Highway 63 Song for Fort Mac Wildfire

The Fort McMurray wildfire may very go down as the biggest story of 2016.  It was Canada’s largest-ever natural disaster.  Eighty-eight thousand people were evacuated down highway 63 as flames erupted around them.

Fort McMurray still needs help to rebuild, and to aid in a meaningful and financial way, Larry Pegg has been inspired to write a song and put together a touching music video about this ‘coming together’ in such a time of need.

"...it looks like hell on the CBC..." is a line from Larry Pegg Music’s moving song Highway 63. The song is supporting the wildfire relief efforts and creating awareness for #MentalHealth, #PTSD and #SuicidePrevention, all key issues that will affect those affected by this dramatic and tragic event. As Larry has suffered unimaginable loss himself,  he was able to tap into that and thus create his beautiful rendition of this tragedy.

Larry would like to recognize and thank Michel Chamberland who captured the images seen on the video, and to the CBC for their tireless coverage and their interview of Captain Adam Bugden (as you'll see on the video), Chief Darby Allen and so many others. Thanks as well to the Montana Smoke Jumpers who provided their fearless footage in solidarity with their fellow firefighters, both brothers and sisters.  All their efforts and hard work that are seen in the images of the video drove the rhythm, the melody, the lyrics and the message.

You can download Highway 63 here. Click 'Your price' in the player to download and Larry will devote 100% of download proceeds (set your own price, $2.00 minimum CAD) to the wildfire relief cause and mental health and suicide prevention going forward.  The Red Cross is doing incredible work in supporting those that are in need.

Highway 63 features Ottawa-based Jeff Rogers (keyboards/vocals), Ross Murray (drums/vocals), Stuart Watkins (bass), Fred Guignion (guitars and lap steel), Larry Pegg (guitars and vocals) and Edmund Eagan (supporting Ross Murray in production and arrangement). Jeff sings the lead, and he kicks it out of the park with his great voice and delivery. Mastered by the iconic Emily Lazar at The Lodge in New York City.

We feel this song is a strong contender for ‘Canada’s song of the year’ and we are asking you to download, share, and share some more!

Please share via Twitter: @LPGrooves
Like and share on Facebook

If you need mental health support you call these numbers 24 hours a day.
Alberta Addictions Help Line: 1-877-332-2322
Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642
Wood Buffalo Distress Line: 1-780-743-4357



Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

New Year, New Directions, New Challenges

Our world is ever changing and every day that we wake up, it seems that there is something new to learn, do, or assimilate. Challenges abound in this life and facing those challenges is what makes it so rewarding!

I determined last summer after battling with adrenal fatigue for over a year and a half, that somehow I was going to turn things around with my health. The adrenal fatigue was caused by blunt force trauma tumors on my adrenal glands.

I decided that I was going to lose the weight in preparation to quit smoking.

I wanted to have some healthy routines in place to support my goal of feeling better, feeling vibrant and strong again. It had been so long since I had felt strong and I was ready.

I started exercising regularly, nothing too heavy, but I was doing it consistently.  I changed my eating habits and became vigilant in checking labels for the sugar quantity of the foods I was thinking of purchasing. I can’t tell you how much cane sugar is in the food we eat.

Wow what an eye opener.

All the while, I was also taking Ayurveda herbs to break up the tumors on my adrenal glands, support my liver, pancreas and lymph system. I went to a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, Dr. Crystal Su of the Grande Prairie Acupuncture and Acupressure Clinic.  All of these things have added a layer of improvement to my health.

I went from a size 14 clothes to size 7-8 over the course of about 20 weeks.

I started getting reasonably toned and lost a lot of that horrible belly fat one gets when they become pre-diabetic. Although I wasn’t pre-diabetic, the adrenal tumors that were causing the fatigue were also causing the weight gain and basically mimicking diabetes.

I spent some time investigating ways to quit smoking, naturally was important to me.  I found out about Imagine Laserworks, through our sister newspaper “The BKC News Bytes” on Vancouver Island.  I checked out the company website only to learn there was an office here in Grande Prairie that serves the north Peace of Alberta and BC.

I phone the Grande Prairie office that is located in Cooperators Center and spoke with the owner, Victoria.  She was ready and waiting for me when I got to her office.

The process was pretty simple. I filled out some forms, answered some questions and learned about addiction and how to help myself in eliminating this addiction from my life. (Imagine Laserworks can help you with all kinds of addictions!)

I was given a package filled with a CD and handouts that I could refer to for support.

Victoria got me up on her table and explained what the sensation of the laser would feel like and it was exactly as she said it would be, a little prickly feeling.  She gave me some dark safety type glasses to protect my eyes and played the same CD that is in the information kit while using the laser on various points.

There is a lot of very good information on nicotine, addiction, and helping yourself deal with the angst of quitting on that CD.

The whole process took about and hour and I was quite amazed, I had walked in there after just putting out a cigarette, I had been smoking since I got up that morning and my appointment wasn’t until 3 in the afternoon.  When I walked out at 4 pm I was a non-smoker and while I have gotten testy at times, I wasn’t nearly as bothered by it as I thought I would be.

I chose to go to the health food store and order the supplements they recommended, in total the extras I needed came to about $70, and again, I am grateful that I did.

The support from Victoria and Gail has been incredible.  I felt I needed a little booster as I was battling the cravings pretty hard on day three. I took them up on the fact that they offer free boosters for the first 8 weeks after your session and intend to keep taking them up on them if I feel the need.

No problem, they fit me right in, within hours!

After a bad news week, I was feeling some huge stress and was again feeling afraid that I would cave in, that was on day 21. They got me in that afternoon and voila…I am at 23 days as a non-smoker. 

23 days, thanks to laser therapy from Imagine Laserworks and the support from Victoria and Gail.

I haven’t replaced food for cigarettes either!

The other thing that amazes me is that I smoked from the time I was 12.

I am 57 in June.  I quit once for 15 months (6 years ago) but needed pharmaceutical help (Champix) to do it and fell off the wagon at Christmas, I was so crushed because I gave into my weakness. Had I known about Laser Therapy then, I think I could have stayed quit back then.

I am grateful to know about them now and very thankful for the professionalism, the information and the support that Imagine Laserworks offers.  I know that if I ever feel weak I can call on them to help me through a rough spot!

Check them out here in Grande Prairie or at their monthly clinics in Dawson Creek.

There are Imagine Laserworks clinics right across Canada so visit: www.imaginelaserworks.com to find an office near you.

Belt Drive Betty,

Editor & Rider

Sad News for Victory Motorcycle Riders & Dealers

Polaris Industries announced today via press release, that it is going to immediately begin the winding down of sales of all Victory Motorcycles.

They will supply parts for a ten year period.

As expected, Polaris will be focusing on it's more profitable "Indian Motorcycles" line up.

Here is their press release in it's entirety:

POLARIS INDUSTRIES TO WIND DOWN VICTORY MOTORCYCLES OPERATIONS

STRENGTHENING ITS POSITION IN THE POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY  

MINNEAPOLIS (January 9, 2017) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced it will immediately begin winding down its Victory Motorcycles brand and related operations. Polaris will assist dealers in liquidating existing inventories while continuing to supply parts for a period of 10 years, along with providing service and warranty coverage to Victory dealers and owners. Today’s announcement does not affect any other Polaris business units.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me, my team and the Polaris Board of Directors,” said Polaris Industries Chairman and CEO Scott Wine. “Over the past 18 years, we have invested not only resources, but our hearts and souls, into forging the Victory Motorcycles brand, and we are exceptionally proud of what our team has accomplished. Since inception, our teams have designed and produced nearly 60 Victory models that have been honored with 25 of the industry’s top awards. The experience, knowledge, infrastructure and capability we’ve built in those 18 years gave us the confidence to acquire and develop the Indian Motorcycle brand, so I would like to express my gratitude to everyone associated with Victory Motorcycles and celebrate your many contributions.”

Several factors influenced today’s announcement. Victory has struggled to establish the market share needed to succeed and be profitable. The competitive pressures of a challenging motorcycle market have increased the headwinds for the brand. Given the significant additional investments required for Victory to launch new global platforms that meet changing consumer preferences, and considering the strong performance and growth potential of Indian Motorcycle, the decision to more narrowly focus Polaris’ energy and investments became quite clear.

“This decision will improve the profitability of Polaris and our global motorcycle business, and will materially improve our competitive stance in the industry,” said Scott Wine. “Our focus is on profitable growth, and in an environment of finite resources, this move allows us to optimize and align our resources behind both our premium, high performing Indian Motorcycle brand and our innovative Slingshot brand, enhancing our focus on accelerating the success of those brands. Ultimately this decision will propel the industry-leading product innovation that is core to our strategy while fostering long-term growth and increased shareholder value.”

Polaris will reduce the appropriate operating cost based on this decision, while continuing to support the future growth of the ongoing motorcycle business.  Polaris remains committed to maintaining its presence in the Spirit Lake, Iowa community with Indian Motorcycle production and in the Huntsville, Alabama community with its Slingshot production.

                                                       

Any one-time costs associated with supporting Victory dealers in selling their remaining inventory, the disposal of factory inventory, tooling, and other physical assets, and the cancellation of various supplier arrangements will be recorded in the 2017 income statement in respective sales, gross profit and operation expense. These costs will be excluded from Polaris’ provided 2017 sales and earnings guidance on a non-GAAP basis. 

Polaris will release its fourth quarter and full-year 2016 financial results and provide 2017 guidance on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. A webcast and conference call will be held at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on January 24, 2017 to discuss the results. A slide presentation and link to the webcast will be posted on the Polaris Investor Relations website at  ir.polaris.com.  To listen to the conference call by phone, dial 877-706-7543 in the U.S. and Canada, or 478-219-0273 Internationally.  The Conference ID is #45015597.

Click here for additional information related to this release.

About Polaris

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2015 sales of $4.7 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER®, RZR® and POLARIS GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN® and POLARIS ACE® all-terrain off-road vehicles; INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK®, INDY®, SWITCHBACK® and RUSH® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence globally in adjacent markets with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Please visitwww.polaris.com.

# # #

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including management's expectations regarding expected disposition charges and future investments, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include such factors as product offerings, promotional activities and pricing strategies by competitors; costs of canceling supplier arrangements; warranty expenses; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; environmental and product safety regulatory activity; effects of weather; uninsured product liability claims; and overall economic conditions, including inflation and consumer confidence and spending. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If you are blessed enough to live where you can ride, please ride safe!




Belt Drive Betty,

Editor & Rider

CVFR 2016 Film Available on YouTube

The Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders (CVFR) unit President Roger, A.K.A. "Excalibur," has put together a 2016 season year-end film.

The film covers 66 events in the 2016 season and many of our readers may be featured in the 37-minute feature. Everyone is encouraged to watch the film from beginning to end. 

 You can view the film from CVFR’s Facebook and website links (below) and learn more about the CVFR’s Meaford Ontario Unit and/or how to join.

The club is open to both veterans and supporters from the general public.

Here is the movie:

CVFR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meafordcvfr/

CVFR website: http://www.cvfrmeafordontario.ca/

They are a great group that does some very cool stuff.

You have one day left to get your entry in for Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest! www.riderfriendlycontest.ca

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Not just along for the ride

Laurie Paetz, the show manager of the Motorcycle and ATV show Edmonton shares with us that each year the number of ladies attending the show grows, and that this reflects the trend of increasing numbers of women taking up the sport.  Women are not merely along for the ride anymore.

Manufacturers have taken note of this and are adapting to this trend by coming up with models more suitable for the female frame and stature.

She Rides Night takes place on Friday, January 13th.  Ladies will receive half price admission after 5:00 pm.  Industry experts will be on hand to guide women through the bike buying process, and help identify which bike would be just right for your needs.  The highlight of the evening will be a draw for a brand new 2017 Ninja 300 motorcycle provided by Canadian Kawasaki Motors and Echo Cycle.  This bike is lightweight, agile and provides a super smooth riding experience.  One lucky lady will start the 2017 riding season off in style.

The Motorcycle & ATV Show also offers plenty for the rest of the family. 

Look for Yamaha’s ‘how to sessions’, the Yamaha Riding Academy for kids from 6-12,  the Ground n’ Gravity Freestyle show will be flying high into the air.

Look for Craig Latimer, Jordan Szoke and his son Wolfgang Szoke, who at 4 years of age, proves you are never too young to start riding.

The riding lifestyle is as much about the freedom as it is about the camaraderie.  There are numerous clubs and associations that focus on different aspects of riding or charity rides for those with similar interests

The Motorcycle & ATV Show – Edmonton is the manufacturers’ showcase of all the new 2017 models.  The Show will take place at the Expo Centre, Northlands January 13-15, 2017, with doors opening at noon on Friday.

For further information including Show hours, ticket prices, features, and list of exhibitors please visit www.edmontonmotorcycleshow.ca or become part of the Motorcycle & ATV Show – Edmonton’s online community by liking us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/motorcycleandatvshowedmonton or following us on Twitter @thebikeshows.  

Advance tickets can be purchased on-line at http://www.ticketmaster.ca/motorcycle-show-edmonton-alberta/event/11005134B810BFDE?artistid=920101&majorcatid=10005&minorcatid=105&tm_link=search_msg-0_11005134B810BFDE

You have two days to get your entry in for your favourite community! www.riderfriendlycontest.ca

Visit the MOST Rider Friendly Community from 2015 - Two Hills AB in our Booth at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Grab life by the handlebars

It is almost that time to check out all the new models of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and side-by-sides from the biggest names in the industry before they hit the showroom floor.

Yes, we are talking about the Motorcycle Show Calgary, the show starts January 6^th and it runs till the 8^th.  

This is your chance to see The BMW G310R, the 2017 Honda CBR1000RR,  the all-new Bonneville Bobber,  the KMT the 300 XC-W,  the new Yamaha FZ-09, YZF-R6, and SCR950.

Be sure to check out the new line-up of 2017 BRP’s in the Bow Cycle booth.

Kawasaki will be well represented, so make sure to look for them as well.

And there are many more new releases to see and admire, too many to mention!

The new model showcase is just the beginning, there are lots of exhibits, displays, and features to take in including loads of aftermarket accessories, apparel, Ground n’ Gravity Freestyle Show, the Yamaha Riding Academy, Torch Motorcycle, Team Zeus, the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle “Superbikes of the Decades” display, She Rides, handbuilts and customs.

For more information on Show hours, ticket prices, features, and a list of exhibitors please visit www.calgarymotorcycleshow.ca or become part of the Motorcycle – Calgary’s online community by liking us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/motorcycleshowcalgary or following us on Twitter @thebikeshows. 

Advance tickets can be purchased on-line at https://motorcycleshow.streamintickets.com/purchaseProductSP.aro?sum=The+Motorcycle+Show+-+Calgary

If you are blessed enough to live where you can still ride, please ride a mile or too for me!

You have three days left to enter a community you love in Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest 2016!  www.riderfriendlycontest.ca


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider.

Ahhh, there’s something about a clean vehicle!

The other day I got a kit with Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax, some Armor All Air Freshening Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Auto Glass Cleaner to clean my car.

The weatherman had let us know that temperatures were about to plunge, and so it was the ideal time to get this job done.

Hubby and I went to the shop where he works as a heavy-duty mechanic and used a bay there so I could give my 2005 Volkswagen Passat a good going over, while he did an oil change and replaced a burned out headlight.

Road dirt, road salt and snow means that this dirty combination gets into all of the cracks and crannies of your car and unless removed, on the first warm day, the salt and grime start working on your parts and body panels and the next thing you know, rust starts.

One of the best defenses against rust and premature part wear is washing your vehicle, when it’s cold out.

You have to make sure that you get into the wheel wells, the undercarriage and after you are done washing and rinsing, a coat of wax is always a good idea. 

With the Ultra Shine Wash & Wax you can eliminate a step and obtain the protection your vehicle needs. The simple steps are to rinse, wash and rinse your vehicle again and then use a soft cloth to wipe it dry. Very important, don’t forget to dry the door rubbers off well and to blow out your door locks with compressed air and use some lock de-ice. I use a can of compressed air, the stuff I have on hand for my computer fans to blow out the locks.

With the outside washed well, when the temperature warms up and the salt starts working on the metals, there is a layer of protection to prevent rust from starting.

I love the way my car looks when it’s clean but more importantly I love how it smells! I cleaned the interior with the Air Freshening Multi-Purpose Cleaner from Armor All.  It does a fabulous job of lifting the dirt off of the dash and doors; it cleans the steering wheel and knobs with ease.

It also freshens up the carpet, removing dirt and stains without discoloring it.

The Auto Glass Cleaner does an amazing streak free job on the windows, mirrors and dash.

There is nothing better in the world than the feeling of clean sheets, a clean and tidy home and a vehicle that looks like someone loves it!

To find out more about Armor All products check out their web site: armorall.ca