.

I wonder if the RCMP are going to enforce this law on the Boy Scouts of Canada?
What about the Roman Catholic Church?

Think about it folks - the definition of a criminal organization in Canada is:
(From the Edmonton Police Services Web Site)

Organized Crime Legislation

 As stated in the Criminal Code, section 467.1(1), a "criminal organization" means a group, however organized, that

1. is composed of three or more persons in or outside Canada; and, 
2. has as one of its main purposes or main activities the facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences, that, if committed, would likely result in the direct or indirect receipt of a material benefit, including a financial benefit, by the group or by any one of the persons who constitute the group. 

It does not include a group of persons that forms randomly for the immediate commission of a single offence.

End quote

Repeatedly the Catholic Church has hidden and protected priests whose conduct has been horrifying. In most of the cases I have read of, the arch bishops, the cardinals and in many cases the pope has known of the offences. That takes care of requirement A - ergo, they, by definition are a criminal organization.

The financial benefit to the Church in the many scandals that have taken place with regards to sexual assaults and abuse of minors was not having to pay compensation to victims and continuing to collect donations etc., because the crimes were covered up.

That takes care of requirement B.

Ergo, the Roman Catholic Church COULD be labelled a criminal organization.

The exact same thing can be said of the Boy Scouts of Canada...more than three people have covered things up which is a crime and financial compensation was had as the hiding of the information on sexual predators in their midst allowed them to continue fundraising etc...and again protected their financial interests by avoiding paying compensation.

The Liberal Party of Canada and in the Province of Ontario have repeatedly "stolen" money from the Canadian Taxpayer - the Sponsorship Scandal and the Ornge fiasco come to mind.

Again, there were more than three people who conspired and financial gain was had...

So, if there are wrong doers in your midst and you belong to an organization, if it is the will of the RCMP, your organization could be next in the witch hunts.

Yes I am being a facetious old bag - but I want you to really think about what the RCMP are doing and how morally wrong it is.

You have done no crime - or at least there is no PROOF of any crime and yet you can be arrested and detained if you associate with your family member and all because that family member is a member of the Hells Angels...

What the hell happened to Innocent until PROVEN guilty?

What the hell is happening to Canada?

You may think I am a lunatic, off my rocker, off kilter and maybe I am.

I know one thing for certain, the RCMP in this country could also be held up as a criminal organization based on the legal definition. Every day across this country police officers lie, drink and drive, use excessive force, beat their wives and harass their female counter parts, kill people with tasers and then lie about their conduct...

Most of the time there are more than three people involved, most of the time there is some financial gain be it the fact that officers get paid suspensions and or the police service can avoid paying out damages and continue to collect taxpayers money in the form of salaries, equipment. 

Like I said - I have grave concerns about what is going on. Why should someone who has never been charged with a criminal offence be held to a peace bond?  Why should someone who has never been charged with an offence be treated like a criminal and be held accountable for the sins of his brother?

My question for the day is this...am I out to lunch on this topic or does something seriously stink?

In other news:

Under the Lifestyles - Movies/TV category - American Pickers uncovers a rare Harley

In Sooke BC a wild crash sees one rider very lucky to be alive.

In Regina SK, the CMA wants to remind you of the group riding training course on Wednesday night.

In the US, A Marine's story has inspired riders to help out

There is a ton of information in the news feeds this morning, everything from who is appearing at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis this year to some great sports news....check them out at:

www.beltdrivebetty.com 

I leave you with a few funnies to start your day off...thanks to my bent and broken friends on Facebook for sharing their sense of humour with the rest of us!

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

And the winner of the Dumb Ass of the day is?

Motorcycle safety and awareness begins with the rider.

Riding like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, riding like you know they want to move into the spot you are in - these are two of the MOST important skills that riders can develop to keep them safe...most riders seem to understand that.

We hear the banter back and forth over cell phone usage and texting while driving - distracted driving laws are springing up everywhere - we all know the dangers - RIGHT?

Apparently not...

Over the weekend I had a couple of pictures shared with me by by friends on Facebook.

Darwin Award Candidate # 2

After seeing these fine examples of what not to do while riding, I went on a mission to see just how many riders text or use cell phones while riding...there are tons, and tons - here are but a few...


On Youtube:

Below - A rider in India texting while lying back on his bike in traffic...

Below - A cop texting and riding, on his POLICE MOTORCYCLE AT 1:30 in the afternoon!

On Youtube there is a video tagged as Extreme Facebook Update..Like a boss... the man states no reposting without consent so - go to Youtube and type in Extreme Facebook Update...Like a Boss - the video sickens me...

The photo above, I found on Google Image
search and comes from the aforementioned
video!

No where in the world it seems are we safe from the ones who think they possess superior skills to others...

Then there are those who for whatever reason decide they look good, or cool with as little clothing and gear on as possible:

Or how about those who feel the need to show off in other ways while riding:

And it doesn't end with motorcycles - I found tons of pictures of bicycle riders texting while riding too, here's one good example:

Sadly - I could go on, and on and on....it appears that we humans have become really stupid thanks to the amazing technologies we have in hand.

We riders are always bitching about cagers but seriously - it is time to take a stand folks - a stand against the riders in our community who feel their rights are more important than those of others, who don't understand the simple concept of sharing our communities and the world with others...that forget they have loved ones - family and friends who are going to miss them when they are gone or resent them when they have to play nurse maid for days and weeks or maybe the rest of their lives...

How do we get these people off the road - be they in a cage or semi; on a motorcycle or on a bicycle their selfish, thoughtless and inconsiderate actions cost everyone.

The costs are many - we KNOW that - hospital bills, insurance hikes, extreme police pressure - everyone pays the price for the show off and the self involved, self centred human.

WHAT THE HELL DO WE HAVE TO DO TO GET THROUGH TO PEOPLE?????

I want you to tell me what your thoughts are on the topic of riders using cell phones while riding, the use of bluetooth devices and texting while riding...then I want you to share which me your thoughts on riding wearing shorts, bikinis, tank tops, flip flops etc as opposed to real riding gear.  Join the discussion on my Facebook Fan-page - CLICK HERE

In other news:

I finally got out for my first ride of the season - and on a nice clean, shiny ride thanks to Elbow Grease Ventures in Dawson Creek BC - thanks Papa Mike Chemerys...

I feel like a new woman this morning - I so needed that brain clearer - that soul clearer, YAHOOO what a feeling!

There is a ton of news in the feeds from the weekend and this morning...check out everything that we uncovered at www.beltdrivebetty.com

I am leaving you this morning with a biker's prayer that I discovered when I was at Tattoo Tony's shop in Toronto about 10 days ago, there are many biker's prayers that I have seen over the years, this one really touched something in my soul, I hope you enjoy it!

I hope that you had a great Easter weekend and that you have a fantastic Easter Monday!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider