Taking a gamble...

The hosts of Sturgis North took a gamble when they decided to host a motorcycle rally in the Shuswap, why do I say that? I know you are thinking, what an ideal place to host an event: beautiful scenery, incredible riding, great weather most of the time...

Well, to be honest any motorcycle event is a gamble - you are battling mother nature, family and other life commitments and a host of other challenges like volunteers actually showing up to do what they said they would.  The millions of tiny minute details that go into hosting ANY event is daunting but an event the size and scope of Sturgis North - mind boggling.

They faced huge opposition, obstacles and like every event coordinator out there, learned the hard way about people and their loyalties, learned that dreams sometime need to be pulled back to a more manageable level. 

How do I know these things? From having been an event coordinator and I can tell you first hand that being an event coordinator/host is no task to be undertaken by the faint hearted. You ride the emotional roller coaster of having people do unspeakable and horrible things to you to having the most amazing, uplifting help and guidance and support from others. You need to be rock steady in your belief, vision and commitment, but most importantly, you need the motorcycle community to "rally" around you - will the motorcycle community rally around Sturgis North in 2012?

I empathize with any coordinator that looses money hosting an event. The news that Sturgis North is coming back for 8 days, in spite of loosing money, with all events being consolidated to the Neskonlith Indian Band lands is HUGE. It appears that they have been listening to the feedback from vendors, participants and sponsors and to be taking everything to heart and it appears they have already begun to make the changes necessary to make the 2012 event a success.

The fact that for their first time they got somewhere around 35,000 people is hugely impressive, and if they revise their pricing and layout to be more user friendly, then I feel the riding community will get behind it again. Like every western rider, I am excited at the thought of a major event here in the west. We need an event that we riders can embrace.  

A partial recipe for this to happen, I believe is:

Better entertainment

Everything consolidated to ONE main venue

Rodeo games, show n shines, swap meet

A vendors village area that you don't have to pay to get into

Less police presence

Lower fees to attend

What are your suggestions to make Sturgis North bigger, better and an event that would be considered, like it's name sake in the south - a MUST do event?  I know that they would probably love to hear them and I know I WANT to hear them...

I would also like to hear feed back on the Great Canadian Bike Rally in Merritt - do you feel that these two events should go head to head again next year? What could the Great Canadian Bike Rally do better to become the MUST attend event of the year?

If you went to both events, which one did you enjoy more?

Was there anything that one event did better than the other?

Should these two events consider somehow being more cooperative with each other?

I have an enquiring mind and would LOVE your feedback! Join the discussion on Facebook, in our forums or right here in this blog!

As an entrepreneur and a motorcyclist I am a bit of a natural born risk taker. But what about you? 

Have you ever bet on life in the fast lane? Betting on sports events is not unlike being an event coordinator, motorcyclist or a small business owner....you take an educated risk: you gather the facts, you take a course of action, and once the event begins, the doors open to a venture all bets are off! Your only chance for an edge is education!

MotoGP and similar races are the epitomy of the razor’s edge that riders race upon in order to be successful, squeezing out every last bit of horsepower they can with just fraction of inches sometimes the difference between success and failure. As a result there are many who enjoy betting on the races.

Like a gambler that might play casino online games for high stakes, a motorcycle event coordinator or small business owner, being a sports bettor  is not for the faint of heart. There are plenty of disappointing finishes that litter the landscape alongside the victories. There’s plenty of stats and data online from past races to help you make a smart wager - what racers do well on particular tracks, which teams are running well recently, and other trends but knowing the stats won’t guarantee a win as anything can happen once a race starts, making a choice by your gut alone is not really the best way to bet on any sports event. You wouldn't decide to host an event or open a business without some knowledge of what it takes, what the risks were and what your chances of success are.

Using the correct online casino strategy when placing bets, it is possible to turn a profit in the long run. But remember, there are risks, there’s no magic recipe for success, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to racing and if you do bet on a race, you’ll need to avoid chasing any losses.  The best way to wipe out your bank account is to chase a loss with a bigger bet. NOTHING is a sure thing, remember that.

I want to draw your attention to some items in the news today:

In Edmonton Alberta, two riders are dead following two separate crashes.

In Ontario, sweeping discrimination regarding the Hells Angels back fired when bureaucrats backed a bar owner and his license.

Also in Ontario, the CMC rode to the rescue!

For the rest of the news that might affect your day or life as a rider, visit www.beltdrivebetty.com - we sift through the news so you don't have to!

Well folks, back at it for me...you have a fabulous day and if you are lucky enough to be riding today, PLEASE, ride like everyone is blind and can not see you.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Helmets, your opinion needed

There is an article from the Record, where in the writer expresses why they feel that helmets need to be for all - no exemptions. I want to know how you feel about helmets.

Quote: This is a complex subject because most Ontarians like to respect and accommodate an individual’s religious faith. The Sikhs, moreover, have made their request in an entirely reasonable way. However, the Sikhs’ request conflicts with the traffic act’s worthwhile goal of protecting motorcycle riders who are using the public roads and highways. Setting the religious argument aside, surely few people would deny that a helmet offers solid protection to a motorcycle rider and can prevent injury or save a life in a collision. The law is needed — and justified — for this reason.

Yet despite this need and justification, two provinces, British Columbia and Manitoba, have set aside the safety issue and granted exemptions to Sikhs, allowing them to drive motorcycles without wearing helmets. Should Ontario do the same? No." End Quote

The writer goes on to say that the Charter right of Religion is different from safety laws and that the Charter affords them the right to practice their religion, just not to ride without a helmet. Quote: Ontario’s helmet law does not in any way prevent devout Sikhs from practising their religion. It would seem to prevent them from riding a motorcycle. But while causing annoyance or disappointment, this hardly violates the Charter of Rights guarantee that everyone in Canada can follow their own faith." End Quote

This person who wrote in brings up some very valuable points and it is my hope that they gave their point of view to their MP and their MLA.

For me, this issue has always been one where in an adult should have some choice BUT, they should also be prepared to pay for that choice - special insurance with a sticker for their plate saying they have paid for the privilege to ride with no helmet. My reasoning is that under the Charter, YOUR rights stop where they INFRINGE on mine.

So just because you want to ride helmet less doesn't mean that universal health care should be paying for your care if you are involved in a head injury crash - driving up my taxes, you should have your own insurance for that purpose. And I also feel that there should be a sticker placed on your plate so the police services are not wasting man power pulling people over who have paid to ride with no helmet. It would be simple and easy - but it might be expensive...

I think that as adults we should be allowed to choose which risk level is right for each individual and their families.

If you can not afford the insurance and have to rely on the universal system, then wear a helmet - sorry.

I guess part of me is just fed up with rules and laws that restrict and constrict the right to choose, the right to enjoy...we are adults and if we are old enough to decide who represents us in Ottawa - a pretty big choice - then we should be allowed to have some say in how we want to live our lives. I think the recent practise by governments in attempting to make criminals of as many people possible through ever more encroaching laws and regulations is sad, I think we deserve better...

Speaking of helmets - our partners at RevZilla want to share with you some info on helmets and other great gear....visit them at: Visit RevZilla for the top selection of MOTORCYCLE JACKETS

Well, I'd best get back to work...I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic...join us in the forums on www.beltdrivebetty.com or on our Facebook pages...I'd love to hear from you.

PLEASE...ride like everyone around you is out to get you and have a fabulous day!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Toy Runs, Shootings and Protests, it's been a busy weekend...

Information and news coverage is already coming in from the various toy runs held this past weekend.


The Edmonton Toy Run was a resounding success by all reports - Mother Nature cooperated and 5,000 riders came out to support the 630 CHED's Santa's Anonymous Campaign. George Billings of the Edmonton branch of the Alberta Safety Council was very pleased with the turn out and said that the Edmonton Police were not a problem, in spite of the Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw.


The Grande Prairie Toys for Tots Parade, while still a success, was far smaller this year than in previous ones. In the past the Toy Run has seen upwards of 700 riders come out, this year that number was somewhere around 200.  Last year's toy run and the fact that the RCMP wouldn't block intersections or allow the Toys for Tots group to block intersections making the event very unsafe, and the fact that there was an exceedingly heavy presence of RCMP and a check stop at the top of the park, are contributing factors to the run being poorly attended this year. The weather was also cool here in Grande Prairie and that no doubt also played it's roll in seeing lower numbers.

GP Toy Run - not many bikes

But lots of spectators!

The Toy Run was a very short one, but did have a police escort this year. The parade travelled from Muskoseepi Park to 100 St, turned left and went straight to the Army, Navy & Airforce Veterans Club. The police were, unlike past years, friendly, polite and helpful so I guess the smaller parade route is a small price to pay for some much needed cooperation.


In Prince George BC the toy run was a record breaker this year as Mother Nature cooperated and a record numbers of riders turned out!  


In Nevada, there was a shooting at a casino in Sparks that left Jeffrey Pettigrew, 51, president of the San Jose, California, chapter of the Hell's Angels, dead and two members of the Vagos in hospital.  A fellow Hells Angels member is currently in custody because he was caught on video firing a weapon, however police have not charged him with anything but weapons possession offences as they have no proof that the bullets fired by the member hit any of those injured or killed.


In England, bikers took to the M1 to protest proposed EU laws that will hold motorcyclists to different standard than other road users. In all 67 protest rides took place around England yesterday.


There is also a report out of Edmonton AB that 2 riders are in hospital after a crash.


That's what we know so far about this past weekend, for the news as it comes in visit www.beltdrivebetty.com , where we scour the news so you don't have to!


Don't forget to order you charity calendars folks - when ordering cuts off on October 31st - that is it - there will be none available for sale outside of the pre sales so...


If you are a lucky dawg and riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you.


Until tomorrow,

Belt Drive betty
Editor & Rider

A true biker's send off....

Trevor Nason was a teacher at Caledonia Regional High School in Hillsborough at the time of his death but had spent the previous two years at Harrison Trimble High School in Moncton.

He was well loved and  if the photo in the article on the CBC web site is any indication - he was respected in the riding community too.  So many people turned out to say a fond farewell and pay their respects that the gent who organized the motorcycle escort requested by Trevor's wife Claudia was shocked:

"It takes your breath away. Really, I mean, look how many people showed up in two days, three days notice booked all their days off work, they took a day off without pay,” Korotkov said. End quote

The teacher and rider got a send off that befitted his charm and character, it's just sad that this couldn't have been a retirement party.

For the rest of the news that might impact your day, please visit our web site www.beltdrivebetty.com because man, there's a lot of it today!

I am off to a meeting in five minutes so I had best hightail it out of here.

Please - if you are riding today, ride like everyone is out to get you and BLIND and use respect with that right hand...

Until tomorrow...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Texting on a motorcycle? Seriously?

There is an article this morning where in a motorcyclist was charged for texting on his motorcycle.

I find it disturbing that anyone who rides a motorcycle could even conceive of a way to text and ride...apparently the young man in question is a habitual offender and was on probation at the time.
I guess there are some that think the rules of the road do not apply to them and I suppose that the justice system will deal with him, but even if he gets the 2.5 - 5 years that could be coming his way, will he learn?
Will he be any different when he comes out. More appropriately - WHAT will he learn while in jail?

Then there is a letter to the editor that was sent in to the Comox Valley Newspaper...

The man was referring to the recent toy run: "This time the picture on the flag was a teddy bear, a cute and cuddly creature intended to deflect criticism of this mass show of force by the lawless."

He goes on to say: "I don't respect anti-social bullies who roar around with their friends for an hour as a public relations exercise so they can continue to get away with breaking the muffler laws for the rest of the year.
I do realize that the majority of motorcyclists are decent people who ride quietly. Unfortunately, these events bring out the other kind, and we have plenty of them in the Valley.
It's time to rethink whether "rides" are the best way to show caring for others." End quote.

I will reiterate what I have said many times in the past.
The reason that so many do not like our community and it's mode of transportation stems from the rude behaviour of some.  

If we do not start policing our own, telling others who exhibit anti social behaviours that their behaviour is not acceptable, then guess what - the vocal minority will win and WILL see our events, parades and other runs shut down.

The only way to preserve and protect our lifestyle is to show consideration for others.
Remember that while we love our motorcycles - not everyone else does or they too would be riding.

How do you stop or curb the anti social behaviours of those that ruin it for everyone else?

By shunning them. Turning your back on the stunter instead of applauding him/her.  

By telling that individual that they need to be respectful with their right hand while participating in a group event and if they are not, then perhaps the next time a group event comes up that that person wants to participate in, asking them to leave.

Telling them that "I am sorry to inform you that the rest of us feel you are a heat score, and we would really rather you not attend this charity ride because we want to support our charity and do this ride for a long time and your conduct puts our charity and event at risk of being shut down."  OR "Your $20 contribution is not worth the stopping of thousands and thousands of dollars that we raise, so please do all of us a favour and go ride somewhere else"...

I wonder if we tried some sincere honesty if we could affect some positive change?

What say you? How can we stop some the silliness and turn the tides of people seeing us as anti social?

Again, there is a ton of news out there. Please take a few moments and visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to see what's happened or is happening that might affect your day and life...

Until tomorrow, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and use respect with that right hand...the mother of a colicky baby will thank you even if she doesn't know that you were respectful...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Rider Safety - an issue on a lot of fronts right now...

An article out of Denver today caught my eye. It is about a look twice sign to be placed at intersections that are particulariyl bad for auto-motorcycle crashes.

Here in Grande Prairie AB, our city manager has agreed to host a test project of a similar sign. (Once the information is all put together the project will go to council and we hope, get their blessings!)

It is very rewarding to see what is happening in the US with 25 cities getting involved with the pilot project. The difference in the US? Well there - the Insurance Industry has backed/endorsed the program, here in Canada I was told they would not back any product! Oh well - we will get the signs up here in Grande Prairie next year with or without the blessings of the Insurance Industry.

And another article - this one from Motorbiker - about a study in the Netherlands that says that Daytime Running Lights on all autos will increase the visibility of motorcycles...I am with Motorbiker there - HOW did they come up with that conclusion?

Out of Ontario comes the news that the Sikh community wants the helmet law as an election item...

What part of infringing on the rights of taxpayers don't these people get. Yes I understand the religious aspect of their "fight" but I also know that your charter rights stop when mine are infringed upon...so unless they are going to carry extra medical insurance so that when they have a crash with a head injury our taxes are not being used for their care then I say wear a helmet.

After a small hiccup with my blog yesterday it appears we are back on track...I hope you will check in to our web site: www.beltdrivebetty.com to get caught up on all of the news that could affect your day!

I am up to my arse in work as usual so I will sign off wishing you a wonderful day and ask you to PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and to please, use respect with that right hand to protect our lifestyle...

Until tomorrow...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A weekend of mixed blessings

This past weekend I had a wedding to attend so I was unable to go to either Jasper 's Poker Run or Edson's Toy Run. It felt VERY strange not going and yet it was wonderful to spend time with my husband and our friends.

Then this morning, I got up to a news piece telling us that 850 riders took part in the Port Alberni Toy Run on Vancouver Island (YEAH BIKERS!) and the tragic news from Clarksville Tennessee that 5 people were killed when a generator leaked CO2 fumes into the RV they were in.  The 5 bikers who perished were attending a charity rally.

2 of the people who perished because a hatch did not close properly allowing the noxious fumes into the RV they were sleeping in, were a married couple with 8 month old twins.

Words escape me and my heart goes out to everyone involved.

Then there is the article on Alberta's "BIKER GANGS" are growing and flexing their muscle according to an article out of Edmonton..the pictures used by the Edmonton Sun are of one of the Warlocks.

I feel I have stood on this soap box long enough and really want to find a way to educate not only the police but the mainstream media to use correct terminology when they speak about our community but I am afraid...YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID! Especially stupid that is done on purpose and in many cases, the way the police services talk about our community IS done on purpose, to incite fear...it appears to be what they do best.

And then there is a heartwarming article from a Salvation Army in New Brunswick and it is proof positive that we bikers answer the call of duty and come through more often that not!  

In Chatham-Kent the Salvation Army has been hit really hard by the poor economy - the demands on the food bank has increased 130% . In fact, the demand was so great that here, in September they had already spent their $35,000 budget.  

According to the article in the Chatham Daily News:

"Eighty bikes and 110 riders from GWRRA, the Northern Cruisers and the CMC took part in the ride.

The participants collected enough non-perishable items from eight grocery stores through-out Chatham-Kent to fill a pick-up truck and nearly 10 skids on Saturday."

Congrats to all who rode and helped out, thank you to all who gave, every donation is a drop of water and see what happens when one can gets added to another - the spirit of giving, the absolute wonderment of prayers being answered....it does feel good - doesn't it! It does feel like Christmas in September....

In the business world, Harley is experiencing some major set backs to getting the Chinese to understand leisure riding.  

You see, the governments of some 100 Chinese cities have banned motorcycles. 

From Bloomeberg: About 100 cities in China, including Beijing and Shanghai, have restrictions that include banning two-wheel vehicles from elevated highways and major thoroughfares to curb noise and thefts, according to the state-affiliated Society of Automotive Engineers of China. 

So - to all those here in Canada and the USA who think that it is their inalienable right to see how many people they can upset with excessive and unwarranted noise...read this article and see what happens when government decides they have had enough of people like you.

The rest of you - see what happens when we do not stand united to protect our rights and freedoms...YAH - it is real and while it might involve a country that has enormous population compared to ours, look at the restrictions and oppression our community faces in different pockets of this country...think it can't happen here?... YOU AR RIGHT - IT CAN'T - as long as we care enough to work together, to protect this magnificent, wonderful and giving community that is the true biker community...that means teaching consideration,  policing our own and working towards laws that protect those who ride responsibly...

Otherwise, cars, SUV's and pick ups will be what we drive in the future - 365....

Man - I feel like I have been on a roller coaster today and the day has hardly begun!

Our charity calendars are now available for sale!

To see and order the Real Lady's of Motorcycling Calendar click here

To see and order the Motorcycle Men of 2012 Calendar click here

And to see and order the Biker Kidz Calendar click here

In all we are supporting 6 charitable causes - 2 for each calendar and when you order you can choose which charity you want to support for each calendar! With your help the donations will be of a size to do some good - thank you for getting involved!

For those who need something to kick start their heart and get the blood pumping - check out this video in the Funny Stuff section of www.beltdrivebetty.com

  BDB TV

I think it was put in Funny stuff because where else do you put it?  That is one WILD video.

I hope that all who are riding today will exercise some extra caution and vigilance - please, ride like everyone around is blind and can not see you! AND PLEASE, protect and preserve our lifestyle by using respect with that right hand...

Until tomorrow,

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider