Atlas Riot Hellfire 2.0 Helmet by RuRoc - A First Look Product Review

When I first got this helmet by UPS, I was a tad shocked by how fast it arrived. 5 days from across the pond!

I opened the box to find a second box inside that when I opened it up , it’s all padded and all sleek looking. 

In the box - stickers, a poster/instruction book, a second visor, helmet bag and visor bag!

I took out the bagged helmet and opened it up.

My first impression was what a bad assed looking helmet.

Do you remember the Movie and TV Series from the Eighties called “V”? It was all about an alien species that lands on earth with what appears to be good intent only to reveal their sinister plot.  This Atlas Riot Hellfire 2.0 Helmet makes me think of that movie. 

Now most of you know how I feel about full face helmets, so you can imagine the sense of anxiety I felt looking at this bad boy.

All I could think of is, will I be able to breath? 

Without looking at the instructions or taking of the protective covering on the visor off, I pulled this size medium helmet on and was totally shocked that because of the vent in the chin, you don’t have to breath stale air. This helmet is light, Popcorn light.  IT FITS!!!!!

I truly can’t wait to get this helmet on and go for a ride with it.

Here are some of the finer points of the helmet that I will be looking at when I get to wear it!

A Removable Inner Liner

An emergency pull system allows the ear padding to be removed in case of emergency 

 making helmet removal safer and easier for EMS.

Easy entry liner

Easy to replace liner, Snaps into place

Air Vents  - 6 of them

Open, Close vent in chin/mouth area to keep visor fogless

Anti Fog, Anti Scratch

Tool-less Visor

Visor locks in place to seal the visor from rain.

Multiple Locking Points

Pinlock capable for the visor to be anti fog - the second visor comes with a pinlock insert!

Quick Lock Buckle System, magnetic that is rated as strong as a D Ring System

Lightweight Carbon Fibre

ECE - DOT Rated

Shockwave Communication System Module Area

To check out these bad boys visit: https://www.ruroc.com/en_ca/

• Belt Drive Betty

Win 25,000 Choice Hotel Points as part of the Ultimate Alberta Motorcycle Vacation Package giveaway for CMTA Members!

Win 25,000 Choice Hotel Points as part of the Ultimate Alberta Motorcycle Vacation Package giveaway for CMTA Members on December 24th, 2019.

Become a Member today www.motorcycletourism.ca

Become a member of the Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association for your chance to win the Ultimate Alberta Motorcycle Vacation. Choice Hotel Points, Motorcycle Rentals and More!!!!

Visit: Motorcycletourism.ca for more details.

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

44th Annual Three Flags Classic

The Southern California Motorcycling Association has been serving the long distance riding community since 1968. That's what it says on their website, and when you look at the rides they host, its very obvious that this association is made up of hard core riders!

This year, their 44th annual Three Flags Classic brings them to beautiful Vernon BC. For those who have never ridden in the Okanagan region of BC, you really don't know what you are missing! The lakes, the orchards, wineries and curvy roads make it truly lovely.

The Southern California Motorcycling Association is also the proud host of the USA Four Corners Tour which covers 7,000 miles in 21 days and the USA Four Corners TRUE X Tour.
The True X sounds like an interesting tour. The geographical center of the USA is Lebanon Kansas. So the idea is to ride in from one corner of the US to Lebanon, then to another corner and back to Lebanon and so on until you have ridden in an X shape across the US. You are given 26 days to do that tour!

All of the tours the the SCMA have created are designed to get you on your motorcycle and seeing things you might not otherwise see and challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone.

Not unlike the Iron Butt challenges, if you register to do these rides you get swag bags at the beginning and a finishers kit that must be filled out and sent in. After you have verified doing the trip in the prescribed amount of time you get recognition for having ridden that tour.

If long distance riding is your thing, then check out the Southern California Motorcycle Association! And if you have never been to the beautiful Okanagan of British Columbia, I encourage you to put it on your bucket list! If you do decide to head up this way, check out the gang at the Okanagan Motorcycle Riders Association, they are great hosts and love showing off their region!

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

Event Poster

Extra Essential Motorcycle Gear

Once you’re all suited up, it can be tempting to hop on your hog and head out on the open road. However, without some extra accessories you may find yourself riding uncomfortably or in a mechanical dilema.  There’s an old adage that goes “you can never be too prepared” and it rings true even with motorcycle riding. Here a few overlooked accessories that can result in an even smoother riding experience.

Earplugs

Wearing a helmet is a standard for motorcycle safety.  However, depending on the type use your helmet could be causing excess wind (which is already noisey enough when riding) to travel through it.  It is not recommended to listen to music while riding as it can distract riders from traffic risks and blocks out all sound completely. Having a good set of earplugs can protect your ears from high-pitched wind noise and allow you to concentrate on the low-frequency sounds you need to be able to hear.  Earplugs also help you make feel less fatigued which is useful if you’re going for a long ride.

Tank/Tail Bags

Tank and tail bags may not seem like a motorcycle essential but their practicality is priceless.  Tank and tail bags aren’t just a convenient way to pack a snack; bags are useful tools for carrying around things like rain gear, first aid supplies, and even tools to aid you in any unforeseen emergency situation.  Bags are also an easy way to customize your stuff to tell it apart from others in your group, or for it to be returned if lost. Custom printed patches for example can be personalized with any info you like and are easily applied anywhere on the bag.  

Locks

This may sound like a no-brainer, but not all locks deter all bike theft.  When selecting a lock try looking for brightly colour disc or master locks.  This tells potential thieves that they have a challenge ahead of them as opposed to locks that are dark in colour or ones that aren’t easy to see.  

Hand Guards

A relatively inexpensive accessory that often gets overlooked are hand guards.  Moreso recommended for colder climates, hand guards can block cold winds making it easier to use your handlebards.  Hand guards also offer protection from flying debris and bugs that may make riding uncomfortable. Motorcycle gear often differs from bike to bike, but with a few additional tools on hand you can gear up for a smoother and safer ride!

Shipping Motorcycles Across the US

Shipping a motorcycle across the US is not as mystical as many think. There are hundreds of myths floating around the internet about how to ship a motorcycle across the US. In this article, I have attempted to make some clarifications and discuss the important aspects of shipping motorcycles across the US.

Nationwide Auto Transportation is one of the largest companies across the US that specialize in this kind of shipment, and they give you  a detailed explanation of how to prepare your motorcycle for shipping.

Prepare your motorcycle for shipping

Carefully clean your entire motorcycle of dirt, from wheel to wheel and everything in between. Also, assess and observe the damages on it such as scratches and dents. This is important because you want to know the state of your motorcycle before it is loaded for shipping. Taking a series of photos of your motorcycle pre and post trip is also a good idea that helps eliminate discrepancies.

There are basically two methods of loading a motorcycle for shipping

• Individual loading – here motorbikes are individually crated  for shipping. This is the best practice because it gives extra protection to the motorcycle.
• Multiple loading – Motorcycles are braced and locked inside the crates to allow multiple bike loading

The Best Method for Shipping – Closed or Open Carrier?

Your choice of shipping method boils down to your own needs and preferences. You can ship your motorcycle(s) across the US either in an enclosed trailer or on an open carrier.

While the cheaper option is an open carrier, it is not the safest method for transporting your motorcycles. With the open carrier transport, your motorcycle will be exposed to the dangers of road hazards and environmental elements. Also, when it is in transport, it is visible to everyone if it’s not crated.

Closed transport may cost more in the end, but it is the wiser choice when shipping your motorcycle.  The bike is totally enclosed from the pick up to delivery point. With the closed carrier, your motorbike is safe from debris and the elements (ex. rain, hail, snow, dust). Your motorbike is most likely going to be delivered in the exact condition it was before loading. So you have no worries about scratches, damages or even theft. You may still want to take a pre and post photo in the event of unavoidable accidents or possible damage.

How Shipping a motorcycle differs from shipping a car

Cars are relatively safer to ship, providing more stability from the hand brake and having four tires. They can therefore, stand firmly during shipping. Motorcycles are lighter in weight, having just two wheels with nothing providing it stability other than the fulcrum stand, and maybe straps and/or load bars. Therefore the carriers that transport motorcycles are always extra careful.

It is a general belief that motorcycle shipping is usually cheaper than car shipping due to the difference in size and weight of the vehicles. However, this is not always the case as motorcycle shipping calls for special items such as specially closed carriers to transport them.

There is a wide range of different services that courier companies  offer, that combined with the distance to travel and your needs will determine the cost of transporting your motorcycle, which will vary from company to company.

Nashville Bike Week moves venue to Gaylord Opryland!

Press Release: Nashville Bike Week May 25th, 2017

We are holding the Nashville Bike Week 2017 event inside the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center grounds. The event will take place in the large additional parking areas located near main gates on Opry Mills Drive. The event hours are from 8:00am until 11:30pm CST each day. We will be offering ten day passes, opening/closing passes, and daily passes. These event passes do not include camping or hotel accommodations*. All guests that are not staying at Gaylord Hilton will need to leave each evening at closing. 

Camping will be available at the many area campgrounds located less than a mile away. If you have already purchased a ticket with us that included camping, you will be provided a spot at the Yogi Bear Campground at no additional cost. Hotels in the area are offering our guest special incentive rates during the event. Individual hotels are under no special obligations and different discounts may apply. We will be offering shuttle services provided by Gaylord Opryland to and from the campground on a regular schedule. These will provide a safe and comfortable ride back to the camping areas when needed. We will have additional shuttles that will take you to Lower Broadway. Downtown parking will be provided in designated participating garages and lots. Nashville Bike Week will hold a Bagger and Bike Contest located outside the Magnolia Lobby Entrance. VIP Meet and Greet Sessions with bands will be help inside the Gaylord complex in private meeting rooms. Nashville Bike Week is also offering discount tickets to tour the Grand Ole’ Opry and General Jackson Showboat.

Gaylord Opryland will be providing beer and liquor sales. You will be allowed to bring in plastic containers to the event areas. Please drink responsibly. Outside liquor should not be brought into the main lobby or other areas of the resort.

(*If you have already purchased a ticket with us that included a cabin, full service, or primitive camping, you will be provided a spot at no additional cost at the local participating campgrounds located less than one mile from event.) Thank you from the staff of Nashville Bike Week. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center 2800 Opryland Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37214 USA

WEBSITE  http://nashvillebikeweek.com/

Communities Move to Round 1 Public Voting for Canada's Most Rider Friendly Community Contest 2016!

PRESS RELEASE

CANADA’S MOST RIFER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY CONTEST FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2017

Grande Prairie AB - The judging portion of Canada’s MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest has concluded and the finalists in the contest have been announced!

The judges from Community Futures of Alberta, our presenting sponsors had a tough time going through the number of nominations that were received.

"First let me say that we at Community Futures of Grande Prairie & Region and all of the Community Futures of Alberta offices want to congratulate all of the communities that were nominated and acknowledge the efforts of the finalist communities and their community pride and spirit. There were so many great nominations that it was tough to choose the communities but by using the contest guidelines we were able to finally narrow it down to just 6 in the West and the 2 strong nominees from the East" says Holly Sorgen of Community Futures of Grande Prairie & Region. My hats off to all of the riders and community leaders who took the time to nominate the community of their choice! Supporting small business and rural initiatives is important to all Community Futures Offices across Canada!”

“I want to thank all who nominated a community in our soft launch (first) year of Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest.  I am seriously impressed and want to ride in every one of the nominated communities!” All 8 communities are already winners, now it is time to decide what level of marketing support they will get! Three communities from the West and three from the East will be recipients of $1,500 advertising packages with Belt Drive Betty Media.  Three from the West and three from the East will then move on to the semi finals.  One lucky community will be crowned as Canada’s MOST Rider Friendly Community and will win a multi-media marketing package valued at over $35,000! Belt Drive Betty       Please see the prizing charts attached.

And the finalists are:

West

1. Drumheller, AB
2. Fort Qu’Appelle, SK
3. Kaslo, BC
4. Port Alberni, BC
5. North Cowichan, BC
6. Nisku, AB

East

1.       Cape Breton

2.       Bracebridge

We want to acknowledge the commitment of all of our wonderful sponsors without whom this contest could not happen: EastLink TV, Kimpex, SmartBiker, Starbrite Trophies & Engraveables, The HOG Radio Show, Reality Radio 101, AliG8r Web Design, Suzettee Speaks Silently, 310-Sign, Northern Horizon, Ride Like a Local TV, Rider Friendly Business Association,  The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, Belt Drive Betty Media and our presenting sponsor, Community Futures of Alberta!

About Canada’s MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest:

Canada’s MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest was created by Renee ”Belt Drive Betty” Charbonneau, founder and CEO of Belt Drive Betty Media.  

Canada’s MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest is a rural tourism marketing initiative whose goal is to create awareness of the wonderful businesses and communities that are there for riders to explore. Large cities are not as inviting for motorcyclists; with the advent of texting and driving along, the dangers of driving in traffic, road construction and other hazards along with motorcycle only noise bylaws, many riders prefer to get out on the open road and away from the majority of the dangers that cities present. Motorcyclists also face certain barriers when it comes to customer service in the travel and tourism industry.

About Belt Drive Betty Media:

Belt Drive Betty Media is a diverse motorcycle media company founded in 2003. It offers the rider a vast array of ways to connect with the information on the motorcycle community they need.

That diversity offers advertisers looking to connect with the Canadian riding community a large number of advertising vehicles to choose from.

Belt Drive Betty Media offers TV, web, social media, app and email marketing opportunities.

Contact:

Renee “Belt Drive Betty” Charbonneau

(780) 402-8892

bdbetty@beltdrivebettymedia.com

Visit our main site: beltdrivebetty.com

About Community Futures of Alberta:

For 30 years, Community Futures has been supporting small business development and rural economic diversification in Alberta. We are a community driven, non-profit organization with 27 offices in rural areas throughout Alberta. Each office is staffed by local business professionals and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors.

In other words, we live where you live, and reap the benefits of a strong local economy created by business entrepreneurs just you! Read about some of the many successful businesses we have helped start-up and grow over the years.

We provide a wide range of small business loans, business coaching/training services and business management tools for people wanting to start, expand, franchise or sell a business.

We also run a number of specialized business programs, and actively work with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth.

We are funded by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada

There are a total of 269 Community Futures offices across the country.

Contact:

Holly Sorgen

Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region

(780) 814-5340

Holly.Sorgen@albertacf.com

ANNOUNCING Canada's MOST Rider Friendly Community Contest 2015!

Help us discover Canada's Most Rider Friendly Community 2015!

 Canada’s Most Rider Friendly Community Contest is a rural tourism initiative of the Rider Friendly Business Association®.

We accept entries for communities whose population is 125,000 and UNDER.

Entries & supporting nominations will be accepted from July1st, 2015 at 12:00:01 am MST to November 30th, 2015 at 11:59:59 pm MST (the "Competition Entry Period") ONLY.

Will YOUR community make it to the Top 12?

Which community will be crowned "Canada’s MOST Rider Friendly Community 2015"?

CANADA'S MOST RIDER FRIENDLY CONTEST WEBSITE http://www.riderfriendlycontest.ca

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider