Mother nature must love riders!

At least here in the Okanagan and in Grande Prairie!

After 20 degree temperatures here in the Okanagan for Friday, Saturday and Sunday - it is pouring rain here today! The same thing happened last week in Grande Prairie.

Both events had near perfect conditions and come Monday the weather took a dive.

I hope and pray for all the upcoming summer events and their coordinators that proves to be the case!

This has been the spring that doesn't want to arrive but finally it appears to be here!

I have a concern I would like to raise - that of drinking and riding.

One young man I met on Sunday had road rash all over his face and arms and a severely broken hand - he doesn't remember leaving the bar or the crash he only remembers the police and the hospital. His bike is toast and now so is his drivers license...
He was not alone as I know of at least one other rider who got stopped and charged with impaired.

People, I know that booze makes one feel invincible - like you are ten feet tall and bullet proof but you aren't. In the case of both riders the only ones affected were the riders but the story could have been much different!

When you go to an event PLEASE, make alternate arrangements for getting home or to your hotel - don't drink and ride - it's so costly on so many levels, your job, your life, your family and the impact on them...

One other side note - There were hundreds and hundreds of bikes at this event and only a small handful of cowboys who don't use their heads - the right hand was used rather heavily by a few who don't realize the impact that their disrespect with that right hand has. Every time I hear some one rap their pipes hard all I could think was - another nail in the coffin for our community - come on guys - please, please, please - think about someone besides yourself - you hurt all of us with that kind of behavior.

If you are riding today I pray that you will ride with respect and like everyone around you is blind! PLEASE stay safe!

Belt Drive Betty

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all of the mom's I know have a wonderful day.

I am looking forward to our last day at Slack's - I have reconnected with so many people!

The weather has been wonderful, the people and the sights are incredible.

If you get some time today and you are anywhere near Penticton - stop in and say hi.
The games and bike draw are today - I have my ticket!

Anyway - off to get ready for the day!!!

Have a great day today and PLEASE - Ride like everyone around you is blind...

Belt Drive Betty

I love the Okanagan in the spring!

The poker run for the OMRA was wonderful - I so very much enjoyed the smell of the lilacs and apple blossoms as they competed with the sage for your nostrils!

The sights - the people - what a wonderful poker run!

This is the best time of year to ride in the Okanagan - before all of the tourists come and traffic is insane!

I am getting ready to head of to the show 'n' shine at Slack's - the weather is gorgeous - supposed to be 22 degrees! Come on out and have some fun!

Ride safe today - like everyone is blind and remember to use respect with your right hand, the cops are out to get riders who aren't in a BIG way!

Belt Drive Betty

In beautiful Keremeos

As disappointed as I am to not have been able to ride here - I am also grateful.
Had I ridden I'd have gone through snow, sleet and a lot of rain - the Coquihalla was awful - about 4" of snow at the summit...

I was recently interviewed for Travel Alberta's new on line magazine and while the author didn't write things quite the way I said them - he did a pretty good job.

Here is the link to the article:http://freshtracks.travelalberta.com/#/8
Trying to get caught up on emails and urgent phone calls, then getting geared up to ride pillion on Bryan's trike for the Penticton OMRA Poker run today - registration is from 12 noon until 1pm

Weather looks like it could be iffy - but what the heck - I am here, have lots of gear and I am ready for some wind after being caged up!

If you are riding today,
Please - ride like everyone around you is blind!

Belt Drive Betty

Heading out to Penticton

I am packed and almost ready to head out to Penticton and Slack Alice's Show 'n' Shine. I don't get to ride as they are expecting snow in some areas of the mountains and with the riding season I have planned I want to stay healthy.

I am going to take advantage and stop in to see as many potential advertisers as I can.

I'll be back in internet contact by Thursday evening so if you don't hear from me tomorrow, I'll be back on Thursday....

Stay safe, ride like everyone around you is blind and ride respectfully...
Belt Drive Betty

Baron's Life........: California considers requiring motorcycle smog checks

Baron's Life........: California considers requiring motorcycle smog checks

A great weekend

We here in the north peace region of Alberta had a wonderful time this past weekend.

I apologize for not having posted on Sunday and Monday but between getting the newspaper out and dealing with a number of things for my up coming trip to Slack Alice's I have been over extended.

About 400 riders came out during the day on Saturday, about 160 meals were served Saturday night and over 65 bikes participated in the poker run for Grande Prairie Tourism.

Our band 100 Proof was well received and Daryl Makk of Comedy Detour was absolutely hilarious he had everyone in stitches.

All in all a very successful event.

I look forward to the changes AIM - Can Peace Country Chapter is planning on making for the 2010 event!

Well, lots to do today to get ready for Penticton. Probably be another cager trip as the weather sucks and I need to stay healthy...oh well at least when I get there a friend has a trike that I can ride on so all is not lost. It will be weird but trying something new is OK too!

Stay safe and ride like everyone around you is blind!

Belt Drive Betty