Big Egos and Big Business - OCC Foreclosure or just looking for more media?

The boys from OCC are at it again. They are on the verge of being foreclosed upon and from what I am reading - EGO has lots to do with it.

It would appear that since the recession the building that they bought is now worth less so they are trying to convince GE Capital to reduce their mortgage. Really - seriously, that's the train of thought.

From Clutch & Chrome: The lender financed Orange County Choppers' new headquarters in the Town of Newburgh with two mortgages, one for $11 million and another for $1.5 million. Supposedly the complaint and reason for the hard negotiations by OCC and its attorneys; the building was worth $12-$13 million then and now it’s only worth about $7-$8 million.

I wonder at this train of thought. I wonder if your banker would reduce your mortgage and dip into their profits to pay for the difference between worth and paid price? 

Not ruddy likely is my thought.

What makes these people think that they are more special than anyone else? It is no secret that I am not exactly a fan - I especially dislike Paul Sr., and this kind of thinking and attitude would be why. I think that this is another of their publicity stunts - which yes, I have fed in to by virtue of writing about them. If they do nothing else right, the Teutul's sure know how to create controversy.

In Ft Lauderdale Florida, Larry Wilcon - former TV star of ther series CHiPs was given a three year probation sentence after getting caught trying to bribe an FBI officer in a sting.

According to the article in the Orlando Sentential:

A choked-up Wilcox told Cohn that his crime had been an act of desperation, an attempt to keep his company afloat so his friends and investors didn't lose the money they had entrusted to him. He drained $12 million of his own funds to keep UC Hub Group — a mining business — alive, he said.

"My actor's pride and ego led me to areas well beyond my ability to perform," Wilcox said.

Although ego may have played a part in his decision making, the judge truly believed that Wilcox was remorseful.

What a stark contrast between the two situations.

Sturgis North is the next topic of discussion as I have a few misconceptions about the event that I would like to clear up for people. This is in response to Poet's comments yesterday. Further - Please note I sponsor all 4 events - The Great Canadian Bike rally and The Stomp, Sturgis North and the CMDRA. I am in no way promoting one over the other but attempting to answer the questions that have been asked of me.

Number one - Sturgis North and the Summer Stomp are two separate events but the two groups are working cooperatively - Sturgis North is providing shuttles to and from the Stomp venue to the various music and entertainment venues hosted by Sturgis North. Safety of the guests being number one priority! BC has a .05 liquor law that will see you walking as they confiscate your vehicle/motorcycle for 7 days - you get a fine, have to pay storage and if you are a BC resident look out for your insurance hike and the fact that you will have to take a mandatory drink driving course - in all it will cost you somewhere around $5K or more...

Summer Stomp is $50 for the weekend and includes camping from what I understand - they do not allow cars etc in past the gate and if you look on the bottom left hand side of their web site you will see their statement of cooperation with Sturgis North.

The next mis conception is that this is not a motorcycle event - referring to Sturgis North.

Many of the people on the Sturgis North Committee are riders or have riders in their life. The CEO of the organization is a rider. They are marketing predominantly to the riding community and to the locals of the Salmon Arm region. There are poker runs scheduled,  a custom bike show, trade show and of course entrainment - tons of it.

Sturgis North is donating camping to Veterans, has the Fraser Valley Thunder handling the charitable end of the event and is working cooperatively with the CMDRA Drags in Ashcroft and The Stomp. How can you say this isn't a motorcycle event?

Like any event held in any town, you have to market to the locals and like any community based event you have to make it some how - to some degree - family friendly. There is a day care type service being offered and kids 12 and under are free to get into the venue. I know countless riders who have their kids with them at events - the Stomp will make everyone looking for an adults only party happy but the Sturgis North event is family friendly.  

That does not mean it isn't a motorcycle event. It means it is about as motorcycle community related as you can get. We bikers value and cherish family - so why is this being singled out as a cause for dissension by some?

For those who feel Sturgis North is an expensive event, let me put a different perspective on this issue.

If you look at the line up of bands and you decided you wanted to take in EVERY band on the list and purchase the 5 day pass AFTER the early bird prices fall of on the 5th of February you will be paying about $350 per person - this includes the 12% HST. If you take in 2 bands a day you will see 10 great concerts. If you took in those same concerts in say Edmonton - your average ticket price per person would be $50 lets say - already you would have spent $500 

If you take in EVERY Band that is being offered up your cost per concert WILL go down. 

If you look at the parking costs per event you could safely add another $5 - 10 per event or $50 - $100 for 10 events depending on where you park.

Now camping at Sturgis North is $114 for 5 days and again includes the 12% HST so the camping fee is comparable to the parking fee.

Now that's the 5 day pass - the three day passes are less expensive and I am positive the one day passes will be even less so.  Then there are the side events and entertainments that will go on like the burn out competition, the custom bike show....etc, etc.

Just thought I would give you a different way of looking at things....

If none of the three events mentioned - the Stomp, Sturgis North or the CMDRA Drags appeal, then there is the Great Canadian Bike Rally in Merritt the same weekend - another great motorcycle rally in it's first year and only 190 Kms away from Salmon Arm. 
You have 4 events to choose from or because of the 5 day span you might want to take in all of them - there are plenty of options - it's about which one fits with you the best - your time, your budget etc.  Just because something may not be your cup of tea why would you denigrate something that others might truly enjoy and want to be a part of? 
These are 4 great events - each has their own unique flavour - their own unique appeal.

As always - even when I disagree with you - I welcome your comments and feedback. 
I always learn something from the differing points of view.

There is a ton of news from the weekend for you to get caught up on and this is your last reminder that tonight at midnight we cut off the entries for the Beat the PMS Blues on line show 'n' shine. Voting will begin on February 3rd.

We are giving away a ton of prizes and it's free to enter. 

The only hitch? You have to be a registered member on www.beltdrivebetty.com 

Have a fantastic day everyone!

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

Tourism & GREED

Well - true to form the City of Salmon Arm is following the path of so many communities in the greed factor from what I am reading today in the Salmon Arm Observer. 

Approve an event and then start gouging it. Way to go Salmon Arm!

It would appear that the thought of having all of the hotels, motels and campgrounds for miles around full, the restaurants and stores busy - all of the gas stations, car washes and convenience stores well utilized is not enough of an economic benefit to Salmon Arm. 

The average motorcyclist is going to spend somewhere in the neighbourhood of  $470 - MINIMUM outside of the event ticket costs. 

If 10,000 people show up that translates to 4.7 million dollars of new money coming in to the town.

Here is a quote from Councillor Harrison of the City of Salmon Arm (from the SA Observer):

"Harrison emphasized the reason council is looking at the bylaw is because of the for-profit Sturgis North motorcycle rally expected to be held in Salmon Arm this summer.

“In my mind, the line is that public taxpayers should not be subsidizing for-profit, privately run events; that’s where my line is,” commented Harrison. “So that’s what I want the bylaw to read. That would solve the problem we’re all talking about.”"

It is my understanding from talking to the organizers that they have the Fraser Valley Thunder running the charitable side of the event - that they have donated space to the veterans and have their own security, medics and a well thought out fire and safety plan. They are providing shuttle buses to ease the security and policing needs and to keep show goers and their drivers licenses safe. From everything I have heard on this issue, the organizers are putting safety and security first - I am not sure I understand why this city is NOW wanting to put bylaws in place to further restrict this event or others from bringing in tourism dollars but it would appear yet again that tourism and government are at odds with each other. It would also appear that a number of hoteliers have jacked up their prices for that week - hmmmm - I get supply and demand but I think like everyone else out there that greed will get you something now, but what about later?

I, myself, have held these types of events before and know only too well how greedy communities and police services can get - it's all about their budgets and to heck with the small business people who own local businesses that benefit and the employees who will get a paycheck out of the deal. The community administration will spin the worst face they can on any event so that they can build their coffers as well as those of the police services...

If you read what is being proposed you would swear that a for profit event is a bad thing and needs to be held to a different standard than the non profit events (do people in large numbers become less thoughtless and stupid at a non for profit event than they do at a for profit event?) - you would swear that we riders are going to come in and destroy their town - it saddens me that great ideas and great events get penalized in this tragic way. In these economic times you would think that the community of Salmon Arm, a community that is economically depressed like so many others, would be happy to have the outside funds coming in so that small business can pay it's taxes and it's employees (and in the case of some of those businesses - really line their pockets.)

If the City of Salmon Arm was smart - they would impose a $2 per bike charge for the week and offer a sticker for the bike that says the bike owner has paid the $2.

And CITY personnel should do the collecting - then they would know exactly how many bikes came. If this was done, the city administration would share in the benefit of the riders being there and they would share in the risks of hosting the event. They would be more invested and have the ways and means to deal with the "costs" from a municipal level. 

GREED stops so many great things from happening - I pray that the team of Sturgis North is able to negotiate and navigate the land mines of these last minute proposals well and perhaps next year consider moving the event to a place like Sturgis Saskatchewan...bet they'd love to have this event in their community.

I hope that the charities this event is supporting get on board with promoting this event to the powers that be at city hall and that the show goers are going to support the event coordinators by showing up en mass, by not being disrespectful, by treating the community of Salmon Arm like it is our own and leaving it clean and better than when we arrived. If WE - the riding community use this event and community well, they will want us back - if not - we could further destroy our image and community and make it harder and harder for great motorcycle events in Canada not just in BC.

The onus of having a great event is on the city and the way it conducts itself, the police services and the way they treat visitors, the businesses and how visitors perceive the value and treatment they get, the show coordinators for how well organized they are and how the visitor perceives the quality and value of the entertainment and lastly the visitor plays a part as well. How those who are non riders conduct themselves will be just as important as how we riders conduct ourselves. EVERYONE plays a part in this event's success.

The organizers of this event stand to loose their investment in the event and the infrastructure - they alone bare the risk.

I lost $130K hosting a custom motorcycle show - I know better than many the potential for financial ruin - no one has stepped up to help me pay that debt back and they sure didn't turn down the cash they made either.  

Everyone can share in the benefits of a well run event - but only the event coordinator/host looses if the other parties don't do their part.

That's my humble opinion - I would love to hear your thoughts.

Lost of news in the feeds today - visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to get caught up on what is happening around the world.

Have a great day everyone!

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

Motorcycle Only Parking - Handicapped Parking Spots etc...

In Australia, motorists who get caught parking in motorcycle only parking spots in front of a rider owned pizza parlor are complaining and snivelling about the fines they are getting.

I do not understand that personally....

If a sign says handicapped only or motorcycle only or taxi's only or delivery only or customer of  - why do you even bother whining when you get ticketed for parking there?  The signs are there for a reason. It is the same as those who get ticketed for being on their cell phone instead of using hands free.  What is it about the human race that we think we are entitled to be treated differently than the next guy - that we are somehow special? It is to me, a major sign of the ills of our society and world. 

As I get older, I am beginning to shed that selfish, self involved way of thinking and learning to put empathy into play. I don't succeed all of the time, but I am far better than I used to be. Like my good friend Wyzwmn who stated - Wyzwmn is an ever evolving work...well that's how I feel.

I feel like I am on an accelerated learning curve - constantly being given challenges to face that teach me about human nature and my own shortcomings. When I get a lesson, I get it well but like every evolving masterpiece there are times when I miss the mark completely.

I catch myself often grumbling under my breath about all kinds of negative things and now that I am aware of the power of those thoughts, I am learning not to begrudge people their happiness, their achievements or their success just because they hurt me. I am learning to be happy for them. Obviously they are doing some things right. I also figure that if someone who hurt me can be successful in spite of their shortcomings, there is hope for me.

I hope that each of us can find some peace with the laws that are there to protect the greater good, I hope that those laws that don't make sense get put to rest where they belong in file 13...I hope that at some time in the future, the very near future that people who are hired to do a job learn to just do it and not feel entitled to a pay check just because they showed up.

Customer service is a dying art and when I get treated well I am learning to be deeply appreciative of it and let go of the sense of disappointment or resignation when it is less than good.

Our society - world wide - is broken is so many ways - but when we get around the good people, those who are true to themselves but compassionate and empathetic as well - this is the MOST BEAUTIFUL place in the universe to be. 

I thank my lord and the universe for every lesson, no matter how painful, for every friend, every kindness and every bit of love. I am becoming a person I like - less angry and frustrated - kinder and more forgiving and when I am really having a good one, I am even gentle.

I am learning to relax in traffic and just take the time to breathe and let go, I am learning to deal with the people who can make decisions and create less stress for myself...

These people who are being ticketed for parking where they shouldn't be parked need to learn that the world does not revolve around them, they are not more special that the rest of us.

It's like the Motorcycle Noise Bylaws - we are not more special than any other road user so why should we be held to a different standard than the rest are?

Yes, there are laws that make sense, that are fair and there are laws that make no sense, but instead of fighting against what I don't want, instead of focusing on the things I don't like, I am working towards what I do want - if everyone tried that - they would find their lives filled with more contentment and peace than they knew was possible.

I have a few more hours on the paper and then I say good bye to Vancouver and hello Grande Prairie with a stop in Sorrento to see my sister in law and nephew.

There is a whack of interesting news from around the block and around the world - hope you will go check it out and offer some feedback on the things our community is experiencing and doing.

Our Beat the PMS Blues on line Show 'n' Shine is accepting pictures until January 31st - where are your pictures? Are you gonna wait until the last minute? Tsk, Tsk....

Have a great day everyone!

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

The end of the road

Today I am recovering from 10 days of working shows and three weeks of being on the road. After I get this coming week's newspaper finished I will be heading home.

I hope to be in my own bed on Wednesday or Thursday night. These shows are fantastic to attend, I love the people, the atmosphere, the machines....but - the gruelling pace is so hard on the body and the mind.

The offerings at every show are similar but different.

Look forward to the Busted Knuckle Chronicles weekly newspaper this Thursday with a full show report.

I am so thankful to the group from the Baggers and Hawg's Den meet up group - what a stellar group of people! They were just amazing support. This meet up group is very active - they host and organize about 200 rides a year and they volunteer for events like the Toy Run to provide Santa Blockers for the intersections. If you are in the Lower Mainland of BC this a group might want to consider joining if you like to ride. 

Here is the link to their group:

http://www.meetup.com/VANCOUVER-HARLEY-DAVIDSON-BAGGERS-HAWGS-DEN-MESSAGE-BOARD/

There are some very interesting stories in the news and I will leave you to your own devices today to explore them on www.beltdrivebetty.com

Have you entered our Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine yet? We have 269 pictures so far but I know there are a lot more that should be entered so come on folks! Your deadline to enter is January 31st!

I look forward to getting back home in the next couple of days and back into a routine of regular blogging and news dissemination...until then, please visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to stay up on what's happening in the world of motorcycles.

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

Over Coming Fear and Dealing with Anger - Road Rage or something more?

12 years ago I had a 17" Boy Scout canoe come off of a trailer and land in front of the vehicle I was driving at 100KPH.

I suffered from panic attacks and was terrified to drive and really terrified of anything that appeared to be a unsecured load. My Motorcycle got me back on the road and eventually behind the wheel. I still have to work on my fear behind the wheel - and this trip to Vancouver proved to me yet again that I am more competent than I give myself credit for sometimes. Where ever possible - if I am driving 10 or 20K under the limit - I pull over or let the driver behind me know when it is safe to pass or safe to come back in when they get around me. 

I am a considerate driver for the most part - I work at it - my father would have kicked my arse if I wasn't. When he taught me to drive he had 4 million accident free miles under his belt and I spent many an hour in the cab of a semi - I know how tough their job is and I know how many of these so called professional drivers now a days have no regard for anyone out there.

Heading up Messiter Mountain on Tuesday I had a Landtrans Truck so close to my bumper (I was in the slow lane as it was EXTREMELY ICY) I was doing 80 in a 90 - The truck had plenty of room to go around me but instead he chose to ride my back bumper - he was so close to me I was terrified that he was going to hit me from behind. When he finally pulled around me I was shaking so bad I wanted to throw up - but I controlled myself - and my passenger, a class one driver of 34 years took the unit number down - and was some disgusted at the unsafe behaviour of this driver.

I have called the trucking company and have lodged a complaint with them and they have promised me that they will deal with this driver. This driver was rude and dangerous and should not be behind the wheel of a 100,000+ pound weapon IMHO.

I over came the out right terror I felt having this behemoth behind me - but the seething anger I feel now is no more pleasant than the fear was.

These drivers of semi's do not realize sometimes that on hard packed ice a small car handles far differently than their 18 wheeler does. They do not understand the fear and hatred they generate with their unsafe and disgusting driving habits. The call to the trucking company this morning had me talking to their safety manager and he was non too pleased.

More people need to be reporting these unsafe drivers. I can not tell you how many who are behind the wheel of these 18 wheelers now a days should not be called professionals. My father, God rest is soul, would have thumped the crap out of at least 6 of the semi drivers I encountered while on the road from Edmonton to Vancouver. When he died he had 7.5 million accident free miles under his belt and he didn't get them by tailgating, passing where unsafe, riding the yellow line or cutting people off because they passed where unsafe to do so and had to cut in because a vehicle was coming.

I am fed up with distracted drivers, bad drivers and rude drivers - Wake up people - life is not a race track and that vehicle you are driving - it IS a weapon and it can and will kill. The TV Show - Canada's Worst Driver is indicative of the problem in this country - and folks it is no laughing matter. Sadly - many who are supposed to be professional drivers are not and they cause far more damage than they understand.

As always - I appreciate it when you get involved in the conversation folks!

Congratulations to Motorcycle Mojo Magazine on their $20,000 grant to overhaul their magazine and web site. I sadly do not appear to qualify but am always happy to hear of the success of great people and Glenn and Gwen are great people!

Our show 'n' shine now has over 200 pictures in it - are yours among them? Do I have to continue suffering from PMS because yours isn't there???? HMMM????

We are accepting donations to help the flood victims in Australia - your help is urgently needed people.

We now have our own road side assistance service - hope you will check it out and perhaps consider using our service provider, Best Roadside.

I am getting ready for the opening of the Vancouver Motorcycle Show this afternoon and will be gratefully accepting hugs for the hug challenge between Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton - so far Edmonton is in the lead!

Have a fabulous day and come cure some of that PMS you are feeling at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show.

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

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