Some Proposed Laws Make NO sense

Along with the Motorcycle Noise Bylaws that are cropping up are other laws that make little to no sense.

Take a look at what they are attempting in Virginia. They want to ban kids 8 years old and under from riding with their parents. Federal law here and in the US - from everything I have read, is identical. If a child can comfortably put their feet on the foot pegs and there is a proper back rest, they are allowed to ride with their parent. And from everything else I have read, the statistics involving kids being hurt while being a passenger are negligible or unrecorded. In other words - there is nothing to back the need for a law banning them from being on the back.

Helen Jazek in Ontario tried this same stunt - it appears that there are many who would like to see our children NOT be exposed to our lifestyle and the enjoyment of a motorcycle - what's next? Banning them from riding their own machines in motocross?

It is sad to see those who do not like or understand our lifestyle attempting to propose a ban that makes NO SENSE - how do you subjectively say an 8 year old can not be on the back? One 8 year old can be short and others are tall  - how can you pick a random age and say that that is the right age to prevent them from being on the back? Where does that make sense?????

I shake my head...I am sorry, I just don't get it.

In other news: 

In New Brunswick they are calling for mandatory motorcycle inspections for used bikes after the death of a prominent lawyer last summer.

A Tourism Director is needed for Norfolk County Ontario

In BC a young Supermoto racer is flying high

In Vancouver - the Deeley Exhibition is slated to be at  the Vancouver Motorcycle Show this weekend.

In Idaho - one was won for the community - the rider community and MIC have successfully lobbied to change the rules in the US and be allowed at the table regarding riding on federal lands

I am on the road to the Vancouver Motorcycle Show and can not wait to see all of my friends and family members!

Have a fabulous day and remember to get your bikes entered in the Beat the PMS Blues on line Show 'n' Shine!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

A weekend that is filled with mixed blessings and Riders in Edmonton BEWARE....

This past weekend at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show was filled with mixed blessings.

I got over 500 hugs and they were top quality! It is my favorite thing about going to the shows - that and seeing the motorcycles and gear offerings.

I was fortunate enough to take in the Motorcycle Madness - the talented riders had people holding their breath and when the quad rider, Jon Guetter came out and did his 360 jump you should have heard the crowd - it was such a great event!

The ladies from the Calgary & Edmonton Motorcycle shows put on such a great trade show for us - they work so hard to keep it fresh and real and man the 2011 shows were excellent.

You'll have to read this coming week's newspaper (The Busted Knuckle Chronicles) in order to see the pictures and report. I am back to laying out the paper myself again - sadly I had to fire the gal that I had contracted to do the job - I refuse to allow our community newspaper to be held hostage by someone who refuses to honor their contract commitments.

Although I haven't done the books yet, I know that our Injured Rider Fund donations from the sale of patches, BDB gear and the Death Wobble Rentals Charity Bikini calendar is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $400 - The CMTA will be able to at least help one rider with a no interest loan in the advent of a crash - remember the period between when the crash happens and insurance comes in can be a very difficult period for many. Our goal is to get that fund up to $25,000 and be able to lend money at no interest until insurance pays you back for some of your out of pocket expenses. Once you are on your feet, you pay the fund back so we can help the next rider. You can apply for assistance at the CMTA web site: www.motorcycletourism.ca

I had a chance to talk to the Edmonton City Police about the motorcycle only noise bylaw. I have to tell you I was some disappointed in Eric Theusser - he is rude, arrogant and insufferable in my humble opinion. He was preening like a peacock when I started the interview and the first tough question that I asked him about why ONLY motorcycles and how that works - he ended the interview and told me he refused to talk to me anymore.  I walked over the the RCMP booth and asked the same question, in EXACTLY the same way and got answers. They weren't what I was hoping to hear but they were polite and direct, honest answers. Why the Edmonton City officer couldn't or wouldn't answer me I am unsure. I do know this much - riders in Edmonton - either change your pipes or look to be treated badly - I say that because of my personal experience with this one officer - I don't mean to come across like all of the officers will be that way  -  but my understanding is that he heads things up and if that is the case, remember that crap runs downhill...
Read my editorial in this coming week's paper to read what was said.

I also would like to warn those who are not running stock pipes - if you do not know what your bike is putting out for decibels then either get your bike tested or stay away from Edmonton OR be prepared to go to court and fight.

Liane Langlois has not given up the fight to get this bylaw reversed - only you fighting tickets will help get this bylaw changed. It is your choice folks - fight, avoid the city of Edmonton or run stock pipes of the after market pipes that are EPA certified from the US - because if they are the style of pipes that are Not for highway use - you most likely will be ticketed.

We are accepting donations for the Australian Flood Relief Fund - all donations will go to the Red Cross - you can also donate directly if you want tax receipts....http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=000005&tid=003

Don't forget to get your bikes entered into the show 'n' shine folks - tons of great prizes up for grabs and it is free to enter...

There is a lot of news from the weekend for you to check out, since I have to get cracking on building the paper, I will leave you to go snooping on your own.

Have a FABULOUS day - I know mine will be!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

One BIG Announcement

I am a very proud gal today - my dream of being able to provide "CAA/AMA" Style services to the rider has come true!We now have a comprehensive Road Side Assistance Program that will knock your socks off I hope!

Best Roadside Service offers service in French and English - coverage all over North America and their 6 service calls can be dedicated to ONE person or SPLIT between spouses!

• Towing up to 75 Miles (120 Kilometres)
• Battery and Jumpstart Assistance
• Flat Tire Service
• Lost Key and Lockout Service
• Up to $100 for a Locksmith
• Out-of-Gas Fuel Delivery
• Personal Assistance
• Trip and Routing Service
• Full Concierge Service
• Hotel and Travel Discounts
• 6 Service Calls per Year

All of these benefits for $89.50 per year!

The service is transferable from your car, to your pick up to your motorcycle!

It has taken some time to find the right company to work with and I am so proud to be partnered with Best Roadside Service.

This special offer is only available to our members - just one more reason the become a member of the BDB Club (Bikers Discount Buying Club) Membership is FREE and comes with a ton of perks including the Discounts and special services from our own Rider Friendly Business Association!

Compare these prices and services to CAA or AMA and I am sure you will see the benefits to you immediately - the first benefit is the cost - the second benefit is that if you are in a relationship/marriage you can split the calls with your spouse!

I am so excited about this service for you, our members! I will continue working hard to find the right products and servies to offer you to make your life easier and more rewarding.

We are accepting donations for the victims of the Australian Floods - please - if you can help:

Australian Flood Victims - All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross

The CMT Injured Riders fund has $120 in it folks - we are looking to make that amount $25K so come on out the Edmonton Motorcycle Show and purchase a patch and help us build that fund!

No Interest loans meant to assist you during the time between the crash and insurance funds coming in...

Congratulations to Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia on their recent award at the Toronto International Super Show!

I am off to the Edmonton Motorcycle show today and for the next three days. I am accepting Hugs! Calgary did pretty fine considering the weather and the hugs were pretty top drawer people so let's see if Edmonton can top Calgary!

Have a fantastic day folks!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor &a Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Ontario Community May Deam Motorcycle Events Harmful to the Environment

Well folks - we are under siege over loud pipes, we are often harassed by police services who fear we may all be members of 1% "gangs" and now we are going to be harassed by the city of Kingston who thinks we are not good for the environment.

Their initial concerns were over a boating event but after discussions the motion was made to hold all events using city facilities to an environmental standard: The poker run, a weekend long event in which large power boats travel from Kingston to Prescott and back, came under fire two years ago from Kingstonians concerned about the pollution resulting from the event. It was estimated that the 74 boats participating in the 2010 event emitted between 100 and 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide. A report commissioned by the city also indicated that attendance had declined from 14,400 spectators in 2009 to about 9,000 in 2010.

Councillor Brian Reitzel asked that staff and the environment committee carefully weigh their recommendations before returning to council, some time late in 2011.

He noted that important charity events like the Ride For Dad, which involves more than 650 motorcycles on a single day, could also be considered unsustainable. Kingston Whig Standard

I wonder about  politicians and their desire to make a mark or reputation for themselves. I wonder is common sense is ever used in these kinds of decisions - I guess only time will tell.

If  you read the news you will see more US states like Florida are wanting motorcycle noise to be targeted...folks - we as a community need to get our act together - we need to start working on protecting our community from unfair and unwarranted attacks - at least that is my humble opinion...what is your opinion, I would deeply love to hear it.

We are collecting donations to be sent in to the Red Cross to help our fellow riding community in Australia - those poor people...if you can spare $5 - please consider donating - these people are devastated.

We don't just help those abroad that need help - we riders help so many causes right here at home - one cause I am asking you to support is the CMTA Injured Riders Fund -  it is meant to provide repayable NO interest loans to those who suffer a crash and need a bit of help until insurance kicks in....buying patches, donating, buying a CMTA Injured Riders Calendar....there are many ways to get involved and remember, one day it could be you needing that wee bit of a helping hand!  You will be able to buy the CMTA Charity Calendar from Death Wobble on Saturday at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show!

There is a whack of news over on www.beltdrivebetty.com Come on over and get caught up with what is happening here in Canada and around the world!

Have you checked out our Beat the PMS Blues on Line Show 'n' Shine? If you haven't and suffer from PMS, there are some fine rides in there that will help abate that horrid, horrid dis-ease! If your ride isn't in there, why not? It's free to enter and we have some fabulous prizes to give away!

I am going to sign of on a final note....We have a HUGE announcement for all of our members coming tomorrow morning! I can't wait to share with you all this incredibly exciting news....

I hope you all have a warm and safe day...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Parked Motorcycle Syndrome & SS Syndrome

So, how many Edmontonians are going to come to the Edmonton Motorcycle Show this weekend?

The weather has been so unkind to the show managers across the country that I hope and pray that Edmontonians show up in full force regardless of the weather. The vendors and show managers work so hard to provide a great experience with something for everyone.

The SS Syndrome (Shiny $hit Syndrome) that accompanies PMS can be abated by making sure you have your charge or debit card ready - there are so many wonderful offerings for that ride of yours.

If you can't attend the Edmonton Motorcycle Show perhaps you will go and ogle the bikes that have already been entered in the Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine. We have over 130 pictures in there already and I am hoping for many more. The dis-ease of PMS can only be reduced by seeing lots of motorcycles so our on line show 'n' shine and the motorcycle shows are a great way to put it at bay!

In major Canadian News, the IMBBA is getting geared up for the International  World Cup Ccompetition in Laval Quebec in April of 2012.

 “The IMBBA challenge is truly the first time Canada has to shine on a global market, with the rest of the world having to come to our door to compete, I feel it is long overdue, Canada’s commerce along with community and press from all these countries merging in Laval, Canada to photograph bikes that have never been seen before in public is exciting” said IMBBA’s Canadian representative and Master Bike Builder and Hall of Fame celebrity, Bob McKay.

In Other News:

Police forces in the USA are embracing the Zero motorcycle for stealthy patrols!

In Pennsylvania they are re introducing legislation to bring back helmet laws. 

In Calgary Alberta and alderman is concerned that if Calgary does not have a race facility it will be seen as lacking

On Vancouver Island the hunt is on for a rider who has not been heard from in a week. If you have seen William Norman Lumley - please get in touch with the police.

I hope you all have a warm and safe day...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

A Biker Grandma that rocks it!

Dorothy Seabourne is an inspiration to everyone who wants to learn how to live life to the fullest. At 70 years old her passion for riding is as strong now as it was 30 years ago when she discovered it.

800,000 Kilometres, 7 bikes later, the Swiss Alps, Italy, the Autobahn, Big Horn Mountain and every kind of weather mother nature can throw at a rider later and this Grandma says: "I don't stay behind anything." Her Silver Ghost with its powerful V6 engine rides so smooth, she'll be going 140 km-h and it will feel like 120.

Confidence is a two-way street. You need it to ride. And you get it from riding."

She and her fellow Motor Maids love to ride, they live it and breathe it and when I am their age - I want to be that strong, that empowered and that in love with life.

I have a big day ahead of me and I am feeling a wee bit under the weather so I leave you to fend for yourself with regards to the news of the day. We have 127 pictures in the show 'n' shine and while they help the PMS I need more medication!!!!

Have a fabulous day and please drive with consideration and respect - that weapon you are driving can and will kill if not driven with courtesy.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Horror, tragedy and triumph

I had planned to write about the Calgary Motorcycle Show and what a great time I had, that will have to wait for the newspaper now. If you subscribe to the Busted Knuckle Chronicles you will be able to read all about it. If not - you'll have to wait until next week when the paper is made available to all members of our site. (Depending on tomorrow's news feeds I may yet give you a sneak peak of what I got to see and do!)

Today I want to talk about the shooting of Avid Motorcyclist & Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the Saddletramps in the USA.

Why did young Jared Lee Loughner, (22 years old) target Giffords for assassination? No one really knows - and they may never know. He was obviously troubled and angry, that's all we know right now.

The congresswoman has been the target of vandalism in the past, and although by many accounts she is considered a moderate Democrat, some of her positions on various topics have earned the wrath of some people.

Pima County Sheriff, Clarence Dupnik is exceedingly upset and very vocal about his feelings:
The sheriff blamed the vitriolic political rhetoric that has consumed the country, much of it centered in Arizona. "When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous," he said. "And unfortunately, Arizona, I think, has become the capital. We have become the mecca for prejudice and bigotry."(From the Huffington Post)

It appears that the ads of various politicians including Sarah Palin and Jesse Kelly have become so toxic and promote violence with guns and yet, these politicians do not seem to see the connection between their attack ads featuring the cross hairs of a gun pointing at Giffords Office or asking voters to point an M-16 rifle at her office...and the shooting of Giffords -I am dismayed - as I am sure many Americans are, that a troubled young man was allowed to go undiagnosed because of a failing health and metal health system, was allowed to legally purchase a weapon - but I am far more dismayed at the way these politicians in the USA talk about each other & the horrible attack advertising that is allowed to go on.

 In my humble opinion - far too many of the politicians south of the border are radicals and equally as scary as any terrorist might be - in fact to me they are scarier because they hold positions of power and authority and appear to have no conscience, morals or sense of right and wrong.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the congresswoman, her constituents who voted for her and most of all to the United States of America - You are a country in crisis, you appear to have lost your moral compass - at least a good number of your politicians appear to have - I am scared for you. You are rapidly loosing the respect of many countries in the world because of the actions of your politicians and tragedies like this one place emphasis on the ills of your political climate the way nothing else can.

My heart also goes out to the rest of the victims and their families in this incident. Why a nine year old girl had to perish for bad politics - well - what can I say - it is horrifying and tragic.

Also in the US - the Saddletramps are making the news again - but this time for a triumph of spirit.

Not long ago, a vehicle killed 4 members of this riding club and now they are, as part of their own healing, reaching out to a family of a toddler named Izaiah - back in October, the toddler and his grandfather were out for a walk when they were hit by a car driven by a teenager driving drunk.
Izaiah is now blind and paralyzed from the waist down. This riding club has lost so much and yet is finding so much by reaching out and giving back - My hats off to you - in my eyes and heart - you are heroes!

I would love for your thoughts and feedback on these contentious and tender issues - please join the discussion on our fan page: Belt Drive Betty  & The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, in our forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com or right here in my blog.

Our Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine has 116 pictures in it - and while that is a great number - my doctor (mechanic) says that if I am to see a full recovery from the dis-ease called PMS, I will need more medication!!!

If you can help out by entering our Beat the PMS Blues on line Show 'n' Shine - PLEASE - I need some relief!

For the rest of the news of the day - please visit www.beltdrivebetty.com!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

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