A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 2

Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 2
The Future of Motorcycles Part 3
Yamaha

Ride Like a Local got to talk with the young men of the Yamaha Riding Academy.  With various interests in bikes, these young men were here to ride for the first time and practice up for the nicer riding weather.  We spoke with them before and after their rides.

Elijah before:  Elijah wants a bike for his birthday.  His dad said if he wants one, he has to get on one and try it out first.
Elijah after:  One he got the hang of the clutch and the brake he had a great time.  Of course, going fast was his favorite part.  Elijah is in grade 4 and wants to be a plastic surgeon!

Aden before:  Aden has never ridden a bike but can't wait because he knows it's going to be exciting!
Aden after:  Aden really enjoyed himself and can't wait to ride his own bike.  He plans on getting a street bike when he is 15 or 16 years old.  Aden is in grade 6 and loves to get smarter and have a good education.

Harwan before:  Harwan is Adens brother and each got dirt bikes for Christmas.  They are out here today to practice before getting on their own bikes.
Harwan after:  Harwan said the ride was pretty good and it felt great to go fast.  He almost wiped out a couple of times but made it unscathed.  Harwan is in grade 7 and not certain of his career in the future.

If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

 

A Look Back at 2018 The Future of Motorcycling Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 1

Season 6 Episode 6 Segment 1
The Future of Motorcycles Part 3
Babes on Bikes

Ride Like a Local was at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show and visited the Babes on Bikes booth.
We spoke with Reta, who is almost 40 years of age and has been riding for 2 years, and Natalie, who is 55 years of age and has been riding for 10 years.

When asked why they think there are fewer lady riders and younger riders, the ladies had some good thoughts.  They think maybe it's the fear that holds the lady riders back.  The traditional stereotype of bikers can be pretty scary.  It's a scary thought to be on a bike, on the road, with nothing around you to protect you.  We need to educate them on how a bike works and foster their confidence. We can attract the younger generation by talking to them, continuing the conversation, and encouraging them to try.

Mothers, don't hold your daughter's back and please, expose them early.

When speaking on Babes on Bikes, they say they have a weekly ride about 2 hours long.  They always stop for ice cream!  At the end of the day, everyone gathers for feedback and to check and make sure everyone is alright.

Babes on Bikes...Amazing support and living life to the fullest!

  If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 3

Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 3
Clint Rabb with Edge Harley Davidson Lloydminster

Ride Like a Local was at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show and spoke with the exuberant Clint Rabb of Edge Harley Davidson Lloydminster. 

This years big news seems to be the discontinuation of the Harley Davidson Dyna.  Rabb states that the new bikes are so amazing and people have shown so much interest, that the transition has been pretty seamless.

Some of the best models this year?  Gabb likes two of them.  The Road Glide Special and the Street Glide Special.  Both come in amazing colours as well as the customary black and are all blacked out.  The ride on these bikes is amazing.

Come down and see Clint Rabb at Edge Harley Davidson Lloydminster.  He will set you up and fit you with a new bike.  They now have the Harley Davidson Riding School where they will set you up right from the beginning to getting you on the road.

Service won't end with a contract here.  You will become a part of the Harley Davidson family!

If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A Look Back at 2018 at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show on Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 2

Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 2
Blackjacks Roadhouse

At the Edmonton Motorcycle Show, Ride Like a Local ran into Krysta Shields, a Rider Friendly Business Partner, from Blackjacks Roadhouse.

Blackjacks Roadhouse is a huge part of the community.  Famous for its Tuesday Bike nights, they have established itself as one of he best biker friendly facilities for poker runs and charity rides in Western Canada.

Blackjacks Roadhouse hosts many major charity bike runs such as the Edmonton Ride for Dad, Ride for Sight, Ride for Mom, Wounded Warriors, Military Minds as well as numerous local club rides and events.

They are also the home and meeting place for numerous clubs such as BACA (Bikers against Child Abuse), Rig Riders and the Black gold Beamers (BMW). They offer their 100 seat second floor meeting area free of charge to all bike clubs.

While at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show, RIde Like a Local surprised Krysta with a beginners course from the Edmonton office of the Alberta Safety Council.  We sure hope to see this girl on a bike soon!

Go to Blackjacks Roadhouse to find out more about special events and more. at https://blackjacksroadhouse.com/

Season 6 Episode 2 Segment 2
Neil MacDonald of Harley Davidson Edmonton


Ride Like a Local interviewed Neil MacDonald of Harley Davidson Edmonton.  He was excited to tell us all about the new Softail lineup.  The new lineup is all redesigned with a new motor, suspension and new frame.  Choose your motor from the Milwaukee 8 107 or 114.

If you're new to bikes and looking to get on one, a wonderful entry level bike or commuting bike is the Harley Davidson Street 750.  Its quick to get on and simple to get around!  But if you're asking Neil about his favorite bike, check out the Harley Davidson Street Special.

Another fun evening put on by Harley Davidson Edmonton is pipes night.  Come listen to a variety of exhaust installed on bikes or show off your own pipes.  Hang out and enjoy some delicious BBQ with your family and take a peek at their Fashion show.

For all your motorcycle needs check out Harley Davidson Edmonton at https://www.hdedmonton.com/

If you are blessed enough to live where you can be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

What a fabulous day!

Sorry Calgary - I don't understand why, I have NOOO idea why - same team putting it on in Edmonyon as Calgary...but the Edmonton Motorcycle Show has kicked arse so far - it's been way better than Calgary - go figure - there are more vendors than in Calgary, the riders coming in have been in high spirits - the energy in the air has been huge!

Prices are a wee bit less expensive, parking is a wee bit cheaper...in all I think that sure helps put people in a decent mood right off the bat as they don't feel so gouged....

What ever the reason the 2010 Edmonton show has been absolutely stellar so far.

Not a lot in the news feeds this morning and I have a lot of paperwork to do, so I will sign off saying thank you to Sandra, Doug, Bob and all of the new and old BDB Club members - the hugs have been incredible.

If you are riding today - please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you...if you aren't riding join in on our Beat the PMS Blues on line show 'n' shine!

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP A.I.M.Can
www.aim-can.com

The Edmonton Motorcycle Show

Well, the 2010 Edmonton motorcycle show has kicked off and it is a much different feeling show that Calgary.

Perhaps it is because parking is cheaper in Edmonton...perhaps its because northern riders are fed up with winter - whatever it is there is a distinct difference in the feeling - the energy in the air.

The Indian booth is busy with lots of interest and so is the Royal Enfield booth. It would appear that perhaps northern riders have a larger appreciation for the little work horses.

The show is smaller - there is no doubt but there are some very cool products to see. Really the only thing that has changed is the lack of custom bikes and while they are cool - in this economy it appears that the blinged out barges and exotic looks of the custom are back to being reserved for the truly wealthy. The average person wants a machine that they can ride and afford. The average builder isn't at the show because no one has been buying their wares for a while. I have the utmost respect for the talent many of these builders have, through them and their creativity many inventions and adaptations have been made to motorcycles that are pretty important. The sad truth is - their machines are too expensive for the average pocket book, there is no warranty to protect the purchaser and no recourse when things don't go right.

As I said earlier the energy of the show, the feeling in the air here in Edmonton far different than Calgary was. If you are looking for a cure albeit a temporary one for your PMS come and join us. My hug meter is going to need a serious work out today if Edmonton is going to beat Calgary in the hugging department.

In the news today: The two Norwegians who are riding around the world on their 1937 Nimbus bikes are in the news again.

Motorcycle prices in Europe are going up, and up and up....

In the US, the department of Defense has enlisted the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to find ways to reduce the number of accidents experienced by military personnel.

ThermaHelm, the Brain Cooling Motorcycle Helmet is coming onto the market place in May with the basic model and later in July with an advanced model that has GPS, video and bluetooth...

Well folks, gotta get ready for a day of hugs, friends and motorcycles.

If you are fortunate enough to live where you can ride, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.

For the rest of you, please join us at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show or visit the Chrome Divas Booth at the Toronto International Supershow - if you aren't fortunate enough to have a show to attend, our Beat the PMS Blues on line show 'n' shine might help assauge that empty, missing the hiway feeling...

Belt Drive Betty

www.beltdrivebetty.com

National VP A.I.M. Can

www.aim-can.com

An interesting day in the news...

There are some mornings that I sift through the news from the mutlitude of sources that are out there and go wow, not much happening and what is, is boring. Then there are mornings like this one where the news is interesting and thought provoking.


Kingsway Financial is being investigated....

Gilby Clarke - the former bassist for Guns n Roses was injured in a motorcycle crash...
OCC has managed to stay in the spotlight with their new hybrid motorcycle, it appears that Paul Sr has partnered with Lawless Industries on this project.
Here in Alberta The Second Gear Club is having to postpone their race at Chestermere due to the warm weather.
In Ontario they are gearing up for the Toronto Super Show - Wished that I was going but alas...anyway the 31st annual MAX Awards are bing handed out - see who is getting an award...

So what is thought provoking in the news today?
For me it is the rapid advancements that are taking place with motorcycles and hybrid, bio diesel and electrics.

Two years ago these ideas were in the distant future - today they are becoming reality and that distant future is upon us!I would love to hear your thoughts on the advancements that are being made...even if it is Paul Sr that appears to be pushing a lot of stuff forward...

I am on the road today heading toward Edmonton. I will be dropping off our community directory to a number of our business partners along the way and ending up in Leduc at my girlfriend Sandra's place.

Tomorrow will be set up for the Edmonton Motorcycle Show.  Not sure how Edmontonians are going to stack up against |Calgarians in the hugs department but I am eager to find out.

Come visit our Beat The PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine - we have so many incredible prizes up for grabs. If your bike isn't entered -I have one question fo you and one only- WHY? It's free, it's easily done and if you do face challenges Ali and I can helo you so what are you waiting for????

If you are riding today good for you, but PLEASE ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.
If not, our show 'n' shine may help assauge that PMS...

Belt Drive Betty
www.beltdrivebetty.com
National VP A.I.M. Can
www.aim-can.com

Wrap up of the Edmonton Show

The Edmonton show did not have the pizazz or great feeling that the Calgary show had.
With Northlands under so much construction parking was at a premium already and then we had to compete with the Rush Lacrosse game and the sulkies on Friday, the Oil Kings on Saturday for parking.

The Northlands outdoor staff were rude and I can not imagine being an event coordinator having to deal with those people. I do not know how Laurie, Pam, Wendy and Brittany do it. I'd blow up at someone for sure.

There were not the number of riding clubs or vendors at the Edmonton show that were in Calgary and that again is probably because of Northlands being under construction.

The verdict has not come in as to whether or not I will go again, we'll wait to see how the parking issues get resolved once the construction is over.

I want to thank Tim for giving me a place to crash, Anthony and Boomer from the Veterans Canada MC and Sandra "BoB" Tyacke and her hubby Doug Blackie - I appreciate them and their support.

Today is put the newspaper together day so I had best get at it, till tomorrow - stay safe and warm.

Belt Drive Betty

Edmonton Motorcycle Show

It was a slow start on Friday - looking forward to a busier Saturday.

Come visit us at our booth - # 613
We'd love to see you!

I'm late getting going...talk to you tomorrow!

Stay safe and warm

Belt Drive Betty

The 2008 Edmonton Motorcycle Show - Day 12 on the road

Today marks the 12th day of my 32 day road trip.
The January Motorcycle Show season is a busy and gruelling time.
Standing on concrete all day is hard on the body and the air in these buildings is sooooo dry.

But, it is so very worthwhile. I have had the honor of meeting so many good people!

I have also had the distinct pleasure of working with some great people!

Dave and Al from the Veterans MC Canada have been helping me in the booth, promoting their organization, selling Support our Troops magnets, helmet stickers tees and hats - all the proceeds from the sales of these items go to the Family Support Centre to take the children of serving soldiers out to hockey games and movies etc.

They have also been selling subscriptions to the paper for me. Their help and support is much appreciated.

Then there are the ladies of Travel Alberta North's various Destination Marketing Regions - this week Louise Cote of Grande Prairie Regional Tourism and Nicole Halvorsen of Mighty Peace Tourism have been in the booth talking to riders about the upcoming promotion in the Busted Knuckle Chronicles. All 5 destination marketing offices will be offering information about riding in the north country and through their partners they will be offering specials on campgrounds and motels/hotels.

It is one of just many partnerships with tourism regions that we hope to establish. Finally Tourism departments are seeing the value in sharing information on who is rider friendly!

Laurie Paetz and her team for the 2008 Edmonton Motorcycle Show have done a fabulous job again and if you haven't stopped in to the show and you live in the Edmonton region I encourage you to drop by! It's been a great show so far.

I must sign off for now so stay safe out there.

BD Betty

The Calgary Motorcycle Show

Well Laurie & her staff have done it again.
The 2008 Calgary Motorcycle Show was awesome!

Laurie and the gals put on a top notch show and if you missed it....shame on you.
You still have an opportunity to check out the great exhibits and exhibitions this coming weekend in Edmonton when Laurie and the gals present the 2008 Edmonton Motorcycle Show.

I met tons of wonderful people and we had a whole lot of riders sign up for on line subscriptions to the paper.

The weather was wonderful and everyone I met had a really positive experience at the show.

Hope to see you out this coming weekend in Edmonton. Drop by our booth and say hi!

Stay safe out there.

BD Betty

Off to the Edmonton Motorcycle Show

This weekend I will be at the Leather & Steel Booth helping out, talking to builders about the Canadian Championships etc...

Next weekend is Red Deer but I have meetings in Red Deer and Calgary, so I will only be home for one day, the weekend after is Vancouver and I will finally be home for a bit again.
These shows tire a person out! But I love them....any way first round of new cards went out and yup - I have some mistakes to fix.

Suzie is a bit behind on some of the installs because of the wild and wooly weather we've been getting right across the west. She lives on the Island and they have been pretty hard hit with power outages and the like. Never fear, it will get done!

Have a great weekend.....