It's OVER for Nashville Bike Week

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Nashville Bike Week is a non starter.

With the arrest of Mike Leffingwell/Axle for changing his name illegally and failing to appear, this man who had charges in 4 states and for whatever reason decided not to deal with them, has left his event in dire straits.

The Loretta Lynn Ranch had pulled out as the host venue back in
February, then a farmer not far away pulled out, then the Gaylord Opryland Hotel pulled out and now the last hope that this event might go off has also pulled out.

A man named Stan Chiras of the  American Rebel Mudpark was going to take the event over as he owns 500 acres that is an actual event venue and a man with a lot of special event experience.
After 11 days of waiting for financials = transparency, he decided that if he couldn't get the paperwork to know what has gone on, he'd best back away.

So now Nashville Bike Week is without a leader and without a home.

Stan Chiras of American Rebel Mud Park is going to be hosting a FREE 10 day event on his property for anyone who bought tickets to Nashville Bike Week. It won't be as grand an event, but it will have bands and entertainment and camping and if you bought a Nashville Bike Week ticket/package he's going to do his best to honour them as far as the spaces for toy haulers etc.

Here is the official statement from Stan Chiras of American Rebel Off Road Park:

"After discussions with State and local officials, and consulting with legal counsel, American Rebel Off Road Park is withdrawing as a venue for Nashville Bike Week and Superflow Entertainment.

It became obvious that with the time remaining until the event date, there is no way to meet the promises made by Superflow Entertainment to its customers.  There was also no feasible way to meet the statutory guidelines required by the State of Tennessee for permitting an event of this size.

When I entered into discussion with Nashville Bike Week my intent was to contribute to saving this event for the over 4000 fellow bikers who had already paid in advance for this event.  I deeply regret this could not work out.

I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who paid for this event to come to Tennessee and enjoy our hospitality and all that our county and State has to offer.

You’re welcome to come and stay here at no charge."

Sincerely,

Stan Chiras 

American Rebel Off Road Park

http://www.armudpark.com/

(931) 722-5058

I had hoped that Mike Axle was not another like the one we have had in Canada who has, sadly, resurfaced to try another event. However, it appears that Nashville Bike Week was nothing more than one big scam.

I was angry at those who were phoning venue after venue and getting the owners to turn their backs on signed contracts.

Part of me wanted to believe in that this guy was sincere. He did not conduct himself the way the other person I have experience with did. He never dodged me.

And then there's the whole thing about Canadian law and US law which are very different from each other.

Had I done to the Canadian event (that went this same direction in BC), what the Americans have done to Mike Leffingwell/Axle and Nashville Bike Week, I'd have been thrown in jail.
ANYWAY...They were right, these detractors and Mike is another like the one from BC....the one who is hosting an Oilfield event now.

I am sad that things went this way but, our community has been known to attract some unsavoury people.

So sad for so many. I am beyond being angry anymore - I feel deflated.
There goes my big trip of the season, time to reorganize - with the workload I have, not a bad idea...

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

Bet Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Wearing a 3 Piece Patch? The Waco Shooting

In the aftermath of the shootout in Waco Texas, I have to ask myself and the men I call friends why they would want to wear a 3 piece patch, even here in Canada where there are not so many people, and there are gun laws in place?

(Not that gun laws make us safer, but guns are more expensive and more difficult to obtain, both legally and on the street here in Canada)

Is brotherhood as represented by a 3 piece motorcycle club patch really worth dying for?

If you claim to be law abiding, allow police or not, claim you have no territory and big money or big business is not on your radar, then riddle me this...

WHY would you want to put yourself in a position of having to defend that patch with your life? 

If there is no money, no medals, no health benefits, no job, no country flag to defend, no true compensation as in the army, then why?  

Brotherhood, can that really be all there is to it? 

I remember the biker wars in Quebec, a lot of people died, brothers, sons, husbands, uncles...their families forever altered by their choices and decisions.

My heart aches for the mothers. 

The shooting in Waco Texas, again shows us that there are motorcycle clubs willing to do just that, lay down their lives for the patch they wear and the bond they share with their brothers.

The Scimitars MC, Cossacks MC,Gypsy MC and at least three other clubs are shown below in photos from a Huffington post article...

Gypsy MC members (Huffington Post)

Cossacks' MC Members (Huffington Post)

                   

 Member of Veterans MC
and 2 other patches

There have been numerous video reports on the incident and depending on which side of the equation you are on, these are just good old boys who got into a disagreement, or they are criminals.

Only you can decide who is telling the truth and which agenda aligns with you morals.
If you are a club member how does this situation make you feel?
How does this situation make you as a  riding club member feel? What goes through your mind?



So - what say you?

If you are riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.
There have already been far to many motorcycle crashes this year.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider











Disclaimer:
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Belt Drive Betty Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Interesting news out of the US as the AMA appears to be embracing MC's

This in from NCOM:

U.S. Defenders Press Release with regards to the AMA - Jan 27, 2015 - U.S.A. - By U.S. Defenders National; www.USDefender.net - More than 50 years ago the American Motorcycle Association is credited with releasing a statement arguing that 99% of all motorcyclists are law-abiding citizens, implying that 1% of motorcyclists are not. It is argued that the AMA released this statement to combat rumors that rabble-rousers were disrupting AMA events.  Being the rebellious postwar sort, many individuals that found common brotherhood in motorcycle clubs began to call themselves 1%'ers.

This statement, and its history, has been widely debated and discussed.  But what is certain is that this statement & history have been skewed and manipulated by law enforcement from coast-to-coast to validate unsubstantiated stereotypes about motorcycle clubs, particularly those self-identified as 1%'ers, This has reinforced a separation in the motorcycle rights movement in America between independent motorcyclists and clubs. This statement, and the false separation of our movement, has outlived its usefulness. It is now time to break down the barriers to true unification of the entire motorcycling community.
 

There is no clearer of an indication than recent public statements by representatives of the AMA that the opportunity, willingness, and possibility of true unification is within our reach. The AMA has tangibly reached out to the the club community dedicated to advancing motorcycle rights and fighting motorcycle discrimination. In fact, the AMA has publicly and openly endorsed the movement to end motorcycle profiling and discrimination and has unapologetically separated itself from the 50 year-old statements used to divide hundreds of thousands of AMA members from grassroots efforts being driven by motorcycle clubs nationwide.

In October 2014, the motorcycle club and independent community in California held a Motorcycle Unification Rally on the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento. The theme of the rally was to unify all of the different elements of the motorcycle rights movement in California and extinguish the false separation fueled by law enforcement's mythologically driven stereotypes. In front of an estimated 3,000 motorcyclists on the steps of the Capitol, Nick Haris, AMA western states representative, publicly endorsed groundbreaking legislation combating motorcycle profiling passed in Washington State in 2011. Nick strongly encouraged the unification of the entire motorcycling community in California in order to replicate Washington's success. This is the first time that I am aware of that the AMA has so strongly endorsed legislation combating discrimination against motorcyclists being driven by motorcycle clubs at the grassroots level.

Nick's public statements in California are not an anomaly. On January 26, 2015 Sean Hutson, an AMA lobbyist from Washington D.C., travelled to Texas to attend and speak at the bi-annual motorcycle rights rally on the steps of the Capitol in Austin. Significantly, this event is organized and hosted by the Confederation of Clubs and US Defenders in Texas. These organizations are primarily comprised of motorcycle clubs fighting for the advancement of motorcycle rights at the grassroots level.

In front of thousands of club members, Sean spoke very directly and separated the AMA from statements attributed to the organization over a half century ago. He also directly endorsed the movement to end motorcycle discrimination and profiling arguing that motorcyclists of all walks of life have more in common than differences. We all love to ride.  In fact, Sean helped draft federal legislation to end motorcycle-only checkpoints because they are misplaced and discriminatory. Importantly, he correctly observed that if the over 10 million motorcyclists in America unified we could stop the practice of profiling and implement a pro-motorcycle rights agenda across the board. Imagine what a powerful movement motorcyclists would be.

The time to unify all of the elements of the motorcycle rights movement in the United States is now. When a massive and well entrenched organization like the AMA extends an olive branch the world is truly changing, signaling that the advancement of the motorcycle rights movement has no ceiling. It is time to solidify the rights base of motorcyclists nationwide so future generations will enjoy the freedoms and privileges that so many have fought, bled, and died for.

   - - -

Respects, Mike  

NCOM Brothers Behind Bars Newsletter Editor

www.onabike.com/brothers-behind-bars/about.htm

So - what are your thoughts on this development?

Have a great day and remember, if you are fortunate enough to live where you can ride, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Ride








Disclaimer:
All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Belt Drive Betty Blog makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

My Canada, changed forever

Yesterday my Canada changed forever, but it is far from the first time that Canada has changed due to homegrown terrorism.

During a discussion with friends over the shooting of an unarmed Canadian soldier, Cpl. Cirillo, at the tomb of the unknown soldier near Parliament Hill and the running down of a Canadian soldier in Quebec, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, we talked about the FLQ crisis and how that homegrown terrorism had changed Canada.

From 1963 to 1970, the Front de libération du Québec, the FLQ, terrorized English speaking Canadians in Quebec through a series of bombings, kidnappings and murder.

They were our first true homegrown terrorists and how the Liberal government of the day under Peirre Elliot Trudeau handled the FLQ crisis was to invoke the War Measures Act (today that act is called the Emergency Preparedness Act) at the request of then premier of Quebec, Robert Bourassa and Mayor of Montreal Jean Drapeau.

From October 16th 1970 until January 5th 1971, much of the province of Quebec and the city of Ottawa were in lock down, virtually a war zone.

The removing of civil liberties that transpired during those days saw many people arrested wrongfully and police officials were heavily criticized for their abuse of authority and detaining people without cause.

The FLQ crisis is an important lesson in home grown terrorism, not just how it starts but how government deals with it.

There will always be people who want to FORCE their viewpoints, their religious or political ideals on others. There will always be people looking for the vulnerable, the angry; to convert and further their causes, to do their dirty work.

Radical Islam, while a huge problem around the world, is but an outlet that teaches us how broken our systems are world wide. The disenfranchised of our country and others, those looking for a place to belong are finding the outlet for their anger, frustration and hopelessness in radical groups like IS, the Islamic State.

It is the same scenario that plays out with street gangs and who and how they recruit.

Islam is, in my view, far more than a religion. It is a political, societal, economic, justice, crime and punishment system. In other words, a religious government.

Islam is very tribal with various sects, none of whom can agree on Islam's principles, history or ideology. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam)

Sunni - The largest denomination in Islam is Sunni Islam, which makes up 75%–90% of all Muslims.[9] Sunni Muslims also go by the name Ahl as-Sunnah which means "people of the tradition [of Muhammad]" 

Shi'ite - Shia Islam has several branches, the largest of which is the Twelvers, followed by Zaidis and Ismailis. 

Sufis - Sufism (Tasawwuf) is a mystical-ascetic approach to Islam that seeks to find divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. 

Salafi - Self-described Salafis believe they are Sunni Muslims, while traditionalist Sunni critics claim that Salafis are the same as Wahhabis 

Ahmadiyya is an Islamic reform movement (with Sunni roots) founded by Mirza Ghulam 

Ahmad[229] that began in India in 1889 and is practiced by over ten million[230] Muslims around the world. 

Non-denominational Muslims are Muslims who do not restrict their religious affiliation to any particular branch of Islam. 

The Ibadi is a sect that dates back to the early days of Islam and is a branch of kharijite. Unlike most Kharijite groups, Ibadism does not regard sinful Muslims as unbelievers. 

Mahdavia is an Islamic sect that believes in a 15th-century mahdi, Muhammad Jaunpuri 

The Quranists are Muslims who generally reject the Hadith. 

Yazdânism is seen as a blend of local Kurdish beliefs and Islamic Sufi doctrine introduced to
Kurdistan by Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir in the 12th century. 

There are also black Muslim movements such as the Nation of Islam (NOI), Five-Percent Nation and Moorish scientists.

The sad truth is that these people have been fighting and disagreeing, creating divisiveness and killing each other since the dawn of time. Peace is not something these people are familiar with, nor are they familiar with the concepts of acceptance, or tolerance.

The hatred, misunderstandings, differences in opinions and values in countries where Islam is part of the fabric are too great of a chasm to bridge. They have gone on too long and run too deep. Generation after generation of the peoples in these countries have only known hatred and fighting.

Like others who are disenfranchised, who are vulnerable to radical ideas, the two Canadians who reportedly converted to Islam and then carried out crimes against our country are no different in their weakness and illness than the young man who killed the mounties in Moncton or the young man who killed fellow students in Calgary.

They are no different than the young men who created the FLQ Crisis.

Sadly, there are people who are born in this country who feel marginalized, left out, forgotten and hopeless. Mental illness is one of the biggest challenges this country, this world faces.

We need to get far better at helping the mentally ill and the disconnected youth of this country.

These people are vulnerable to radical ideologies.

As a nation, we cannot falter in protecting our citizens and the rights and freedoms we hold dear as Canadians.

I believe it is time to get smart about terrorism, world wide and home grown.

If a Canadian goes to fight with IS or any other terror group, they should not be allowed to return to Canada to spread their hate. They should loose their Canadian Citizenship.

Our government should never allow Sharia Law in any form, no matter how watered down, to be adopted or accepted by any court in our country as it goes against everything we as a nation have evolved to. The treatment of women under Sharia Law in particular, should never be written into the fabric of our national laws or our constitution.

It is divisive and barbaric and it makes the advances of women and their rights as humans in this country null and void unless the protections for the rights of women are available to all women in this country. If one wants to follow Sharia Law, they should live in countries that accept that law.

If they want to live in Canada, they need to follow the laws that govern Canada and Canadian citizens.

My heart breaks for the families and friends of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent killed in Quebec and Cpl. Cirillo killed in Ottawa. My heart goes out to our military and their families.

O Canada!

Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

The changes Canada will experience this time because of the acts of two Canadians will hopefully make Canada a stronger and better country, at least that is my prayer.

That's how I feel today, what say you?

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A response from the CFSEC to my letter

Good Morning Ms. Charbonneau,

Thank you for your email. While not a “report”, I want to thank you for bringing what is a poorly worded sentence of some of our old web-only content to my attention, especially since it is accompanied by a photo of a 1% patch next to it that doesn’t represent the best image for the content. I will ensure that the content is updated to clearly reflect that while not all Outlaw MC/MG’s are 1% but all 1% clubs are Outlaw MC/MG’s, that wearing a three-piece patch does, in fact, traditionally symbolize the “outlaw” designation and all that comes with it (consent from the dominant club, a fealty-like form of support and association, etc).

I do notice, however, that you’ve posted a blog entry without the benefit of a reply. I am disappointed that you, who is a motorcycle journalist, would not fact check, make an inquiry, and/or have a conversation with me before you posted your “story”, as the majority of journalists would normally do.

Unfortunately, and quite tragically in many cases, we have seen many “non-outlaw” motorcycle “groups” here in British Columbia in recent years drift closer or associate more and more with the more well-known OMG’s and their overt support clubs in this province. These groups wear three-piece patches with the consent of the HA or their support clubs and in addition to being found at more and more HA rides or OMG events, their members are involved or suspected of being involved in various levels of criminality with or in support of traditional OMG groups.

This is, and should be, completely unacceptable to not only all legitimate MC’s and riders, especially those law-abiding ones in these groups/clubs, but the general public as well. These people are hiding behind what some are purporting to be “non-outlaw” groups, when, in fact, many of them are more “outlaw” than they claim to be and are quickly moving closer to being a “gang” and further from a mere “club”. We know this because of our investigations, what members of these groups tell us, and what is seen in public.

Regards,

Lindsey

Sergeant Lindsey Houghton Media Relations Officer Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit - BC Desk: 778-290-3099 (Mon-Thurs) Cell: 604-764-9085 Lindsey.Houghton@cfseu.bc.ca @LHoughtonCFSEU CFSEU-BC's Website Follow us on Twitter @CFSEUBC and like us on Facebook Dear Lindsey, The column I write is an opinion piece. The fact remains that, that content is on YOUR web site - I found it through an ad for the 2014 REPORT - Prevention and Public Engagement that takes one to this web page:http://www.cfseu.bc.ca/en/  The report however is buried on the bottom of  this page: http://cfseu.bc.ca/en/end-gang-life The content is on your site, and needed no clarification or verification from your office. The content is there for all to see. It's in public domain, I took offence, I wrote to you and I wrote about the offence I took and shared my letter to you.   For you to accuse me of not being like other journalists, well - I am not.  For you to jump to the conclusion that I would not give your response the "air time" it deserved is totally untrue. Please believe me I will be posting your response, in it's entirety.  Just because I tend to do things a little differently from other journalists does not mean that I don't offer the opportunity to provide dialogue and comment.  Your full response to my first letter letter and my response to you will be the topic of another "Editorial Comment" on this topic, in the very near future. I may or may not wait for your response to this letter before I share my personal feelings, observations and opinions with my readers. Just so as we are both clear, this is on the record. So let's dive into the topic at hand. Your comments are rather confusing as your ad for the web site report was on the Eagle Valley News web site today so I am unclear as to how this is OLD content.  Perhaps having a date it was created would be handy, then one could identify if it is outdated content.   Thank you for your email. While not a “report”, I want to thank you for bringing what is a poorly worded sentence of some of our old web-only content to my attention, especially since it is accompanied by a photo of a 1% patch next to it that doesn’t represent the best image for the content. I will ensure that the content is updated to clearly reflect that while not allOutlaw MC/MG’s are 1% but all 1% clubs are Outlaw MC/MG’s, that wearing a three-piece patch does, in fact, traditionally symbolize the “outlaw” designation and all that comes with it (consent from the dominant club, a fealty-like form of support and association, etc). WHAT is an "MG" if not a Motorcycle Gang?   There are NO Outlaw Motorcycle Groups - they are Motorcycle Clubs.  OMG - Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs is a designation the police services created and has no place in the motorcycle community.  We were discussing Outlaw Motorcycle CLUBS and the mis representation/information on your site that the three piece patch is an indication of 1% affiliation. Your attaching the "MG" police designation beside the MC designation is confusing.  Or did you mean Motorcycle Group?  If that is the case, and I believe it is, then you really are doing a disservice to all riders.  The statement should read "NOT ALL Outlaw Clubs are 1% Clubs but ALL 1% Clubs are Outlaw Clubs". PERIOD I take a lot of offence to this comment: "that wearing a three-piece patch does,in fact, traditionally symbolize the “outlaw” designation and all that comes with it (consent from the dominant club, a fealty-like form of support and association, etc)." In Fact NOT all Outlaw Clubs go to the dominant club for permission, there are many Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs, Veterans Motorcycle Clubs as well as those who accept law enforcement and first responders into their clubs, who wear a three piece patch and have a prospecting phase, who do not approach a dominant and do not follow the COC protocols.   They are still three piece patch clubs, Outlaws by the strictest of definition, but not 1%. The Outlaw designation does NOT necessarily come with consent from the dominant club, it is not a fealty like form of support and in no way represents association.   The Outlaw designation has everything to do with earning a patch and nothing else.  Could you please make your wording less ambiguous? Please? I take a lot of offence to this particular paragraph: Begin Quote: Unfortunately, and quite tragically in many cases, we have seen many “non-outlaw” motorcycle “groups” here in British Columbia in recent years drift closer or associate more and more with the more well-known OMG’s and their overt support clubs in this province. These groups wear three-piece patches with the consent of the HA or their support clubs and in addition to being found at more and more HA rides or OMG events, their members are involved or suspected of being involved in various levels of criminality with or in support of traditional OMG groups.  This is, and should be, completely unacceptable to not only all legitimate MC’s and riders, especially those law-abiding ones in these groups/clubs, but the general public as well. These people are hiding behind what some are purporting to be “non-outlaw” groups, when, in fact, many of them are more “outlaw” than they claim to be and are quickly moving closer to being a “gang” and further from a mere “club”. We know this because of our investigations, what members of these groups tell us, and what is seen in public. End Quote So what you are saying here, if I understand you correctly, is that you are seeing members of Motorcycle "Groups" as you call them associating with Hells Angels or "OMG" feeder clubs.  Is that Correct? To what NON OUTLAW groups do you refer? The Harley Owners Group? The Okanagan Motorcycle Riding Association? The Women in the Wind?  The Rock Solid Biker Church? The Shadow Riders? The Border Riders? Who are these NON OUTLAW, Motorcycle GROUPS you refer to? What do their patches or CUT look like?  Your attempt to tar members of riding clubs and associations with "we have seen many “non-outlaw” motorcycle “groups” here in British Columbia in recent years drift closer or associate more and more with the more well-known OMG’s and their overt support clubs in this province", as a justification for misrepresenting who is who in the motorcycle community appears to me to be nothing more than a profiling of our community.   Just because I wear a patch and ride with an MRC - Motorcycle Riding Club (a motorcycle group as you call it), motorcycle association, motorcycle ministry, veterans MC or manufacturers club does not mean I will gravitate towards a tight relationship with 1% or their feeders clubs.   That is like saying that because I am black, wear a certain style of pants and hat, that I am going to gravitate towards being a member of the Jamaican Posse or some other street gang, or that because there are police officers (now former police officer) like Monty Robinson on the force that all police officers have a tendency to CYA and be drink drivers or alter reports to protect themselves. Or that because priest XYZ molested little boys that all priests have the predilection towards molesting little boys.  Profiling is profiling and it is wrong, but because clothing isn't protected under the charter you seem to feel you are able to profile motorcyclists and that it is OK to do so. It is not OK. I fail to see where your comments regarding non outlaw clubs has anything to do with my original email to you, but you sure have given me more reason to be upset not only as a journalist, but as a rider and taxpayer.  You cause every rider to wear a social stigma because you can't get your terminology right, where is that fair? You cause very rider to experience barriers to tourism and tourism services like meals, beverages etc.  Establishments that are licensed tend to be the ones most fearful of serving riders who wear their patches or cut because of conflicting terminology and a lack of understanding of the motorcycle community and the lack of educational materials like photos to identify the 1% community and training to those establishments and their employees.  I find it interesting that you did not address the fact that many Outlaw Law Enforcement Clubs exist - they have a prospecting phase and wear a three piece patch - you earn that patch, you can't buy it.  You do realize that you have tarred a large percentage of the Police Service Community with the label of 1% er because you can't get your terminology right. Not only that, but many of those Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs do not wear the appropriate LE designation and that causes even more confusion and fear for all involved. Please see the attachment of the ad I clicked on and some interesting Outlaw Patches that are NON 1% - in fact all are Law Enforcement Outlaw Clubs. I look forward to your response and unlike other journalists, I will print your entire response, not just a snippet. Sincerely, Renee "Belt Drive Betty" Charbonneau Belt Drive Betty Media Editor- The Busted Knuckle Chronicles So, we shall see what the next response is, if there is one.   This started out to be an editorial rant on the way things are worded and the inferences one draws, but, it appears that is has become one about education and profiling. Semantics and inference... I have attempted at various times in the past to get a civil rights lawyer willing to take on this challenge, but sadly, the Canadian Civil Liberties movement clearly does not extend to the riding community.  There appears to be no one who thinks that the riding community needs and deserves protection under the charter as a visible minority. By virtue of the fact that riders, those who wear a patch or cut, are being "monitored" because they might become friends with someone who wears a 1% or feeder club cut is cause for concern. We truly are a visible minority, we truly appear to be being profiled, but because we have no unified voice, no advocacy group, we are unprotected. It is perfectly fine to label every rider who wears a patch or cut as a potential bad person all in the name of crime prevention. That appears to be the message. In fact, there have been some cases where legitimately non criminal Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs AKA Traditional Motorcycle Clubs have been unfairly tarred with a brush they don't deserve - remember what happened in Orangeville Ontario, in Medicine Hat  Alberta and in Kelowna and Ladysmith BC?  In Orangeville, members of one piece patch clubs were asked to leave a Legion because of liquor license restrictions. In Medicine Hat the Falcons were served their food outside on the grass so as not to violate the license for the legion there - other things transpired here as well - so read the article I linked to above.   In Kelowna and Ladysmith, the Veterans MC have been tarred as 1%. They are adamant that they are not, that they are simply veterans but no matter, they are still under scrutiny - unfairly in my estimation as I know many of the members.  Read through the comments on the article linked above, about a Kelowna Gang that was convicted - the comments become somehow about the Veterans MC and the crew in Ladysmith and have a lot of Veterans MC members very upset.   And frankly I don't blame them. I know that pictures of their cuts were circulated to licensed establishments as a banned club, along with the HA and a few others. I saw the email and the print out with my own eyes.  The ideology behind the "Three piece patch being an indication of 1% affiliation" might be behind the tarring of this club.  I am just guessing here. I support the Veterans MC through our newspaper.  Why? Because I support our military and our veterans and until such time as I know for myself first hand that the clubs are going in a different direction than being about veterans causes and community, I'll keep on supporting them.  Same with the Falcons or any of the others I know who are law abiding. If everything the various newspaper reports on these three incidents, the reports from some of the clubs that were affected like the Falcons MC, is remotely true, then Houston we have a problem... Peoples reputations have suffered, peoples lives have been affected and there truly appears to be no recourse for it. I understand that the police need to do their job and keep communities safe. I do get that. The way they go about doing their jobs though, makes me wonder.   Since when are you guilty until proven innocent?   What say you? If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you - and remember our SPOT THE GEAR FAIL contest for your chance to win some fabulous prizes from Kimpex and Draggin Jeans! Belt Drive Betty Editor & Rider

Here we go again: Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC - Report

Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC

It is no wonder the general public can be so scared and confused by the motorcycle community.

When even the police cannot identify who is who in the motorcycle world how in the HE Double Hockey Sticks is anyone else supposed to understand us?

In their report on GANGS, the Combined Forces Special Enforces Unit actually claims that three piece patch is and indication that one is in an outlaw 1% GANG.

Seriously, that's what they state:

The official “uniform” of all Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) is their “Colours,” which always remain the property of the club. The Hells Angels colours consist of a three-piece patch, which signifies to law enforcement that the club is an outlaw one-percenter motorcycle gang. The term “one-percenter” is an historical term that was used to distinguish the outlaw motorcycle gangs from the majority of law-abiding motorcycle enthusiasts following violent riots in Hollister, California in 1947.  Numerous OMGs have since adopted the term. If you look closely, you will see the 1% designation on an OMG jacket or vest.

Either the police services are blatantly attempting to make people believe that all three piece patches are criminal or gang related OR they are  VERY mis informed and uneducated about the patch hierarchy of the motorcycle community.

I took such offence that I wrote their Communications and Media Person, here is my letter:

Dear Sgt. Lindsey Houghton,

I read with great dismay your report on OMG's. (http://www.cfseu.bc.ca/en/as-bad-as-they-look)

I often wondered why so many NON 1%, outlaw clubs are targeted for special attention where none is warranted, now I know.

There is one sentence that is so false and so wrong in your report: "The Hells Angels colours consist of a three-piece patch, which signifies to law enforcement that the club is an outlaw one-percenter motorcycle gang. "

As a motorcycle journalist, I have written a number of articles on the motorcycle community and our patches and cuts to educate new riders as to who is who and how to identify them.  

Perhaps it is time the BEU and others educate themselves as to the nature of the various cuts in our community.

Just because someone who wants to introduce an outlaw club into a territory goes and speaks with the dominant club in the region to get permission to wear their cut does not make them affiliated with the dominant (usually but not always a 1% club).  

Getting permission means that the new Outlaw MC is not cutting into the territory or business of the 1% club. It means not getting their asses beat every time a 1%er sees a 3 piece outlaw cut they don't recognize.  When the dominant club has approved a cut to be worn by a new Outlaw Club, the rest of the members of the dominant now know to leave the Outlaw MC alone, that they are not a threat to their territory or business.

The three piece patch is about earning it not buying it. 

Not all Outlaw MC's are 1% but ALL 1% Clubs are Outlaw Clubs.

I urge you to educate yourselves and properly inform the civilian who does not ride, the truth of our community. 

You are doing a great disservice to the entire motorcycle community by making statements that are patently false and misrepresent our community.

I have included links to two of the many articles I have written on patches and cuts in an effort to help educate your officers as to the truth about our patches and cuts:

http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.in/2014/07/a-little-education-on-mc-world.html

http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2014/07/why-outlaw-mcs-and-1-clubs-appear-to.html

If the statement in your article were true, then there would be a ton of Law Enforcement Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs that would be considered 1% Motorcycle Gangs.

Sincerely,

Renee "Belt Drive Betty" Charbonneau

Belt Drive Betty Media

Editor- The Busted Knuckle Chronicles

To read the entire report visit: http://www.cfseu.bc.ca/en/about-cfseu-bc

I'd love your thoughts and comments on this topic!

There is a ton of news over at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping you informed.
Today is also Canadian Motorcycle News Day - that's right, this week's edition of the Busted Knuckle Chronicles is online!

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Have a great day everyone and if you are blessed enough to be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you and please, consider wearing good gear!

Today we honour and remember all who lost their lives on 9/11.
Please take a moment to remember them.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Why Outlaw MC's and 1% clubs appear to have such a hatred for certain MC's

The motorcycle community is over 115 years old and with that age comes tradition, history and protocols that far too many in this community have ZERO idea or knowledge about.

The motorcycle is a wonderful conveyance that takes us to see fabulous sights, lets us revel in Mother Nature, both the good and the bad, and allows us to meet people we would otherwise never get to know.  Riding a motorcycle erases so many barriers to conversation, almost everyone who rides tends to feel some sort of connection to another person on a motorcycle.

UNLESS you wear a 3 piece patch and then watch the mixed reaction you get.

You'll see everything from fear to abject admiration and respect along with hostility and resentment.

I am not talking about the reactions of non riders here, but of those right in our own community.  

In a previous article that I did on Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs, I covered much of the history of the Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and how they came to be. Predominantly a man's world, the three piece patch world is one of extremes.  Loyalty and hatred often run equally as deep in this world.

I want to talk about some of the reasons there is so much tension between the 3 piece patch clubs, especially in the US. (As our community here in Canada grows, and more people want to bring an established club from the US to Canada, you will start to see some of those tensions grow here.)

Three piece patches, more than any of the other patches in our community make it very easy to identify who is who, but only when proper protocols are addressed in putting the proper identifiers on your cut.

Sadly there are those who are truly muddying up the waters and making it tough on everyone and those clubs that do that are troublemakers, pure and simple either that or they are ignorant of the MC world and are about to get an education.

The 1% faction of the Outlaw Club world in particular has a problem with other clubs that do not identify who they really are.

• If you are a 3 piece patch Motorcycle Ministry, then you are to put MM for Motorcycle Ministry on your cut.
• If you are a Veteran's 3 piece patch club, the you should have VMC as your designation.
• If you are a Law Enforcement club, then you should have LE MC as your designation. 
• If you are a first responders 3 piece patch club then your designations should be PS MC (Public Service).  Often times fire and ambulance use the symbols of their profession and by doing so identify themselves accurately.
• If you are just a group of guys who does not accept law enforcement in your club then your designation should be MC and you should be approaching the local dominant club about your cut and your bylaws , etc., so they know you are not there to be in their business.

And then there is no man's land — the clubs that allow both civilian and law enforcement - there is no official designation for those clubs, so they wear the MC and get called out as cop clubs among other things.

These clubs are the ones that are in purgatory.
They are open clubs in that they do not care what you do to earn your living, what bike you ride as far as brand goes, they care about your character.

These clubs party too hard to fit into the AMA world.

They are outlaw clubs with a hang around and prospecting phase, but because they allow Law Enforcement officers, retired and active, they don't fit into the CoC world either.

The two most hated types of MC's in the Outlaw world are those of Law Enforcement MC's who do not fly the LE designation on their cut and those Outlaw Clubs who allow Law Enforcement officers as part of their club.

The Law Enforcement Clubs who do not fly the LE designation on their cut are, in my mind, troublemakers and should not be trusted by anyone be you in an MC or just Jane Q rider.  

These men are looking for, or to cause trouble. Why else would they not run the LE on their cut?
It could be about infiltration of another club, getting intell for work or it could just be that they are bullies who like to fight.

In every case that I researched they all proudly declare on their web sites or Facebook pages that they are law enforcement clubs so they aren't doing a good job for intel or infiltrating other clubs, but they don't fly that designation in their colours. To me these guys are looking for fights and often times these law enforcement clubs do end up in big melee's.

They bring discredit to their badges and unneeded and unwanted grief in the Outlaw MC and consequently the riding world.

Those LE Clubs that refuse to put the LE designation on their cut, often times are the clubs that everyone has most reason to fear, as they will provoke fights with the other clubs, they seem to be rogues and revel in that.  These types of LE MC's leave a bad taste in the non MC rider's mouth too because they further that stereotypical fear/resentment of all things cops that is steamrolling through our society these days.

Here's a few articles to help you understand the grief they cause:

Police Biker Clubs Draw Scrutiny in Wake of Bar Brawl

Police Biker Clubs. Are They Hurting The Credibility Of Law Enforcement?

Lines Blur between cops and bikers across the country

Law Enforcement biker gangs: Damaging Officers Credibility?

They are being purposely evasive about stating who they are and what their intentions are when they are on their bikes and that causes fights - we are after all talking about men, their pride, their sense of territory and mostly their sense of honour.

In the 3 piece patch world, when you clearly identify that you are a Motorcycle Ministry, a Veteran's MC, an LE MC, the other MC clubs generally ignore you because they know and understand you aren't in their stuff, their business, or out to do harm in their territory.  Especially if you have the good sense to introduce yourself and your cut to the other clubs that are around if there are any in your area.

There is very seldom any kind of real animosity.  It's more an air of indifference. Live and let live.

BUT, when you purposely leave that LE off of your colours, your are perceived as being dishonest and devious and that goes against everything that the MC's stand for.  

In the Motorcycle Club world it is important to stand up for what you believe in and to be who you say you are and when you don't shoot straight in the way you represent yourself via your colours you have already proven yourself to be dishonourable, untrustworthy.

No one says you don't have the right to wear the cut of an Outlaw, but wearing the right designations on your cut is as important as the right designations on your uniform at work.  If you are a cop and you are only a corporal, try wearing the stripes of a sergeant and you will get your ass called out and fired most likely. Same shit here - say who you are, be forthcoming and honest or get the shit kicked out of you for being a liar, a poser.

RESPECT is something these particular LE MC's have no idea or clue about and I bet they are the officers on the job the rest of their fellow officers have questions about too.

In my opinion, the LE MC's that do not identify themselves as such on their cut are the biggest bunch of asses in the world. They put everyone around them at risk and don't give a shit, they are the epitome of what is wrong with our society.

For those like the Iron Order who accept all walks of life and for whom there is no real designation in our community, they too often get lumped into the "Cops" + "Posers" category and they tend to be the kinds of clubs who refuse to "ask permission" of the local dominants for their patches to be approved.

These clubs tend to end up in a lot of altercations having to defend their right to be who and what they are.

They are in no man's land, and the ride they take will be filled with land mines, and only the bravest will navigate them and still be standing, having fully earned their place in the MC world.  If there was a designation specifically for clubs that were outlaw but all inclusive with respect to brand and job, we could possibly save further angst and discord in the MC world.

Perhaps the No Man's land clubs should consider starting to use a designation like OC - Open Club or AI - All inclusive club or EO - Equal Opportunity then every other Outlaw Club in the world would know that these people are no threat, not in their business.

But then maybe it would also take away the "fun" of fist fights and bar brawls....and you would not have the great war stories to share if the other Outlaw MC's left you alone...

The bottom line is that...No one in the MC world gives a shit about and your club you unless you are misrepresenting yourself or your intentions. No on in the MC world care's about you unless you are in their business.

So if you want to stay out of harms way, then stay out of their claim bars, away from their clubhouses and parties and don't play tough guy by trying to start shit or it will end badly.
If you are looking for a fight, if you are trying to prove you are tough and bad assed, then have at it - the chaff will rise to the top to be blown off by the wind.

In one day of research I came up with over 90 LE MC's and 49 of them properly represent who they are while 42 of them do not fly the LE designation on their cut.

I came up with 4 no man's land clubs that aren't territorial, aren't in anyone's business and yet they are lumped in with the cop clubs who don't fly proper designation because they allow law enforcement members.  (They allow politicians and lawyers too but no one seems to take offence to these professions as far as membership - only cops)

One of the 4 non man's land clubs has no MC or LE designation and let's women in - so they shouldn't be flying an Outlaw Cut - period. (Iron Plainsmen)
Remember these are supposed to be MEN'S Clubs.

I haven't had a ton of time to research how many no man's land clubs there are, but if there are many, then setting up a designation for their cut would solve a lot of issues.  I truly don't think these clubs are purposefully trying to misrepresent themselves, but there is no designation as an identifier that they could use and so they are deemed untrustworthy and as trouble makers by the 1% and Outlaw MC's.

Here is a list of LE Clubs and how they designate themselves... the first 49 clubs seldom ever have any issues with the other Outlaw MC's, the second group, 43 of them are the ones you will most often hear of in altercations and brawls.  The other 4 have mixed reactions and are also often involved in altercations.

LE MC's Who wear the right Indicia to reflect who they are:

Armaduras LEMC	LE Present
Americas Guardians PS MC	PS - Publice Service Designation
Archangels MC	One Piece Patch  - No LE Present
Blue Bloods LEMC	LE Present
Blue Breed MC	LE Present
Blue Iron LEMC	LE Present
Blue Knights	LE Present
Blue line Brotherhood	LE Present
Blue Steel MC	LE Present
Blue Thunder LEMC	LE Present
Brotherhood of Valour MC	One Piece Patch with 911 In Centre - No LE Present
Brothers of Justice                                               Bullets MC Copperheads MC	LE Present - Updated December 2016 Le Present Now - Updated May 2016
Defenders MC	LE Present
Empire of Freedom LE/MC Puerto Rico Inc.	LE Present
Enforcers MC	LE Present
Exiled Saints LEMC	LE Present
Expendable Souls MC	PS  - Public Service Designation
Expendables MC	LE Present
Forsaken Few LEMC	LE Present
Forsaken Guns LEMC	LE Present
Guardian Nomad LEMC-H Town Boys Chapter	LE Present
Gunners LE MC	LE Present
Iron Angels LEMC	LE Present
Iron Circle LEMC	LE Present
Iron Law LEMC	LE Present
Iron Saints LEMC	LE Present
Iron Shields LEMC	LE Present
Knights Paladin LEMC	LE Present
Knights of Valor MC	No LE Present but a Blue Line they believe shows they are LE
Law Dogs LEMC	LE Present
Lawful Sons LEMC	LE Present
Legacy Knights MC	LE Present
Loyal Warriors LEMC	LE Present
MFC LEMC	LE Present
Protectors LEMC	LE Present
Public Guardians LEMC	LE Present
Reguladores RED RIVER LA	LE Present
Retribution LEMC	LE Present
Rolling Badges LEMC	LE Present
Sanctioned Few LEMC	LE Present
Shields Of Honor LE/MC Old South Chapter	LE Present
Sons of St.Michael LEMC	LE Present
Souls of Justice LEMC	LE Present
Southern Justice LEMC	LE Present
Thin Blue Line LEMC	LE Present
Tier Rats LEMC	LE Present
VINDICATORS LEMC PENNSYLVANIA	LE Present
Warriors of Justice LEMC	LE Present
Watchmen MC	LE Present
Wheelmen LEMC	LE Present
Clubs that are misleading in their Indicia
Alpha Doggs LEMC	NO LE In Indicia
American Kights MC	NO LE In Indicia
American Lawmen MC	NO LE In Indicia
Arresting Souls MC	NO LE In Indicia
Blue Maniacs MC	NO LE In Indicia
Blue Reapers MC	NO LE In Indicia
BROTHERS IN BLUE MC	NO LE In Indicia
Brothers of Justice MC	NO LE In Indicia
Choir Boys LEMC	NO LE In Indicia
City Heat MC	NO LE In Indicia
DEDICATED FEW MC	NO LE In Indicia
Extorris MC	LE/MC Inside a Diamond
Gunfighters MC	NO LE In Indicia
Hard Headed LE MC	No Cut photos to be found
Hired Guns MC	NO LE In Indicia
Huntsmen LEMC	No MC in Indicia
Iron Brotherhood	NO LE In Indicia
Iron Guns MC Oakland	NO LE In Indicia
Iron Spartans MC	NO LE In Indicia
Justified MC	NO LE In Indicia
Knights Cavalry M.C.	NO LE In Indicia
Lawmen Motorcycle Association	NO LE In Indicia
Lex Talionis MC	NO LE In Indicia
Loyal Few LEMC	NO LE In Indicia
Nam Knights MC Merrimack Valley MA	NO LE In Indicia
Punishers LEMC	NO LE In Indicia
Redeemers LEMC	NO LE or MC in Indicia
Renegade Pigs MC	NO LE In Indicia
Roughnecks Motorcycle Club (RMC)	NO LE In Indicia
Sacred Sons MC	NO LE In Indicia
Sentinels Motorcycle Club	NO LE In Indicia
Smokin Guns MC	NO LE In Indicia
Sons of Armageddon MC	NO LE In Indicia
Specialists MC	NO LE In Indicia
Sworn Few LE	No MC in Indicia
The Untouchables MC	NO LE In Indicia
TrenchMen MC	NO LE In Indicia
Tribunal MC	NO LE In Indicia
Usual Suspects MC	NO LE In Indicia
Wild Pigs MC	NO LE In Indicia
No Man's Land Clubs
Shamrocks MC	Started out LE but now is just MC Accepts police members
Necessary Evil MC	Accepts Law Enforcement
Iron Order MC	Accepts Law Enforcement
Iron Plainsman	Accepts Women - No MC or LE Designation on Three Piece Patch accepts law enforcement, vets

Strength & Honor MC                                 Started out as LE but now accepts vets etc and public service employees

For the rest of us, this has been a community service message that hopefully helps you keep your ass out of the middle of something that has nothing to do with you!


Have a great day,

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider