A new adventure, one I am very excited about!

It's been a long time since the Biker Coffee Company closed it's doors because of partnership disagreements. When they closed up shop, my private label coffee supply was cut off and the people who were enjoying our Fair Trade coffee blend were a tad pissed that they could no longer get their fix.

I wanted to remedy that, but I knew nothing about the coffee business except that I really love a good cup of coffee.

The Company Logo

For the last couple of years, I have been researching, building partnerships and getting my ducks in a row to once again be able to have my own private label coffee.

Along with two silent partners, we have formed Motor Sports Brewz, our trademark is almost ready to be filed and we partners are formalizing the last of the details.

We anticipate that we will be launching in early 2015.

Before we do, I wanted to share with you the concept behind the company and some of the artwork that has been done to date to get your feedback.

 The company, Motor Sports Brewz, is a beverage company that provides private label coffee, hot chocolate and over time, other beverages to the Motor Sports Industry.

We are starting with our first line - Biker Brewz

Various "Celebrities", businesses and charities within the Motor Sports world will be able to have their own private label blend at an affordable price that they can sell through their own networks, and their blend will also be available in our online store.

The roaster we are using is a 100 year old family run company. Our blends will be made from the finest beans available and will follow our own recipes!

We will have sample packages that people can buy to decide which blend they like the best and we will offer the larger 1 pound bags.

We have much done and ready, but there are many small details that still have to be ironed out.

We are starting small, but we have big dreams!

As I said, we are looking for feedback on the logo and labels, these do not have the Fair Trade logos or legal verbiage on them yet, these are just the samples.

So, tell me, what do you like about them? What don't you like about them?

Your comments and observations will help us make our labels and logo distinctive and appealing.

Our roaster will make the coffee as delicious as any out there and hopefully that combination will make the coffees and other beverages we offer a great way of fund raising, branding and awareness raising for businesses, people and charities.

On a personal note, we are leaving for Montreal and my mother in-law's funeral in the morning, so I'll be off the grid for a bit.

Have a great day, stay safe, warm and remember to tell the people you love, just how much you love them EVERY DAY!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

People - who can figure them out?

Today I am feeling very discouraged by humanity.

The situation in Ferguson Missouri shows to me how far from civilized we really are.

I understand fully that a lot of people think the white police officer shot and killed a young, unarmed black man because of race and not out of fear for his life.

I get that the police services in many regions of north America are becoming too powerful, lie and cover things up, I get that there is not much justice in our justice system, but I have a few questions for all involved in the mindless violence that is taking place as a result of the grand jury decision...

Link to her facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalies-Cakes-More/274915157402

WHERE is it OK to destroy the property of others because you are angry?
Where is it OK to "crap" where you eat, where you live?
Where is it OK to steal cars from other citizens, destroy their businesses, their livelihood? ARE THEY THE PEOPLE who run the grand jury? Are they the people you are really angry at?

This whole "BLACK LIVES MATTER" campaign disgusts me.
The campaign should be "ALL LIVES MATTER".
The Campaign should BE POLICE OFFICERS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

WHY are people destroying the property of innocents and hurting the quality of lives in their city?
You are NOT doing your case any good, in fact you are justifying the violence that the police can and often do perpetrate.

Hurting the innocent makes NO SENSE to me, whatsoever.
The increase in insurance premiums, the heartache and grief - WHY? Seriously - WHY?

I am tired of mindless violence and wars, tired of being lied to by the powers that be, tired of people hurting each other because they can't agree. I am tired of greed and subterfuge.

I look at the situation in the motorcycle community south of the border and the deep, deep hatred that runs in the MC circle and I have to wonder - WHY?

Why can't we just coexist? Why do we see such deep, long-lasting hatred?

Why do I, someone who has only ever tried to be a good person, pay my bills, my taxes and look after my family and better my community have to pay for the sins of those who came before me?

Why do we have to hold on to such deep hatreds?

When are we ever going to understand that all people bleed?

We all want to be loved, to have a roof over our head, food in our bellies and to live lives of meaning.

We are more similar than we are different...

I am tired of people thinking that life is somehow a competition.

We all end up the same way, dead.

Today I am mourning the loss of two beautiful people - my mother inlaw and that of a young lady named Lindsey whose family is dear to me, the Cousineau's of Eastern Passage NS.

It's a tough time of year for so many. Our troops who are fighting the extremists called ISIS, for those who suffer from depression and loneliness, for the elderly and the infirm.

Death and the sorrow it brings is one thing we all of have to deal with.

But death also brings with it, introspection - a questioning of the meaning of life, of one's purpose and when I see the mindless violence in places like Ferguson, the cruelty and brutality of groups like ISIS - when I think of the Ebola crisis, the situation with Russia, domestic violence and so many other horrible things that mankind is capable of, I wonder...

I know the good people are capable of, so why can't we bring that side of ourselves out more?

I pray for peace, for compassion, understanding and love.
My dream for this world is that one day,  people can be kind to one another.

That's all...

What say you?

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Spreading a little Christmas Cheer

Remembrance Day is over and we are full swing into the Christmas Season.

There are parties and events to attend and all sorts of hubbub, unless you are one of the 600 Canadian Soldiers posted in Iraq.

This year we sold enough of the Bikers United in Remembrance Patches that we are sending 4 boxes of goodies to our boys and girls overseas.

Each box serves 12 soldiers and can be no bigger than a 24 box.

The idea behind the items in the box, is to send TREATS - things they can't get in the commissary.

I load the boxes up with:
Licorice, All Sorts, Gummy Bears, Candy Canes, Smarties, Truffles, Hot chocolate, Cream Coffee (In Tubes) Beef Jerky, Hand Sanitizer, Baby Wipes, Gum, not paper, pens, Christmas cards to give their combat buddies...

Well you get the idea.

The better part of $300 is what I spent on the four boxes.

Canada Posts ships these boxes at no charge to the person sending them.

If you'd like to send a package too here's what you do:

You email Joan McMurray, the founder of the Chosen Soldier Program at:
joan_mcmurray @ sympatico.ca   FIX THE SPACES!

Joan will give you guidance on the kinds of items and the information on who to ship your packages to!

So thank you to all who bought a Bikers United in Remembrance Patch from me - because you are part of the reason I am sending 4 packages this year instead of the normal 1!

Thanks for caring and helping to make a difference!

By the way - if you are looking for the perfect gift for that biker in your life, consider the BigBlue Lift!  $25 from every lift sold goes to paying off my lawyers bill and you get FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN CANADA when you tell Donald that I sent you his way!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Iron Order Motorcycle Club member cleared in shooting

I have followed the shooting case of the Black Piston member, Zachariah Tipton, with much interest as just before this shooting took place, I had interviewed members of the Iron Order Snow City Crew near Edmonton.

Over the past several months, members of the 1% world have blasted me for reporting on the Canadian chapters and members of the IO MC because in the US,  the Iron Order is hated by the 1% clubs.

The IO MC which is a three piece outlaw club with a prospecting phase and is seen as a cop club by the 1%ers because they allow officers of various law enforcement agencies to be members.  Reportedly the 1%ers say the IO MC in the US tends to instigate trouble in an attempt to allow law enforcement a way in to the various 1% clubs.

They are also hated because they wear Black & White which are the colours of the Outlaws (AOA) of which the Black Pistons are affiliated and they do so without having gone to the dominant for approval of their cuts as COC protocols would dictate.  They did not go to the dominant because the IO does allow law enforcement members and are therefore not welcome into the Confederation of Clubs (COC). 

The verdict regarding the shooting at Nippers Beach Grill in Jacksonville Beach, Florida that took place on June 26, 2014 is in.

The State Attorney's office is not filing charges against the Iron Order MC prospect, Kristopher Stone, who shot and killed Zach Tipton. Justifiable homicide & justifiable use of deadly force by a citizen is the ruling.

The report is 10 pages long and it outlines the investigation into the shooting and identifies many of the witnesses who were interviewed.  

I have saved the PDF into JPEG's for those who wish to read the State Attorney's findings, please watch the page numbers at the bottom of the images as Blogger makes it tough to get things in order.

There is also video to go with the report. 

The 2 videos that accompany the report have been edited for time (IE - when the Black Pistons park their bikes and then walk to the Iron Order members takes about 4 minutes - that has been edited)

The first video is the TV report/Press Conference presentation:

This second video is less edited:

I will sum the report up for you:

The Black Pistons - 7 of them ride by members of the Iron Order MC and go park their bikes.

A few minutes later, three members of the Black Pistons walk towards the IO MC members, two from the front and one from behind.

Kris Stone was hit in the back of the head by Zachariah Tipton, while he had been talking to one of the Black Piston members who met him face on.
A fight ensues that lasts about 10 seconds.

During this time, other members of the Black Pistons are approaching the fight.

Kris Stone pulls his weapon and fires, killing Zachariah Tipton. The other Two Black Piston members do not provide aid to their brother, in fact they flee the immediate area.  Some members reportedly return a few minutes later to remove Zachariah's cut.

According to police, Zachariah Tipton had three knives, ammunition and a gun holster on him but his gun was not found. He also had brass knuckles and a mouth guard and was still wearing his motorcycle helmet and riding gloves. During his autopsy it was noted that his hands had injuries consistent of someone who had been throwing punches.

Also according to the report, other members of the Black Pistons were also thought to be wearing mouth guards and were seen to be removing them and either rings or brass knuckles although authorities cannot be 100% sure what they were removing.      

From all indications this was a planned attack by the Black Pistons.

Also according to the report, Kristopher Stone, the shooter is a combat medic who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Mr. Stone had suffered blows and kicks to his head, his nose was broken and he had urinated himself during the attack. His hands showed no sign of having thrown punches.

In this case, the Iron Order Motorcycle Club is NOT the club who instigated the fight, it was clearly unprovoked and the Black Pistons were obviously the aggressors.

This is what it means to be a three piece patch wearing club member.


If you wear a three piece patch, although your club is reportedly a law abiding club, there will come a time when you will be called out and forced to defend your cut and your right to wear it.
Are you ready?

In this case, the aggressor dies.
As in all fights, the outcome could have been much different.

If you would like the PDF so you can read it, contact me and I'll be happy to send you a copy.

What say you?

Have a fantastic Saturday and if you are blessed to be living somewhere where snow does not cover the ground, I hope you are riding!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

An enormous thank you and a special offer!

As many of you know, the last year has been very challenging.  The lawsuit launched by the people of Sturgis North/Canada has been pressing to say the least. But...this community has supported me emotionally and financially, helping me to keep our community newspaper going and all of the rider support tools we offer up and running by ensuring the business didn't have to pay the lawyer too much.

This lawsuit has had so many twists and turns and it has been trying, tiring, time consuming and discouraging.

For the time being I have decided not to move forward with defending myself since the other side has not been communicating with my attorney and leaving the suit in limbo anyway.  I will resume the defense once the business is in the position to better pay a lawyer to do so, if I need to.

Since all communications had stopped, I took matters into my own hands and went to the BC Securities hearing for Mr. Sasseville this past week and I was finally able to meet with Mr. Sasseville's attorney face to face and have a chat.  I presented the attorney with the consent to dismiss orders for the other four parties who are also in a legal limbo and myself.

If all goes well and the other parties sign off, this case could be on its way to being over.

If not, at least the other parties know that I am not scared to meet them face to face and they know I will move forward at a later time of my choosing to force a resolution if needs be.

So, while not OVER, for now the pressure and grief are over, at least for a little while and there is hope that an end could really be in sight!

My final legal bill for this portion of the case was $3,490.00, right now I still owe about $2,200.  Thanks to Sam Henderson of Eyecandy Custom Cycles, I have another $800 to put against that bill!

Eyecandy Custom Cycles in Smithers BC had done customization on a bike for the people suing me and as a result, he had a set of custom rims and brakes to sell.  He did so through an online auction which raised $800.  So thank you Sam, I am so deeply appreciative of the support!

I am now blessed to announce that I have another small business stepping up to help me get this "final" bill off my plate!

Donald from BigBlue Lifts is putting $25 from every lift sold through the ad below into my defence fund!

So, not only do you get FREE SHIPPING anywhere in Canada, but my defence fund gets a $25 shot in the arm when you tell Donald that I sent you!

So, if you are in need for a motorcycle lift that has a small footprint with HUGE lifting capability, check out www.bigbluincanada.com and then call Donald and remember to say "BELT DRIVE BETTY" sent me, so you get free shipping and my defence fund gets a $25 shot in the arm!

I simply can't say thank you enough to everyone who is helping me get through this.
There are so many of you to thank.
There are no words that can express my gratitude.

Thank you community, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Two Soldiers, Two Deaths, Two Different Shows of Respect

Today our nation grieves with the Cirillo Family, the Princess Louise's Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces and the city of Hamilton.

As I write this I am watching the funeral procession to Christchurch Cathedral, watching as honours, normally bestowed to leaders of state and military are bestowed upon a young Corporal. A message of strength, unity, love and commitment being sent around the world.

The Cirillo family has allowed we Canadians to adopt him as our son. They have allowed us to grieve with them in a very overpowering way.

His funeral happened swiftly, only 6 days from giving his life for his country.
His family has allowed/welcomed so much sharing about Nathan on Facebook and in the media.



Patrice Vincent however, well, his family is grieving in a different way and has asked for privacy and so far, everyone has respected their wishes.

While I understand their very personal loss, I feel a tad cheated by their decision. I would like to feel that I knew Warrant Officer Vincent in the way I have come to know Nathan Cirillo, through his family, friends and colleagues, but sadly, I do not. No where can personal photos be found, very few stories about him shared and no Facebook page to share on.

Patrice Vincent died last Monday and will be buried on November 1st in Longueuil QC.

I can only imagine the pain of these two families.
Though they both grieve deeply, they do so in a different way, a way that must be respected.

I just hope, that when they are ready, the family of Patrice Vincent will allow us to show them how deeply we feel their loss and how appreciative of his service and sacrifice we truly are. 

There is not much else we can offer them and I hope they know we offer it, but we respect their wishes.

I also want to take a moment to remember the service of the unnamed soldier who was injured in the same attack as Patrice Vincent lost his life.  I hope that he too, will one day, allow we Canadians to embrace him, and let him know how thankful we are for all of the blessings we have as Canadians because of the service of the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

In about 25 minutes a funeral for a young man takes place, I hope you take 1 minute to pay him and all of our fallen a word of thanks and respect.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Searching for the perfect saddlebags?

This info graphic from www.vikingbags.com will help make that selection easier by pointing out key things to look for and think about.