Lemon Meringue Pie for Sale...

I have a ton of advertisers who are fighting for their financial lives right now.
They have either canceled their advertising or have parred back.

That leaves a business like mine in a jamb. Especially with the Bike Show Debt that I am juggling. Two years I have been packing that debt and not really getting anywhere with it. And now a second round of recessional cut backs from advertisers.

Gang, I gotta tell yah, if you want this newspaper, the web sites, the event calendars and the tools we provide to continue, then I need your help. Until things improve and advertisers feel free to start spending some money again...

But I also don't want something for nothing - charity ain't my bag unless I am helping someone else out, so here's the deal:

If you are willing to donate to us, we will be giving you an 80 page
Electronic Joke Book Called "When Life hands you some lemons...Make Lemon Meringue  Pies" to download! As our way of saying thank you!

It is filled with jokes that have been submitted to the Busted Knuckle in 2005 and 2006!

Please donate whatever you feel is a just reward for our web site and services and their worth to you. Help us keep the lights on and the doors open in spite of what is happening to our advertisers. Our charitable events still need help gang!

Thank you for whatever you decide to do, become a subscriber to the Electronic Newspaper or donate a few buck towards keeping the web site and everything going...

Your help will help us keep doing what we do to help our community!

Watch for our donation button to become available later today.

Humbly yours

Belt Drive Betty

Marketing and motorcycles...

What would you say - beyond sales and attaining them, is the single biggest challenge to the motorcycle industry in Canada today?

From where I sit every day, I hear a lot of hard luck stories.

I hear all about businesses that can't attract business but then the only advertising or marketing the do is hanging out a shingle.

Either that or they throw some money at an ad and wonder why they don't get any results or they advertise at the wrong time of year - painters and airbrushers  should be advertising in the early fall ( here in Canada anyway) as people are contemplating putting their rides to bed for the winter - riding season - most people are riding and not thinking of much else.

I see business people who do not get out there and use every available means and avenue to get their name and message out there. They don't get involved or active. They don't explain the products they offer, they don't become an authority on anything.

They don't engage their customer, they don't build any relationships - instead they give up. They loose heart and quit working for what they want - they let the business push them around. They focus on too narrow a consumer base - their own back yard and forget about the rest of us riders who like to travel around.

I see businesses who have horrible staff that are ineffective and only there for a pay cheque - these people are always waiting for something better to come along.
I won't get in to the problems I see with so many employees out there - that will be for another day!

I see ineffective marketing/lobbying groups that don't truly add any value or fabulous tools that are hidden away and underutilized as no one knows about them...

I'll give you a couple examples of what I mean.

Motorcycle Work dot Com  - how may of you have ever heard of it? They charge employers $39.95 a month to post a job - but not many job seekers know the job board is there to look at...it's a great web site, great concept but there is ZERO marketing done towards the job seeker - it appears that taking the dealer/businesses money is really all that that is about! Even at that there are only ever about a dozen jobs listed.

Or how about the MMIC Job Board - Motorcycle Jobs dot Ca

Yah - I thought not. Again - great tool but who knows about it?

The MMIC - Motorcycle Moped Industry Council - this is supposed to be the voice of the Motorcycle Industry in Canada. Their marketing is often non existent, their fees to be part of the association are outrageous compared to the benefits they offer and if it wasn't for the fabulous job of the guys and gals from the Canadian National Sportsman's Shows who put on the MMIC Shows - well there would be even less marketing.

How many of you here know what the MMIC is Or what the MCC is...
Heck - half the time I can't even find the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada Site - which is the motorcyclists/rider side of the MMIC  - and it's a new site, a big improvement from the old one, but again - how many of you really even know what they do?

I have been reading with much interest about what the MIC in the US is doing and I guess since we are so small of a country population wise that no one here thinks the American ideas warrant looking at but I do.

This was taken from Clutch and Chrome today - to read it all: http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/MotorcycleNews0911020.htm

Motorcycle sales have suffered with the challenging economy, hitting manufacturers and dealerships alike.

An industry group is riding up to help two-wheeled sales with a campaign designed to help raise consumer awareness about special dealership sales, incentives and activities across the nation.

Launched by the Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors, Revive Your Ride! the first industry-wide promotional campaign aimed at helping dealership's with its advertising and marketing.

Dealerships can download logos, advertising templates and other promotional items, all for free.
I wished that I had a bigger team cause I would sure love to shake things up even more than we already do...

Connecting riders and business with information - we could do so much better if we had a team...

Hope you have a fabulous day.
Ride safe if you are fortunate enough to live where you can be riding today.

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP A.I.M.Can
www.aim-can.com

Good Bye Motorcycle Rallies in South Carolina - The Myrtle Beach Saga finally comes to an end of sorts...

The politics in Myrtle Beach South Carolina make our Canadian politics seem so tame.

I am however ensuring that this issue gets some light of day here in Canada because as our population grows both as a country and as the motorcycle community - these issues WILL be on our doorstep and the politics WILL become this disgusting.  

This article is a forewarning to EVERY MOTORCYCLE EVENT COORDINATOR and community in CANADA - there is lots to be learned here, but will anyone take the time - I doubt it, but I feel I have to try and get people to see the responsibilities that they have on ALL sides of the equation - otherwise, rallies will be a thing of the past in no time at all.

Electric motorcycles might end up becoming the savior of rallies and Motorcycle Tourism!

The Myrtle Beach Saga finally comes to an end of sorts...

Depending on what news article you read and whose slant or side resonates with you, there's lots of fodder available for building acrimony! Myrtle Beach On Line has had lots of hmm.. shall we say lively and colorful discussion threads on this issue.

A lot of people who belong to the facebook group - Bring Back Myrtle Beach- are boycotting certain restaurants and businesses...

Slander, lawsuits, fist fights - YUP this community's politics has it all.

Bikers as tourists is being seen by many as the pro small business/commerce side of the issue VS peace, quiet and retirement - the other side of an issue that is so contentious it forced an early election and was in many ways viewed as a referendum.

From the City of Myrtle Beach's point of view they are right to get rid of the rallies.

http://myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com/faq.html

I am copying their statements regarding the rallies so that you can truly see how Myrtle Beach - the government is as much responsible for the out of control way the rallies were allowed to grow and the limits they were allowed to push. 

I’ve heard the rallies will still occur, just not in the city limits. Is that true?

The rallies will not occur in the City of Myrtle Beach and may not occur exactly as they have in the past elsewhere. The City of Myrtle Beach is concerned with the city limits, but other local governments are considering actions to limit or alter the rallies. For example, Horry County Council is considering changes to vendor numbers, locations and fees. Surfside Beach has eliminated vendors for two years. North Myrtle Beach will not allow vendors in front of Barefoot Landing and may or may not approve a variance for a tent at the Harley-Davidson shop. You may wish to contact other local governments directly to inquire about their plans. Atlantic Beach (843) 663-2284; City of North Myrtle Beach (843) 280-5555; Horry County (843) 915-5005; Town of Surfside (843) 913-6111. 

I understand the motorcycle rallies have been cancelled and will not be held in 2009. Is this true?

Yes, as far as the City of Myrtle Beach is concerned, the motorcycle rallies have ended. The residents of Myrtle Beach spoke loudly and clearly, asking City Council to end the May rallies. In response, City Council enacted numerous ordinances and changed existing laws to curtail the rallies beginning in 2009. Some form of the rallies may be held elsewhere in Horry County, but they will no longer occur within the city limits of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Why does Myrtle Beach no longer want motorcycle rallies?

The rallies grew too large and lasted too long. The back-to-back rallies attracted several hundred thousand bikers and event-goers and overwhelmed the city for nearly three weeks. The rallies drove other visitors away. Through the years, the city tried to work with the organizers and attendees, but the rallies did not improve. Instead, they became larger, longer and louder. Myrtle Beach welcomes people who ride motorcycles lawfully, but the rallies have ended. 

IN MY HO - had the city forced coordinators to meet certain expectations this would not have happened - the city had the power via permits etc, to keep the length of the rallies at whatever they wanted - instead they choose to ban them - hmmm when and how did they figure out they had the power to do that??? Maybe they should have put their foot down years ago????

Is this effort to discontinue the motorcycle rallies targeted at one group or one specific rally?

No, the City of Myrtle Beach doesn’t want to play host to any motorcycle rally, regardless of its sponsors or attendees. The new ordinances are in effect year-round, not just during the month of May.  

WAY TO CYA for the benefit of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) The NAACP is largely responsible, in MHO, for making this into a race issue instead of a respect issue. Read up on the history....

So, is Myrtle Beach anti-biker?

Not at all. The city welcomes individual motorcyclists 365 days a year, as long as they obey all local and state laws. However, the city doesn’t welcome the huge motorcycle rallies and the problems they bring. Be clear on this - this in not a place I will EVER go to, be it in a car or on a bike. It's crime rate is horrendous and the rallies had very little to do with it from what I read...

Haven’t these rallies existed for many years? Why is the City of Myrtle Beach just now deciding to discontinue the rallies?

The May motorcycle rallies are not new, but for many years, they lasted only a few days and attracted much smaller crowds. While those events may have presented some challenges for residents, most people tolerated them for short periods. However, in recent years, both May motorcycle events outgrew their original size, scope and duration. The back-to-back rallies now last for nearly three straight weeks and present a huge burden on the local community. As a result, the residents asked the city to end the rallies, and City Council responded accordingly. 

AS I SAID PREVIOUSLY - PROPER PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS Piss Poor Performance

If the city doesn’t want special events, why do the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizers promote events like the Sun Fun Festival, the Myrtle Beach Marathon, or the Canadian-American Days Festival?

Events like the Sun Fun Festival, the Myrtle Beach Marathon and the Canadian-American Days Festival last only a few days and don’t require nearly the level of support from the city as the motorcycle rallies. Also, they don’t cause the same level of inconvenience, noise and congestion for the residents. Those events also do not result in increased crime, traffic wrecks and fatalities.  (From what I read about Myrtle Beach, the crime rate is so high because of being a tourist town that it is a scary place to go to even when at its best. Again, don't take my opinion as gospel  - read the history and all of the conflicting comments and draw your own conclusions)

Myrtle Beach is a tourist destination. It seems strange that such a destination would decide it doesn’t want tourists, doesn’t it?

We welcome all tourists, as long as they obey our state and local laws. The motorcycle-related rallies grew to be too large, too noisy and too unmanageable. For example, during July 4th, we will host even more visitors than during the motorcycle rallies, but the effect on the community is much less intense. The rallies grew so large and lasted so long that they simply overwhelmed the community. In short, their negatives far outweighed their positives. (AGAIN I HUMBLY SUBMIT - PROPER PRIOR PLANNING PREVENTS PISS POOR PERFORMANCE)

If the motorcycle rallies were such a great benefit for our area, it would seem that other communities would compete for them and try to move them to their towns, much like national conventions. So far, that hasn’t happened. Ask yourself… Would your community welcome three weeks of motorcycle rallies with hundreds of thousands of participants and the resulting noise, litter, lewdness, crime, traffic congestion, reckless driving, accidents, injuries, and deaths? Probably not.

The rallies bring a lot of revenue to the city and its businesses. Does the City Council realize how much money it stands to lose?

Yes, the City Council is aware of the economic impact of the motorcycle rallies, but the rallies also cost the community, and more than just money. Certain business segments did well during the rallies, but others did not. The city also paid a substantial cost in staff time and resources to cope with the rallies. Many would-be visitors also chose not to visit during May because they did not want to be caught up in the rallies. But perhaps the biggest cost of all was the effect the rallies had upon our quality of life. Residents were no longer willing to give up the month of May. 

Do businesses realize they’re going to lose a lot of money when the rallies go away?

Yes, and no. Some businesses did benefit financially from the motorcycle rallies and expressed concern over the city’s decision. Other businesses didn’t benefit financially from the motorcycle rallies and supported the city’s efforts. And, believe it or not, there are some businesses that benefit financially from the rallies but believe overall that they still aren’t good events for the area. It’s safe to say that the business community is divided on the issue, but regardless, the city is eliminating the rallies for non-monetary reasons.

If I decide to ride my motorcycle to Myrtle Beach in May 2009, what changes will I notice?

Myrtle Beach is the same appealing destination that it’s always been, but you will be subject to several new ordinances. For example, you will need to wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection while riding your motorcycle within the city limits. Your motorcycle must have a functioning muffler and you will not be allowed to make excessive noise. At idle, motorcycles and other vehicles may be no louder than 89 decibels. You will need to present your license, registration and proof of insurance at all traffic checkpoints, which will be more common beginning in 2009. These checkpoints also may include noise measurements. For more details on our local laws, please view our list of new or changed ordinances. 

Hotels are telling me I can’t bring my motorcycle on a trailer. Is this true and, if so, why?

The city will not allow motorcycle trailer parking on public rights-of-way within the city limits, nor at large, vacant sites. You may park trailers in hotel parking lots as long as they do not displace other guests’ vehicles. Spaces for trailer storage may be available outside city limits, but within the city, there will be no space available for trailer storage. Also, city ordinances restrict motorcycles to no more than two vehicles per public parking space. 

(But no, we aren't targeting anyone group of people - hell no!)

Will the new ordinances passed by the City of Myrtle Beach affect the Harley-Davidson rally, the Memorial Day Bikefest, or both?

Both. The new ordinances are in effect year-round, and actions to eliminate the motorcycle rallies will be implemented consistently among all events. 

When do the new laws go into effect?

Some of the new ordinances are already in effect. Other laws will be implemented in February 2009. 

Are the city’s efforts constitutional?

Yes, the city believes its efforts are very much in line with the constitutions of the United States and South Carolina. As a matter of policy, the city doesn’t comment on pending legal challenges. However, lawsuits have been filed, and thus far, the courts have sided with the city and refused to issue any injunctions.

Where do the city limits of Myrtle Beach extend?

Like all cities in South Carolina, the city limits line zigs and zags. Generally speaking, the city limits begin at the southern end of Restaurant Row and continue to just past the former Air Force Base. Except for a portion of Grande Dunes, all of the City of Myrtle Beach is east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Look for signage at the major entrances to the city. At this time, SC 31, the Carolina Bays Parkway, is completely outside the Myrtle Beach City limits.

What I see is a place where they - the Municipality allowed themselves to  loose control of the events. If the city had not extended permits and licenses to go over the three weeks period, if they had put in the checks and balances and actually worked with the promoters, the rallies one of which had a 63 year history might be allowed to continue today. If it wasn't for the NAACP and the challenges that nasty politics that ensued from the whole racial side of things...

What if's... woulda's, should haves...I have said it MANY, MANY times - if HISTORY was a learning tool...instead - it simply repeats itself because not enough people are willing to look at history as a method from which to learn, grow and evolve...

If you are not part of the solution YOU ARE THE PROBLEM...and that's my humble opinion.

If you are one of those people I love to hate - meaning you live where you can ride....Please, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and ride like everyone around you is your sick grandma or a new born baby you really don't want to wake up - use some respect with that right hand...

Belt Drive Betty

www.beltdrivebetty.com

National VP - A.I.M.Can

www.aim-can.com

Feeling pretty humble today...

Last night I received the President's Award from Grande Prairie Regional Tourism for promoting motorcyclists and motorcycling in the Grande Prairie Region.
I am so honored and touched. I never expected this!

L - Kim Grey is the Past President of GPTRA  and R - Emilia Hovorka and of course me, "all teeth" in the middle!

We had a fabulous supper, with incredible entertainers and hubby and I even won a Jacuzzi room at the Stanford Inn in the Silent Auction!

It was a fabulous night and the award is something I will cherish for years to come.

My deepest thanks to Kim Grey and Emilia Hovorka for choosing me and to the board of Grande Prairie Regional Tourism for backing the nomination for it!

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today - I am green with envy, and I hope you will look upon riding in November as a blessing and a treat and honor it by riding safely.

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP - A.I.M. Can
www.aim-can.com

Interesting - perhaps, Exciting????

OCC - the very name conjurs up screaming matches, arrogant fits of temper and egos as big as the universe...for me anyway.

Paul Sr has a band...aptly named the OCC Band and their first album which features if I read right, three songs from the band and 14 songs that are Paul Sr's favorites from other bands.

The band is made up of staffers from OCC - from the limited amount of  clips I was able to listen to, they sounded awesome! And yeah, I am surprised. I really didn't know what to expect.

Royal Enfield is coming to Canada...Rob from Bullet Motorcycles in Edmonton is the new Canadian Distributor!

There's lot of sports news today so be sure to cruise that section of the web site (www.beltdrivebetty.com)

I have a lot on the agenda today  - this learning gig can be hard on the head...

Oh and by the way - I am a quitter! Still a non smoker...

Have a great day and if you are one of the lucky who live where you can be riding, please ride safe.

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP - A.I.M. Can
www.aim-can.com

Some closure ...

This last few years haven't been the easiest for this gal.
It's been an upside down world for me ever since the Olds Bike Show and it's devastating loss. Add to that the challenges with hubby and our twisted economy...

That loss in Olds triggered an audit, both income tax and GST, now I trust my CA and I was pretty darned sure everything was in order, but you just never know, really now do you?

When I was getting everything together, I have to tell you I was an emotional mess.
It was like reliving the entire ordeal all over again. It was crappy. Every time I picked up an invoice of someone who had not paid their bill, ever time I picked up something to do with the policing etc... all of these rotten memories that I thought I had dealt with and buried - they were back.

I have to say that I now feel some closure now that the audit is complete and everything has been found to be OK... It's been a long two and a quarter years since the bike show in Olds...and I am glad that I can put everything away, including those horrid feelings and move on to better, brighter days.

It is amazing the difference in the way I feel today compared to 48 hours ago!
I know that as long as I move every day towards my goals with purpose and consistency brighter days are already here!

The news is another mixed bag, so I am just going to let you snoop today.

I have a grant application to finish, the final revisions on the phone book to look over and a few errands to run...gonna be a busy day!

Have a fabulous one people! It's snowing here - AGAIN - so no one is allowed to ride today - anywhere - got it! (Yah, I know, go get stuffed :)

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP A.I.M. Can
www.aim-can.com

Am I wrong?

I have a few questions for the lot of you....Am I wrong for trying to keep our web site predominantly Canadian? Am I wrong for proudly touting the fact that our site is Canadian and about Canadian events, businesses, locations and people?

The reason I ask - is in the learning and reading I am doing, I am finding that some of the most successful web sites - the ones that attract a lot of advertisers and lots of members - they are Canadian and hide that fact.

I was stunned to learn that some of the sites I use, and visit - once I investigated who ran them and owned them...CANADIANS.

That shocked me....The Canucks really don't want people knowing they are Canadian owned and run. I am told that it is a detriment to commerce and visitors. I am told American visitors won't come to sites that they know are Canadian sites or get involved on Canadian sites...

Wow - that is an opinion I did not expect - I got that opinion from 4 out of the 6 web site owners I talked with...

There is a lot to learn about this whole web thing and I am determined to learn as much as I can.
How does one keep true to their convictions...I am Canadian and proud of it...


In the news today...
 The East End Hells Angels Chapter is less one member for a while...


Alex Caine the author of the "The Fat Mexican -The Bloody Rise of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club"
has some very strong opinions on the Shedden massacre....

And, more accidents to report...man, at this time of year you wouldn't expect to be loosing so many riders still. My heart goes out to the families of those riders who are gone from us and to the riders who are injured...I hope there is a local organization there to help you.

IF YOU ARE RIDING TODAY - please, ride like EVERYONE around you is blind and can not see you!

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP - A.I.M.Can
www.aim-can.com