WOOOO HOOOOO

What a great day of riding, it feels so good to be back in the saddle. It is amazing what a good 900 KM ride can do for the soul and the brain. All that stuff that seems so important, so overwhelming gets put back into perspective!

I have about an hour to get to Saskatoon and then head over to get set up for Cyclemania and I know I said I probably would have an editorial today but...yeah - I find it hard to not work!

We have some exciting news!!!!

We will be holding a contest very soon wherein we will be giving away 2 sets of two tickets to the Eric Church Contest at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis courtesy of Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys!!!!!  We will announce the details soon so stay tuned! (Click here to find out what Russ Brown has planned.)

There is a ton of news that riders should check out:
In Saskatoon a rider was killed, the 19 year old lost control of his bike when he hit a patch of gravel

There is a great article from Greg Williams of the Calgary Herald on some Calgary area events

If you are a Ted Nugent fan, check out the article on the Michigan Thrills Bike Festival in July

An unlicensed 19 year old who turned left in front of a rider causing his death gets 120 days in jail, 100 hours of community service and a 3 year probation....

Audi is reportedly making their decision and announcement on buying Ducati next week - stay tuned, as soon as we hear, we will let you know!

Sonny Barger is about to add film producer to his list of accomplishments! Dead in 5 Heartbeats is the film...

There is a TON of other news in the feeds - check it all out at www.beltdrivebetty.com

I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by friends on Facebook and through Emails...

To all those heading out to Port Dover today - PLEASE ride safe....you are important yah know!

For those in Saskatoon and area - stop by my booth - I WANT A HUG!!!!

Have a FANTASTIC weekend and if you live in Calgary/Southern Alberta - remember, this too shall pass!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Growing pains and learning curves!

Our humble little newspaper, The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, is going through some growing pains.

First it was the challenges with the web site and moving to a dedicated server - that had me and pretty much everyone attempting to use the site pulling out our hair - now that those issues have settled down - the site is fast as all get out and Ali is working at getting all of the sections fleshed out and finished.  Hopefully by the end of the month most everything will be back where it belongs and humming along wonderfully.

Darryl Flowers, our biker layout artist from Montana has seen his newspaper expand in a big way, and with how big our paper has become well, we decided it was in the best interest of both publications if I found a new layout person so....

We have a new layout artist that we are training and that is proving a wee bit challenging.
Like everything else - learning curves take a bit of time to over come.

Joei Warm, a former rider who lives in BC,  is our new layout gal and brings a lot of wonderful and creative ideas to the table and as she gets the hang of where things belong and what we need from her it is only going to keep improving so bare with us!

I want to thank Darryl for all of the work he has done for us and wish him nothing but the best as the Fairfield Sun Times grows for him!  It is wonderful to see another rider owned business growing the way it is!

Our phone book's second printing has had to be delayed due to some technical challenges for some of our advertisers - as soon as we know when they will be ready - we'll let you know when and where you can pick up your free copy. We will have some available for those who want us to mail them out - as soon as we know what Canada Post is going to charge us for shipping we will make them available by Pay Pal.

I used to get so worked up by these kinds of challenges but I have come to a place where I am learning to roll with the punches - it is sure making for a happier me!

My bike is packed and I am ready to head to Saskatoon and Cycle Mania - I can't wait to see my friends from northern Saskatchewan and Alberta!

I will be heading out this morning and should be in Toon Town tomorrow...

You probably won't hear from me until Monday now so have a safe weekend, if you are riding, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and remember they WANT YOUR LANE!

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and in emails...

Ride Safe,


Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

If they can do it to them...who is next?

"To serve and protect" - it used to mean something, but in this day and age it seems to be a case of "to bully and lie".

The news out of Manitoba today has me questioning law enforcement in this country in a way I never have before.

I am all for putting criminals behind bars and making our communities as safe as can be. HOWEVER, I am NOT for SWEEPING DISCRIMINATION.

The article in the Winnipeg Free Press has me concerned on a number of levels.
Here's why - Begin Quote: The Free Press has uncovered details of a campaign being waged in the courts following a recent undercover sting that dealt a serious blow to the Hells Angels. At least seven members and associates have been arrested in recent weeks, despite no evidence they have committed crimes. More arrests are expected. END QUOTE

The article goes on to say that "The remaining few members and associates who weren't snared by the criminal investigation, including Sweeney's brother, Rod, are being caught in the peace-bond net. The result is that almost every person linked to the Manitoba Hells Angels is either in custody or barred from having contact with any other member or associate."

So, a brother - a BLOOD brother, who has no criminal record is now not allowed to associate with his brother because his brother is a Hells Angel, if he does it's do not pass go, go straight to jail...

Are the RCMP going to enforce this law on Liberal Party of Canada for the Sponsorship Scandal? By their own definition (The Liberal Party's Definition that now constitutes a law in Canada) they - the Liberal Party of Canada are a criminal organization.

I wonder if the RCMP are going to enforce this law on the Boy Scouts of Canada?
What about the Roman Catholic Church?

Think about it folks - the definition of a criminal organization in Canada is:
(From the Edmonton Police Services Web Site)

Organized Crime Legislation

 As stated in the Criminal Code, section 467.1(1), a "criminal organization" means a group, however organized, that

1. is composed of three or more persons in or outside Canada; and, 
2. has as one of its main purposes or main activities the facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences, that, if committed, would likely result in the direct or indirect receipt of a material benefit, including a financial benefit, by the group or by any one of the persons who constitute the group. 

It does not include a group of persons that forms randomly for the immediate commission of a single offence.

End quote

Repeatedly the Catholic Church has hidden and protected priests whose conduct has been horrifying. In most of the cases I have read of, the arch bishops, the cardinals and in many cases the pope has known of the offences. That takes care of requirement A - ergo, they, by definition are a criminal organization.

The financial benefit to the Church in the many scandals that have taken place with regards to sexual assaults and abuse of minors was not having to pay compensation to victims and continuing to collect donations etc., because the crimes were covered up.

That takes care of requirement B.

Ergo, the Roman Catholic Church COULD be labelled a criminal organization.

The exact same thing can be said of the Boy Scouts of Canada...more than three people have covered things up which is a crime and financial compensation was had as the hiding of the information on sexual predators in their midst allowed them to continue fundraising etc...and again protected their financial interests by avoiding paying compensation.

The Liberal Party of Canada and in the Province of Ontario have repeatedly "stolen" money from the Canadian Taxpayer - the Sponsorship Scandal and the Ornge fiasco come to mind.

Again, there were more than three people who conspired and financial gain was had...

So, if there are wrong doers in your midst and you belong to an organization, if it is the will of the RCMP, your organization could be next in the witch hunts.

Yes I am being a facetious old bag - but I want you to really think about what the RCMP are doing and how morally wrong it is.

You have done no crime - or at least there is no PROOF of any crime and yet you can be arrested and detained if you associate with your family member and all because that family member is a member of the Hells Angels...

What the hell happened to Innocent until PROVEN guilty?

What the hell is happening to Canada?

You may think I am a lunatic, off my rocker, off kilter and maybe I am.

I know one thing for certain, the RCMP in this country could also be held up as a criminal organization based on the legal definition. Every day across this country police officers lie, drink and drive, use excessive force, beat their wives and harass their female counter parts, kill people with tasers and then lie about their conduct...

Most of the time there are more than three people involved, most of the time there is some financial gain be it the fact that officers get paid suspensions and or the police service can avoid paying out damages and continue to collect taxpayers money in the form of salaries, equipment. 

Like I said - I have grave concerns about what is going on. Why should someone who has never been charged with a criminal offence be held to a peace bond?  Why should someone who has never been charged with an offence be treated like a criminal and be held accountable for the sins of his brother?

My question for the day is this...am I out to lunch on this topic or does something seriously stink?

In other news:

Under the Lifestyles - Movies/TV category - American Pickers uncovers a rare Harley

In Sooke BC a wild crash sees one rider very lucky to be alive.

In Regina SK, the CMA wants to remind you of the group riding training course on Wednesday night.

In the US, A Marine's story has inspired riders to help out

There is a ton of information in the news feeds this morning, everything from who is appearing at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis this year to some great sports news....check them out at:

www.beltdrivebetty.com 

I leave you with a few funnies to start your day off...thanks to my bent and broken friends on Facebook for sharing their sense of humour with the rest of us!

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone!

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

And the winner of the Dumb Ass of the day is?

Motorcycle safety and awareness begins with the rider.

Riding like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, riding like you know they want to move into the spot you are in - these are two of the MOST important skills that riders can develop to keep them safe...most riders seem to understand that.

We hear the banter back and forth over cell phone usage and texting while driving - distracted driving laws are springing up everywhere - we all know the dangers - RIGHT?

Apparently not...

Over the weekend I had a couple of pictures shared with me by by friends on Facebook.

Darwin Award Candidate # 2

After seeing these fine examples of what not to do while riding, I went on a mission to see just how many riders text or use cell phones while riding...there are tons, and tons - here are but a few...


On Youtube:

Below - A rider in India texting while lying back on his bike in traffic...

Below - A cop texting and riding, on his POLICE MOTORCYCLE AT 1:30 in the afternoon!

On Youtube there is a video tagged as Extreme Facebook Update..Like a boss... the man states no reposting without consent so - go to Youtube and type in Extreme Facebook Update...Like a Boss - the video sickens me...

The photo above, I found on Google Image
search and comes from the aforementioned
video!

No where in the world it seems are we safe from the ones who think they possess superior skills to others...

Then there are those who for whatever reason decide they look good, or cool with as little clothing and gear on as possible:

Or how about those who feel the need to show off in other ways while riding:

And it doesn't end with motorcycles - I found tons of pictures of bicycle riders texting while riding too, here's one good example:

Sadly - I could go on, and on and on....it appears that we humans have become really stupid thanks to the amazing technologies we have in hand.

We riders are always bitching about cagers but seriously - it is time to take a stand folks - a stand against the riders in our community who feel their rights are more important than those of others, who don't understand the simple concept of sharing our communities and the world with others...that forget they have loved ones - family and friends who are going to miss them when they are gone or resent them when they have to play nurse maid for days and weeks or maybe the rest of their lives...

How do we get these people off the road - be they in a cage or semi; on a motorcycle or on a bicycle their selfish, thoughtless and inconsiderate actions cost everyone.

The costs are many - we KNOW that - hospital bills, insurance hikes, extreme police pressure - everyone pays the price for the show off and the self involved, self centred human.

WHAT THE HELL DO WE HAVE TO DO TO GET THROUGH TO PEOPLE?????

I want you to tell me what your thoughts are on the topic of riders using cell phones while riding, the use of bluetooth devices and texting while riding...then I want you to share which me your thoughts on riding wearing shorts, bikinis, tank tops, flip flops etc as opposed to real riding gear.  Join the discussion on my Facebook Fan-page - CLICK HERE

In other news:

I finally got out for my first ride of the season - and on a nice clean, shiny ride thanks to Elbow Grease Ventures in Dawson Creek BC - thanks Papa Mike Chemerys...

I feel like a new woman this morning - I so needed that brain clearer - that soul clearer, YAHOOO what a feeling!

There is a ton of news in the feeds from the weekend and this morning...check out everything that we uncovered at www.beltdrivebetty.com

I am leaving you this morning with a biker's prayer that I discovered when I was at Tattoo Tony's shop in Toronto about 10 days ago, there are many biker's prayers that I have seen over the years, this one really touched something in my soul, I hope you enjoy it!

I hope that you had a great Easter weekend and that you have a fantastic Easter Monday!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Did yah miss me?

It's been a great week on many levels, but I have missed writing my editorials this week.

I was in Toronto for the National Motorcycle & Tattoo show which was a blast, and after the show, headed out to Havelock to spend some time with our reporter and sales rep, Cookie.

The internet and phone signals out there are sketchy at best - add to that the challenge of flying and driving, well - I have had to be off the radar for a bit.

When cops go too far...

Out of Camden NJ comes a story about some bikers wearing the Pagans and Tribe Colors who were stopped by the cops in that state. What ensued has landed the cops right smack dab in the middle of a lawsuit.

BEGIN QUOTE: 

When State Police stopped six motorcyclists on a Southampton highway in July 2009, the bikers received summonses — and an unwanted order.

They were told to remove their “colors,” the jackets that showed membership in the Pagans and Tribe motorcycle clubs.

“Now you are all going to take your jackets off,” Trooper Nicholas Carlini told the motorcyclists, according to a video recording of the incident. “Because on these highways these are the only colors you wear,” said the trooper, indicating his blue and gold uniform.

That order has led to a federal lawsuit, filed by three of the motorcyclists, that alleges actions by Carlini and other troopers violated their constitutional rights.

The case moved forward last week, when U.S. District Judge Jerome Simandle in Camden said the motorcyclists could pursue several of their claims, including malicious prosecution, in court. END QUOTE

Later in the article, part of the lawsuit is explained - BEGIN QUOTE - The motorcyclists’ lawsuit in part asks Simandle to declare that police violate the Constitution when they stop bikers solely because they’re wearing colors.

“Everybody has First Amendment rights,” said Spencer, who acknowledged some motorcycle clubs have unsavory reputations. “The First Amendment is not there to protect the people we like. It’s there to protect the people we don’t like.” END QUOTE

Have any of you riders in my circle here in Canada experienced this kind of high handedness from the police? I would love to hear about your experiences...share them with us on Facebook or here in my blog!

In Other News:

What exotic destination would you like to ride a motorcycle in?
Well, one company in Ecuador asks you to consider that country...Freedom BIke Rentals has just announced a new tour!

In the California - a member of the Hells Angels is sentenced over home loan fraud.

In Australia, the Finks were embarrassed by a streaker at their fundraiser for Fiji...

Also in Australia, a judge gave permission for seven members of the Finks who are under an order that prevents them from any association with members of OMC's to attend a funeral for a fellow bikie.

In Great Britain, a rider was charged in the death of his passenger.

Under the Concept Motorcycles category in Lifestyle News, you have to check out the vision FROG has for the Electric Motorcycle....

There is a TON of news in the feeds today - check it all out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news so you get only MOTORCYCLE news!

I leave you with a few giggles, shared with my by friends through Facebook and Emails... 

Have a wonderful Day and Happy Easter.

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider

Profits soar for Harley-Davidson, but at what cost?

Harley-Davidson has become a far more profitable company in 2011 even though it only sold 233,117 motorcycles. (In 2006 they had sold 349, 196 motorcycles)

Cost cutting measures implemented by Keith Wandell saw the company save $217 million dollars by slashing their work force at the York plant by some 950 + jobs. They also negotiated a contract that sees their employees wages held until 2017.  Their plants in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have also experienced job losses.

As a business owner, I understand outsourcing and cost watching/cutting - it is the life blood of business, but when you are a publicly traded company the dollar is the only "God" investors know and humanity gets stripped from the equation.

What do I mean by that? Well, in the name of profitability, the employee at Harley-Davidson saw their lifestyle and ability to earn a living reduced - many lost their jobs, almost all saw their incomes held or reduced but not in the boardroom.

Begin Quote: 
The top five executives at Harley-Davidson Inc. earned almost $5.7 million in bonuses in 2011.

Keith Wandell, president/chief executive officer: $2,803,233 bonus, $7,232,147 total pay.

John Olin senior vice president/chief financial officer: $611,123 bonus $1,785,030 total pay.

Matthew Levatich, president/chief operating officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Co.: $1,117,093 bonus,$3,065,869 total pay.

Lawrence Hund, president/chief operating officer, Harley-Davidson Financial Services: $737,917 bonus,$2,398,907 total pay.

Paul Jones, vice president/general counsel: $389,390 bonus, $1,007,524 total pay. End Quote

I understand that you need to pay good people well - you pay them for doing the tough jobs but I do find it hard to understand why top executives who already earn a great wage need to be paid bonuses for cutting other people out of the pay equation completely.  I guess that is why I will never run a publicly traded company.

I don't think I could take a bonus on the backs of those who loose their jobs...my conscience wouldn't let me.

What are your thoughts on H-D and the bonuses paid to their executives?

In other news:
In the US - Motorcycle Super Store has been bought out by MAG - Motorsports Aftermarket Group

The Marines are taking motorcycle safety seriously

In Europe, Knievel Cycles has had two fat tire motorcycles approved for that market: the Patriot Pro-Street and the Patriot Chopper.

In New Zealand, the Rebels are causing a stink by having purchased some land for their clubhouse.

There's an interesting article on biker hangouts in Singapore

From sports to gadgets for your garage, and everything in between, there is lots in the news feeds today at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news, so you don't have to!

I am getting packed and ready to head out to the Toronto National Motorcycle & Tattoo Show - and am looking forward to seeing a ton of riders and being able to report on the riding community and their machines, travels and dreams!

I leave you with a few funnies shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails...hope they bring a smile to your face.

Have a fabulous Hump day everyone!

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Living the life - a Quadriplegic teaches a life lesson

When you love the wind, nothing will stop you from enjoying it, not even life in a wheelchair....

Ron Asay may not realize it, but he is an inspiration.

The example of determination and passion that is his life is something that needs to be shared with everyone.

You see, Ron was a motorcycle mechanic and an avid rider before he ended up in a wheelchair....

Begin Quote: In 1981, Asay was in a head-on crash with another vehicle that was towing a car on a trailer. The trailer began to fishtail and the driver lost control.

"I flipped end-over-end twice," Asay said about the crash that landed him in the hospital for three months and permanently damaged his spine.

"I have no movement in my fingers. I can move my arms and my wrists a little bit, but I don't have full strength in them, and I have no movement or feeling from the chest down."

Asay was forced to give up fixing bikes for a living. He enrolled in a computer training program and eventually got a job working for American Express, where he retired after 17 years on the job.

But the desire to feel the wind blowing in his face never subsided. End Quote

It took Ron 13 and a half years to build the trike he rides today. But HE built it and HE rides it.

He has built two other machines since.

I love hearing how others conquer and master themselves, how they overcome challenges.

Ron could have easily succumbed to self pity and anger but he obviously has great core values and a true love of life!

Is this man an inspiration or what!

There is an interesting Motorcycle Safety ad campaign taking place in the UK - called THINK BIKER....

Here is a sample of what the ads look like...

Now - you tell me, is that not an EFFECTIVE AD?

I would love to hear your ideas on Motorcycle Safety Campaigns from around the world and how they could be adopted or adapted for the North American motorcycle community to utilize...

In other news...

O'Keefe Ranch just outside of Vernon will be the home of the Military Campground for the 2012 Sturgis North Motorcycle Rally

The Harley & Tattoo Show in Lavalle QC is coming up at the Centre SportExpo de Laval April 20-22.

IN PEI at this year's Atlanticade - John Mellancamp is going to rock the house!!!!

In Arizona, attendees of the GoDaddy owned Harley-Davison of Scottsdale took in a great Bike Week Kick Off event featuring Bret Michaels

Thousands of riders in the UK took part in the Star Riders Egg Run this past weekend...

There are a number of very interesting articles in the news feeds from the weekend and this morning...check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where we sift through the news to bring you all things motorcycle.

I leave you with a few giggles shared with me by friends on Facebook and through emails, it's Monday and we all need a reason to laugh today!

Have a GREAT Monday

Belt Drive Betty

Editor & Rider