A Gag Order on ME & YOU, The Riding Community

Two days ago I received, along with the other 6 defendants in the Lawsuit launched by Sturgis North, Ray Sasseville & Joan Hansen, a letter from their attorney that in effect offers to drop the entire lawsuit against 6 of the defendants if they agree to waive costs. If they agree the only caveat is that they are not discuss the settlement.

I then got a special letter directed at me only, with an offer to settle that is much different from that of the other defendants.  The notice starts on the bottom of one page and spills over the another hence why it is here in two images:

If I understand their notice, they are saying that if I shut up and never utter another word about this group of people and the event, if I remove every instance of mention of the above group and event off of my website and out of my newspaper and blog, then they will drop their lawsuit.

BUT, if I publish ANYTHING about the event or the people - directly or indirectly, they want me to agree to pay them $250,000.  

So what that means is that we would not be allowed to print letters to the editor or link to any news articles about the event or people noted in the suit. 

This is effectively A Gag Order on ME & YOU, The Riding Community 

As the Editor of a newspaper how in the H E Double Hockey Sticks do they think I would agree to that?

If I fail to agree to their demands they are going to apply to the courts for a cease and desist order that will gag me AND YOU from speaking of them or the event until we go to court as I will not be allowed to publish letters to the editor that people send in if it refers to the above mentioned parties!

Now the other defendants in this suit would, in my humble opinion, be crazy not to take the offer given to them. After all why should they throw good money after bad?  There is no gag order on them other than not to discuss the settlement and although I am no lawyer, I really see no reason why they shouldn't accept. And they have.

Here is a screen shot of page one of the letter to me - because of the way the text flows on the page I am having to do this in 2 screen shots.

They claim that I wanted to be a part of a social network they were attempting to launch called Bitchin Bike. They claim that I turned on them before the 2012 event, and that I turned on them because they would not buy a ride map in our community phone book.

In January of 2012 at a meeting with Ray, Joan and a couple of others, held after the Vancouver Motorcycle Show we discussed ideas for improving and promoting Sturgis North.  I offered them a Ride Map in my phone book and showed them how they could cover the costs - it is the same proposal I deliver to many a tourism consortia.

Ray wanted me to bring my Rider Friendly business partners into his Bitchin Bike Social network to give them more exposure.  I was willing to look at it but at the time Ali and I were only a few weeks away from status walls and other tools being available on our own web site.  The deal Ray had offered at an earlier meeting in Calgary ended up being far different at the second meeting and I expressed that since people couldn't seem to remember what they said, I'd bring a tape recorder to the next meeting.

I received a Sturgis North Leather Jacket and an Alive Drive for Bitchin Bike at that Vancouver meeting, with Ray welcoming me to their team.  I told Ray that I needed to do my due diligence before I agreed to become part of anything.

I went home, looked at the Bitchin Bike Network and emailed Joan and told her I had no desire to be a part of it. That I would sponsor the event but I did not want my logo on the Bitchin Bike Network that came with my sponsorship package.

I was later told in an email that because they owed their printer money the best way for them to recover good faith with him was to allow him to sell ads in and print their new ride guide - fair enough. I already had enough partners for a regional ride map, so if they didn't want to be involved no problem. As a sales person, I face rejection and acceptance everyday - it's nothing new.

I have all of the emails that detail the discussions and they are on their way to my lawyer.

I also produced the Sturgis North Newsletter for them in the newspaper in 2012 - so I am unsure how my "barrage of lies and half truths started when they were unable to provide me with a social media partnership and the requested $8,500" in 2012 - BEFORE the event.

I have posted links here to the four posts about my attendance at the 2012 event, the first one talks about the police presence and how it destroyed the Great Canadian Bike Rally and was even more oppressive at Sturgis North 2012.

July 20th - 2012
http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2012/07/how-do-you-destroy-good-motorcycle-event.html

The second article deals with my impressions of the events...

July 23rd - 2012
http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2012/07/my-impressions-of-motorcycle-events-in.html

The third article involved my impressions of the 2012 event in Vernon and even in it I give the organizers the benefit of the doubt. I disseminated the event and identified everything that I saw as a challenge that would need to be addressed before a 2013 event could be contemplated.

July 25th - 2012
http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2012/07/sturgis-north-2013-is-in-planning.html

The fourth post deals with the stats from the RCMP and my discussions with 2 officers

August 2nd - 2012 
http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2012/08/stata-from-rcmp-regarding-sturgis-north.html

It is not until August 17th 2012  after speaking with the BC Liquor Board that I started delving into the conduct of Ray Sasseville and why the Liquor Board and RCMP had placed such hard sanctions against the riding community.
http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2012/08/some-hard-truths-about-travesty-called.html

Then on November 9th - 2012, I wrote about some of the things I was learning about event organizer Ray Sasseville:
http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2012/11/sturgis-north-2013-will-you-support-it.html

I will be fighting Ray, Joan and Sturgis North in court as the only defendant.

I REFUSE to be gagged by these people. I refuse to allow them to attempt to gag the riding community either  - $250,000 if I print anything one of you says - get real...

Watch for a major fundraising auction on Facebook that will start very soon, because this IS going to be expensive and I intend to have the money to see it through and have my day in court.

I didn't pick this fight, but like John says - I intend to win it.

If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

What's a girl to do?

I received an email from a disgruntled reader today who said he unsubscribed from my blog because of the politics and unpleasant nature of the news that I am reporting on.

Here is what the gent had to say: I have, as of last evening, unsubscribed from your blog. I cannot honestly say that I disagree with your comments and feelings however at times it would be pleasant to read other than negative rants about the law, society in general etc. I know our system is far from perfect however having said that we do not have to look very far to see others far worse off than ourselves. The world although very unfair and at times unpleasant requires that control is in place to maintain a level of civility that we can reside in. The folks who are apparently behind your legal issues are a very good example just think where we would be if that kind of attitude was accepted and encouraged by which I mean their original actions not the recent lawsuits etc. I ride because I love to as do both my sons and as of two years ago my wife who has been a passenger for 40 yrs. I wish you the best of luck with your legal issues and as well say thank you for the watchful eye. End of note

I know a lot of what I write about is unpleasant for people, but it is the reality of what we are facing, and I feel our community needs to stay informed about the things that are going on.

Now is the time of year noise bylaws and other unpleasant things are being planned for our community by the bureaucrats.  I want to see people be pro-active instead of reactive.

Noise bylaws, helmet laws, insurance issues, road and infrastructure issues, discrimination issues, motorcycle rallies with bad track records - these things affect travel plans, daily riding routes and the choices you make as a rider.

Would I like to be writing motorcycle reviews? YES
Would I like to be writing gear reviews? YES
Would I like to be writing about a motorcycle event or a charity ride I attended - damned straight - but the politics and rhetoric happen at this time of year - not generally during riding season.

During Riding season, I often end up reporting on the people who have gone down in crashes, and let me tell you that isn't a great job to do either, but often times it is an important one - especially the calls to support a downed rider.

Do you want to know what's going on in the world of motorcycling beyond your back yard?
Do you want to know what laws/bylaws the governments are trying to enact?
When situations arise that could affect you like high insurance, do you want to know about it?
Do you want to know the places to avoid riding, where there are conflicts like in Australia, that see innocent people loosing their businesses and being harangued every time they ride?

I don't know about you but I took Australia off my bucket list for the foreseeable future and I know others have too. Who wants a vacation marred by being constantly stopped or harassed?

If we don't talk about the unpleasant crap and find constructive ways of dealing with it - we'll have nothing pleasant to share in the Busted Knuckle Chronicles...

For those of you who want the more pleasant side of the news - I encourage you to read the Busted Knuckle Chronicles. Our weekly, national motorcycle community newspaper is filled with event news, great travel features and product reviews, jokes and more - every week you can read tons of wonderful heartwarming articles and salivate over the events that are coming up...that's where I get to write my travel stories and do articles that celebrate this community.

This BLOG is predominantly meant to bring to light the articles that are in the mainstream news that could affect your day and or life as a rider.

So....What's a girl to do?  

Well, like always - I am going to turn to you guys....
What do you want from this blog and this writer?

Do you want the news, the good, the bad and the ugly or do you want me to blow sunshine up your arse and only give you the fluffy, warm hearted stories?

I do offer both - if my blog doesn't appeal perhaps the newspaper will?

What say you - what do you want to see me write about?

In other news:

In Australia - a lawyer is very concerned that accountants and lawyers who provide services to bikes will be the next group targeted by the Newman government.

Under Lifestyles is an article on Steve McQueen celebrating what would have been the actors 84th birthday.

Under Manufacturer news there are some great reviews on the new Motto Guzzi California 1400, the Hyosung GV650 Aquila and the BMW S1000 R.

Visit www.beltdrivebetty.com where work job is keeping YOU informed.

If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone is blind and cannot see you!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Troubling things...

The troubling things in the news today are laws and bylaws that seem to be unfair to the many because of the few.

Designed to crackdown on the "Bikies', the new licensing fees and requirements for tattoo parlours is seen as labelling of an industry instead of an individual.

The new law requires shop owner to:
Pay a licensing fee of $1150
Each employee to pay a licensing fee of $35
Every person associated to the shop must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks.

According to the article in the Bayside Bulletin:
Body Shaker Body Art has a blanket ban on tattooing or employing members of bikie gangs, but Trinity said innocent workers were being punished.

"I've got a clean slate, but I've been told that I'm guilty until proven innocent by a licence that has nothing to do with our capabilities of tattooing or running a business," she said.

"We don't feel it's our problem and we don't feel like we should be involved. We shouldn't be labelled the same as the rest of them." End Quote

Am I alone in thinking that these fees are just a way for the government to fund their war on the bikies?

Another troubling thing is the commentary over the motorcycle only noise bylaws in Saskatchewan.

Double standards and unfair tarring of an entire community because of the few...

According to Christina Cherneskey, news director at 620-CKRM in Regina, she feels that motorcyclists should move out to acreages and that mayors across the country should adopt tougher policies on noise. 

According to the article, she quotes a CAV member - Neil Nemeth: “You’re hearing sirens, you’re hearing fireworks, you’re hearing all kinds of other noises going on. What makes motorcycles more offensive?” asked Neil Nemeth of the unit.

“It’s a city,” Nemeth added. “You’re going to have noise. If you want complete silence, move to an acreage.”

At the end of her article she states the following:

While lower sound levels might be good for residents in general, some motorcycle enthusiasts are less than pleased.

Motorcyclists don’t like the law, and have moved a motorcycle charity run out of Edmonton and into towns without such noise bylaws.

All municipal councils owe it to their constituents to ensure their neighbourhoods are peaceful and quiet. As Regina’s council works to entice more people downtown, it needs tighter restrictions on retrofitted motorbikes.

And Saskatoon needs to continue its work.

Canadian mayors must then agree on a unified resolution to create a nationwide standard.

The abrupt revving of these vehicles simply demonstrates a lack of respect for those nearby who have no interest in hearing that racket.

Perhaps it’s the motorcyclists themselves who should move to the acreages. End Quote

This woman clearly does not see the double standard and sadly not many others seem to either.

I think that most people would rather see our community be targeted as the only noise offenders who are tested than be the ones in their cars and trucks being tested and inconvenienced.

NOISE IS NOISE - why are only bikes being tested and WHY did the MMIC feel the need to make this community a target in such a way - the road to hell I guess, really is paved with good intentions.

I'd love to hear your feedback on these two topics.

Do you feel that Australia is going about the war on bikes right by forcing compliance to finger printing, criminal background checks & extreme licensing fees on Tattoo Parlours?  

Do you think that noise testing and fines should be the same across the board for every offender or should motorcyclists pay more than others and be tested where others aren't?

That's it for me today, if you are blessed enough to be riding, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Our saviours - the MMIC

In Australia there is an article about a man and his motorcycle repair shop and how the VLAD Laws are costing him his livelihood.

In Manitoba you can be arrested with a Peace Bond as someone who MIGHT commit an offence in the future if the police suspect your patch is an "OMG" Patch.

In Bathurst New Brunswick where the Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw has been adopted there have been articles on restaurants and pubs closing citing loss of the motorcyclist's business.

Innocents always get hurt when laws are applied unfairly.

The Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaws hurt the community but so do those who behave in a way as to be deemed as show off's, those who have to wick on that throttle to gain attention.

It is a case of the many paying the price for the actions of the few, the same as it is with all other laws that infringe on freedoms and rights.

I live in Grande Prairie Alberta, I ride a stock motorcycle. I have never modified the exhaust of my bike.  And yet, I fear riding in Edmonton.  Why? Because when I am on the road, it is generally as a reporter going to an event, and time is of the essence for me.  If I am pulled over in a motorcycle ONLY noise check stop, I could be detained for upwards of an hour. My bike, I am positive would pass the test, but I don't want to be held up as I don't enjoy being late.

And, I am not alone, I know many riders that avoid going to events in Edmonton, that ride around the city and avoid the restaurants, pubs etc that cater to riders.
The charities suffer, the businesses suffer and the rider does too.

Noise is a problem in all urban centres.

Enter our saviours - the MMIC, the people who brought us the J2825 testing standard.

The MMIC, Moped Motorcycle Industry Council has taken it upon themselves to promote a motorcycle only noise test called the J2825 that they and their American counterparts paid to develop.

Apparently, they did so thinking they were helping the industry...

From the MMIC Website:
The SAE J2825 Sound Test for Motorcycles

On-highway riders and their bikes don't have to be victims of questionable sound-level checks anymore, thanks to a new procedure developed by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) in partnership with SAE International, and the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC), as one of its funding partners.

The MIC and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) established the SAE J 2825 sound test, which will provide a quick, easy, economical, and science-based tool for accurately identifying motorcycles with excessively noisy sound emissions.

Now, law-enforcement authorities have a simple, quick, economical tool for accurately identifying motorcycles with excessively loud exhaust systems. The SAE document J2825, "Measurement of Exhaust Sound Pressure Levels of Stationary On-Highway Motorcycles," meets the need for a practical, consistent roadside sound test. END QUOTE

Also from their website:

BEGIN QUOTE: Sound Emissions

MMIC member companies' products meet all Transport Canada sound emission standards. The industry is working with provincial ministries to develop consistent sound emission policies across the country. The industry is committed to continue to reduce sound emissions. END QUOTE

MMIC and its member manufacturers and distributors recommend the new SAE J 2825 stationary sound test procedure for on-highway motorcycles and encourage the implementation of these standards across Canada.  END QUOTE

If that is the case - if what the MMIC claims is true, and they are committed to reducing sound emission, why is it their dealers will sell you ILLEGAL exhaust systems?

Take a look at most aftermarket pipes and you will see a stamp on them "FOR OFF HIGHWAY USE ONLY"  They are generally meant for racing applications not highway use.
When you buy those pipes a dealer will point that out to you and if you agree to have them installed to improve horsepower and engine performance, and get a fine, you and you alone are on the hook.

Inconsideration and the need to make money in business have brought us to this cross roads.
What is the answer to people learning to share this world responsibly?
I have no idea - but I do not believe that singling out our community for special stops, higher than normal fines compared to other vehicles for the same infractions...

NOISE IS NOISE and if you are going to force one segment of the population to conform to a noise rating, then it should be good enough for everyone else.

When are we going to see a noise test for ALL vehicles?

I doubt we ever will - the automotive industry does not seem to feel any pressure to reduce noise by vehicles.

So riders, it seems that because the industry created this test and endorses it, we are stuck with bylaws that are discriminatory. Or are we?

What say you?

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Costs - Edmonton's Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw

For riders in Edmonton, the battle lines have been drawn.
The city of Edmonton is looking to INCREASE the fines for loud pipes.
The fine stands at $250 for the first offence.

According to an article in the Edmonton Sun, motorcyclists aren't being disproportionately targeted for noise violations - but how true is that statement?

Begin Quote: The report states 338 motorcyclists have been charged under the Motorcycle Noise Bylaw since it was enacted three years ago. In comparison, 714 motor vehicle operators have been charged for noise under the Traffic Safety Act in the same time frame - including 494 during motorcycle season. End Quote

338 motorcyclists in a city with approximately 13,000 motorcycles
(M.O.D.E.L. Edmonton Numbers)

714 motor vehicle operators in a city with 602, 783 registered vehicles. (http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType47/Production/vehreg2012.pdf)

But motorcycles aren't stopped or ticketed disproportionately?

Well, let's do the math...

338 divided by 13,000 =  2.6% of motorcycles
714 divided by 602,783 = .00118% of vehicles - please take into account this figure does not include tourists, or others from outside communities using the roadways in Edmonton Metro.

According to the same article in the Sun - "Of the 338 tickets written, 108 were voluntarily paid and 151 were challenged in court, with 86 being withdrawn or dismissed." End Quote

Now lets do some other math.

338 motorcyclists ticketed.
108 tickets paid: 108 x $250 = $27,000
65 convicted: 65 x $250 = $16,250
86 were with drawn (Quashed)
79 Are still before the courts
Total Income: $43,250

I used the Rate Sheet information from Edmonton to create a budget of sorts for the costs of this Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw and it can be seen here: http://www.edmonton.com/files/Rate_Sheet.pdf

Initial Costs:
Training & Equipment Costs: $68,000

Operational Costs:
3 police officers per motorcycle noise check - each motorcycle check takes approximately an hour.
3 officers x $60.00 per hour = $180/hour for 338 hours = $60,840
1 police car @ $50 per day: 338 hours divided by 8 hours (a normal work day) = 42 day x $50 = $2,100

Administration Time:
If it takes an officer 1 hour of admin and court prep time per ticket then 338 x $60 = $20,280

Time in the courts: 
If the courts time is worth let's guess here and say $750 per hour (Judge, clerk, 2 peace officers/sheriffs, crown council, building costs) and the average traffic ticket takes 1/2 hour to fight that means 338-108 voluntarily paid = 230 divided by 2 - 115 hours of the courts time @ $750/hour = $86,250
(79 tickets are still to go before the courts but I have added them in here to reflect the costs as closely as possible.)

Costs that are known or calculable:
$68,000 - Initial training and equipment
$60,840 - Police officer wages
$2,100 - patrol car
$20,280 - Police officer wages for admin and court prep
$86,250 - Court Time costs
$237,110 - Total Costs 

$237,110 - $43,250 = -$193,860 and that's just a rough estimate!

Moral, ethical and legal questions regarding the discrimination issues of this bylaw aside, is this really an effective use of the time of 3 police officers, court resources and taxpayers money?

I guess Edmonton City council thinks so.

What say you?

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Background information on the bylaw, provincial statutes and the fines:

From the Edmonton Police Department Website:

Excessive Noise from Vehicles

We’ve all experienced it, vehicles with loud stereos that seem to vibrate the walls of your home as they pass by and vehicles with modified exhaust systems that can be heard for several city blocks.

Edmonton, like other urban centres throughout the country, is receiving repeated complaints about excessive vehicle noise. Numerous noise complaints have come in through city councillors, the Chief’s town hall meetings, in the media and the public calling in on the police complaint line.

Loud and excessive noise can be characterized as noise that becomes a nuisance to the general public, taking into consideration the nature, location, time and proximity of the source to residents and members of the public. An example of this would include a loud auto stereo or car, truck or motorcycle exhaust emitting sound to the extent it disturbs patrons at a café, nearby residents or other motorists on the roadway.

Loud and excessive noise is now being addressed as a community disorder issue in Edmonton. Traffic and Patrol members are conducting an enforcement campaign in an effort to crack down on offenders.

If operated normally, most original or equipment in any vehicle should not emit excessive noise. Check the equipment that you do have to ensure your exhaust system does not emit excessive noise through a widened outlet that amplifies the noise. Also ensure that your system is equipped with baffles. Have consideration for those around you and avoid aggressive use of your equipment.
Fines for Violation

The EPS will charge violators at three benchmark noise levels tested with the motorcycle stationary.:
Violators in excess of 92 dbA at idle for all motorcycles
Violators in excess of 96 dbA at 2000 rpm for motorcycles having less than 3 cylinders or more than 4 cylinders
Violators in excess of 100 dbA at 5000 rpm for motorcycles with 3 or 4 cylinders.

The fine for violation of this bylaw is $250.00.

Sections of the Traffic Safety Act can also be used when dealing with excessive noise.
TSA Noise Laws

The following sections of the Traffic Safety Act (TSA) Vehicle Equipment Regulations (VER) or Traffic Safety Act (TSA) Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulations (ROR) pertain to excessive vehicle noise.

In summary they state:Section 61 TSA- VER refers to a motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine. It says that the exhaust muffler must not produce excessive noise or flames and sparks. It goes on to say that the exhaust outlet cannot be widened or have a device attached to it that increases noise. The fine is $115.00.

Section 82 TSA- ROR states a person shall not create or cause the emission of any loud and unnecessary noise from a vehicle or any part of it, or from anything or substance that the vehicle or a part of the vehicle comes into contact with. The fine for this section is $115.00.

Section 87 TSA- ROR relates to driving a motor vehicle in a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that disturbs residents. This section requires a complaint from a resident. The fine for excessive noise under this section is $115.00. A complainant must appear in court as a witness if charges are laid under this section.

Section 115 (2)(f) TSA says a person shall not do any of the following: drive a vehicle as to perform or engage in any stunt or other activity on a highway that is likely to distract, startle or interfere with other users of the highway. The fine for this section is $402.00 and carries 3 demerit points.

Lawsuit Saga Continues

As many of you know, I am being sued by Ray Sasseville, Joan Hansen and Sturgis North.
They claim, my reporting of the doings of their CEO Ray Sasseville is defamatory, libellous and preventing them from earning a living in the motorcycle community.

Visit my defense fund page for all the information on everything I have ever written on them including the evidence I am allowed to share publicly.

According to my attorney, Ray wants to drop the suit as it pertains to the City of Sicamous, the Mayor of Sicamous and the Sicamous Chamber of Commerce.  So we shall see how that ends up.

The hearing to move the case to Salmon Arm happens on the 31st of March.

My research assistant and I have continued to investigate Sturgis North and all of it's various names and owners including the newly trademarked Sturgis Canada.  The trademark went through on February 28th of 2014.

Apparently because Sturgis SD never registered their trademark internationally (meaning here in Canada), Mr. Sasseville has all the right to use the name Sturgis and now that he's trademarked, there can be no question.

I came across interesting news from Jonathon Sasseville, one of Ray's three sons, on Plenty of Fish, a dating site. He claims to be the head of security and part owner of Sturgis Canada.

I wonder what his investment in the company is.

Before the lawsuit I was still investigating the doings of the people involved with Sturgis North now Sturgis Canada and I intend to continue following them to see if the little people from year's one and two of this event will ever get paid off.

It will be interesting to see if we ever learn who the new investors are in Sturgis Canada and what kind of bands they line up, they say there will be a big announcement on the 19th of March.

Writing about them is a double edged sword for me as I am giving them airtime I would rather not, but I still have a defense fund that needs help and letting you all know that I am not giving up in my pursuit of the truth is important to me.

I need to sell 224 more tee shirts to pay my lawyer this month and will need to raise the same for next month, then I should have a lull until we get to court.

My lawyer asked me about a countersuit but from what I have seen in the court documents, even when you win a case with these people, it appears that collecting is rather, difficult.  The lawsuit launched by Ray's wife Edith as the Power of Attorney for Marjorie Sasseville (Ray's Mother from what I am told), has gone nowhere and it's for $140,000.

Michael Smith's lawsuit was won but from what I am lead to understand he has not been able to collect as of yet, that one is for $70K and there has been no movement on the Vernon Motoplex suit which is for somewhere around $450K.

And so, the Lawsuit Saga Continues....

My head is spinning with all of this.

I never started this fight but I will tell you that I want my day in court and to have a judge tell me I have done my job properly. I want to see the people who are owed money paid.  I want to see wrongs righted.

So folks, if you were in my boots, what would you do?

Waste more money to countersue and hope you can collect?  

The other thing my lawyer asked is if they offer to drop the suit against me would I be prepared to absorb the costs and walk away?

You know, I have no idea how to answer that question.

If I thought I had this community behind me and willing to help me fight, I'd continue on because I want my good name cleared by a judge and I want the people involved exposed - I have more knowledge that what I can share publicly and none of it is good, and if I don't get to court, that evidence will remain forever buried.  

I am looking for ideas and advice.  

My little business has always been run like a non profit and has always paid things forward into the riding community where I make my living.  I don't have a reserve to fight this kind of stuff.  I am $1,600 away from being able to pay this latest bill. 

What do I do if I can't raise that money?

Represent myself I guess....

If anyone has any ideas, I am more than willing to hear them...

If you are fortunate enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

The Discrimination Begins - Power of the People Pt. 2

The 2014 riding season has not gotten underway in many regions on Canada yet, but our lifestyle and machines are already under attack.

Saskatoon is moving for a motorcycle noise bylaw with a 92 decibel level and they will be using the controversial J2825 SAE Test to measure the noise from your motorcycle.

The 92 decibel J2825 Motorcycle Only Noise Test created by the Society of Automotive Engineers for the MIC and MMIC is slowly spreading across the country.

Watch the video to see how its conducted:

Something YOU NEED to know about the J2825 and your motorcycle's insurance:

If the officer/s conducting the test damages your bike, your insurance WILL NOT cover the damage and your only recourse is to sue the officer/s, not the police service but the officer/s. 

DOCUMENT YOUR STOP with video and get the officers names and badge numbers on paper.

In Atlantic Canada, we have the City of Bathurst that does not want motorcycles or our ilk in their community. They passed the discriminatory motorcycle only noise bylaw in 2011, the same bylaw has been passed in Edmonton and many other communities across the country. Riders in Atlantic Canada have formed the Atlantic Motorcycle Coalition to stop the spread of this discriminatory practise brought down on the community by the manufacturers. In Edmonton there is MODEL to help you fight your noise tickets, but they can also provide information to you or a rights group you belong to that can help you no matter which province or territory you live in. For you riders in Saskatchewan, you can contact RAGE if you need help. Canadian Riders are not alone in being singled out for special attention either. In the state of Illinois motorcycle poker runs are now required to pay a $400.00 fee to hold a poker run and each stop must buy a special license worth $150.00 We all know about the bikie crack down in Australia and how innocent riders are being detained and harassed all in the name of getting rid of the 1 percenters. I will say it again, as the discrimination begins - The Power of the People can affect change, but not unless you join an association or group and provide them with documentation on the situation you face.  (Read my blog post from yesterday to get the links and information on the various riders rights organizations in Canada.) Unless you make your voice heard by people who can actually do something it's just whining & snivelling. And we know that whining and snivelling is NOT going to get us anywhere,

Here are a few ideas on what you can do this riding season to protect our way of life: #1 - Self Policing - not always a popular option, but turning your back on the show offs who ruin it for the rest of us is one thing we as a community can do easily.  Don't give the attention seeker the attention they are looking for. IGNORE THEM, SHAKE YOUR HEAD and TURN YOUR BACK ON THEM.  Laughing, encouraging or cheering for them only feeds their ego and eggs them on and that is ALL bad for the rest of us. #2 - Respect - remember we have to share our cities and communities, we need to be good neighbours and that means being respectful in hospital zones, residential areas and in business sectors where people are eating on patios and conducting business in their offices. Because other drivers often make more noise than we do, we need to lead by example by being respectful.  While we all know that in urban riding situations cracking the throttle can and often will wake the driver up who is drifting into your lane, cracking your throttle to show off only causes us to loose a tool in our self defense tool kit. Use your pipes only when needed in urban riding situations. Being well trained in emergency stopping and manoeuvres, being highly aware of your surroundings and decent riding gear for physical protection are still the best protection you can have out there. #3 - Be a Part of the Solution - Join a riders rights association in your region and for Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories where there is no association other than MODEL Edmonton (Motorcyclists Opposed to Discriminatory Exhaust Legislation), document your stop and make sure you have a good lawyer. #4 - Film & Photograph - Using a helmet cam or a bike mounted camera can often times provide the evidence you need regarding stops and crashes, so consider making that investment. Historical information is hugely valuable for lobbying groups. We are collecting information to have at the ready just incase we ever get a national riders rights association off the ground in this country. If you wish to share your information on a stop you think was uncalled for or you experienced any kind of profiling, discrimination or harassment, you can fill out the Police Harassment Report on our site.

We have two choices, either work to protect our lifestyle or be prepared to be harassed and discriminated against and learn to like it.

That's the way I see things - what are your thoughts?

Have a great Tuesday everyone and if you are one of those lucky beggars who is riding today - I don't want to hear about it, I have PMS so bad, I might just snap! Seriously, ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider