Monday, January 28, 2019

Heritage & Tourism Mobile App Going Province Wide


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There’s a buzz going on about the History Check Heritage & Tourism Mobile App.  We recently caught wind that this northern Alberta app is set to expand Alberta wide in the summer of 2019.

We caught up with Sheila Willis, the concept person behind the app to confirm.  Its been a busy year for her.  In addition to adding a 1000 sites and sourcing marketing partnerships, she
has been recognized for her work on this project. 

Sheila was one three recipients of the 2018 Outstanding Achievement Awards for Heritage Awareness by Alberta Historic Resources Foundation, and recently nominated for an Alberta Women’s Entrepreneur (AWE) award.

Here’s what we asked her.

Q - First, what is History Check and why is it different?
A - History Check covers a lot of ground - literally.  It is a map-based app that covers the entire northern half of Alberta.  It will include everything a traveller might need, or want, using site listings or Points of Interest.  The sites are placed by community, and a guide is created for each as we add content.

Q - When you say guide, can you define that more?
A - All site listings are assigned to a community or region in one of 5 categories.  When the user opens a community menu, they can choose one, or all, of these categories. 

The graphic icons for the sites are displayed and the user can see anything from boat launches, campgrounds, to gas stations and grocery stores – and of course learn more about the history.   It’s unlimited.

Q - So once the sites are on History Check how does the app user find them?
A - There are multiple options.  Communities can be found through the Home Map, which is an overall view, or Near Me which recognizes your location and sites around you.   We also have search functions that rely on keywords to connect the user to what they are searching for.

Q - Are the rumours true that you are going province wide with the history Check app?
A - They are.  The data entry for community locations has already begun and we have started the process of contacting municipalities and local governance for their participation, which includes financial contribution and content information for municipal run attractions and services.

Q - How will you market to the end user?
A- In addition to our own social media feeds, there is a lot of cross marketing going on.  The download link is already on a variety of websites, Kalyna Country has added it to their attractions map, and it’s also on Mackenzie County’s Historical signage.  We will start distributing hard copy marketing materials this summer and putting out overpass banners and hay bale wrappers.

Q - If industry operators would like to be listed how do they go about that?
A - We have an online form currently at 
www.fhnas.ca/getlisted or they can email me to ask questions or send in their information.

Q - What kind of information do you need?
A - A good written description of products and services, up to 3 images, and the GPS coordinates.  We like to take the consumer right to the gates or the door.  Also any links they’d like to include such as social media pages, or articles that have been written about them.  Online listings in regional DMO’s or ATIS are also welcome.  They all drive the user forward for more information and interaction.

Q - So how do people get a hold of you?
A - They can call or text 780-805-1390 or shoot me an email at 
sheila.willis@impacttourism.ca.  I’m on the road a lot so email is best.

Q - Any other comments?
A – I’d like to thank the groups and municipalities that have come on board.  The project is orientated around everyone working together and we appreciate those who got involved early on in the game.  

Friday, January 11, 2019

Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association Launches Membership Drive


We offer four ways for you to become a member of our Association:

Rider Membership Fees - NON VOTING - $25/Year


Rider Membership Fees - NON VOTING  - $50/Year
Rider Membership Benefits Package:
  • Access to the members only section of this website www.motorcycletourism.ca to partake in discussions on bettering motorcycle tourism offerings, customer service and other topics of interest.
  • Access to the members only section of www.riderfriendly.com and all of the special offers, discounts and event information that is made available to our members through our partnership with Belt Drive Betty Media® and their Rider Friendly Business Association®.
  • Preference when booking Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial Park for family and group services.
  • Reduced rental rates for small events and ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Gardens - Grande Prairie AB (Coming for 2021)
  • Ability to participate in special surveys meant to help the hospitality and tourism industries learn how to improve tourism offerings for riders.
  • Ability to participate our Bikes, Beverages & Beavers Adult Colouring Competitions for your chance at some wonderful 
  • Monthly MEMBERS ONLY draws for gift certificates, it might be for gas, food, a book, you just never know! (Skill testing question must be answered to win)
  • Annual MEMBERS ONLY Draw for the Ultimate Motorcycle Vacation! (Skill testing question must be answered to win)
  • Special offerings from our Industry Partners like Two for One Weekend Passes to the Airdrie Bikes & Bulls Rumble on the Runway, special patches from events like Run to the Hills Rally and more!

Industry/Association Memberships: (Non Voting) 

Industry/Association Memberships: (Non Voting)  
 
This category is open to societies, corporations, unincorporated organizations, associations, riding clubs, motorcycle associations, non-governmental organizations, or government bodies who support the Objects of our Association.
The annual fee is based on your organization's operating budget (Contra Memberships are welcomed):
$0 to $10,000                          $0/Year
$10,000 to $49,999                 $50/Year
$50,000-$99,999                    $125/Year
$100,001 to $250,000             $225/Year
$250,001 to $500,000             $325/Year
$500,001 and over                  $425/Year
Industry Membership Benefits Package:
  • Unlimited Access to specific FREE training courses on Learn2.guru for your staff. (Certificates of completion provided to those who successfully complete the workshops.)
  • Access to special webinars on motorcycle tourism, customer service, marketing and branding and other topics of interest.
  • Access to the members only section of this website www.motorcycletourism.ca to partake in discussions on bettering motorcycle tourism offerings, customer service and other topics of interest.
  • Access to the members only section of www.riderfriendly.com and all of the special offers, discounts and event information that is made available to our members for free through our partnership with Belt Drive Betty Media® and their Rider Friendly Business Association®.
  • Reduced Membership Rates for the Rider Friendly Business Association®.
  • Reduced advertising rates with the Busted Knuckle Chronicles ®and the BKC News Bytes® and the History Check App.
  • Ability to partner on a wide variety of promotions and marketing opportunities.

Affiliate Membership (Voting) Membership Fee: $25/Year ONLY OPEN TO ALBERTA RESIDENTS:

Affiliate Membership (Voting) Membership Fee: $25/Year ONLY OPEN TO ALBERTA RESIDENTS:
This membership level is for members who are part of an industry membership (IE Associations, societies, non-governmental organizations etc) and entitles an employee of an industry partner the benefits of the Individual Membership and includes the right to vote at the AGM along with the perks and training involved with their industry membership.

Honourary Memberships (Non Voting) - No Membership fee

Honourary Memberships (Non Voting) - No Membership fee.
Are voted on by the board once per year and are meant for celebrities, media personalities and others of note who have brought inordinate value to our community.
ALL members, regardless of voting class may nominate someone to become an honourary member.
Join the CMTA today!  
Renee Charbonneau
Executive Director 
Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Extra Essential Motorcycle Gear


Once you’re all suited up, it can be tempting to hop on your hog and head out on the open road. However, without some extra accessories you may find yourself riding uncomfortably or in a mechanical dilema.  There’s an old adage that goes “you can never be too prepared” and it rings true even with motorcycle riding. Here a few overlooked accessories that can result in an even smoother riding experience.


Earplugs
Wearing a helmet is a standard for motorcycle safety.  However, depending on the type use your helmet could be causing excess wind (which is already noisey enough when riding) to travel through it.  It is not recommended to listen to music while riding as it can distract riders from traffic risks and blocks out all sound completely. Having a good set of earplugs can protect your ears from high-pitched wind noise and allow you to concentrate on the low-frequency sounds you need to be able to hear.  Earplugs also help you make feel less fatigued which is useful if you’re going for a long ride.


Tank/Tail Bags
Tank and tail bags may not seem like a motorcycle essential but their practicality is priceless.  Tank and tail bags aren’t just a convenient way to pack a snack; bags are useful tools for carrying around things like rain gear, first aid supplies, and even tools to aid you in any unforeseen emergency situation.  Bags are also an easy way to customize your stuff to tell it apart from others in your group, or for it to be returned if lost. Custom printed patches for example can be personalized with any info you like and are easily applied anywhere on the bag.  


Locks
This may sound like a no-brainer, but not all locks deter all bike theft.  When selecting a lock try looking for brightly colour disc or master locks.  This tells potential thieves that they have a challenge ahead of them as opposed to locks that are dark in colour or ones that aren’t easy to see.  


Hand Guards
A relatively inexpensive accessory that often gets overlooked are hand guards.  Moreso recommended for colder climates, hand guards can block cold winds making it easier to use your handlebards.  Hand guards also offer protection from flying debris and bugs that may make riding uncomfortable. Motorcycle gear often differs from bike to bike, but with a few additional tools on hand you can gear up for a smoother and safer ride!

Dirty Politics, Climate Change, Pollution & Charitable Giving

Alberta is in tough. We have been vilified for our oil sands and have been all but cut off from getting one of our major export products to market.  For the last  10 years nothing has progressed in the oil and gas sector thanks to politics, and for the last 3 years our economy has been battered and left in tatters by governments and yes, even some businesses/industries that seem to think that Alberta Oil is an evil product that overly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, an YET, they continue to take our money, in some cases even demanding it.

In fact the Alberta Oil and Gas sector has been painted as a villain in many cases around the world.

There is so much that I could write on this topic, but unless your head has been in the sand for the last three years, you have already heard everything that can be said so I will simply summarize a little bit of what I know:


DIRTY POLITICS

#1 - Alberta's taxpayers pay the lions share of taxes that then become transfer/equalization payments and Quebec receives the lions share.



#2 - Quebec's premier says there is no social acceptability for a pipeline for Alberta oil to go through their province.  Yet he's happy to have Albertans tax money subsidize his province and  seems gleeful in preventing his neighbour, New Brunswick from refining our oil.

#3 - Justin Trudeau's government says Energy East is dead and has NO intention of reopening talks.

#4 - Quebec is running a 3 billion dollar surplus and is out of debt, Alberta is running a 7.8 billion dollar deficit and has a debt of 8.8 billion as of March, 2018 and yet Alberta because of its earning power gets no transfer payments.

#5 - Hydro - of which Quebec has an abundance of is not part of the transfer payment program.

#6 - Saudi Oil, which Canada imports $17 Billion a year worth, is not subject to carbon tax. Alberta's oil is subject to carbon tax both up and down stream.

#7 - BC is blocking us from getting our expanded pipeline out to the West Coast.

#8 - Trudeau paid Kinder Morgan off for the rights to the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, but it will never get built and he knows it.



DIRTY POLITICS & CLIMATE CHANGE:

#9 - Whistler was trying to get CNRL to pay for the climate change costs they are feeling that is until the oil and gas sector pulled out of the CIBC Investment Conference that took place in Whistler.



A little background on Whistler:

Just over 40 years ago,  there was a decision made to turn a sleepy little town with a ski hill located in what was then a pristine, natural environment into one of the world’s mega resorts.

Perhaps, JUST PERHAPS the “climate-related harm” to Whistler is actually cause by the community itself, the people who visit and live there?

Here are some stats from the Travel Trade Website for Whistler:

(https://trade.whistler.com/about/stats/)

Whistler has almost 12,000 permanent residents and 2,432 seasonal residents (estimated).

Whistler receives approximately 3 million overnight and non-overnight visitors each year (approximately 45 per cent in winter and 55 per cent in summer).

Whistler has capacity for about 35,000 overnight visitors. There are some 150 hotels, condos, chalets, pensions and bed & breakfast facilities offering more than 8,000 bedrooms. There are also 230 hostel beds and 118 campsites.

I wonder if Whistler is having problems because of:

1) All of the jet fuel that planes consume in enormous quantities to transport thousands of visitors from around the planet to the lower mainland area of BC? 

2) Diesel fuel, again, consumed in huge quantities to fuel the buses that shuttle those air travellers to and from the airport to your over-developed community? 

3) Gasoline that thousands upon thousands of personal vehicles use on a year-round basis to enable skiers, hikers and mountain bikers etc. to experience the world-class attractions? 

Distances and approximate travel times by car - again from the Travel Trade Site for Whistler:
Whistler to downtown Vancouver: 127 km (79 miles), 2 hours
Whistler to Vancouver International Airport: 140 km (85 miles), 2.5 hours
Whistler to Seattle: 354 km (218 miles), 5 hours

And then there is snow making: "If a slope uses compressed air in its snow guns, it has to provide a lot of energy to run the large air-compressing pumps. It also needs a pump system to provide the water to the snow makers. These pumps are often run by diesel engines, which expel a high level of air pollution."

I wonder if SUCCESS is what is fuelling the climate change issue in Whistler and what will happen to resorts like Whistler if and when the oil and gas gets shut off?



Or perhaps, Patrick Moore, one of the founders of GreenPeace 

turned energy activist is right.


A carbon neutral world is not possible. And it's not necessary.

As he aptly points out in the video below, food production RELIES on Carbon Dioxide.
C02 is the MOST important food for ALL LIFE ON EARTH.

At 150 PPM of C02, plants die.

To grow plants FAST or to double their size, greenhouse growers double and triple the amount of C02 pumped into their greenhouses up to 450 PPM.

Fossil fuels are a product of life (created by dead fossils).

Patrick Moore explains and debates Climate Change in the video below.
The historical data that he presents explains that climate changes most likely causes are the earth's own natural rhythms, the rotation of the earth and the position of, and the activity on the sun in relation to the earth:




Now,  at the oil and gas rally here in Grande Prairie on Sunday December 16th where our MLA Wayne Drysdale and MP Chris Warkentin spoke as did Jason Kenney of the UCP.

The speakers at this rally had it right - we need ALL kinds of energy to be developed, wind, solar, hydro, oil and gas, nuclear, biomass etc.
Close to 3,500 people at the rally and another 1,500 - 2,000 in trucks

Lets look at these different energies that are available to us these days...

In an IdeaCity talk, Mr. Moore speaks about the differences in energy in this way:
Renewable - is good BUT as he points out, we can use renewable resources in a way that is unsustainable, look at the cod fisheries, look at buffalo, whales etc.


Sustainable - lasts a long time, it doesn't run out. Lots of sustainable resource like iron ore (there's enough to last millions of years) yet it's not renewable.  Fossil fuels are finite, and yet they are being consumed in such a way as to provide 85% of the worlds energy. That is not sustainable.


Clean - clean means it doesn't pollute.


Green - the word GREEN has no merit in technology or science, it is simply a marketing word.






There is no one energy type that does not have limitations and in some cases they actually can have detrimental effects on our environment and the creatures of our planet.  

Wind: birds migratory paths are often affected and it can drive people crazy with the sound, not to mention a whole host of other problems: https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages-and-challenges-wind-energy  (Totally unsustainable and unreliable and yet, there is a place for it in servicing our energy needs)
  
Solar while helpful, is not fully reliable either. Just have a few days of overcast weather, or lots of snow and not enough batteries for back up and you'll see what I mean.  (Batteries are made from oil products) Here are some other issues with solar: https://www.sepco-solarlighting.com/blog/bid/115086/Solar-Power-Advantages-and-Disadvantages

Geothermal: There is huge potential to heat homes and water with geothermal technology, but it also has it's challenges: https://www.our-energy.com/geothermal_heating_advantages_and_disadvantages.html

Ocean Energy: while it creates no known by products can hurt marine life and is only reliable about 10 hours per day: https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages_disadvantages_waveenergy.php 

BioMASS or BioEnergy:  This fuel has a lot of advantages but its disadvantages can far outweigh any good it might produce.  The vast quantity of land required is but one of the many limitations of this fuel source: https://www.originenergy.com.au/blog/about-energy/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bioenergy.html

Hydro Energy: while it is safer than many sources of energy, it too has its issues depending on its fuel source. Dams re-route water, and can hurt animal habitats, on top of that are the issues of the limited areas that hydro generating stations can be built and they are exceedingly expensive. Not to mention the pollution generated in the building of them. http://energyinformative.org/hydroelectric-energy-pros-and-cons/  Coal fired plants that use old technology are one of the biggest contributors to pollution, but that is a different discussion than climate change.

Nuclear power generation: A small amount of uranium can generate a ton of electricity.
however, while the cost to run a plant is minimal, the costs to build them are astronomical and there is one tiny problem: the lack of long-term waste disposal facilities. Wastes are stored on the grounds of these power plants and sooner or later, there will be no space left to contain these nuclear wastes. AND - there is the other problem.... Leak Potential...
Accidents can happen despite the safety systems applied to nuclear reactors. If leaks happen, the radioactive byproduct of nuclear energy is toxic and can cause burns, cancer, blood diseases and bone decay. https://futureofworking.com/8-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-nuclear-energy/
For those who seem to think you can just quit producing oil and solve the world's ills, think again. 

All of the above renewable and or sustainable energy sources, all of them, use oil in one form or another be it for drive belts, grease, or various components like batteries, blades, switches, transmission lines etc.

And then there is geography to consider. 
What works in urban centres likely won't work in rural settings, at least not in the foreseeable future.
In urban centres where infrastructure is easier and more affordable to install, where the likelihood of being stranded thanks to a low battery or a frozen one, is minimal; great - drive electric cars and trucks but remember something, all of that infrastructure to deliver the electricity relies on oil. 

Here is some information on the kinds of transmission lines that carry electrical energy - surprise, surprise, they all require oil to create: https://www.anixter.com/en_us/resources/literature/wire-wisdom/cable-jackets-types-101.html

In Northern Canada, places like Grande Prairie, Yellowknife, Whitehorse etc., electric cars are not yet practical or feasible.  In -40 a battery looses a ton of its power, just try using your cell phone in the cold and see how long the battery lasts. And with sparse populations, the cost of the infrastructure isn't an investment that will be made any time soon.

Here is some information for you about electric cars, cold weather and their batteries: https://ez-ev.com/tips/12-tips-for-driving-your-electric-car-in-the-winter-and-cold-weather

I want you to consider what would happen if the oil and gas sector just shut down before the products to replace the following were developed....here is a small list of 80  of  products that are created with the use of oil and its byproducts (out of literally thousands):



I want you to consider something else - the true threat to humanity is POLLUTION not Climate Change, AND you need to understand that we can no more control the rhythms of glaciation and warming that we can that of the tides.

Reducing the heavy metals and sulphur dioxide from our air caused by burning coal using outdated technologies and reducing the plastics that get thrown into our oceans, solving the disposal issues of nuclear waste; doing these things are far more beneficial to our world than attempting to reduce C02 emissions.  REMEMBER  - At 150 PPM of C02, plants die. Our world needs at least 180 PPM C02.

It is a lofty goal to want to remove a product like oil completely from our lives, a product that is so ingrained in our lives. 

The best we can do is to reduce our dependancy and where it makes sense to, use renewable and sustainable energy sources and keep working at improving them, all the while improving our methods of oil production/extraction.  

If every energy sector works at improving their production methods and their usage methods, we will all be better off.

I will say it again - We need ALL energies including oil.

CONSUMERS MUST PLAY THEIR PART TO FIGHT THE REAL THREAT WHICH IS STILL POLLUTION:

We can use our vehicles less, refuse to use plastic bags and things that are too easily disposed of but don't degrade quickly. Refuse to buy products from manufacturers that waste packaging by putting tiny amounts in big plastic containers.

YOU have it within your power to impact pollution and "climate change" from the comfort of your own home.


Now, onto a much different topic....

Charitable Giving be it of your money or you time...


All of us on the CMTA board and on the various committees work at bettering our communities and giving back into where we live so we thought it would be really nice to know.....



You have a chance to win the Gear Club 2 Unlimited game for the Nintendo Switch!



The winner will be chosen at random.

Instructions on how to win:

Like my "personality page" @BeltDriveBetty2 on Facebook if you haven't already.
Post your favourite charity or non profit's name and cause and one sentence on why you support them on my the thread that has the above meme in it....

I will choose the winner on December 31st, 2018 at 10 AM MST

If you are blessed to live where you can be riding, please ride a few for me!

Belt Drive Betty 
Editor & Rider












Friday, November 30, 2018

Coping Strategies from My Friends....


Coping Strategies from My Friends

I recently posted on my Facebook page about how I have been feeling very overwhelmed this last while.  And with the holidays upon us, I wanted some additional ideas on how to stay a little more centered.

I asked my friends for their coping methods and man did I get some amazing suggestions:

From Patty: Riding my motorcycle. In the winter I colour, listen to good music, and I know this is sick but I clean.

From Georgina: Have you tried putting yourself in a quiet, darkened room with no electronics on except some nature music and just focus on the nature music? Mellow spa type music works too.
Deep relaxed breathing.
Try it for 15 min to start.
Once you let yourself have that time, you can easily work up to 30 min a day. Or more if u need it.
The less sensory interruptions (light, noise, touch) the better.

From Maureen:  I've always cleaned when stressed. When my husband came home and saw a dust rag in my back pocket, he'd throw his hat in the door first, lol

From Gary: Nap, 30 minutes can give you a new outlook!

From Deborah: Driving with the radio on loud

From Louise: Music. I drive to my special spot and sit and listen to music loud. Mine is at the water.

From Michelle: I use mindless games to distract my brain... Candy Crush, Jelly Crush, Soda Crush, Farm Saga, about 8 different ones. Run out of lives switch games.. Since their on my phone I don't need Wi-Fi, can play sitting in an office waiting room, in crowds.. Focusing on that slows my racing thoughts... Or I jog

From Shannon: I use Himalayan Salt Lamps in my home. It changes the ions in the air and makes the atmosphere calm and peaceful. I also use music and meditation tapes.

From Joan: Stop trying to do it all! Don’t take things persona.
And think ... This to shall pass... what seems so important today will not be so important in a day or two! Have a hoot once in a while! Don’t worry about what others think!

From Barry: I don't get overwhelmed anymore since starting to meditate 2 years ago and letting go of my Past. If I did get those feelings now I would meditate.

From Robert: I listen to ambient trance while working. It keeps me calm and does wonders for my depression. You can download it from you tube.

From Floyd:  I use the three rule of stress management.
1) Don't sweat the small stuff
2) Consider it all small stuff
3) If the stuff is big enough to give you stress, then f@#K it, it will soon take care of itself.
If by following these three simple rules you still have stress refer back to Rule #1.

By following these rules you should be able to maintain a stress level of 3 or less on a scale of 10.

From Dave: Break it down into small pieces one thing at a time. Think of it like this... if you had to see all the dishes you were going to wash for the rest your life at one time you would be overwhelmed. If you watch your dishes every day or even better yet right after every meal does not seem to be such a formidable task that. Good luck and I really hope whatever’s going on you can find serenity peace and calmness.
Remember too, you’ve already survived the worst days of your life and you made it.

From Shauna: I knit or crochet or color in my kids coloring books. And I bake and eat and color in my swears colouring book as well.

As you can see there is no one size fits all answer, but there are some strategies I can see me implementing!

Colouring - HMMM, this might be a great time to announce our COLOURING BOOKS!

The Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association is hosting a membership drive!
Individual Membership is $50 per year and there are some fantastic perks.
And this is our initial membership drive!

There are memberships for associations and business too that also come with some wonderful perks.

Find out more at:

Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Website

Monday, November 26, 2018

Our 2018 Christmas Gift Guide, helping you find great products from Rider Owned, Rider Friendly Businesses...

Our 2018 Christmas Gift Guide, helping you find great products from Rider Owned, Rider Friendly Businesses...

The Rider Friendly Business Association is filled with small businesses that truly want to help you find that perfect gift, piece of jewelry, clothing, book, bike, hotel, motel, experience....

Our 2018 Gift Guide has some incredible ideas in it!

The gift ideas numbering system is based on when the idea was sent in to us, not by any special rating or ranking.

The First 8 Gift Ideas come from U Need Parts dot CA.

Oil coolers, primary covers, brake pedals, audio headsets, grips and more await at uneedparts.ca

Gift idea number 9 is a real winner - a trip to ride BMW motorcycles in Tibet!
This 10 day vacation includes 6 days of riding, your motorcycle rental and insurance, all attraction passes, your Chinese Visitors Visa, your Chinese Motorcycle License, and all of your hotel rooms, and breakfasts not to mention transfers to and from the hotel and airport and a tour guide and chase truck!  A special damage deposit agreement was arranged at $1000 US for the F800GS, there are other bikes available.

Easy Rider Tours in Tibet has arranged for a special Airfare price which is $600 Canadian ROUND TRIP, with 2 bags and a meal included. The entire trip will cost you roughly $3000 - $3,200 American per person including your lunches, suppers, fuel and spending money. (depending on your appetite)

Visit https://www.riderfriendly.com/for-riders/riding-tibet to find out more.

We are featuring two books this season from two of my most favourite lady riders and authors.

Tamela Rich's book"Hit the Road" a Woman's Guide to Motorcycle Touring is an amazing resource on solo riding and Liz Jansen's book "Crash Landing"  tells the tale of a life very well lived.

Both books are incredible!

You can get Tamela's Book at tamelarich.com and Liz's book at lizjansen.com.

Gift idea number 12 is also a book, but is geared towards kids.  The Bikers are Animals series by Paul Jamiol help kids understand the different bikes and people who ride them in a fun and imaginative way and his cartooning skills really shine through. In every book there are colouring pages so that parents, grand parents and kids can get in on the action!
Check them out at: bikersareanimals.com

MotoChic Gear has some incredible offerings this year, of course there is the trusty Lauren Bag that is becoming a staple in the urban lady rider's wardrobe which is our gift guide idea #13. MotoChic Gear is also offering up the Bess Bag and the Ladies Antimicrobial Muscle Tee as well in spots 17 & 18. See all their great ideas at: motochicgear.com

Gigi Montrose has her amazing "Fearless" jacket up for grabs in position 14. This is a wonderfully functional jacket that will protect you with it's kevlar and make you feel feminine all at the same time ladies!

Check out the "Fearless Jacket" at gigimontrose.com

My friend and all round talented gal Shaunagh McLeod is offering up her hand wrapped pendants.
These unique pieces are perfect that for the special gal in your life guys - or for yourself ladies...
Email Shaunagh at shaunaghmcl @ gmail.com  (Fix the spaces!)

Freedom Heated Clothing from Esterhazy Saskatchewan has a way to help extend that riding season. With vests, jackets, chap liners and gauntlets, you never have to truly be cold on your motorcycle again and, you can get a set of gloves, a jacket and chap liners for about the price of heated grips!

Check them out at heatedclothing.ca

Another amazing gift idea is number 20 and it comes from Marion Redpath over at Calgary Harley-Davidson and Betty from Betty's BnB with Air BnB.  A Two Day Rental and Two Nights at Betty's! That's right, get the one you love a gift certificate for travel and accommodations from two wonderful owner operators and combine them into that perfect weekend getaway. Ideal for the person who works away and only has a short period for days off!
Contact Marion at Calgary Harley-Davidson for more details.

We also have some great stocking stuffer ideas from a couple of the riding clubs we promote - the Harley-Davidson of Edmonton Community Ladies of Harley Calendar that raises money for Kipnes House AND tickets on a motorcycle raffle from the Canadian Legion of Riders in North Battleford SK!!!!

Check them out too!

The Rider Friendly Business Association and Belt Drive Betty Media - Helping Riders Shop with Rider Owned, Rider Friendly Businesses!

Visit our online gift guide to see all of the gift ideas up close and personal - visit:
https://riderfriendly.com/for-riders/gift-guide-2018

If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and PLEASE, put a few miles on for me!

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider