Bikers really are the best people...

In the last week of being on the road I have been surrounded by members of the riding community and I have had an "ahah" moment - you see I work alone in my office 12-18 hours a day 7 days a week and that kind of isolation and lack of socialization can be debilitating.  I spend maybe two hours a day with my husband around me (he can work some pretty long hours too) and other than for the odd meeting out of the house, I am pretty much alone.

The 'ahah" moment came for me yesterday - when it dawned on me just how peaceful I feel - it's a feeling that sneaks up on you. Sitting at my desk at home, my mind wanders off to old hurts and angers, it wanders to negative thinking - that incessant chatter is your head that never seems to ease up unless I am on my bike. 

The hugs at the bike show, the sharing of feelings, hopes and dreams of other members of this community is the music that soothes the savage beast in me. I realized just how much I need people, good people around me.
If I haven't told you people how much you mean to me, how much I draw my strength, my inspiration from you - well, I want to tell you right now - thank you for always being there - we may not always agree or see eye to eye but I love the fact that we can agree to disagree and respect each other. Bikers - it seems to me, have that ability more than most other communities and I am honored to be a part of this eclectic and wonderful community and I felt the need to tell you all how much you mean to me.

There are some interesting developments in the news feeds today surrounding Sturgis North  - it appears that the event will be moving to Armstrong!  

For those heading to Port Dover Ontario this Friday to celebrate Friday the 13th - it might be cold but the town is ready and waiting for you!!!!

In London Ontario, the police have called the OPP's anti biker unit in due to a rash of fires that they feel are connected to rival outlaw motorcycle clubs and a potential turf war.

In the US - charges against the international president of the Vagos Club have been dropped. Pastor Palafox, 47, had been charged with vehicle theft involving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, possession of the stolen motorcycle and street terrorism.

For those who like Blues, Horsethief Hideout is planning a big weekend....


There are other articles in the feeds that may be of interest to you...check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com

I leave you with a few giggles from my friends on Facebook and by email...

Have a good one!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A little kindness goes a long way...

I had the most enjoyable time at the Calgary Motorcycle Show and I want to give a big shout out to the wonderful human beings who helped me in my booth - the Calgary Chapter of the Northern Stars, Peter, Linda, Doug - you guys and dolls were utterly fantastic to work with and I enjoyed myself more than words can say! THANK YOU!!!!!  I collected over 400 hugs, met fabulous people and got a fix of motorcycles that eased and yet made, the PMS I suffer from worse.

I was green with envy over the fact that so many were able to ride to and from the show and here was me in my cage...oh well - I am happy for them even if I am pouting slightly.

I spent yesterday nursing sore feet and editing videos - I got some wonderful walk arounds of new models and some great interviews too - you can see the ones I have already had a chance to complete in BDB TV.

I am now looking ahead to the Edmonton show and seeing what that show has to offer - it is amazing how different these two shows - Calgary & Edmonton can be....

In the news today there is a heartwarming story about a young man with Leukemia - The Ride for Kyle was the brain child of Kyle's mom's boss - he organized it 5 days prior to when it took place and over 175 riders answered the call gifting Kyle with items like the Coin of Courage and art work...the kindness of all of these riders made one young man's day - one he will NEVER forget!

Yesterday there was a sad report out of Calgary about a rider who was killed on the weekend.

In California there is a report about riders riding to their capitol to support two bills - one that would abolish motorcycle only checkpoints and the other would see riders over 18 who have completed a safety course not have to wear helmets - right now riders have to wear helmets that have been approved by the California Highway Patrol.

In New Zealand riders are being asked to provide input on a new safe riding guide.

In Ontario, Crime Stoppers is asking for help over the theft of three fully restored vintage motorcycles.

And also in Ontario, a rider who has been riding against brain cancer is planning a national ride to bring awareness to the disease and the needs of research.


There is a ton of other news in the feeds that may be of interest to you, so come on over to www.beltdrivebetty.com and check the news feeds out and while you are there check out the entries in our Beat the PMS Blues  Online Show 'n' Shine.

I leave you with a few giggles from my friends on Facebook and from emails..

Have a fabulous day.

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

The Calgary Motorcycle Show

Our booth is all set up and I am looking forward to having a great show!

We have Pat Savage CD's available - so far we are the only distributor in Canada so if you want to save the postage - drop by my booth.  We also have our new clothing line from Ross Screen Print in Nova Scotia - Ross is also the Cabot Trail Biker and he has done a great job with our clothing!

If tourism information is what you are looking for not only do we have our Canadian Community Directory filled with Rider Friendly Businesses & Canadian Rider Support Network Members & Touring Maps but we also have guides from both Yukon Tourism and Grande Prairie Regional Tourism.

Patches and ICE cards - subscriptions for the newspaper - yup - we have lots of reasons for you to stop by our booth - but one of the BIGGEST reasons you need to stop by is the HUG Challenge - which city give the best and the most hugs - Calgary - Edmonton or Vancouver? We'll find out after Vancouver!

OH and by the way - anyone willing to take this PMS inflicted old broad for a boot today - I have a helmet with me and you have to know that if I am willing to ride pillion that I have PMS REALLY BAD!  So...if you are game - I AM!

There are a number of articles you might find interesting in the news feeds today so come on over to www.beltdrivebetty.com to check them out....

I leave you with a few funnies - shared by my friends on Facebook and by email...hope they put a smile on your face....

Have a fabulous Friday!!!!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Calgary HERE I COME....

Ready or not, here I come - Calgary Motorcycle Show 2012 Edition!

I am soooo looking forward to all the hugs, the bikes, the laughter, the bikes, the entertainment, the bikes, the bling, the bikes...YES - I do have PMS and for those of you who think I am being too out there - or are men not familiar with that term outside of the female realm...

 I DO MEAN - PARKED MOTORCYCLE SYNDROME.  

Every year about this time my feet get itchy to travel, my palms sweat, my heart races, my stomach feels anxious. I become short tempered, over sensitive and just plain old nasty.

When I went to see the saw bones a few years back, Dr. Roadmeister told me that there was only one way to give myself and those around me any sort of temporary relief until riding season came around - go see motorcycles, hence the bike shows are a great stress reliever, but what about at night...or early morning when that's not possible? He then suggested pictures and videos along with books on motorcycles to assist in the pain reduction.

He warned that since the medication wears off quickly and that since I have such a bad case of PMS, that I needed to be put on a high dosage prescription.

So we started the Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' ShineTM to guarantee a high dose of photographic medication for me - we made sure there were great prizes and the contest was free to ensure a high volume of medication came in.

Dr. Roadmeister also suggested great motorcycle videos - he recommended I spend some time watching BDB TV and  VRide TV.  Reruns of SOA or watching the DVD's and old bad B movies on bikers could also work in a pinch.

He said he doubted I had much time to read but that if I did any of the motorcycle fictions by Adelle Laudan could be beneficial.  The Cross-Eyed Airbrushing book was also suggested.

This weekend I am going to be on massive doses of medication - until then though I need to see more photos in that Show 'n' Shine or I may have another attack and that would not be good for anyone!

The best thing about the drugs that Dr. Roadmeister has ordered for me - in a life long prescription no less - is I can share my drugs!

You will know if I am getting appropriate amounts of medication or not by simply looking at me this weekend - if I am smiling, walking with a bit of a spring in my step - then the dosage is just right - if not I will be wearing a frown, kicking at things as I walk by and you will generally want to avoid me...something tells me though, this is going to be a GREAT weekend.

There is quite a bit of news in the feeds today - a few international stories that caught my eye - the kinds of stories that let you know no matter your skin colour, your language, your background, your education, your location - real bikers are the same no matter where you go....

In Swaziland a group of bikers there delivered food and sweets to disadvantaged children in Seteki.

Some riders from the UK are undertaking a journey in 2012 that will see them traverse over 10,000 miles to raise funds for a fire services charity.

For other news, like the standings in the Dakar Rally visit our news feeds at www.beldrivebtty.com

I leave you with some funnies for the day - thank you to my friends who share on Facebook and by email.
Laughter, like motorcycles makes things better too!

And of course their spouses who have to live with them and if both spouses ride - well - HIDE THE GUNS!
OR Crack out the air guns and go share some time in the garage...AFTER you enter our show 'n' shine!

Yah - cause we generally don't ride in the winter - you see our car or truck there then though!
But in the spring,  summer and fall our bikes are the only therapy we need!

I'm sharing mine: http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/2012-show-n-shine

I have to run, gotta finish packing, then a 8-9 hour drive to Airdrie depending on the roads....

Talk to you all tomorrow!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

American Liberty and Freedom under attack from within?

Iron Bolt Bruce (AKA the Long Distance Rider) has some distinct thoughts on Barack Obama's signing of the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) - he is blunt and to the point - no pussy footing with this gent.

So what is happening in the US? It appears that the land of the Free is becoming less and less free all the time and that fear and corruption have taken over. We here in Canada need to be concerned and to watch our politicians - they are bed fellows whether we'd like to admit that or not.

The most concerning part of the NDAA is that of detaining American CITIZENS for an indefinite period of time - with no trial and no right to council... (I hope I have read and absorbed everything about this situation properly)

I hope you will read Bruce's statement and the NDAA - I believe it is a harbinger of things to come, here in Canada as well in the US.

The man I once held high hopes for for the US has turned into a nightmare in my humble opinion, worse the George W Bush if that is possible - he has done more to erode the freedoms and rights of the American people than any politician in history. He may very well be the biggest enemy of freedom...

And that brings me to this ...Why should what is happening in the US be of concern to you? Because we are neighbours to a country that is heading, I believe, in a very scary direction and where the US leads, Canada as a general rule seems to follow.  After all of the reading, the news watching that I have been doing, I have to ask - Is 2012 the year that will see the beginning of a civil war in the US? Is another Boston Tea Party on it's way?  Or are Americans going to simply allow their Government to take away all that they have held dear? 

Only time will tell...hopefully not all of Thomas's observations will come true.

Thomas Jefferson: Author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826

Thomas was a wise man, he seemed to understand the difference in the hearts of the men who sought power and the people that power can be exerted on. Why is it that we never appear to learn from our past? That we always seem to make the same mistakes over and over? Look what his thoughts were - way back in the late 1700's and early 1800's. It's scary really....

From the Thomas Jefferson Page of the Independent American Party Web Site:  http://www.usiap.org/Legacy/Quotes/ThomasJefferson.html

"In matters of Power, let no more be heard of confidence in men, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution."

"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it."

"The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases."

"Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms [of government] those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny."

"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as they are injurious to others."

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."

"The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property and in their management."

"Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their money, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks], will deprive the people of their property until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms ... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants, they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."

Everything that has and is happening in the US was exactly what the Declaration of Independence was meant to protect.  Sadly - it appears that he was right to attempt to protect the people from their government.

It appears to me that all of this wonderful communication technology has deadened the nerves and sensibilities in people - we are so inundated with propaganda that we hardly even lift our heads anymore to look at the broader picture, to get upset or enraged or engaged. Apathy seems to abound and one day people will wake up to what the government/s are doing and by then, it may be too late.

There are many articles that may be of interest to you in the news feeds today and our blogger - William Perry has an interesting perspective on Real Estate...

I want to balance this editorial out with some laughter, I believe that laughter helps to clear the soul and the mind allowing us a balanced perspective on life, and with the world situation the way it is, balance would be a really good thing.

So, thanks to all of my friends on Facebook and my email buddies who share with me some of the funniest and thought provoking items....

Have a great day...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Laws in other Countries...some make sense....others not so much

Today there were two articles in the news feeds that caught my attention.

One from the Phillipines -

In this article they discuss the fact that it is now illegal for kids 10 and under to be a passenger on a motorcycle without a helmet and spells out clear parameters as to when a child is old enough to ride as a passenger:

Begin Quote: Under House Bill (HB) No. 5626 or the Motorcycle Safety for Children Act of 2011, it seeks to ensure the safety of children aboard motorcycles by regulating the operation of motorcyclesalong highways and roads.

The protective helmet must comply under Republic Act (RA) No. 10054 otherwise known as “The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.”

RA 10054 provides that a child can be transported if his or her feet can comfortably reach thefootrests of the motorcycle and the arms of the child can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle driver. End Quote

This law seems pretty straight forward, late in coming perhaps, but clear and simple to understand.

The one below - not so much...

In Nigeria, Okada Riders - (Motorcycle Riders) are being banned from riding from 6am to 6pm on January 1st.  The article goes off on this wild tangent about the police not having enough technology but what I was able to glean after reading and re reading was - that there had been an attack on a Church just before Christmas - by someone on motorcycles - (this is an assumption on my part), and this attack caused the ban.

Now, from my understanding, in Nigeria - a good number of people who ride motorcycles operate like taxi's and there are some gangs in that mix. Hence, everyone who rides a motorcycle there, tends to be treated like a criminal - and if I am also interpreting/reading this article right, the police feel they must act in this way as they have no technologies to assist them and they are over worked.

Glad I don't ride there!

So - reading about the different approaches to the laws and enforcement of different jurisdictions of the world over the past few days, I got to wondering....

How come it is not mandatory to wear proper foot wear and clothing on a bike?

I mean if safety and reducing health care costs are really as important as government officials would lead you to believe - then why is that aspect of safety gear always overlooked by law makers?

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to why that might be?

I would love to hear your thoughts and I would love links to articles on really strange laws regarding motorcycles - I love seeing how truly bent politicians can be...

And that, my friends is a perfect segue to present you this link....http://www.squidoo.com/strangelaws

on Strange and Dumb Laws from some US states - I thought that they might give you a few giggles but more importantly drive that age old lesson home: BE AFRAID OF LARGE NUMBERS OF STUPID PEOPLE!!!!  (Congress, Parliament Hill - no country it appears, is immune from them)

There are many other articles in the news feeds that may be of interest to you today - check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com 

I leave you with a few funnies that have been shared by friends on Facebook and through email - laughter lights up the world...

Happy New Year everyone, please don't drink and drive....see you all in 2012!

Belt Drive Betty 

Editor & Rider

2012...

2012 is coming faster than I would like...I still have so many things to do to get ready for the motorcycle shows - so many things that I am waiting on others to do before I can do my thing...it get's discouraging and frustrating some times - but, it's life right.

I have a couple of questions for you all...

What is the MUST DO event on your riding season list?

What is the MUST DO road on your riding season list?

What is your one gear acquisition you are determined to make in 2012?

My must do event this year is the Great Canadian Bike Rally in Merritt BC, My must do road is the Top of the World Highway in the Yukon/Alaska..

My gear acquisition is a new set of Froggs Toggs....I lent my old ones to someone and haven't gotten them back so...

There are a few items in the news feeds today that may be of interest or value to you - it's of course been pretty quiet but that will all change in a bout a week's time as everyone starts going back to work so I am taking advantage of the reprieve by getting as much of my stuff done before I leave home next Wednesday morning when it will be destination CALGARY and lots of HUGS!!!!

I leave you with a few giggles, shared with me by friends either through email or Facebook...hope they put a smile on your face...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider