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Terrasye T. Daniels (Associate Editor)
Stepping into the world of Advertising & Print, she has mastered the roles of fashion editing, photo production and interviewing people of all nationalities. As a journalist, she holds a special gift of getting to the “heart” of one’s story. A passionately bold Writer & Poet, Tookie’s tales are truly unconventional, nonjudgmental and real. Rarely will you come across a writer who is raw and honest enough to tell the story as it should be told. With a life-time of experience, she devotes her time to many non-profit organizations mentoring & through Child Abuse Advocacy. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she is the mother of a recent high school graduate named Brennan. Described as a “Painter of Words”, she’s ready to make her literary debut; destined to take the world by storm.
Andrea “DoubleTap” McGinley (Features Editor) Andrea “DoubleTap” McGinley is a member and club secretary for the Mysterious 1’s SMC, located in the Bay Area of CA. As well as being a certified Interior Designer in MA, she is an avid motorcyclist; her current ride is a ‘99 Honda Shadow ACE750. When she’s not pounding the ground, Andrea is studying for her CA Interior Design certification: her favorite phrase is, “Do what you love and the money will follow...” which is why her thesis project is the re-design of a motorcycle showroom in CA! Some of her favorite activities include spending time with her two daughters and husband, attending events on The Set, and writing articles for BGR.
Joanne Dunn (Gear Editor)
Founder - GearChic.com
Joanne is from San Francisco and works as an office administrator for a design firm on weekdays but lives her passion for motorcycling on weekends. Aside from running GearChic, she works part time as an MSF RiderCoach and at Scuderia West, a KTM/Aprilia/Kymco/Victory dealer learning the ins and outs of protective riding gear. In 2007, she identified a gap in information and started a website and blog that focuses exclusively on the benefits of protective motorcycle gear for women. She provides reviews, tips and insights on all things related to what you (men and women) should be wearing while riding your motorcycle or scooter. If you’re just starting out and don’t know what to wear, how it should fit or where to get it, Joanne will point you in the right direction.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY JUS POUND N’
LADY RIDERZ FOUNDED: 2006 Location: SAN DIEGO, CA
Jus Pound N’ Lady Riderz is a group of
sisters based in San Diego, CA, who are down to pound. They are not an MC, but rather an organic sisterhood that developed into a well respected riding club. Member Randa “RJ” Johnson takes us along for their ride... Photos by courtesy of Jus Pound N’ Lady Riderz
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Q. Tell us about Jus Pound N’ Lady Riderz... A. Jus Pound N’ Lady Riderz is an all famale “Riding Group” that was established in 2006 by “Shell” and “Shug” in San Diego, Ca. With a shared passion for riding and the intention on remaining independent riders, the two linked up and Jus Pound N’ was formed. Q. What’s the club’s mission or motto? A. Our goal is to replace the misleading stereotype of motorcyclists with an image of people who don’t have to compromise their dignity to ride – especially women. Q. What does your club look for in a member? A. We don’t actively recruit members but when we are approached by those that are interested in riding with Jus Pound N’, we always look for integrity, intelligence and the ability to play well with others. We strongly believe that quality is far more important than quantity. Q. What is your criterion for membership? A. In order to ride with Jus Pound N’ Lady Riderz, a woman must first be confident. Have a motorcycle as well as an M1 license and insurance. She must also be mature, drama-free and understand the true meaning of sisterhood. Q. What annual events do you promote? We promote any and all annual events that are within our power. We travel long and
short distances to support our fellow riders. Q. What are your favorite cities or roads to ride? Our favorite cities to ride to would have to be Los Angeles, of course, Pheonix, Temecula and Imperial County. Q. Are there any last words you’d like to leave us with? A. We can honestly say that even though we are not an actual MC, we have been able to gain the respect and admiration of many of the MC’s on the set. We are fully aware of our place as independents and are always sure to remain in our lane and not overstep our boundaries. Time and time again women have been able to prove themselves to be just as talented and competitive as men. There is a new breed of female riders who have decided that not only will they take the reins, but they will also choose the larger cruisers and sport bikes with all the bells and whistles. The days of women only being seen on the back of bikes is quickly becoming a thing of the past and Jus Pound N’ Lady Riderz intends on doing all we can to put our stamp on the sport of motorcycle riding.
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by Andrea “DoubleTap” McGinley
Photos by meekail shaheed for ms fotography
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homas Edison once said, “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” This cannot be more evident in the accomplishments of drag-racer Lea “Dreamcatcher” Martinez, of Tampa, FL. This dynamo dragster has racing in her blood, as the daughter of a Pro stock-car racer. Born in 1967, Lea is a native of New York where she lived most of her life. In 2004, she relocated to Florida and met her future husband, Victor Martinez, an avid motorcyclist. Victor and his friends taught her the basics, and within a year Lea was racing down her first quarter-mile track. Her racing career was off to a promising start when, in 2009, Lea was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early. After taking a year off for treatment and reconstructive surgery following a double mastectomy, she is now in remission, back on the track and raring to go. Lea has since won multiple races as “Fastest Female”, including a first place title in the 2010 “Second Pistons vs. Rotors Race”. In March 2010, she was the money winner in the “Full Throttle Customs Bike Bash”. Her most recent appearance was July 23-24 in the Mirock Superbike Series at the Maryland International Raceway, and we caught up with her shortly afterwards for this interview. Besides her health issues, Lea has faced and overcome major financial and personal challenges on her journey. The physical demands of racing, including constant training and practice, long road trips and preparation, would be enough for anyone in the best of health. For someone recovering from radical surgery and the effects of radiation and chemotherapy, it is positively miraculous that she’s able to compete with the best of her class. She takes pride in being a good role model for women of all ages, both on and off the raceway. Besides being a terror on the track, she is the mother of two, ages 13 and 20, and is also an active public speaker. Her website, leamartinezracing.homestead. com, is dedicated to reaching out to the public and soliciting donations on behalf of cancer patients who are in need. She
explains “I’ve made it my mission to raise money and awareness for those out there dealing with the same or similar issues. I just want to be able to help, it may not be much but the little things sometimes mean the most.” A common challenge among all racers is the ability to secure sponsorships for their ride in this economy. She has difficulty getting sponsors due to her age (she was 37 when she started racing 6 years ago) and her health status, and she has also found reluctance from some sponsors due to her gender as well. “It’s frustrating sometimes, because I work hard at what I do, but it also motivates me to just work that much harder at being the best I can be.” She acknowledges that being a breast cancer survivor has certain advantages too; “Some sponsors really respond to that since they know someone with cancer, and they see me out here doing this too...And I get a lot of encouragement from other women, they come up and cheer me on.” The financial demands of racing can also be draining; “This is an expensive sport, especially when your bike breaks down!” she says. During her most recent appearance at the Mirock Superbike Series in July, her current ride broke down completely, requiring a new engine and other repairs. Fortunately, with the help of sponsor and mentor/friend Larry “Spiderman” McBride and friend Johnell Daye, she’s been able to score free parts and repairs from several manufacturers. For women who are thinking about making the transition from street riding to the track, Lea has some words of wisdom. “I really like the “Ride Like A Pro” training programs, you can learn a lot and the right way to do stuff.” She suggests attending a good racing school and recommends Rickey Gadson’s Drag Racer School in New Jersey. It’s also important to go to lots of races and talk to different racers and their teams for advice. “Just show up--the racers are like a family, a community, and no one wants to see you get hurt, so ask for advice.” Also, getting some real experience on a track is vital before deciding to jump into the racing world; “Track conditions are
very different from the street. The bikes are faster, and the paving is stickier than a regular street so the bike doesn’t respond the same way that it would on the street.” And of course, Lea stresses that proper safety gear, preparation and the right mental attitude are just as important to the sport as having a fast ride and a competitor’s spirit. Lea’s next appearance will be Nov. 5-6 at the Mirock Superbike Series at the Rockingham Dragway in NC. It’s “simply astounding” at what Lea “Dreamcatcher” Martinez has been able to overcome and accomplish--she inspires us to keep catching those dreams and making them come true!
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JOIN BLACK GIRLS RIDE AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS IN LA FOR BIKE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 6PM - 12AM EVERY WEDNESDAY IN AUGUST!
D O O G S D N A H for F Gloves 5 PAIR Oound Riding Year RDonn of GearChic.com By Joanne
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Racer Short Sport $ 119 racerusa.net
Color: Black Sizes: XS-XL If you’re looking for a slightly shorter glove with protection, these are one of the best options for a shortie. These offer kangaroo hide and Keprotect Kevlar lining in the palms, hard shell knuckle protection and a moderate price point.
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Depending where you live, these gloves may be too warm or too cool depending on how harsh your summers or winters may be. But if you’re looking for an aggressive street glove that’s going to protect and keep you comfortable through moderate temperatures (50s-80s) any of these gloves will make your hands very happy. These are all women’s gloves available in real women’s sizes!
Alpinestars Stella SP-2 Gloves $ 9995 alpinestars.com
Colors: Blue, Red, Black/White The Stella line at AlpineStars is just for women. These offer modest ventilation, carbon fiber knuckle protection, synthetic suede palms and leather reinforcements for better grip, comfort, protection & reduced weight.
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Racer High End $ 199
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racerusa.net
Dainese Redgate $ 9995 dainese.com
Colors: Black, White/Black/ Grey, White/black/Red, White/Black/Blue, White/ Black/Kawasaki Green These would probably be more comfortable in warmer weather than cooler, as they’re more perforated than any of the previous gloves. In addition, they’re the first pair of Dainese gloves at this price point with a full gauntlet. They offer full cowhide contruction, reinforced palms, adjustable velcro cuff closures, and elasticated inserts between the knuckles and wrist for a more ergonomic fit.
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REV’IT Raven $ 14999 revit.eu/en/
Color: Black Sizes: S-L These kangaroo palm gloves will improve your dexterity, comfort and protection. With it’s carbon fiber knuckle protectors and palm sliders, your hands are going to feel like safe and sound. They break in immediately due to the pliable nature of kangaroo hide.
Colors: White/Red, Black/White If you have trouble finding gloves that have longer fingers and a more slender fit through the palms, consider REV’IT for your next pair. With hard shell knuckle protection, dual comp palm slider, and TPU pinky protection, these are the most protective women’s gloves that REV’IT has designed so far.
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en m o w t ttes e t t o o h e h t me g n i c a in r
4 / 1 e h t Paint
pink!
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by Kisha
Wilkinson
Photos courtesy of D Spurlock Racing, Meekail Shaheed of MS Fotography, and Terrance Belton of Teesphotoshop.com
D
uring one of the country’s worst heat waves, history was made. Saturday July 23, ten of the fastest female drag racers came together from all over the country for a charity race. Lea Martinez, Dystany Spurlock, Petey Vee, Erika Allison, Jaleesa Minor, Whitney Grant, Crystal Dickerson, Kelley Clontz, Edith Decker and Monica Snead braved a heat index of 102 degrees to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Paint the Quarter in Pink was held at the Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville Maryland. The event was held during one of the raceways biggest weekends, the MiRock WPGC Bike Fest. The race was supported by several sponsors including MS Fotography, Boleggs Racing, Schampa Racing, Speed and Strength, and Spurlock Racing, to name a few. The charity race was the brainchild of racer Dystany Spurlock and her manager. Spurlock said breast cancer awareness is very dear to her because her aunt battled breast cancer, and won. “Ever since she fought her battle with cancer, I have supported any awareness for the disease so I thought, why not have a race to raise money for the Foundation,” said Spurlock. Breast cancer has affected the lives of all of the racers in this event, through family, friends, and even through a personal battle. Lea Martinez has been a breast cancer survivor for a year and a half and underwent a double mastectomy. After going through her surgery, she was riding again in three months. Martinez said, “I got back on the bike because drag racing is an overwhelming force within that only drag racing can fulfill.” Martinez said she was a part of the event because she wants to help support those that are going through what she went through.
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Perseverance was the key at the event. A few of the riders got sick and one even fainted from the scorching temperatures, but nothing could stop these strong women from supporting this charity and the many that are affected by breast cancer. One of the racers, Crystal Dickerson, gave birth only five weeks before the race on June 16. Dickerson didn’t think she would make it to the race but to support her friend and fellow racer, she persevered. “I am good friends with Lea Martinez and it hurt me to see her go through that. I told her I would be there for her, and I did, “says Dickerson. Being a part of history is what lead racer Erika Allison to be a part of this event. “There has never been an event where women racers from everywhere came together like this; it was an honor to be a part of it.” The winner of the charity race was Whitney Grant and her biggest prize wasn’t the sponsor gifts, it was her part in helping to find a cure for a disease that has taken the lives of two of her family members. Grant’s message to those that are fighting breast cancer- “Be strong and know that there are people out here that support and care about what you are going through.” - BGR
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