A Biker Grandma that rocks it!

Dorothy Seabourne is an inspiration to everyone who wants to learn how to live life to the fullest. At 70 years old her passion for riding is as strong now as it was 30 years ago when she discovered it.

800,000 Kilometres, 7 bikes later, the Swiss Alps, Italy, the Autobahn, Big Horn Mountain and every kind of weather mother nature can throw at a rider later and this Grandma says: "I don't stay behind anything." Her Silver Ghost with its powerful V6 engine rides so smooth, she'll be going 140 km-h and it will feel like 120.

Confidence is a two-way street. You need it to ride. And you get it from riding."

She and her fellow Motor Maids love to ride, they live it and breathe it and when I am their age - I want to be that strong, that empowered and that in love with life.

I have a big day ahead of me and I am feeling a wee bit under the weather so I leave you to fend for yourself with regards to the news of the day. We have 127 pictures in the show 'n' shine and while they help the PMS I need more medication!!!!

Have a fabulous day and please drive with consideration and respect - that weapon you are driving can and will kill if not driven with courtesy.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Horror, tragedy and triumph

I had planned to write about the Calgary Motorcycle Show and what a great time I had, that will have to wait for the newspaper now. If you subscribe to the Busted Knuckle Chronicles you will be able to read all about it. If not - you'll have to wait until next week when the paper is made available to all members of our site. (Depending on tomorrow's news feeds I may yet give you a sneak peak of what I got to see and do!)

Today I want to talk about the shooting of Avid Motorcyclist & Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the Saddletramps in the USA.

Why did young Jared Lee Loughner, (22 years old) target Giffords for assassination? No one really knows - and they may never know. He was obviously troubled and angry, that's all we know right now.

The congresswoman has been the target of vandalism in the past, and although by many accounts she is considered a moderate Democrat, some of her positions on various topics have earned the wrath of some people.

Pima County Sheriff, Clarence Dupnik is exceedingly upset and very vocal about his feelings:
The sheriff blamed the vitriolic political rhetoric that has consumed the country, much of it centered in Arizona. "When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous," he said. "And unfortunately, Arizona, I think, has become the capital. We have become the mecca for prejudice and bigotry."(From the Huffington Post)

It appears that the ads of various politicians including Sarah Palin and Jesse Kelly have become so toxic and promote violence with guns and yet, these politicians do not seem to see the connection between their attack ads featuring the cross hairs of a gun pointing at Giffords Office or asking voters to point an M-16 rifle at her office...and the shooting of Giffords -I am dismayed - as I am sure many Americans are, that a troubled young man was allowed to go undiagnosed because of a failing health and metal health system, was allowed to legally purchase a weapon - but I am far more dismayed at the way these politicians in the USA talk about each other & the horrible attack advertising that is allowed to go on.

 In my humble opinion - far too many of the politicians south of the border are radicals and equally as scary as any terrorist might be - in fact to me they are scarier because they hold positions of power and authority and appear to have no conscience, morals or sense of right and wrong.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the congresswoman, her constituents who voted for her and most of all to the United States of America - You are a country in crisis, you appear to have lost your moral compass - at least a good number of your politicians appear to have - I am scared for you. You are rapidly loosing the respect of many countries in the world because of the actions of your politicians and tragedies like this one place emphasis on the ills of your political climate the way nothing else can.

My heart also goes out to the rest of the victims and their families in this incident. Why a nine year old girl had to perish for bad politics - well - what can I say - it is horrifying and tragic.

Also in the US - the Saddletramps are making the news again - but this time for a triumph of spirit.

Not long ago, a vehicle killed 4 members of this riding club and now they are, as part of their own healing, reaching out to a family of a toddler named Izaiah - back in October, the toddler and his grandfather were out for a walk when they were hit by a car driven by a teenager driving drunk.
Izaiah is now blind and paralyzed from the waist down. This riding club has lost so much and yet is finding so much by reaching out and giving back - My hats off to you - in my eyes and heart - you are heroes!

I would love for your thoughts and feedback on these contentious and tender issues - please join the discussion on our fan page: Belt Drive Betty  & The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, in our forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com or right here in my blog.

Our Beat the PMS Blues Show 'n' Shine has 116 pictures in it - and while that is a great number - my doctor (mechanic) says that if I am to see a full recovery from the dis-ease called PMS, I will need more medication!!!

If you can help out by entering our Beat the PMS Blues on line Show 'n' Shine - PLEASE - I need some relief!

For the rest of the news of the day - please visit www.beltdrivebetty.com!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Story continues below

Calgary Motorcycle Show and PMS

As many of you know I suffer from a debilitating dis-ease called PMS - Parked Motorcycle Syndrome. The only known cure is to see MOTORCYCLES and lots of them. Our Beat the PMS Blues on line Show 'n' Shine has somewhere around 80 pictures in it so far and that sure helps make the symptoms of PMS slow down. There are some GORGEOUS machines in there!

What are the symptoms of PMS you ask?
Well among the many symptoms some of the worst are:

• Excessive daydreaming about last year's rides.
• Anxiousness 
• Constant reading of anything motorcycle related - some have this dis-ease so bad that they resort to reading parts catalogues even though their bike is so blinged out it takes them 2 days to clean it after a ride.
• Sitting on your motorcycle making Vroom Vroom sounds
• Dreaming wild dreams of carving curves in the mountains
• Being grouchy (more than normal)

PMS can also cause another extreme symptom to crop up known as SS Syndrome
For those not in the know - Shiny Shit Syndrome - although a debilitating dis-ease of it's own is also a symptom of MAJOR PMS
You can't walk by anything shiny without reaching for the plastic.

Come to the Calgary Motorcycle Show - or for my friends and fellow PMS suffers from Ontario to the Toronto International Super Show and  get a fix. Temporary though it may be, indulging your SS Syndrome will aide your PMS greatly - once you have indulged in the SS Syndrome the PMS will recede - but a warning - it is only a temporary fix!

I am on my way for breakfast and then to the BMO centre to get srt up for the Calgary Motorcycle Show - come on down folks - I WANT and NEED my New Years Hugs!!!!

I am going to leave you to fend for yourselves in the news feeds today - I have much to do in the next hour and a half - I will be tweeting from the Calgary Motorcycle Show so if I see anything interesting I will be giving a shout out!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Travel

There is nothing more that I love than a good road trip, I love the sights, the people and the adventure.

Today I head out on the 10 hour drive from Grande Prairie to Calgary, then next week Edmonton and then to Vancouver. I am excited - I always get butterflies of excitement roaming around in my tummy - it is the anticipation!

I have my wireless Bluetooth speaker for my car, all of my trade show gear is packed and being shipped in to the various shows, rooms and places to stay are all organized, meetings lined up with different people...it's exciting and nerve wracking!

Year end is all but wrapped up at the office with the books ready to go the my CA when I return and although I have not accomplished everything I wanted to before I leave, I am pleased with what has been accomplished.

I am looking forward to making two very major announcements as to the benefits of BDB Club membership and two very exciting new offerings...just waiting for the paperwork to be completed...might even be in time for Friday morning. One of the major benefits to membership this year is the Never Ride Alone program hosted by Intercon Messaging. Perhaps had the rider in California that died because his phone could not provide his location been a part of the Never Ride Alone program he might not have perished.
(My prayers go out to his family and friends)
The other two benefit announcements will be equally as important to riders I hope!

The Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine has taken off nicely - it seems that there are others out there who are suffering from the same deadly dis-ease that I have and like me, seeing motorcycles helps them deal with this little known dis-ease. Either that or they like winning great prizes.

There's lots in the news feeds today so make sure you visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to get your daily fix.

I need to get on the road so all of you wonderful people have a fantastic day and for you Calgary and area riders - HUG O METER time! Remember to stop into my booth at the Calgary Motorcycle Show and give me my New Year's Hug! For those in Toronto - stop in to the Ride for Progeria Booth and see Amanda Lynn or the Ontario Chrome Diva's Booth for subscription specials. I am donating $5 from every subscription sold to the Ride for Progeria and their marketing efforts as well as to the Ontario Chrome Divas and their Cancer fund raising efforts.

Until tomorrow...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Ontario BEWARE - Markham MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek is at it again

Remember the MMP in Ontario who wanted to ban kids from riding with their parent on the back of their motorcycle?

Well, this lady is at it again.

She has introduced a Private Members bill to establish a select committee to investigate methods of reducing injuries and fatalities on non-automobile vehicles.

“In the last 10 years, statistics show us that the number of injuries occurring on all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and bicycles in Ontario have increased by 66 per cent,” Jaczek commented. “It is time to address the safety surrounding these vehicles in a comprehensive way.”

Now the growth in motorcycles alone in the last 10 year is up 300K
According to Stats Canada there were 330K registered for highway use motorcycles in 2000 and today there are just shy of 600K.

Do you think that more people on the roads have anything to do with that? And how can you compare snowmobiles to motorcycles?

Ontario - why do you keep re-electing this woman? In my humble opinion this woman is dangerous and WILL eventually find a way to shut down outdoor recreations if allowed to. She is, again, IMHO, a loose cannon, someone who wants to make a mark, make her political career a legacy - only you voters can decide her fate.

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this MMP and her attempts to take all of the enjoyment out of life. Join the discussion here, on Facebook or in our forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com

In other news:
In Switzerland the Hells Angels are seeking damages from the government after a magistrate ruled officials didn’t have enough evidence to declare the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club a criminal organization.

In Las Vegas the police are going green after receiving a grant from the Consumer Electronics Association - they now have 7 electric motorcycles to cruise the Strip with.

In Michigan an 18 year old girl is charged with 2 counts of negligent homicide for killing two riders while on her cell phone.

In Orgeon, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is calling on all riders to help curb what their government is doing - the government reportedly wants to divert highway maintenance funds to pay down debt.

In Texas, a woman who ran over a police motorcycle because she was impatient and angry over a funeral cortege for a fallen officer. The woman has been charged with failing to stop and render aid.

Our 2011 Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine is accepting entries - help a girl out - PLEASE...PMS is a horrid dis-ease and the only known cure according to my Doctor (Mechanic) is to see lots and lots of motorcycles - we have great prizes up for grabs and entry is FREE! Just log in or register on www.beltdrivebetty.com to enter your machine!

There's a ton of other news in the feeds today, visit www.beltdrivebetty.com for your daily fix!

I am getting ready to head out to Calgary for the Calgary Motorcycle show. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

Long Distance Riding and World Tours

It seems that every time you turn around another rider is on a long distance ride or world tour on their motorcycle. There are those who are doing these rides for either charity or awareness (Like Prince Phillip), some do it just because they can - no fan fare, no books, no TV shows and some are doing it to promote their country.


Ebrahim Sulaiman, aged 27, started his ‘Voyage for Love and Peace' on May 1 2010 and returned home two days ago after a 24,584 mile journey. He has two more legs planned for this world tour and Canada is on the radar for 2011 (June) What makes his ride different from the myriad of rides around the world? Ebrahim is from the United Arab Emirates and according to the UAE he is their first long distance rider. He is riding the world, going to universities, campgrounds and hostels and talking to people about the open arms his country has for diverse cultures and religions.


By the time his journey ends in 2012 he will have covered over 75K miles.
He says that he was well received in Europe and that people there encouraged and inspired him to complete this 75K mile adventure. His journey was inspired by a book called "My Vision"  where in leaders from his country had gone to various states and countries to meet with their leaders to promote the UAE.


Sulaiman is planning to write a diary called "My Trip" that will chronicle the adventure and the reactions to him of people from around the world and a 15 episode TV show that will do the same.


I wonder how Canada and the US will embrace this young man who says he is doing this to promote his country - "They (people he encountered) asked me if I was afraid of going on such a journey on my own, to risk everything for this. I told them this is just a simple risk for my country which I will forever be proud of.”


I wish the young man well and hope that our paths cross this summer. I admire what he is attempting, not because what he is doing is anything special in the riding department, many others have undertaken similar journeys, but because of his cause.  Promoting the United Arab Emirates during a time of immense fear of terrorism around the world is a monumental task. How will a young Arab, spreading a message of love, peace and tolerance be accepted here in North America?


As always I welcome your input, comments and opinions.
Join the discussions in our forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com, on my Facebook personal page: Belt Drive Betty, our fan page: Belt Drive Betty & The Busted Knuckle or right here in my blog.


In other news:
In India: There may have been far more to the split between Honda and Hero in India...Sanjay Gupta, was arrested for fraud last week - he was the Senior VP of Accounts


In Chicago: an arrest was made in the New Year's Eve killings and injuring of members of the Hawks Motorcycle Club, a black motorcycle "Gang"


In Great Britain: Prince William will be leaving his new bride shortly after their wedding for a journey to India on his motorcycle. (The articled linked here is from Swinton Insurance and is very limited in discussing the Prince's trip)


In Calgary AB: Heather Ireland - Canada's very own Road Queen and Biker TV will be on hand at the Calgary Motorcycle show this weekend! 


There is news from the Dakar Rally, information on the fight over too much ethanol being put into fuels in the USA and a whole host of motorcycle reviews and other worthwhile reading at www.beltdrivebetty.com

Hope to see a ton of you in Calgary this weekend - drop by our booth to get your phone book and Biker's Discount Buying Club membership cards! Oh and I do expect hugs people!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com

A wild start to the new year and not all of it good.

2011 has come in like a Lion, and what a mixed bag.
The news starts out with a lot of horror and tragedy.

A young rider in Scarborough  has lost his foot in a crash, if I am reading all of the articles that have appeared on his crash properly, he turned left in front of a vehicle.

And also in Ontario, 4 people were injured when a New Year's Eve Party at a motorcycle club house in Kingston turned ugly.

At a club house in Chicago 2 people are dead and five injured after a New Year's Eve
Party and in New York another New Year's Eve Party turned ugly and resulted in 3 men being hospitalized for gunshot wounds.


Did no one tell these people that New Year's Eve was a time to celebrate and leave old ways behind?

The economy takes down yet another motorcycle magazine, Road Racer X will be ceasing publication in the near future once it honors its subscriptions.

Now on to some more cheerful things that have transpired so far this year....

The Uno has transformed itself into an incredible machine.

My hats off to young master Gulak for snagging the deal with the Dragon's that has allowed him to fulfill his dream. I am sure that incredible brain of his has more treats in store for the world as well...


In other wild and wonderful technology news, Popular Mechanics has a flying motorcycle as it's feature story.

Canada has snagged 5 of the top 11 road trips according to National Geographic's web site and a CTV news report.  But we Canucks already knew we had fabulous scenery and great riding roads!

Yes,  it's been a wild and woolly start to the new year and I truly hope the first motorcycle accident in Canada of 2011 is not a sign of things to come this riding season.

If you haven't yet entered your motorcycle picture into our 2011 Beat the PMS Blues On Line Show 'n' Shine, you should think about doing it sooner than later. Last year the influx of last minute entries saw our server go down for an hour preventing a few people from getting in on the action. We do not want a repeat of that this year - do we!

We have fabulous prizes up for grabs too. A Doran 360M Tire Monitoring System, A Drift HD170 Video Camera, Event tickets, Hotel Stays, Tattoos, Leather Goods, Books, Jewelry and a whole lot more. It is free to enter your ride - you have to be a member of our web site to enter - but membership and all of it's benefits are free!

Join in on the conversation on the topics of the day here in this blog, on Facebook on Belt Drive Betty's personal page or Belt Drive Betty  & The Busted Knuckle's Fan Page or in our forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com - I love it when you talk to me!

If your riding club or organization has not already done so - get your 2011 meetings, rides, rallies and other motorcycle related events into our Canadian Motorcycle Events calendars - they are sharable to over 80 social networks, 5 styles of calendars and of course on Facebook, Twitter and by email. You can get a lot of promotion for free by entering your information!

The countdown is on to the Calgary Motorcycle Show, I leave here on Thursday morning and have a whack of stuff to accomplish before then, so for now, I will sign off wishing you all a Safe, Happy and prosperous New Year and may the best of 2010 be the worst of 2011.

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
www.beltdrivebetty.com
www.bustedknucklechronicles.com