The Calgary Motorcycle Show

Our booth is all set up and I am looking forward to having a great show!

We have Pat Savage CD's available - so far we are the only distributor in Canada so if you want to save the postage - drop by my booth.  We also have our new clothing line from Ross Screen Print in Nova Scotia - Ross is also the Cabot Trail Biker and he has done a great job with our clothing!

If tourism information is what you are looking for not only do we have our Canadian Community Directory filled with Rider Friendly Businesses & Canadian Rider Support Network Members & Touring Maps but we also have guides from both Yukon Tourism and Grande Prairie Regional Tourism.

Patches and ICE cards - subscriptions for the newspaper - yup - we have lots of reasons for you to stop by our booth - but one of the BIGGEST reasons you need to stop by is the HUG Challenge - which city give the best and the most hugs - Calgary - Edmonton or Vancouver? We'll find out after Vancouver!

OH and by the way - anyone willing to take this PMS inflicted old broad for a boot today - I have a helmet with me and you have to know that if I am willing to ride pillion that I have PMS REALLY BAD!  So...if you are game - I AM!

There are a number of articles you might find interesting in the news feeds today so come on over to www.beltdrivebetty.com to check them out....

I leave you with a few funnies - shared by my friends on Facebook and by email...hope they put a smile on your face....

Have a fabulous Friday!!!!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Calgary HERE I COME....

Ready or not, here I come - Calgary Motorcycle Show 2012 Edition!

I am soooo looking forward to all the hugs, the bikes, the laughter, the bikes, the entertainment, the bikes, the bling, the bikes...YES - I do have PMS and for those of you who think I am being too out there - or are men not familiar with that term outside of the female realm...

 I DO MEAN - PARKED MOTORCYCLE SYNDROME.  

Every year about this time my feet get itchy to travel, my palms sweat, my heart races, my stomach feels anxious. I become short tempered, over sensitive and just plain old nasty.

When I went to see the saw bones a few years back, Dr. Roadmeister told me that there was only one way to give myself and those around me any sort of temporary relief until riding season came around - go see motorcycles, hence the bike shows are a great stress reliever, but what about at night...or early morning when that's not possible? He then suggested pictures and videos along with books on motorcycles to assist in the pain reduction.

He warned that since the medication wears off quickly and that since I have such a bad case of PMS, that I needed to be put on a high dosage prescription.

So we started the Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' ShineTM to guarantee a high dose of photographic medication for me - we made sure there were great prizes and the contest was free to ensure a high volume of medication came in.

Dr. Roadmeister also suggested great motorcycle videos - he recommended I spend some time watching BDB TV and  VRide TV.  Reruns of SOA or watching the DVD's and old bad B movies on bikers could also work in a pinch.

He said he doubted I had much time to read but that if I did any of the motorcycle fictions by Adelle Laudan could be beneficial.  The Cross-Eyed Airbrushing book was also suggested.

This weekend I am going to be on massive doses of medication - until then though I need to see more photos in that Show 'n' Shine or I may have another attack and that would not be good for anyone!

The best thing about the drugs that Dr. Roadmeister has ordered for me - in a life long prescription no less - is I can share my drugs!

You will know if I am getting appropriate amounts of medication or not by simply looking at me this weekend - if I am smiling, walking with a bit of a spring in my step - then the dosage is just right - if not I will be wearing a frown, kicking at things as I walk by and you will generally want to avoid me...something tells me though, this is going to be a GREAT weekend.

There is quite a bit of news in the feeds today - a few international stories that caught my eye - the kinds of stories that let you know no matter your skin colour, your language, your background, your education, your location - real bikers are the same no matter where you go....

In Swaziland a group of bikers there delivered food and sweets to disadvantaged children in Seteki.

Some riders from the UK are undertaking a journey in 2012 that will see them traverse over 10,000 miles to raise funds for a fire services charity.

For other news, like the standings in the Dakar Rally visit our news feeds at www.beldrivebtty.com

I leave you with some funnies for the day - thank you to my friends who share on Facebook and by email.
Laughter, like motorcycles makes things better too!

And of course their spouses who have to live with them and if both spouses ride - well - HIDE THE GUNS!
OR Crack out the air guns and go share some time in the garage...AFTER you enter our show 'n' shine!

Yah - cause we generally don't ride in the winter - you see our car or truck there then though!
But in the spring,  summer and fall our bikes are the only therapy we need!

I'm sharing mine: http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/home/2012-show-n-shine

I have to run, gotta finish packing, then a 8-9 hour drive to Airdrie depending on the roads....

Talk to you all tomorrow!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

American Liberty and Freedom under attack from within?

Iron Bolt Bruce (AKA the Long Distance Rider) has some distinct thoughts on Barack Obama's signing of the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) - he is blunt and to the point - no pussy footing with this gent.

So what is happening in the US? It appears that the land of the Free is becoming less and less free all the time and that fear and corruption have taken over. We here in Canada need to be concerned and to watch our politicians - they are bed fellows whether we'd like to admit that or not.

The most concerning part of the NDAA is that of detaining American CITIZENS for an indefinite period of time - with no trial and no right to council... (I hope I have read and absorbed everything about this situation properly)

I hope you will read Bruce's statement and the NDAA - I believe it is a harbinger of things to come, here in Canada as well in the US.

The man I once held high hopes for for the US has turned into a nightmare in my humble opinion, worse the George W Bush if that is possible - he has done more to erode the freedoms and rights of the American people than any politician in history. He may very well be the biggest enemy of freedom...

And that brings me to this ...Why should what is happening in the US be of concern to you? Because we are neighbours to a country that is heading, I believe, in a very scary direction and where the US leads, Canada as a general rule seems to follow.  After all of the reading, the news watching that I have been doing, I have to ask - Is 2012 the year that will see the beginning of a civil war in the US? Is another Boston Tea Party on it's way?  Or are Americans going to simply allow their Government to take away all that they have held dear? 

Only time will tell...hopefully not all of Thomas's observations will come true.

Thomas Jefferson: Author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826

Thomas was a wise man, he seemed to understand the difference in the hearts of the men who sought power and the people that power can be exerted on. Why is it that we never appear to learn from our past? That we always seem to make the same mistakes over and over? Look what his thoughts were - way back in the late 1700's and early 1800's. It's scary really....

From the Thomas Jefferson Page of the Independent American Party Web Site:  http://www.usiap.org/Legacy/Quotes/ThomasJefferson.html

"In matters of Power, let no more be heard of confidence in men, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution."

"The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it."

"The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases."

"Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms [of government] those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny."

"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as they are injurious to others."

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."

"The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property and in their management."

"Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

"If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their money, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks], will deprive the people of their property until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."

"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms ... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants, they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man."

Everything that has and is happening in the US was exactly what the Declaration of Independence was meant to protect.  Sadly - it appears that he was right to attempt to protect the people from their government.

It appears to me that all of this wonderful communication technology has deadened the nerves and sensibilities in people - we are so inundated with propaganda that we hardly even lift our heads anymore to look at the broader picture, to get upset or enraged or engaged. Apathy seems to abound and one day people will wake up to what the government/s are doing and by then, it may be too late.

There are many articles that may be of interest to you in the news feeds today and our blogger - William Perry has an interesting perspective on Real Estate...

I want to balance this editorial out with some laughter, I believe that laughter helps to clear the soul and the mind allowing us a balanced perspective on life, and with the world situation the way it is, balance would be a really good thing.

So, thanks to all of my friends on Facebook and my email buddies who share with me some of the funniest and thought provoking items....

Have a great day...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Laws in other Countries...some make sense....others not so much

Today there were two articles in the news feeds that caught my attention.

One from the Phillipines -

In this article they discuss the fact that it is now illegal for kids 10 and under to be a passenger on a motorcycle without a helmet and spells out clear parameters as to when a child is old enough to ride as a passenger:

Begin Quote: Under House Bill (HB) No. 5626 or the Motorcycle Safety for Children Act of 2011, it seeks to ensure the safety of children aboard motorcycles by regulating the operation of motorcyclesalong highways and roads.

The protective helmet must comply under Republic Act (RA) No. 10054 otherwise known as “The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.”

RA 10054 provides that a child can be transported if his or her feet can comfortably reach thefootrests of the motorcycle and the arms of the child can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle driver. End Quote

This law seems pretty straight forward, late in coming perhaps, but clear and simple to understand.

The one below - not so much...

In Nigeria, Okada Riders - (Motorcycle Riders) are being banned from riding from 6am to 6pm on January 1st.  The article goes off on this wild tangent about the police not having enough technology but what I was able to glean after reading and re reading was - that there had been an attack on a Church just before Christmas - by someone on motorcycles - (this is an assumption on my part), and this attack caused the ban.

Now, from my understanding, in Nigeria - a good number of people who ride motorcycles operate like taxi's and there are some gangs in that mix. Hence, everyone who rides a motorcycle there, tends to be treated like a criminal - and if I am also interpreting/reading this article right, the police feel they must act in this way as they have no technologies to assist them and they are over worked.

Glad I don't ride there!

So - reading about the different approaches to the laws and enforcement of different jurisdictions of the world over the past few days, I got to wondering....

How come it is not mandatory to wear proper foot wear and clothing on a bike?

I mean if safety and reducing health care costs are really as important as government officials would lead you to believe - then why is that aspect of safety gear always overlooked by law makers?

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to why that might be?

I would love to hear your thoughts and I would love links to articles on really strange laws regarding motorcycles - I love seeing how truly bent politicians can be...

And that, my friends is a perfect segue to present you this link....http://www.squidoo.com/strangelaws

on Strange and Dumb Laws from some US states - I thought that they might give you a few giggles but more importantly drive that age old lesson home: BE AFRAID OF LARGE NUMBERS OF STUPID PEOPLE!!!!  (Congress, Parliament Hill - no country it appears, is immune from them)

There are many other articles in the news feeds that may be of interest to you today - check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com 

I leave you with a few funnies that have been shared by friends on Facebook and through email - laughter lights up the world...

Happy New Year everyone, please don't drink and drive....see you all in 2012!

Belt Drive Betty 

Editor & Rider

2012...

2012 is coming faster than I would like...I still have so many things to do to get ready for the motorcycle shows - so many things that I am waiting on others to do before I can do my thing...it get's discouraging and frustrating some times - but, it's life right.

I have a couple of questions for you all...

What is the MUST DO event on your riding season list?

What is the MUST DO road on your riding season list?

What is your one gear acquisition you are determined to make in 2012?

My must do event this year is the Great Canadian Bike Rally in Merritt BC, My must do road is the Top of the World Highway in the Yukon/Alaska..

My gear acquisition is a new set of Froggs Toggs....I lent my old ones to someone and haven't gotten them back so...

There are a few items in the news feeds today that may be of interest or value to you - it's of course been pretty quiet but that will all change in a bout a week's time as everyone starts going back to work so I am taking advantage of the reprieve by getting as much of my stuff done before I leave home next Wednesday morning when it will be destination CALGARY and lots of HUGS!!!!

I leave you with a few giggles, shared with me by friends either through email or Facebook...hope they put a smile on your face...

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A Motorcycle Safety Campaign that appears to really WORK!!!!

Around The Corner - an award winning motorcycle safety campaign that appears to really work!

I am not sure when exactly it was that Scotland and it's police services became so wise  - but I am here to tell you that I personally feel this is THE SMARTEST POLICING Campaign to promote safe riding that I have ever seen!

The Around the Corner Campaign combines tourism, riding skills advancement and policing in a way I have dreamed of for years but never knew the right people to implement it here and in my humble opinion I think every country in the world should be adopting this strategy.

I can truly see why this campaign has won not one but two prestigious awards.

Police officers, armed with special gifts (Not necessarily tickets either), patrolling the highways and rider haunts - sharing ROAD TIPS, BIKER FRIENDLY ESTABLISHMENT TIPS - SAFETY TIPS & other valuable information like road maps, construction reports etc all combined into a campaign that includes a tidy web site with one clear message - come, ride, enjoy and be safe while doing it.

This police supported project encourages tourism and riding in a way that can and should be embraced everywhere - instead of the police being heavy handed and suspecting everyone of being asses or bad guys, they treat you like a fellow rider and encourage you to explore - help you to enjoy your riding - THIS IS WHAT COMMUNITY POLICING IS ALL ABOUT!

I am SUPER IMPRESSED!!!! Congratulations Scotland - land of my Great Grandfather's birth...you deserve the accolades - you deserve the flattery that imitation bestows because truly - every country in the world should be imitating/mirroring you in your efforts..

Bet you never thought you'd hear me applauding the police - did you!!!!

Make sure you check this site out (http://www.aroundthecorner.org.uk/index.asp) and then encourage your local police department to consider getting involved in something like this - it may be the answer to the sand box fight we always find ourselves in - riders VS police....it just might be that attitude changing development that we need so badly!

There are lots of interesting articles in the news feeds today and I hope you will take some time to explore the latest news over at www.beltdrivebetty.com to see if anything there might affect your day/life.

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by my friends on Facebook and through emails...
Laughter - IS the medicine our souls really need!

Have a fabulous Hump Day!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

A wonderful holiday...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and that you enjoyed the true meaning of Christmas, the sharing of love...

I was fortunate enough this year to have my daughter prepare Christmas dinner - her first big "Family" meal - she cooked for 9 of us!  Yes mom helped out, but what a treat to have someone else worry about the menu and all of the details!  I was so proud to watch her, the love and care she put into everything she did made my heart swell.

As I watched her I couldn't help but remember myself at her age, and it was heartwarming to remember all of the time I spent in the kitchen teaching her and to see that the lessons really were learned, it was surreal watching her and remembering myself doing the exact same things...it was a wonderful dinner - the menu was perfect and there was enough food left over to feed a small army!  I love left overs!

I finally got to meet my daughter's finance's family. It was a great experience, one I am glad to have had!

It was so warm here, I really wanted to take my bike out, but with all of the heavy grit and ice, I decided it wasn't worth the risk, but oh my heart needs a ride so bad!  Good thing the bike shows start soon, at least, for a little while, I will be able to take care of the PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) and I will get in some great hugs as the Hug O Meter fills up in each city to see who gives the MOST hugs - not the best hugs - because seriously - there is no such thing as a bad hug!

We are hosting our 5th Annual Beat the PMS Blues Online Show 'n' Shine - entries begin on January 1st so I hope you have dug up your favourite photo of your bike.  We will be giving away, among other things a Drift Camera, a group camp out in Haida Gwaii BC for 12, Shuzi Bracelets, Detailing kits and more - so if like me - you suffer from PMS, join us for our FREE Show 'n' Shine - not only do you have a shot at some great prizes but you also have the chance to put the PMS to rest for a few minutes at a time  -  but take note: you will probably need something handy to wipe the spittle off you chin from drooling over everyone's photos - just sayin!

Over the last few days of the holidays the news feeds have been pretty quiet, however there are some very interesting stories from other countries, including the US on various laws dealing with riders...

From the feeds today:

In New Hampshire, since the courts decided a municipality can not set a lower Db rate than the state's, people there are being urged to support a new state law to reduce the Db limit on motorcycles. Read about their lobbying efforts - I wonder what the riders next move is?

In Massachusetts a cop there is touting stats as a reason why helmet laws need to stay...

In Nigeria, Okada riders are put under what they call - EXTREME restrictions and the Lagos Okada (Motorcycle) Riders are expressing their frustrations. These motorcyclists operate taxi like services and are frustrated that they are only supposed to carry one passenger at a time and that passengers MUST wear head gear...it's a different world there for sure!

And in India - riders prove once again that there are certain things that just go hand in hand with motorcycling, NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE - a good coffee (in this case tea shop) and lots of great conversation. What they describe in this article is appears to be not unlike what you will find at any Timmy's here in Canada - not even the time of day seems to be different for ride nights- 5 - 10 pm


In other news:

A 105 year old Indian from the DuPont collection is taken out of hiding.

A rare bike is up for sale in  Michigan Thumb - 1976 Bicentennial Edition Electra Glide motorcycle - to benefit the Caseville Community Christmas Fund

I am going to have the new Pat Savage Wind & Fire CD available for sale at my booth - Pat and I teamed up to reduce the costs that shipping adds to ordering a CD on line - come visit my booth in Calgary - #832, in Edmonton - #546 and in Vancouver - #809 to get your copy!

http://www.savageroads.com/

There are other articles that may be of interest to you over at www.beltdrivebetty.com  hope to see you there!

I leave you today with a few funnies and thoughts from that crazy zany bunch I call friends and family - they share some of the craziest, funniest and most inspirational of stuff with me..

I love my friends and thank them for the joy and good health they spread by the stuff they share, cause laughter really is GOOD Medicine!

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone!

Belt Drive betty
Editor & Rider