Black Girls Ride Magazine Jan 2017

BMW Motorrad USA

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BLACK GIRLS Ride

C / R Z 2 N O Z Y LAD O

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL FOUNDED: AUGUST 9, 2013

ver the past few years, the number of women riders continues to grow. Ladyz on 2z Riding Club of St. Augustine, Florida has turned their passion for riding and service into a sisterhood they can be proud of. Let’s join them on ground in Florida and learn more about their bike life...

Want your club featured? Email us! blackgirlsridemag@gmail.com

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When and where was your club founded, and who were the primary founders?

We are the Ladyz on 2z R/C of St. Augustine, FL. We were founded by a group of women who all had a strong desire in building a lasting and reputable sisterhood while possessing a common interest in the recreation of riding motorcycles. We all pursued our motorcycle endorsements at the same time and began our journey of forming the Ladyz on 2z R/C. We were founded on August 9, 2013 and officially became a club on the M/C set August 23, 2014. The original founding members are Elanda “Primm” Floyd, Chia “Dutchess” Terry, Yolanda “Jazzy” Miller and Von “Storm” Jordan and later joined by Alice “Mimi” Kearse.

What is the club’s mission or motto?

Ladyz on 2z mission is to build a strong sisterhood through the love of riding; while supporting our local community and surrounding areas. Our Motto is Let it Be Known, We Ride! The focus of the Ladyz on 2z

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is to be able to give back and volunteer in our own community first. The charities that are important to our club are those that focus on women and young girls as it relates to quality of life, education, mentoring, breast cancer awareness and various domestic issues.

What challenges have you faced as females in a Club?

We’re challenged with maintaining a tight sisterhood within our club. We have the right balance of the Ladyz on 2z members and our vision of becoming a well respected female riding club. Sometimes, the number of members you have doesn’t mean anything unless your entire group is on the same page as one unit. Quality over quantity is the focus and goal of Ladyz on 2z.

What are your favorite cities or roads to ride?

Our favorite cities to ride in are Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Florida. Our favorite roads are A1A San Marco and I95 & I295

What should a woman look for in an MC club?

A female should look for a motorcycle club that is the best fit for her needs. Some women seek out what a club is doing in the community, the close sisterhood formed within a club as well as the riding experience of a motorcycle club.

What does your club look for in a member?

Ladyz on 2z is a club with diverse members that bond with one another. The first thing we look for in a new member is how well will this person fits in with our existing active members. That is the most important thing in our club to keep our sisterhood intact. The love for the ride is key, as well as their ability to sustain a natural balance between the club and their personal life. The objective of our club is to have open effective communication with all members, to exchange ideas and keep in tune with the changes in attitude and behavior of club members. We promote social gatherings, area rides with club members as well as members from local communities and other motorcycle groups/ clubs. We improve each individual’s motorcycle riding experience through the collective knowledge experience and promote the club membership.

We also positively promote safe motorcycling within the community; and provide a recognized forum wherein any policy, program or interest to the members in general can be freely discussed without bias.

What annual events do you promote?

Ladyz on 2z has adopted several annual events that are promoted annually in our communities. The 1st Annual FREE Lunch on the Ladyz gave 100 hotdogs and hamburger lunches to the local community on a Sunday afternoon after church. The other annual event promoted by the Ladyz on 2z R/C is the Back to School Shopping Spree where 1 child was

able to get over a week’s supply of school clothes sponsored 100% by Ladyz on 2z. We also support a local motorcycle enthusiast in her annual all female ride every year. The 1st ride we participated in was the Cocoa Beach Ride and most recently the All Female Ride in Jacksonville, FL. Ladyz on 2z participates in a number of charity rides in our local community. Our goal is to continue our riding experience and begin traveling over state lines to gain the experience of other female riders that we support.

Are there any last words you’d like to leave us with?

Although Ladyz on 2z is a new club on the set, we are continuously striving for a way to keep our sisterhood strong. Our desire for 2017 is to ride more and talk less. There are a lot of great female clubs that we admire and have shared their longevity advice to us, while following proper M/C protocol. We have every desire to be around and taking longer rides as a unit to continue to make our sisterhood stronger.

How can we find you on social media?

You can find us on: Facebook- LadyzOn Twoz & Ladyz On 2z RC Instagram @ladyz_on_2z

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ver the last decade, the Motorcycle Community has grown to include hundreds of clubs, all with a different flavor and contribution to the culture. As an active advocate for riders, Patrice “Foxy” Johnson has works tirelessly to keep riders informed an help move the community forward. Let’s meet one of the most dynamic women behind the movement...

Tell us about yourself...

Infamously known as “Foxy” within the Motorcycle Community, I’m very actively involved. Currently, I serve as on the National Coalition of Motorcyclist team representing NC, as a Co-Chair for the NC ALL Female Ride Committee, General Manager for the MC Professional Convention aka “The PROC” and Business Manager for Vic’ious Ryders Motorcycle Club. I enjoy and have great passion for educating and helping bikers. Riding has become a past time as I love to ride the distance. I enjoy meeting and greeting fellow bikers on various ground pounding road trips. I’ve been riding for decades and committed to it wholeheartedly.

HONDA will forever be my first love, I’m now a Honda/Harley hybrid biker babe.

When not enjoying the sport of motorcycling, I’m a successful IT business executive managing global teams. My career yields many great opportunities to travel and meet bikers from all over the world. My background and focus on community collaboration has led to a number of volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles. I have a tremendous love to help and uplift others.

Although I thoroughly enjoy my career and being an avid female biker; family comes first and I enjoy my family to the FULLEST.

Describe your path to how you got to where you are with motorcycling today.

I started off my enjoyment for the sport of motorcycling by going to Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day with some friends; however, not knowing it was bike week. I enjoyed watching the bikes, although, not willing to ride and vowed with my friends I would not go back to Myrtle Beach during Memorial Day without having my own bike.

Although we all said that, out of the 3 of us I was the only one that stayed true to it and have enjoyed riding ever since. I made it a point to get out and ride, ride and ride to get comfortable and along the way wanted to meet others who shared the same passion. I’m as humbled as they come and enjoy building up my fellow sisters who want to or have started to ride. I give of myself to help others and have truly been blessed beyond measure.

Can you talk more about your path to success in motorcycling and what keeps you going?

I’m very motivated with the passion to meet and ride with other fellow bikers. It’s intriguing to take to the open roads and meet some of the most professional and avid motorcyclist around. Riding my motorcycle from place to place and meeting and greeting strangers is what keeps me going.

What is your vision for the future, say ten years from now?

I would love to see the sport of motorcycling get back to riding, fun and fellowship where everyone gets to meet and greet each other every chance they get to ride. A time where the bike set is one big family reunion not divided by patch, race or gender. I will do my part to continue bring about unity and educating those interested in continuing to be better bikers.

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Can you relate a good story from your motorcycling experiences? I remember riding to Cleveland, OH in 2005 and watching a young lady ride in on the back of a motorcycle with a guy friend. Not knowing this lady at all, I introduced myself to her, chatted for a while and I told her the next time I saw her I wanted to see her riding her own. 2 years later I run into this young lady again and she was riding her own, I was thrilled to have given her the motivation and encouragement to ride her own. Although miles apart as she lives in CT and I in NC we still stay in touch with each other.

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into motorcycling?

Research the sport, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, and PRACTICE. Do this because it’s something you want to do and not as a fad as it can be quite dangerous if not taken seriously. Be sure to get the motorcycle that is best suited for your riding style and not one based on what the in crowd rides. Have great passion for the sport and not an unrelated hidden agenda.

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If you could teleport to any other place and time in history and ride your bike, where and when would that be?

I love the twisties and although the Tail of the Dragon is awesome and checked off my bucket list; I would love to ride the Pyrenees Loop, in France and Spain.

It’s a head turner for its sensational scenery and mind-bending hairpins, this route is a favorite among European bikers. From Bilbao you spin east on the N260 (a legendary biking road worming into the Pyrenees), hit La Seu d’Urgell, then wind north to Andorra, dropping back to Spain at Bourg-Madame for 48 kilometers (30 miles) of twisties coiling down to Ripoli. At Figueres you can stop at the Dalí museum before rolling along the Mediterranean coast to France. This is one my bucket list as it’s said to be breath taking.

What’s your dream bike?

My dream bike is a Honda/Harley hybrid with deep throat hot shot Vanson Hines pipes, custom painted with skulls, my fetish for 10 years and counting, with a non-vibrating movement.

If you could go on a ride with any of your motorcycling heroes - living or dead - who would they be?

Bessie Stringfield, Seccret the Cross Country Rider and the Van Buren sisters.

What is your favorite Sunday ride to do when you’re back home?

I enjoy riding to EAT a ride with the only destination being great FOOD and fellowship.

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What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

A legacy where I’m remembered as being a motivator to others, a community leader and activist for the sport of motorcycling and my passion for riding.

Any thoughts about Black Girls Ride Magazine?

BGR magazine gives ladies in the sport of motorcycling to be seen globally experiencing the sport without riding in the shadow of males.

It also encourages and uplifts ladies who may want to ride but don’t know how to get started.

It’s nothing like educating and allowing ladies the networking opportunity worldwide. It’s definitely a MUST read magazine and has gained my respect and support wholeheartedly.

BE COUNTED!

LACE, GRACE & GEARS RALLY

BY STACI “FOXY BRN” ANDERSON

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF LACE, GRACE & GEARS RALLY

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s the number of female riders grows, so does the number of all female rallys and events. Sisters of the Asphalt Ribbon hosts the annual Lace, Grace & Gears Rally, and this year, the goal was to beat the world record of 5000 women bikers. Held in Beaumont, Texas, the Lace, Grace and Gears Rally is a great opportunity for women of all walks of life to ride and fellowship for the weekend. Proceeds from the riders contributed $20,000 to the Fisher House, a charity organization supporting sick veterans and their families. Staci “Foxy Brn” Anderson packed up her bike and headed on her ride to be counted...

Oct 1st, 2016 weather was 84 degrees. The sky was clear and bright. It was as if the angels knew there was going to be a large count of Female Bikers in town that day. The meet up spot for the parade was Jack Brook Airport, the location to see if the World Record of 5000 female bikers would be set. As my group pulled into the airport at 0730 am I know there had to be at least 250 rider’s on location. By 0900 am that count was at least 724. Prayer began... start your engines the Parade is about to began.

As I sat there and watched as each row of Female Bikers began to pull out the parking lot; this had to be one of my proudest moments because I was apart of History being made.

The route was 60 miles and took the parade around Beaumont and back to the airport. The Sheriff’s department did an excellent job with the escort and getting the bikers on to the highway.

The ride didn’t really experience that accordian effect. The bikers maintained their distance and no accidents. There were a couple of bike issues that were handled on the side of the road, which didn’t cause any problems with the ride itself.

The ride was an hour and half long, and ended where it started. The Love and Unity that I experienced that weekend was un-real. All the activities took place on Crockett St, which is located downtown Beaumont, TX. There were vendors, live music, a best bike contest, and a loudest pipe contest. Awards were also given to furthest traveled - a female had rode 1700 miles to get there, an award to the oldest Biker, which was 70 years old. I had the pleasure to take several pictures with some of the riders. Some of the license plates that I saw were out of, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Michigan. There women from Europe who were present to set the record of 1205 female bikers in 2015. Even though the world record wasn’t met, we set the United States Record of 808 female bikers at a single rally. I hope you’ll join us for the next Lace, Grace & Gears Rally in Bandera, TX, September 28 - October 1, 2017. For more info, visit lacegracegears.com!

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WINTERIZE YOUR RIDE!

BY SARAH “SECCRET” MOREAU

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otorcycles were made to ride in cold weather! Motorcycle maintenance is essential to assist with avoiding mechanical issues and unforeseen misfortunes.

Your motorcycle like your body requires investment of tender loving care to give you satisfactory performance to live for the ride during the winter just like you do in the summer. The motorcycle manual provides the prescription for motorcycle maintenance by the mileage on the odometer. It is crucial not to abuse your machine between service appointments and make a habit to inspect your motorcycle before you ride. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your winter ride...

Bike Preparation:

- Make sure the rubber on your tire can grip the pavement at lower temperatures and if you plan to ride in the snow, on ice or mud consider tires with studs.

- Check your tires to ensure the pressure inflation is accurate, there is no exposure of wire or metal coming out of the rubber, there are no nails, screws or hole punctures and flat spots because cold tires limit traction.

- Check your motorcycle owner’s manual to see if you can use thinner oil during the winter months to improve performance and if you can use antifreeze in the radiator if your motorcycle is liquid cooled.

- You may consider adding a few accessories to your motorcycle such as windshield, hand guards, fairing and lower leg fairings to assist with blocking wind.

- Make sure you know how much wattage your motorcycle alternator can handle before you hook up high watt items such as heated

motorcycle gear to include vests, jacket liners, pants, gloves, insoles and socks to avoid burns so you can enjoy a warm luxury ride.

Cold Weather Gear:

When it comes to winter riding gear, the goal is to keep your body warm and prevent heat from escaping from your head, feet and hands.

Don’t layer too much to restrict body movement for operating your motorcycle safely. Start with a base layer to cover your body that also absorbs moisture to maintain body temperature throughout the ride. If you do not have a full body suit, be sure to check your motorcycle riding gear for air gaps by making sure you tuck your shirt inside your pants, wear wool socks, wear a neck collar, wear a half mask over your face inside your helmet not only to keep your face warm, but to prevent fogging up your face shield if it’s not fog free for safe visibility and wear gauntlet gloves under the jacket sleeve. Choose a fleece mid layer for warmth and an outer layer that is wind proof.

In The Wind:

If you start shaking uncontrollably while riding your motorcycle because you are cold, find a place immediately to run hot water over your hands, sit inside and enjoy a hot cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate to warm your body.

Roadside motorcycle service comes with restrictions such as limited number of service calls for mechanical breakdowns within a certain time for battery, fuel, keys, flat tire, etc.

Towing services are usually for mechanical issues only. For example, if you call to request a tow truck because you are not able to ride your motorcycle through a flooded intersection to get to the gas station for fuel after a rain storm, the company may not provide tow service because there is nothing wrong with your motorcycle.

You are at a greater risk of laying your motorcycle down during the winter because of wild animals and road conditions such as ice, cracks, gravel and salt.

Check your motorcycle insurance policy to make sure you have protection in the event of an accident during off season months marked for winter storage or temporary lay-up, which suspends coverage to events related to a collision and your liability.

Plan a safe motorcycle ride, watch the weather forecasts and remember you have nothing to prove.

Visit Sarah at seccret.com to follow her journey and product reviews. Follow her on instagram: @seccret_cross_country_rider

OPEN LETTER TO NEW RIDERS

BY GEARCHIC PHOTOS COURTEST OF GEARCHIC.COM

So you just decided to get into riding motorcycles. WELCOME! We are so happy to have you. But before we get on the road, I just want to let you know a few things because you owe it to yourself to understand what you can expect.

I’ve seen so many new women join the ranks of fellow motorcyclists in recent years. The more women, the merrier! As a women’s gear enthusiast, the focus of my message is more about you, not your motorcycle.

Something that I keep seeing time and time again is the fact that many of you are simply wearing what you have in your regular closet.

And this is extremely risky, as if no one in your world has bothered to mention: “Hey, you know that jacket you’re wearing won’t do anything to prevent you from breaking your elbow, or shoulder or getting road rash” or “Hey, those boots are going to slip out from under you when you put your foot down on slippery pavement or an oil patch” “Hey, that open face helmet is still exposing your face and mouth, which are the most vulnerable parts in a crash” I feel like for some of us, this is definitely a no brainer. But that’s easier when you’ve grown up around motorcycles, or you have a lot of motorcycle friends, or are really familiar with motorcycle culture. But when you’re

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BRAND NEW and this is a totally alien planet/ community to you, it’s just not common sense yet. Because the little bit of motorcycling you’ve probably been exposed to is limited to movies, tv, movies and tv. And we can all agree that real life is very rarely portrayed accurately (Along with other sports/lifestyles).

So that’s what myself and my fellow female motorcyclists at Black Girls Ride Magazine are here to tell you. The reality is that your body NEEDS gear. It NEEDS to be protected. And that you ARE vulnerable. Period. If you really think that you will be immune to the risk of injury when you ride, you’re living in a fantasy world.

That’s why many people don’t ride motorcycles.

Here’s a shot of my elbow post accident back in 2014, and I was wearing the best possible motorcycle gear. Just imagine what that would’ve been like without any at all!

As a brand new rider, it might seem like you could never get hurt because you’re not “racing”. But you’re right, you’re not racing so you don’t have the protections from the track that you could use on the street like runoff, wide open spaces, large visual range and no obstructions or unpredictable obstacles entering your right of way. The constant stop and go traffic patterns make us vulnerable to being struck as we’re moving, and the last thing you want is for someone *else* to stop your motorcycle for you!

I was crossing the street this morning while walking my dog, and a car went speeding down our street going at least 30mph when they really should be going 15mph. I had a quick vision of that person not seeing me and hitting me as I crossed the street. The tremendous force would’ve thrown me a good 10-20 feet (at least) from where I stood.

But now imagine wearing a full face, Snell/ DOT approved helmet. And then head to toe protective gear with body armor covering your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and spine.

And then boots with ankle protection and reinforced soles, heels and toes. Now how would that turn out for me?

There are more choices today than ever before for women’s casual, functional, motorcycle gear than what’s available for the racetrack. Because there are far more of us riding on the street. I also find it ironic that if you’re riding around with just a tank top and nothing else, that you obviously are proud of your body. And have no trouble showing it off to everyone who sees you riding. But, the minute someone cuts you off, merges into you or turns left in front of you (which is a constant occurrence in Philly) then you’re going to lose what you’ve just shown everyone that you value so very much.

But I want to assure you of one thing, you can absolutely look fantastic while being safe and protected. No, you won’t have the exact same clothes as you are probably wearing right now on the motorcycle. If you’re in it for the Look of riding motorcycles, and not the Feel, then you’re in for a world of hurt. And a really expensive hospital bill, and potentially week(s) or month(s) off of work, a bruised ego and whatever else happens as a result of you making uninformed, uneducated choices.

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what’s coming and making your own decisions versus having absolutely no clue and making the worst choice that can result in living with regret. #atgatt (All The Gear, All The Time) Love, Joanne

Visit Joanne at GearChic.com for personalized advice, and how to find the right motorcycle gear. @gearchic

And Last but certainly not Least, meet my friend Brittany Morrow. She has an incredibly painful but inspiring story to tell which I think every new rider should read before they learn to ride their motorcycle. There’s absolutely no way for me to tell her story since it can only really be told by her words. Read her story at rockthegear.com and then make see if you can still make the same decision.

If after you’ve figured out everything that can possibly happen, and you still choose to wear very little or nothing at all then More power to you. And I honestly applaud your ability to take those kinds of risks, where I’m just a big wimp.

There’s a huge difference between knowing

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