Saskatchewan Riders - teaching us all a lesson in unity

Saskatchewan gets a bad rap as a place to live and ride.

The infrastructure in the province is deplorable, everyone in the world seems to think the place is flat and boring when that is far from the case.

People poke fun of Saskatchewan for a variety of reasons but I am here to tell you this...

In just a few days this provinces riders have united in a way that the rest of the country could stand up and take notice of.

While they have an enormous amount to do in a short period of time, the riders are getting the job done.

The have been FLOODING SGI with petitions, letters, phone calls and emails.
They have been getting media attention and they are gathering strength in numbers.

These people are united in a way that I have not seen happen in a long while and I hope that they can sustain it because we here in Canada need a role model on what being a lobby force can look like and accomplish.

I, like many riders will be waiting to hear the outcome of the town hall meetings, and getting the response to my questions on behalf of R.A.G.E.

We need to support this group if in any way possible - buy a patch, donate, join their Facebook Group - offer advice, support or funds...

These guys and dolls should be looked on as a huge inspiration - it can be done, we can unite, we can work for better solutions than the ones that are too often forced upon us.

We have a new fight brewing in Southern Alberta where recreational riding lands are being threatened and low and behold - SASKATCHEWAN has almost gotten their law passed with NO PUBLIC INPUT.

If Southern Alberta riders can muster the same kind of unity of numbers and willingness to put forth a little effort, we might just be on a roll.

I find it difficult to understand why Edmonton area riders are not united in challenging discrimination of riders, but perhaps, just perhaps, we can re ignite the passion to right wrongs...by seeing others in united action.

There are many other great stories in the news feeds today - please visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed to read about what may affect your day or life...

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and via emails - laughter - levity - it's needed today!

For all you in the Grande Prairie AB region - David Wilcox is on stage tonight at Dukes - $45 per ticket - doors open at 8pm! Hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

First Interview with SGI's Don Thompson

I had my first interview with Don Thompson the VP of products for SGI. (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)

As many of you have probably heard, our brothers and sisters in Saskatchewan are up against the hard wall of massive rate hikes if SGI's request is met with favour. (Up to 400%)

Statistics as we all know can be generated in any way you want them to appear.

You can compare year over year "accident" payouts for a category and say they have gone up 15% and not say that the group affected grew by 100%.

So instead of doing the usual type of interview with the man, I decided to simply ask for the facts, the hard numbers and guess what. I had to email him with a list of questions to get answers on and the facts sent back to me.

I had asked members of R.A.G.E. (Riders Against Government Exploitation) for a list of questions they wanted answers to and then did my best to ask as many of their questions as possible.

Here is the letter of request that I sent out following my brief discussion with Mr. Thompson.

Dear Don,

Thank you for speaking with me today,

Here are the questions and the answer or information I seek.

Q: How many motorcycle claims were there is 2010? 2011?

Q: How much is the average motorcycle claim? 

Q: How much is the cost of the claims?

IE - What is the amount for the claim as opposed to the costs to administer the claim.

Q: What was the total amount paid out on motorcycle claims? We hear that $9 million was the short fall - what is the total?

Q: What the increase is for motorcycle accidents/injuries/costs over the last 10 years

Q: Cars, pickups and SUV's/Mini Vans account for how many road users?  

Q: And what percentage of claims?

Q: What is the average claim for an auto collision.

Q: How much is the cost of the claims?

IE - What is the amount for the claim as opposed to the costs to administer the claim.

Comment: In Alberta we have PL/PD coverage that you can purchase which offers section B benefits for wage loss and out of pocket expenses.

Q:Why are Saskatchewan riders not offered a similar option?

Comment: There are 165 claims involving bicycles according to TIAS Report

Q: What portion of these claims go back to motorcyclists assuming it is divided by all 31 classes to bear the cost. 

Q: Is the actual number of bicycle claims higher or lower?

Comment: You claim the 53% of motorcyclists are at fault in collisions.

Request: What data can I see to verify that fact?

Request: How many motorcycles were involved with Animal collisions?

Request: How many motorcyclists were hit in left hand turning situations?

Q: Has SGI considered the damage to the motorcycle industry, the dealership, the staff if no motorcycles were sold?

Q: Has SGI considered the impact to the environment if there are fewer motorcycles and more large resource using vehicles on the road?

The documents I included in my request so that we were dealing with the same information are:

I am looking forward to the man's email back to me and will give you what he has to say when I have it.

The questions I did get answers to where:

Q: Does the Ticket Surcharge go into the Auto Fund?
A: Yes.

Q: According to the TIAS Report there are 11,747 motorcycles registered and yet you state 25,000 motorcycles in your radio comments.

A: The number of 11,747 is called Earned Exposures

Definition:
EARNED EXPOSURES

Exposures are a measure of what is being insured. For example, an insured vehicle is an exposure. The term earned means that the exposures were in fact at risk of a loss in the period in question. For example, if a vehicle is insured as of July 1, 2008, then during the 2008 Accident Year, this would represent an exposure of 1/2 to the insurance company.

Q: What about exploring mandatory rider training and giving discounts to this who take training?
A: It is something that has been discussed and has some possibilities.

According to Mr. Thompson the TAIS Report is not the data they use for determining claims so I have to wait until he can provided the data that SGI uses.

That's what is fit to report right now - when I have more I will be passing it along.

Have a great day everyone

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

R.A.G.E. - Riders Against Government Exploitation

Saskatchewan Riders are ANGRY and rightfully so.

Their government run insurance company, SGI, wants to increase insurance on motorcycles and trust me, this is NOT your ordinary increase: Click on the image for a larger size.

Click on the image for a larger size.

In many cases - the cost of insurance for motorcycles in Saskatchewan is proposed to over double!
If you had a 1982 and older SPORT motorcycle and you has an 1101 CC Engine in it - your rate would go from 1,001 - 4,309

DUAL SPORT bikes will see an almost consistent $1,200 increase in the same category.

In the touring category the increases are all over the place and do not appear to make much sense.

Upon reading the 2010 Annual Report from SGI the stats do not support a rate increase to riders - period!

Even though the riding community has grown by a minimum of 4,000 riders since 2006, (11,767 in 2010 compared to 7,811 in 2006) You will note that save one year (2007) where there were 8 fatalities - the death rate of SK motorcyclists has fluctuated from 2-5 since 1994 - the increase in injuries and property damage only claims has not kept pace to the growth.

The anger was swift from riders who have already organized a group on Facebook called R.A.G.E. and are forming a non-profit.

Riders Against Government Exploitation They can be found by visiting this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/248400351962414/

If any of you out there are interested in helping Saskatchewan's riding community - they will be accepting donations and they will be needing a lawyer/lobbyist.
For other Canadian Provinces like BC, Manitoba and Quebec who also have government run insurance - this is one fight you need to keep your eyes peeled to - you may have need of the knowledge that is gained.

There is a TON of other valuable reading in the news feeds today at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!  Visit our site to stay on top of what's happening in motorcycling.

Breaking news:
This just in from our RFBA Business partner Dalton Timmis Insurance - Home for Chrome:

Jevco sold to Intact, they will only take factory-built trikes. This pretty much means that the only trike they will accept is the Harley Tri-Glide. They will not take Goldwing or regular Harley conversions, even if they are a professionally installed Lehmann or Roadmaster kit.

I'll have more for you a little later this morning and will post it in our news feeds.
I leave you with some funnies because after that depressing news - we need to laugh just to stay sane.

Have a good day...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Love is but a dream for many...

While today is Valentine's Day - the day of love, there are many who are lonely and alone.

It is sad to think that can be true, but it is.

For those who have not realized their true love, have faith, do not despair for I am here to tell you that love can come later in life.  My good friend from the Edmonton CMA, Brian Dyksley found love...meet his lady, his wife - Michele: (Congrats you two!!!)

I myself never found my true love until I was in my 40's - meet Mark - the most patient, gentle and caring man in the world:

Yes, for those who think love stinks - remember - “For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.” - Ivan Panin

I wish you all a wonderful day of love and even if it isn't the kind of love you are looking for, know that you are loved and make a difference to your friends. I hope you count me one of yours...

Please join my new Personality page on Facebook - It's where you'll be able to keep up with me as I embark on my most aggressive riding season ever - the Bikers United In Remembrance Conga.
10 provinces, 2 territories, 16 states and close to 40,000 KMS! Raising funds and awareness for great military charities across both borders in the Great Military Riding Club Challenge!

We will have all of the forms and pledge sheets, riding map and information ready to go by March 30th!

And don't forget that this is the 11th Anniversary of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles and we will be celebrating all year long!

The news feeds are filled with stories today - please check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!

I leave you today with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and via e-mails:

Have a fabulous day everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Writer

A dream can mean coming out of the darkness of mental health issues...

Today is National Mental Health Day and for those who suffer from mental health issues, having a dream, being fired up and excited are not emotions they generally feel.

Medric Cousineau is a retired Captain from the Air Force. He was a recipient of the Star of Courage.
He has a wonderful wife - a beautiful bevy of daughters and suffers from PTSD.

Medric knows and understands what it is like to have a dark cloud fill your brain, to feel hopeless, helpless but that cloud of gloom has lifted from his life and he now ha a dream, a passion, a fire and he is eager to share that with others.  So what happened? Why the change, the shift? (Read his Press Release)

Enter one gorgeous lady into his life. Thai, a Golden Retriever PTSD Service Dog.

Last year the Royal Canadian Legion in Eastern Passage NS sponsored Medric to go to Kansas and get a CARES service dog. We here at the Busted Knuckle Chronicles helped out with a donation of patches for Medric to sell to aide him on his trip.  That trip was a game changer, a life saver, for Medric and his family.

Medric, Thai and Medric's training partner Brenda Andersen(who happens to be blind)
 and her service dog - Noble 

Medric and Thai after over 1000 Km's of long walks

Thai has brought into his life, a way for Medric to control the dark moments. Stay Calm and Walk the Dog...it's simple, it's effective and he and Thai have already walked over 1,000 Kilometres.

Medric is so thrilled with the changes in his life - and so is his family.
In fact, they are so pleased that Medric now wants to support other veterans in their quest to a semblance of sanity - normalcy if there is such a thing.

Vic Remillard was a veteran of Afghanistan, he lived in the NWT with his wife and their 5 children.  Sadly for Vic and his family, he couldn't live with the pain in his brain, the darkness and he took his life last July.

I had introduced Kristy (Vic's wife) to Medric via emails and it was decided that a Foundation would be started in Vic's name and although the family has not had the time to get that foundation set up as of yet, there are going to be some positive things come out of Vic's suicide.

I also introduced Kristy to Lou of the Heroes Highway Ride, as one of the hopes of the Remillard family is to have Vic's remains taken down the Highway of Heroes.

My Conga this year is centred around remembering the sacrifices of our military of the allied forces - it is called Bikers United in Remembrance.  We are going to be raising money and awareness for three causes - one was to be helping the Remillard family in raising money for service dogs.

It has been agreed to by all parties that the funds I raise this year will go to Medric and his "Long Walk to Sanity" and his efforts to raise the funds for 50 dogs for 50 vets in 50 days and be donated in Vic's name. The other two causes we are supporting will be the Military Police Relay Ride for Blind Children and VETS - Veterans Emergency Transition Services.

At the Heroes Highway Ride on June 1st 2013, you will get to meet members of the Remillard Family as Vic's ashes are taken down the Highway of Heroes, you will get to meet Medric and his service dog Thai and you will meet a ton of people who are working hard to keep the memories of those who are gone from us alive, to make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country...

You are going to meet people who are living out their dreams - pursuing their goals and working for the betterment of humanity.

Join Medric at Paws Fur Thoughts on Facebook  follow him on Twitter @pawsfurthought1
Or follow his blog on our web site...

The riding community is filled with passionate people, and when they embrace a cause - they do miraculous things and I am so grateful to be in the position to share with you the dreams, the ideals and the goals of so many fabulous people - and they are fabulous because of their warts and bumps not in spite of them.

Do you know of any other community where so many people who share similar goals can come together and work long distance this way?
Work together, share, and celebrate each other and their goals?

In my world, Dreams and Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and they ride all brands, all models and all colours of motorcycles... Our community is blessed and as a result, our world is a better place.

As we get ready to begin the 11th Anniversary celebrations of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, Canada's ONLY weekly newspaper for motorcyclists I want to offer up a quote I shared today on the Newspaper's Facebook Page - for you all to ponder:

Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I dared to dream of a community that communicated with and supported each other the way we used to when we were a much smaller community and guess what, we are doing that - sharing, communicating and working together...Pat Savage dared to dream of a Travel Show for the riding community - and it's happening.  A baker in California dreamed of being the best cake maker in the business and found another passion (that of riding) thanks to his dreams...

Lou DeVuono and Graeme Hume had a dream of celebrating our military here in Canada with a ride and rally that would be free for Canadians and others to attend...the HHR is one of the largest rides of its kind in Canada.

 Medric dreamt of finding a way out of the darkness and he now has another dream - helping others find the way out. 

What's your dream?  What steps are you taking to see it come true? If you want to share it with the rest of the community - get in touch with me.... bdbetty @ gmail.com (fix the spaces)

Let's rally the riding community around the dreams and goals of those who are working diligently to make a difference... Join me on Facebook at our brand New Fan Page.

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

Have a fabulous day and remember - today is Mental Health Day - never judge another as you do not know what their journey is all about or how heavy their burden really is...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Dreams - Part Three

Over the last couple of days I have shared a few stories about dreams and how they are coming true for people.

Today I want to share another story about a person with a dream, a passion, a fire...Larry P Scerri.

I have known Larry for a good long while now. Way back, before he and I had kind of lost touch with each other, Larry used to send me some of his poetry to share with those who read the Busted Knuckle Chronicles.

Well, life happened, time passed, and one day, out of the blue, Larry was back in my life.
It's funny how bad pennies and friends do that..in and out of your life and you pick up where you left off without missing hardly a beat.

Larry sent me his book "Asphalt Range" to review and one as a gift for our Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' Shine as a prize.

For a long time Larry - the "Ironhorse Writer" dreamt of having a book of his American free verse, rider poetry published.

Well, his dream has come true.

He has this book that is about 170 pages long. It's filled with poetry from as far back as 1998. It's written in chapters and every chapter's name makes you think of the different stages in life, our interests and how they change over time. The one constant through it all, the love of the open road and the wisdom it has to share with each of us.

"With the CD version, (entirely recorded by Larry), once you get through the credits for the publishing house, it was pleasant to listen to as it truly carried the cadence each poem carried"...

To read his poetry on one's own (without benefit of the CD), well that is a whole different experience...his poems hold the rhythm of life, of the road in them and your soul really identifies that.

They are poems filled with tidbits and pearls of wisdom and whimsy.

I found some of his poems profoundly moving.

For me, "Basically Black" was such a poem. It's simple and honest clarity speaks straight to your heart...

Another poem that I found particularly poignant - one that moved me deeply was "Brotherhood"

His depiction of two old soldiers, old road warriors, one dead, the other left behind and a lifetime of memories shared in only a few lines...the ending of that poem had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eyes.

Poem after poem he takes you on a ride - and you know this man has ridden all of his life, has felt, experienced, tasted - become - the rhythm of the road...

The "Asphalt Range" by Laurence P. Scerri, published by Flash Productions, is a book that I think many a ride will appreciate. It's honest...just like the road.

My hats off to you brother of the family Wind...you are living that dream....

If you are interested in ordering the book, click here

To find out more about Laurence P Scerri, click here


The news feeds are full of interesting and strange tales today...

In BC - the coroner has released findings from a crash on the Malahat

In Arizona, riders are tackling the issue of harassment by the police

In Iowa, they are trying to push through a helmet bill aimed at teen riders

In Utah they have dropped the helmet bill

In Sacramento a pick up truck driver was found guilty of using his truck as a weapon against a motorcyclist

In Milwaukee, a police officer is suspended for 30 days after crashing his personal motorcycle into a light pole while drunk

In the EU - new restrictions on motorcycles for youth come into effect

In sports, the Circuit of Americas is launching VIP packages to bring fans of MotoGP closer to the action at the Austin TX event

In MotoGP action, Nickey Hayden is disappointed but Bradley Smith is elated

There are many other items in the feeds that may be of interest to you, check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!

Our Name the Beaver Mascot contest is going well - have you cast your vote for the best name yet?

Our Online Show n Shine is waiting for your votes for the BEST motorcycles in each class...

Next week we will be launching a story of epic proportions - it's all about our veterans and service dogs - this is something I think many of you will want to be on board for.  Watch for the launch on Tuesday, Feb 12th - Mental Health Day!  I urge you to like the Paws Fur Thought Page on Facebook so that we can keep you in the loop of this innovative approach to mental health!

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and via E-mail..laughter - what's life without laughter?

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Amazing stuff happens when you work towards your dreams

Yesterday I shared with you the information about my good friend and brother of the family wind, Pat Savage and his dream of a Travel TV Series all about motorcycling. Well, Pat Savage, a talented guitarist from Ontario is going to be coming back home to Canada to do some filming for that show and he and his band are going to be available to play gigs as well.

If you have an event with a decent budget, I recommend that you consider The Pat Savage Band as the entertainment this year (and his TV Series - The Savage Roads).  I for one would love to see his trip home to Canada be the roaring success it deserves to be and that the US portion of his swing be equally amazing.

If you are interested in having Pat & his amazing band play at your event anywhere in North America and who knows, be a part of the Savage Roads TV Series - drop him a line - (fix the spaces) patsavageband @ gmail.com !

It is exciting that the riding community is breaking through a lot of barriers in so many positive ways.  The riding community is filled with people working on and living their dreams.

And sometimes, it is the motorcycle that helps you find the highway in the strangest of ways...

Case in point - there is a bakery in Orange County California called Charm City Cakes West, whose owner is known as the "Ace of Cakes".

4 years ago a baker by the name of Duff Goldman, built/baked a full sized Ducati motorcycle cake.
According to the article written by Moto Journalist, Susan Carpenter, the cake had working lights, spinning tires, even a speaker that mimicked its wha wha wha whoom exhaust, and as a bonus, Duff Goldman was given a real Ducati.  You seriously need to read the whole article - what an amazing and wonderful story it is...

Dreams - they come in all shapes and all sizes, as do the people who dare to dream.

Have you ever woken up and just known, that somehow, you were blessed? That things have turned a corner for you?

As I go through my regular morning routine of e-mails, news feeds and coffee, I have come to feel and realize just how blessed I truly am.

Like every small business owner out there, there are times when I question what I am doing.
Those times when cash flow sucks or deadlines make you feel choked.
Those day to day tasks that take the life out of you...and you wonder to yourself...

Does anything I do or say make a difference to anyone?
Does what I have to offer really have any value to anyone? Does it serve people in a way they need?

I am positive that I am not alone in re-evaluating my dreams - of examining them to make sure they align with your core values.

Other times, well you just know that what you are doing does have value and meaning for others.
It is those times that we small business owners and every human being out there lives for.

I have been utterly blessed.

11 years ago, I had a dream of creating a clearinghouse of information for riders - a place that would help them make the most of their riding season, to feel connected as brothers and sisters of the family "Wind"and to get the support and help they needed to live their dreams.

I am so humbled by the team that has gathered around me - those whose ideologies, dreams and needs seem to be parallel to mine.

There is Ali - the amazing woman who waltzed  into my life to save my web site from an unscrupulous web designer and who has grown and learned and become one fabulous web designer not to mention a valued friend.

Ali's hubby Don who pitches in with Data Entry and Calendar management.

And Darryl, the American rider who has been helping us with layout for the past two years.

We now add Brent Schultz, also from Ladysmith BC to our web development team and he is already proving himself to be a valuable asset.

Stephanie Arnold-Coffin has begun helping me out with administration...and how much help that has been I can not begin to tell you!

Without these people, I could not do what I do. I could not be living the dream I do.
And all of the above people know that I am rooting for them in their dreams and as long as our dreams remain parallel - well - then we are all working for what we want out of our lives - our own dreams...

Then there are the people of the community - the volunteer reporters, the people who share what is happening in their lives, their communities and help us feel connected to each other.

Quentin Kerfoot, R. Jeff Legrand, Liane Langlois, Kevin Jones, bad Uncle Monkey, David Page, Kate B., Chuck Pearce, Lou DeVuono, Medric Cousineau, Kate, Kalye and Lisa Perry...Mike Bechard, Robert Whaley, Bruno Gauweiler and so many more....

Without the people who saw value in sharing their events, their stories, their causes etc...we would not have the sense of community we enjoy today, one I pray will get larger and stronger and deeper with each passing year.

And how about our sponsors - advertisers if you will - an amazing bunch of business people who understand the need of the motorcycle community to connect and communicate.  Like any sponsor they do so with the hopes you will give their business a shot to earn your business - and don't forget most of them are riders living out their own dreams....Again, with out these people we as a company can not give back into our community!

PLEASE if you can, support them - acknowledge them and their contribution.

Yes, I am a blessed woman - I had a dream, I worked at it, shared it, nurtured it and here I am today, living it.
But no matter how big and wonderful any dream is - you can't do it alone - it truly does take a community to raise a child and the child the rider community has raised is the Busted Knuckle Chronicles and www.beltdrivebetty.com

We never celebrated the 10th anniversary for the paper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.

I wanted to be different and have an 11th Anniversary Party Year.  

Hey, there's our new slogan - Belt Drive Betty Media - where doing things differently is what we do best! LMAO

Next week is the beginning of our 11th Anniversary - the year we laugh...the year we share...the year we remember and hence why my Conga this year touches all 10 provinces and both rideable territories and 16 states and why it supports our veterans and their causes...and why I have a Beaver Mascot who need a name - please go vote - hint, hint...

A rider is a rider, is a rider no matter where in the world we live.  We are ALL family and sometimes we don't agree or see eye to eye, but we share a common bond - the love of the motorcycle and we are a different breed of cat...and like any family, when we need each other - we come together...

Family WIND - I need you.

This is our Anniversary - our Birthday if you will - and it is going to be an amazing year filled with giving and sharing and riding and I can't wait to take you all on this journey with me - the meet you, hug you, share the highway, share your communities and a bit of our souls with each other.

11 years...that have been filled with good times, bad times and in between times...
11 years - none of which could have happened without you...

It's a party and you are all invited - Next week we begin the celebrations...

Join us for a year of contests, prizes, special offers, special tools for your riding season....register at www.beltdrivebetty.com - it's free!

I sign off saying thank you to the lord my God, to my husband, to my colleagues, to my friends, to my community....you make me feel so very blessed.

I have to share with you a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and by e-mail.

Laughter is good for the soul!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider