Have you ever woken up and just known, that somehow, you were blessed? That things have turned a corner for you?
As I go through my regular morning routine of e-mails, news feeds and coffee, I have come to feel and realize just how blessed I truly am.
Like every small business owner out there, there are times when I question what I am doing.
Those times when cash flow sucks or deadlines make you feel choked.
Those day to day tasks that take the life out of you...and you wonder to yourself...
Does anything I do or say make a difference to anyone?
Does what I have to offer really have any value to anyone? Does it serve people in a way they need?
I am positive that I am not alone in reevaluating my dreams - of examining them to make sure they align with your core values.
Other times, well you just know that what you are doing does have value and meaning for others.
It is those times that we small business owners and every human being out there lives for.
I have been utterly blessed. 11 years ago, I had a dream of creating a clearinghouse of information for riders - a place that would help them make the most of their riding season, to feel connected as brothers and sisters of the family “Wind” and to get the support and help they needed to live their dreams.
I am so humbled by the team that has gathered around me - those whose ideologies, dreams and needs seem to be parallel to mine.
There is Ali - the amazing woman who waltzed into my life to save my web site from an unscrupulous web designer and who has grown and learned and become one fabulous web designer not to mention a valued friend. Ali’s hubby Don who pitches in with Data Entry and Calendar management.
And Darryl, the American rider who has been helping us with layout for the past two years.
We now add Brent Schultz, also from Ladysmith BC to our web development team and he is already proving himself to be a valuable asset.
Stephanie Arnold-Coffin has begun helping me out with administration...and how much help that has been I can not begin to tell you!
Without these people, I could not do what I do. I could not be living the dream I do. And all of the above people know that I am rooting for them in their dreams and as long as our dreams remain parallel - well - then we are all working for what we want out of our lives - our own dreams...
Then there are the people of the community - the volunteer reporters, the people who share what is happening in their lives, their communities and help us feel connected to each other.
Quentin Kerfoot, R. Jeff Legrand, Liane Langlois, Kevin Jones, bad Uncle Monkey, David Page, Kate B., Chuck Pearce, Lou DeVuono, Medric Cousineau, Kate, Kalye and Lisa Perry...Mike Bechard, Robert Whaley, Bruno Gauweiler and so many more.... Without the people who saw value in sharing their events, their stories, their causes etc...we would not have the sense of community we enjoy today, one I pray will get larger and stronger and deeper with each passing year.
And how about our sponsors - advertisers if you will - an amazing bunch of business people who understand the need of the motorcycle community to connect and communicate. Like any sponsor they do so with the hopes you will give their business a shot to earn your business - and don’t forget most of them are riders living out their own dreams....Again, with out these people we as a company can not give back into our community!
PLEASE if you can, support them - acknowledge them and their contribution.
Yes, I am a blessed woman - I had a dream, I worked at it, shared it, nurtured it and here I am today, living it. But no matter how big and wonderful any dream is - you can’t do it alone - it truly does take a community to raise a child and the child the rider community has raised is the Busted Knuckle Chronicles and www.beltdrivebetty.com
We never celebrated the 10th anniversary for the paper - The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.
I wanted to be different and have an 11th Anniversary Party Year.
Hey, there’s our new slogan - Belt Drive Betty Media - where doing things differently is what we do best! LMAO
This is our Anniversary - our Birthday if you will - and it is going to be an amazing year filled with giving and sharing and riding and I can’t wait to take you all on this journey with me - the meet you, hug you, share the highway, share your communities and a bit of our souls with each other.
11 years...that have been filled with good times, bad times and in between times...
11 years - none of which could have happened without you...
It’s a party and you are all invited
The very first contest involves my “Public Person” page. I have a lot of people asking to be my friend on Facebook and my personal Belt Drive Betty page is at the limit of 5,000. So the new Belt Drive Betty “Public Person” page was created to make it so I can connect with as many people as possible. I had set it up months ago, but – never published it – OOPS.
It’s published now and I am asking that those of you who would like to, please like that page and once you do you can take part in this simple contest.
If you have a photo of me at a rally, with friends, on a ride…I would appreciate you sharing one on my “Public Person” page.
Once each month I will pick one photo that I really, really like and the person who shared it will win a BDB Tee Shirt – one from our travel series – And I Must Go” I will do this for as long as you are sharing photos that have me in it.
I have so few photos of me with my friends and I’d really like an album devoted to just that - me and my friends….I will choose three runner up photos every month and the submitters will have a Busted Knuckle Chronicles patch sent to them!
Thanks for helping me out and for sharing our birthday with me!
Until next week, I am your editor, Belt Drive Betty
The original article appeared in the 6th Edition February 14, 2013 of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.
Way back, before he and I had kind of lost touch with each other, Larry used to send me some of his poetry to share with those who read the Busted Knuckle Chronicles.
Well, life happened, time passed, and one day, out of the blue, Larry was back in my life. It’s funny how bad pennies and friends do that.. in and out of your life and you pick up where you left off without missing hardly a beat.
Larry sent me his book “Asphalt Range” to review and one as a gift for our Beat the PMS Blues Online Show ‘n’ Shine as a prize.
For a long time Larry - the “Ironhorse Writer” dreamt of having a book of his American free verse, rider poetry published.
Well, his dream has come true.
He has this book that is about 170 pages long. It’s filled with poetry from as far back as 1998. It’s written in chapters and every chapter’s name makes you think of the different stages in life, our interests and how they change over time. The one constant through it all, the love of the open road and the wisdom it has to share with each of us.
“With the CD version, (entirely recorded by Larry), once you get through the credits for the publishing house, it was pleasant to listen to as it truly carried the cadence each poem carried”... To read his poetry on one’s own (without benefit of the CD), well that is a whole different experience...his poems hold the rhythm of life, of the road in them and your soul really identifies that.
They are poems filled with tidbits and pearls of wisdom and whimsy.
I found some of his poems profoundly moving. For me, “Basically Black” was such a poem. It’s simple and honest clarity speaks straight to your heart...
Another poem that I found particularly poignant - one that moved me deeply was “Brotherhood”
His depiction of two old soldiers, old road warriors, one dead, the other left behind and a lifetime of memories shared in only a few lines... the ending of that poem had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eyes.
Poem after poem he takes you on a ride - and you know this man has ridden all of his life, has felt, experienced, tasted - become - the rhythm of the road...
The “Asphalt Range” by Laurence P. Scerri, published by Flash Productions, is a book that I think many a ride will appreciate. It’s honest... just like the road.
My hats off to you brother of the family Wind... you are living that dream....
The original article appeared in the 6th Edition February 14, 2013 of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.
In this day and age of electronics, that it seems we all carry with us, charging those devices can become a challenge.
Unless you are riding a motorcycle with a built in power point or a cigarette lighter, how in the heck do you keep your cell phone charged for emergencies or booking hotel rooms?
You can as to charge your phone while eating in a restaurant or…no, there really aren’t many options, are there.
If you don’t want to put a power point or cigarette lighter on your bike (if you can’t do it yourself, this can be a costly solution), or you can spend $29.95 USD plus shipping and pick up a ZootFresh Charger.
It’s an SAE to USB charger that is small enough to fit in a pocket and easy to install on your bike. You never need to be without your cell phone, tracker, spotter, gps or camera again…
If you entered our 6th Annual Beat the PMS Blues Online Show ‘n’ Shine, then you might be the lucky winner of one of 5 of these we are offering up for grabs as prizes!
If you didn’t enter and really want to get one, visit www.zootfresh.com for the lowdown on how to get your own! BDB
The original article appeared in the 6th Edition February 14, 2013 of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.
It’s such a slippery and subtle slope – sliding into debt, that is. A little here, a little there and before you know it, most of your money is going to servicing debt instead of enjoying life now or saving for a financially secure tomorrow.
If you have a life partner, debt can be a symptom of a larger problem – like poor communication, differing goals and life expectations, or if one of you is a saver and the other a spender. If that sounds like your situation, you’ve got plenty of company. Only 15% of Canadian couples have never disagreed about money and one in ten Canadians have left a relationship due to disagreements over money.
* That’s why it’s important to look beyond your debt symptoms – spending too much, watching your debt mount – to uncover the real reasons for you debt issues, like identifying the behavior that got you into debt in the first place, and taking steps to resolve the issues so your slide into debt doesn’t cause even bigger problems down the road.
Start with a detailed financial review and by establishing financial life goals that both of you share, understand, and agree to. Focus on reducing your debt load by targeting ‘bad debt’ first – high interest rate credit or retail cards, for example – and through a debt consolidation/monthly debt reduction plan. Then, look longer term with a realistic financial strategy for saving toward your kids’ education, your retirement, paying down your mortgage … and/or other life goals that are important to you. Your strategy could include:
• Establishing an emergency reserve using Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs).
• Protecting your family with life, critical illness and disability insurance.
• Funding your children’s education with Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs).
• Funding your retirement (and/or your partner’s retirement) with Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs).
Depending on your personal situation, there are other debt-reduction, money-saving strategies that will help alleviate stress and get you debt-free and on track for financial security. Your professional advisor can provide both the third-party perspective and the financial planning expertise to develop the plan that will work for you.
This newsletter, specifically written and published by Investors Group, is presented as a general source of information only, and is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide legal advice. Clients should discuss their situation with their Consultant for advice based on their specific circumstances.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
I.G. Investment Management Ltd. is a licensed mortgage broker, Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. is a trust company licensed to lend money in all jurisdictions in Canada. Clients with mortgage inquires will be referred to an Investors Group Mortgage Planning Specialist.
Insurance products and services offered through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. (in Quebec, a financial services firm). Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company (outside of Quebec).
David W. Page is a Kamloops rider who is very active in his community and is a member of the RFBA.
Phone: (250) 372-2955
Toll Free: 1-800-897-9559
Fax: (250) 372-1567
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The original article appeared in the 6th Edition February 14, 2013 of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.
Recently, I’ve been given a very good reason to think about what I would take and why if I were to take a trip abroad to do a motorcycle touring package... the specifics will come out later, but I’ve done some pretty hard thinking about it.
You figure 2 weeks, one rider per bike, and I’m figuring on only being able to count on pannier/sidebags and maybe a top bag to haul everything I need… overseas, in a strange land where I might not be able to get my favorite things. This, by the way, is a thing which makes me really happy I quit smoking, because taking enough Canadian smokes for that long might have forced me to leave the extra undies out!
Planning to do something like that takes forethought and consideration, and maybe a bit of sacrifice... it wouldn’t be like a regular vacation where you can haul six suitcases and every comfort of home... the concept here is minimalist, focusing on comfort and rideability. The plan I’m going with is bed and breakfast style vacationing, so camping gear won’t be an issue, and I’m sure that I can find a spot to do a bit of laundering here and there so that should simplify things.
Naturally, the very first step is to ensure that you have the proper documentation and appropriate I’d plan, personally, 3 changes of clothes, from the skin out, and I never travel without a few extra socks and undergarments, so those would probably sneak in. Toiletries of course, and if you have prescription medications it’s best to take all you need and a couple of days extra... traveling with TOO many extra meds will be frowned on, however. Waterproof tough containers required too.
When you travel abroad, if you’re booking with a tour company, you’ll need to make the decision whether you want to pay to haul your own riding gear over, or take the chance with rental gear, and here’s where I’m personally torn. I love my gear, but I have different gear for different riding, too. I can’t take it ALL, nor would I expect to.
So, I can rent gear appropriate to the location, riding, weather, and safety laws, trusting the local experts to help outfit me, and somehow that seems like a smarter option. I can take key stuff (my VEST... good gravy, I can’t go mototouring in some strange land without THAT), but the bulky things might have to stay back. So, of course, now I get concerned about a helmet. They’re so personal... do I really want to wear a helmet that uncounted others have been in control of? I know that the tourism company will make sure they’re completely sanitary and clean, but my worry centers more about safety... what if the guy three rentals ago dropped the helmet, but no visible damage occurred? How often are they replaced? Questions that need to be asked, I guess, but in the end you’re going to have to decide if the comfort of your very own lid is worth the cost of transporting it over. In all honesty, I haven’t decided yet... but I have some time.
After that, you have to consider the tourist gear... cameras, computer/tablet devices, cellular communications (Europe, especially, is pretty much light years ahead of North America in this.. if you have a phone that takes a SIM card, you’re pretty much good to go with pay as you use type service), and the appropriate power adapters for all of these devices as well, because North America is pretty much unique in our power outlets. If you have electric heat riding gear and hope to use it, you’ll need to talk to your tour provider about what kind of power options are available on their bikes, and ensure that it’s compatible (fortunately most motorcycles run the same 12volt negative ground type systems, but best to be sure).
All that being said, don’t over pack. Most simple things like toothbrushes and toothpaste can be found nearly everywhere, so extras aren’t necessary. If you’re riding in a foreign land, you’re hopefully going to spend some time looking at what’s around you, so a set of shoes good for walking will be essential... if you’re like me, your riding footwear at home is both waterproof and comfortable, so maybe you’d consider taking that. I will be... there’s not a chance I’m putting feet into rental boots... a less than pleasant past experience with borrowed footwear made sure I’ll never try that ever again. Not only that, I happen to feel that those boots, with the carbon fibre/composite shanks and protective toe caps, are not only safe, they’re super comfortable to ride AND walk in, and they’ll serve me better than any other shoe out there. I think gloves might be the same... I want to try them out here at home before counting on them for warmth and dryness across the pond, and they’re small and light.
Rain gear? I’ll rent it... not only do I not care to haul mine on an airplane, it’s not the best part of my riding gear, so I’ll go with what the locals recommend. That also saves me about fifteen or twenty pounds of leather... I’d love to haul my leathers, but they’re not going to be the most practical for the style of riding I’m contemplating. I’ll probably even go for one of those fancy armored all-weather riding rigs, because I’m one of those that believes that if you’re warm and dry, you’re safer as a rider than if you’re cold and/or wet!
And lastly? A good riding partner. The trip that is being considered won’t actually include my wife, as much as I’d love to share it with her. (She’ll probably go to Hawaii... I don’t think she’s going to cry). I have some good friends that I’d love to share a trip like this with, but I think you’ll agree (when you find out later) that the riding buddy on this trip is not only solid, but a quality rider, and entertaining as hell. After a long rainy day in the saddle, when you’re trying to warm up and relax over a hot meal and a brew... you need someone who will laugh at things with you when you need it, and make you laugh off the others when you can’t get it going by yourself...and I’ll have that. More on this will come out as the plans solidify, but trust me, faithful readers, you’ll be along for the trip in a big way, and I’ll share every minute I can with you all.
It’s Chinooking! Can you see that? Bare pavement...oooh, so tempting.
R. Jeff LeGrand
Calgary/Southern Alberta Correspondent
The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.
By Riders. For Riders. About Riders.
The original article appeared in the 6th Edition February 14, 2013 of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles.