Some exciting news, inspiring news to share with everyone I can get it out to!

I have been tormenting some of my friends on my personal Facebook page about the exciting news that I have to share.

Today, I am sharing one of a few things that are pretty exciting - to ease some of their misery and also cause I am so excited - I have to let some steam off before I explode!

I have had so many great things happening, things that will benefit so many people, communities, business and regions of Canada, for bikers from anywhere really - some are still being worked on and although close to being reality, I am not in a position to share and some that have come together so lightening fast my head is swimming!

Before I get into the news, I want you all to know that YOU are the reason I am able to share this and I am grateful that the work I do, that Ali does, means something to so many of you.

Because you read my blog posts, our community newspaper, use our web site or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linked In or Google +  It is because we talk, laugh and share that I am in a position today to help make a difference in someone's life. In a really meaningful way.

In a way I only dreamed could someday happen 10 and 1/2 years ago....

I am going to share some news with you all, news that is really, really important to me.

It involves a 19 year old artist with Asperger's Syndrome, the cast of the Sons of Anarchy, Help Solve The Puzzle Motorcycle Ride for Autism Service Dogs and Kelly's Place and a mothers love.

I want you to read the front page of the poster: NO SERIOUSLY - don't go any farther until you have opened/clicked on and read the front page of the poster....

Page 2 includes some of the preliminary information on the auction:

PLEASE - I BEG YOU TO SHARE THIS EVERYWHERE to EVERYONE you can think of that might be interested in buying some great art and showing this talented young man some love - let's help Mark pay for his education the same way he earned his way into art school - through HIS WORK - his art.

Each auction will last 24 hours so that everyone in any time zone that likes this young man's art work, enjoys the show "Sons of Anarchy", anyone who wants to make a difference - people of influence....

His mom, Kristina is hoping the art will raise $4,000. I say we should raise all $40,000 that this young man's education is going to cost....I can't do this alone folks.  

Like everything I have ever done with the Busted Knuckle, the web site - I NEED YOU - all 50,000-70,000 of you that I have the ability to touch to help make this young man's dream come true!

We have the power through your numbers.

I am so honored to be hosting the Breaking the Autism Barrier Through Bikers & Biker Art Online Reserved Auction! And I know that every person who shares this information even if they can't afford to bid - every person who helps this auction to be a success for this young man is going to feel like I do right now - GOOD ABOUT ME.

We, at Belt Drive Betty Media are hosting this auction for free - no commission, no fee of any nature - 100% of the money raised from this auction goes directly to Mark.

Ali is building this young man a web site after the auction - for FREE.

Why? Cause we can.  Think of what this young man's story means for every person living with Autism and their families....

Please - read the poster - read this young man's story and let's help his dream come true.
Share this blog post, the posters with everyone you possibly can - Please.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what I know you'll do....cause you are the best people in the whole world - my chosen family.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Even Kurt Sutter couldn't make this up

Half Sac (Johnny Lewis) is dead - and what bizarre circumstances - so bizarre that even Kurt Sutter would be hard pressed to write this story line first...

According to the article in the Huffpost Celebrity:
Begin Quote - Lewis is reportedly suspected of murdering the 70-year-old woman on whose Los Feliz driveway he was found dead. According to TMZ, the woman may have been renting a room to Lewis at the time of both of their deaths. End Quote

As one Facebook follower noted - he saved the cops a lot of work!

And our idiot of the day belongs to a Calgary rider who got nabbed doing almost 200K on the Deerfoot

The mega trials for the Hells Angels in Quebec could be as riveting as any TV show...
The headline from the Toronto Sun claim that $25,000 was the price for the death of every rival!
Apparently the crown will be using that information during the first of the mega trials of 100 members supposedly involved with 22 murders...man thats a lot of scratch...

October 7, 2012 - VANCOUVER TOY RUN - Sunday. Starts 10am @ COQUITLAM Mall, proceeds to PNE, big red livestock barn. Entry-one toy. Pinned event. No stuffed animals please. Educational and sports toys welcome. Must be sealed/packaged. Vendors, food, refreshments. Info: BCCOM - 604-580-0111.
Azzkikr Custom Cycles is asking riders to join them for a ride to the Toy Run! Coffee and snacks will be on: Meet at AZZKIKR CUSTOM CYCLES 19368 Fraser Hwy and leaving promptly at 8:30 AM to ride to Coquitlum to meet fellow toy run riders.

Please go to the Azzkikr Event Page on Facebook and show your support for the Vancouver Toy Run!

In Other news:

In Sports - A 10 year old Chilliwack BC racer took top honours against ADULTS!

In Lifestyles - International MC Events - A Cancer fundraiser is getting a shot in the arm from GODaddy

In Lifestyles - Rider Safety - Anti Lock Brakes are getting a thumbs up on motorcycles

In Manufacturer News - A first look at the Ducati Multistrada by Unlimited Motorcycling and a first look at the new Moto Guzzi V7 by Motorcycle-USA and Harley Davidson is telling Arabian women to get on their own motorcycle.

There is a ton of other news in the feeds today - check it all out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!

If you are a subscriber to the Busted Knuckle Chronicles and reading your weekly newspaper - Darryl, our layout guy forgot to attribute the CMDRA finale - front page article to Liane Langlois...sorry Liane - we will get that fixed ASAP.

I leave you today with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and by email...

Have a happy and safe Thursday everyone...hope to see a bunch of you out at the Toys for Tots Parade - Muskoseepi Park here in Grande Prairie Alberta - this Saturday - We gather at noon!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

SOA show was a real gripper

Kurt Sutter, a mind that is as twisted and bent as a pretzel, delivered a gripping and disturbing show last night.  If you are in a time zone that has not seen the show yet - don't go any further in reading this...

NOT OPIE - I know it's just a show, but I seriously teared up - the look on Jax's face as Opie did what Opie has generally done was heart wrenching, but the look on Jax's face when Opie took the final blow that killed him - well that was one of deep sadness and friendship - the loyalty that Opie showed is typical of the MC world.

I have a number of drawings of members of the SOA from a local Alberta artist - Gayle Taylor - I almost feel like I should hang Opie's picture upside down now :(((

Kurt Sutter has a Video Blog called WTF Sutter and I now truly get the meaning of the title as I saw myself saying that over and over again - WTF Sutter - why Opie?  I get it, I hated it -  but I get it.

Twitter and Facebook are all a buzz over the death of Opie and many are pissed, but like me there are many who get it! The MC world touts loyalty to the club and brotherhood over all and that's why Opie had to die....And now Jax is in a position to leverage a lot of stuff, cause he didn't have to choose who should die. I can't wait to see how the jailer dies...and how Jax is going to use Tig...twisted - just like our favorite roads to ride are - that's the mind of Kurt Sutter...

In other news:

In Rhode Island a new bishop is being installed and he's heading for it on his motorcycle!

In Ontario - Dalton Timmis Insurance is throwing their support behind a local Ronald McDonald House - find out how you can help.

Also in Ontario - Classy Chassis Cycle in Lakefield is getting ready for their big auction and like years gone by there are some great motorcycles on the block!

In Great Britain, the Queen is getting a special gift

In Sports, Legendary tuner Skip Eaken passed away.

Also in sports - Rules are upsetting Screamin Eagle competitors in the NHRA

There is a ton of other news in the feeds today, to find out what may affect your day or life as a rider visit 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...

After last night's SOA I need to laugh!

Have a fabulous hump day everyone and if you are riding - PLEASE be safe.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Ride

An incredible weekend...

As a rider, you have days that are great, good and not so good. The weekends are the same - some are filled with friends, sunshine, riding and joy and others are so so.

Well - although I have not been on the bike much the last few weeks in an attempt to get caught up around here - I none the less had an incredible weekend - no riding involved!

How can that be? Well just because I wasn't riding doesn't mean I wasn't surrounded by riders and all things motorcycles!

I was blessed to be granted an exclusive interview with Christopher "Filthy Phil" Reed from the hit TV Series Sons of Anarchy.

When I say blessed I truly mean it. It is the first time I have ever done a video interview with a TV star.
It was the first real interview by video where in I took an active part - I was actually on camera instead of behind it and I have my new assistant, Stephanie to thank for that. She has been volunteering some time with me and seeing what courses she will need to take in order to work with me full time next year!

So, how did this interview come about and why do I feel blessed?

Last week our local Toys for Tots group announced that there was a fundraiser being held for them by Reverb Productions and Ink Spot Tattoo here in Grande Prairie.

I was given a poster for our paper and talked to Earl from Reverb about the opportunity to interview "Filthy Phil"!

The interview was granted and I was excited and nervous.  What would Christopher Douglas Reed be like as a person - not an actor? Did I really have what it takes to interview someone on camera without looking like a star struck idiot?

Stephanie and I arrived at the D Armoury at 8PM, Earl was just on his way to go pick up the VIP guest of the evening from his hotel room.

When he arrived he was hustled into a private room so that he could catch his breath and have a couple moments before he was to meet everyone.

When he came out of the small room, it was incredible - he walked straight to Stephanie and I , spoke to her first and them to me - he had NO CLUE who we were or why we were here other than for the meet 'n' greet!  It was one of those moments in time that are so special.

After he got through being mobbed by people, he went up to the front of the hall to the table where he's be signing autographs and taking photos with the riders and fans who came out to meet him.

What an amazing young man. At only 28, this gent has already mastered the art of graciousness.

He took the time to ask every person their name, to sign every photo differently - personalizing each one. He took photos with everyone and was so real,  so genuine I knew this interview would turn out more than OK.

During his break from signing autographs, Christopher, Steph and I headed to the small, poorly lit room that would be our semi quiet place for this interview.

Christopher with his sponsors - the guys from Reverb and James Denny - the guy pointing (Happy 50th James)

Heidi's Autograph

Steph with Christopher

At first I was still really nervous, but Christopher was such a genuinely nice man that in no time at all, I felt like we were friends having a conversation.  When I asked him about the small plane that comes from Edmonton to Grande Prairie and he expressed how scary it was - I giggled and from there on in, interviewing seemed as natural to me as breathing!

The only time I stumbled was trying to spit out the name of the Saskatchewan Lone Wolves - a riding club that I belong to as an honorary member.  A few months back they got to meet and ride with Kim Coates who plays Tig on SOA.

Here is the interview - uncut - I hope you enjoy getting to know Christopher Douglas Reed and his character "Filthy Phil" as much as I did...

Some of the things I learned about Christopher off camera:

This was his first trip outside of the US - he's only ever been to LA, Las Vegas and a place in Iowa (he didn't share the location).

He loves to act and really loves theatre.

His birthday is in September - I promised I would NOT share the date.

He is loyal - somewhat out of fear...he refused to share what's going to happen on SOA this season. (many in the audience asked him that question) His answer was for fear of being sued and beaten up - I will not share what's going to happen - actually I am more scared of my fellow cast members beating the crap out of me if I was to destroy the thrill than of being sued by Kurt Sutter!

He loves people.

I guess the man is in the right industry!

I want to thank Reverb Productions and Ink Spot Tattoo for granting Belt Drive Betty Media an exclusive with Christopher and most especially Christopher for being my first video interview with a true celebrity - I am positive we are going to be hearing big things about this humble giant of a man in the future!

In other news:

A unique "Fallen Riders" ride was held in Edmonton on the weekend - hosted by a Funeral Company!

In Nova Scotia, members of the Bacchus found themselves in hot water.

In Manufacturers News - Ducati's traction control costs them the race.

In Sports - Hayes and Cardenas were crowned at Homestead.

In Law & Politics - A judge in a murder case in Prince George BC is asking the crown to investigate laying charges against the RCMP...

There is a ton of other news from the weekend in the news feeds so check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!

I leave you today by sharing some of the crazy stuff my friends on Facebook share with me..laughter - it is so good for the soul!

Have a fabulous Monday everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Why the average rider gets a bad rap...

I had asked what people thought of 1%ers a few days ago and got a comment from one reader who suggested that those who think they are bad ass doing more harm than those who choose the 1%er life and yah know what - I think he's on to something.

Here is Bonecutter's rant on the topic:

Begin Quote: Maybe a good question would be how much damage do the some of other 99% of riders do to the perception of bikers?
Go to a bike show. Watch some of the guys from the mom and pop clubs slip on a leather jacket or vest and suddenly start walking around like they just grew a set of biceps.

Go to a pub night and watch the same people indulging in juvenile antics before they go home and take off their "bad boy" costumes. Before they go back to their day jobs and their regular lives.

If riders don't want to be associated with that image then leave the leathers, the vests, the patches - leave all of it in the store. Put on your colourful Joe Rocket gear, take off the loud pipes, leave the attitude at home and enjoy your ride. There's nothing wrong with that.

But so long as people get a thrill out of living out their idea of a bad boy image - we're going to keep contributing to the problem. End Quote

Today in the news we have not one but three dumb asses who truly do more harm to the rider lifestyle than most 1%ers ever could...

A motorcyclist going the wrong way down the highway doing 101 MPH

A motorcyclist doing a wheelie at 103MPH 

And the dumb ass of the day award goes to a dad, riding with his two small children, zipping in and out of traffic - NOT ONE OF THEM wearing a helmet.

Yup - we are our own worst enemy! Thanks for the reality check there Bonecutter!

There is a TON of news in the feeds today, visit www.beltdrivebetty.com - where our work is keeping You informed, to see what might affect your day or life as a rider...

I close off with a few funnies - cause laughter is sorely needed this morning. Thanks to all my wonderfully zany friends on Facebook who shared with me...

Have a fabulous Thursday and PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you...


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Utterly Disgraceful...

An article today in the Chronicle Herald tells us how the Parti Quebecois removed the Canadian flag from its spot in the legislature: Begin Quote -
as mem­bers of the pro-independence Parti Quebecois took the oath of office Monday.

The removal of the Maple Leaf was part of a long-standing see­saw ritual: it had been long ab­sent in the legislature but was restored nine years ago when Jean Charest’s Liberals took office and placed it next to the Quebec flag at the Speaker’s chair in the building’s cere­monial chamber.

It was gone again Monday as the PQ’s 54-member caucus took the oath of office in the ornate old upper chamber, known as the Red Room, where the Quebec Fleur-de-lis was once again standing alone. End Quote...

As much as I love this country, as much as I have family ties to Quebec, as much as I want to see our country united, perhaps it is time that the rest of Canada vote on whether or not we want to keep Quebec as a part of Canada.

In so many ways Canada would be better off without the bully that is the PQ. We would be poorer for loosing the beauty that is Quebec but the nasty politics of that province do so much to hurt our pride and unity that perhaps it is time to give up the dream of a united Canada...

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this topic...

Should the rest of Canada ask Quebec to either join us properly in being Canadian or simply ask them to leave?

No transfer payments - get your own currency...what say you?

In other news:

In BC, a rider is in serious condition after a crash that closed the Massey Tunnel

In Manitoba, no charges will be laid in a crash that killed a rider near Shoal Lake

In Ontario, a 38 year old Brampton man is dead after a crash in Caledon

In St Louis Mo, the Ride of the Century had some serious troubles

In Australia, they are considering legalizing lane splitting or filtering to ease congestion

There is a ton of news in the feeds today that may affect your day or life as a rider, to see what's happening around the block or around the world visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed...

I leave you with a few giggles shared with me by friends on Facebook and via email and after the PQ's latest stunt I think we all need a giggle...

Have a safe and happy Tuesday,

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Bikers suing the US government

Lat week I asked you how you felt about the 1% community, there were no responses, so either you chose not to respond, or no one read the article.

The 1% community influences law enforcement and government when it comes to the treatment of the you and I - the everyday ordinary rider get treated.

Last week an event in Oregon was shut down because of the Mongols and the Angels having a dispute.

This week, there is news that a prominent immigration lawyer named Margaret Wong is suing the US government on behalf of the Hells Angels over it's policy of denying entry visas to members of the group.

Begin Quote: "Wong and Kentucky lawyer Matthew Robinson are representing the motorcycle club in a lawsuit filed last month in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. The suit says Hells Angels members have been denied travel visas after the Homeland Security and State departments designated the club as a "known criminal organization."

The suit says the blanket designation is unwarranted and violates federal immigration law." End Quote

Regardless of what your personal views are on who the Hells Angels are, if governments can deny entry into a country based on the fact you are a member - and you have no criminal record...do you think it could happen to you?

I have a taped interview with a German biker who visited this country about a year ago. In that interview he expresses that he travelled through 3 international airports and their security before landing in Toronto. In Toronto he was strip searched and grilled over his tee shirts and what they meant - why? Because he chose to wear his leathers sooner than pack them in his bag and pay for the extra weight. He expressed that the officers who interrogated him, insisted his tee shirts were gang related and not event related as he insisted they were.

So - while the Hells Angels and others of their ilk may be the cause of the grief many of us go through, the RCMP and other police services are the ones who perpetrate the profiling of our community.  I had spoken to MP Chris Warkenton a while back regarding the issue of police profiling and he said he would never ask or insist they stop profiling because it is a valuable tool.   Hmmm - I wonder.

So - what are your thoughts on this fine Monday morning?

Is profiling a good tool for the police to use?

Are the Hells Angels right to be suing the US government over denying visitor visas?

How do you feel about tourists who are not members of 1% motorcycle clubs being strip searched over the apparel they wear?

I would love to know!

In other news:

A rider in Edmonton is in serious condition after a crash last night on Groat Road.

Also in Edmonton, a plea is being sent out for Edmontonians to endure the noise generated by the upcoming Toy Run.

The Barber Vintage Festival is dubbed the fastest growing celebration of vintage motorcycles and is scheduled for October 12 – 14, 2012 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

In Sports - Valentino Rossi finished second, 4 second behind Jorge Lorenzo this weekend. It was Rossi's best finish in two years!

There is lots of 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 via emails...

Have a fabulous Monday and please - ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider