2020 # 02
FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM THE FASTEST PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE SPORT BIKE RIDER
CONTENTS
2020 ISSUE #2
AD INDEX
FEATURES 7
FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE - LAUNCH PARTY
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KEMP, RUGE & GREEN YOUR MOTORCYCLE TEAM
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HEAVEN & ELSA VISIT SKY POWERSPORTS
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TWISTED TURTLE THURSDAY BIKE NIGHT
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TWO WHEEL HEROES
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ARIANA DOEG IS RIDE OR DIE
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COURTNEY LYNN JONE IS RIDE OR DIE
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THE TANK WHISPERER
Advertise With Us
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AJ Therapy Center
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Candy Coated Customs
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CraigPaintsBikes.com 38 Florida Property Advancements 38 Florida Ride Or Die Launch Party 20 Florida Ride or Die.com
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Florida Ride or Die Social 24 ON PAGE
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Heroes Benefit Honor Day
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Impel Insurance
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Kemp, Ruge & Green
IFC, BC
Liquidation Depot
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Media Design Shop
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National Imaging Specialist
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NT Fairing
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Powersports of Palm Beach 6
REPORTS
Renewal Rehabilitation
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Ride Or Die Motorsports
IBC 38
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CONTENTS
Rosanna Torres Realtor
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RIDE SAFE RIDE SMART INTERSECTION AWARENESS
SportbikeFL 6
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UZI DRE READS RIDE OR DIE
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ROSANNA TORRES-LA PANDA
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KEMP’S CAUSES
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CANDY COATED CUSTOMS
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TAMPA ELITE A FAMILY BUSINESS
Sky PowerSports Port Richey 19
ON PAGE ON PAGE
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2020 # 02
Tampa Elite 35 Tiger Lady
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Twisted Turtle Thursdays
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Trim Printing
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FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE 4377 Commercial Way #215 Spring Hill, FL, 34606
PUBLISHER Antonio Hernandez antoniohernandez4949@yahoo.com
ON THE COVER
CO-PUBLISHER
STACY KEMP, ATTORNEY AT KEMP, RUGE & GREEN YOUR MOTORCYCLE TEAM (727) 847-4878 PHOTOS: BY CHRIS MILLER LOCATION: SKY POWERSPORTS PORT RICHEY
Kathleen Valen
SALES OFFICE FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
727-944-6961
THE FASTEST PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE SPORT BIKE RIDER
Florida Ride Or Die Magazine | 727-944-6961 | floridarideordie.com | Law Firm - KempRugeGreen.com
The information contained herein is provided by Florida Ride or Die Magazine or by its advertisers.FLROD makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue.Florida Rideor Die Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Florida Ride or Die Magazine.Florida Ride or Die Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that my result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.floridarideordie.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copywrite or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. FROD Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information.No guarantees or warranties including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by FLROD Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Florida Ride or Die Magazine.
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You should be especially aware at intersections, where other vehicles can cross your path of travel. There are many things to scan for, including traffic devices, road surfaces, and the traffic and pedestrians around you. In a slow, tight turn, such as turning around in a parking lot, it helps to counterweight by leaning in the opposite direction of the motorcycle and direction of the turn. Put pressure on the outside footrest. Info: www.msf-usa.org
UZI DRE READS RIDE OR DIE
SUNDAY JULY 12TH WAS A HISTORIC DAY FOR FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE AND ANTONIO HERNANDEZ
we had 2782 people that attended the magazine launch party. This awesome car and bike show was filled with family friendly competitions and raffles. Adding to the fun, were the 2Wheel Heroes, Tiger Lady Angela and Blodie Braaps. Antonio is always looking for ways to help the community and people in need on this special day all proceeds from the events raffle went to help a little one who has autism, Elijah Alexander. Our launch party was truly an amazing day that we were able to bring together the biker and car club community. Special thanks also goes out to Stacy Kemp of Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group, we also want to thank each and every vendor that came out and supported a wonderful cause you rocked it, Angela’s Car Show (AKA TIGER LADY) for doing an amazing job on hosting a
wonderful car truck and bike show everyone showed their love and support and brought out their beautiful rides and can’t thank you all enough, DJ Dinero for doing an amazing job throughout the show it was definitely on point it showed his love and support for a great cause. Huge shout out to Kathleen, Tiger Lady, Rosanna and Idalis and all the volunteers for taking the time out and doing a great job and making sure everything ran smooth you are a team. Thank you to all the motorcycle and car clubs that came out to show their love and support, El balcon De Jorge for allowing us to have a place to host our wonderful event. If it wasn’t for you all coming to support a great cause this event would not be possible so thank you.
THIS WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF MORE GREAT THINGS TO COME FROM FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE. STAY TUNED. FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE IN AN ACCIDENT! FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO HAVE THE AMAZING STACY KEMP AS OUR IN-HOUSE PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY AND EXPERT ON ALL THINGS IN THE LEGAL FIELD. IF YOU ARE EVER INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, OR ANY OTHER KIND OF ACCIDENT FOR THAT MATTER, STACY CAN HELP YOU!
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“WE ARE VERY EXPERIENCED AND HAVE THREE PRIOR DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ON STAFF. MANY OF OUR ATTORNEYS HAVE BEEN ACCLAIMED AS AMONG THE ONE PERCENT OF ALL ATTORNEYS IN THE COUNTRY...” 124
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When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the effect can be devastating. If someone else caused your injury, the only way to recover for your medical bills and other losses is through a personal injury claim. The Personal Injury Attorneys at Kemp, Ruge & Green Law Group handle many issues in the areas of personal injury law including motorcycle and auto accidents, slip and falls, work related auto accidents, defective consumer products and just about anything else. Stacy and her team focus on providing clients with the best possible results-driven service. Best of all, you only pay when you win in injury cases. We asked Stacy what made her want to become an attorney in injury law. “I started as a court reporter,” Stacy says. “As the Court Stenographer, I was involved in every possible kind of hearings for seven years. After listening to so many people’s stories, I decided I wanted to help them by being an attorney and fighting for them. I was pregnant with my second child when I graduated law school and my priority was to be a mom. So I didn’t want to work with a big law firm and I decided to open up my own firm in June of 2008.” When asked how her law firm can help riders who have suffered an accident, Stacy says, “We are very experienced and have three prior defense attorneys on staff. Many of our attorneys have been acclaimed as among the one percent of all attorneys in the country, and they’re right here in our area, ready to help you. Motorcycle accidents are often severe and you want someone on your side who can handle severe accidents. We have a strong knowledge and ability to handle those kinds of cases. Our firm is both tech savvy and well-funded in order to hire the experts you will need to show evidence and make your case stronger.”
medical bills for injuries when you are involved in an accident with someone who is uninsured. If you don’t have this coverage, call your car or motorcycle insurance agent and make sure you are covered.” Another thing to look into is stacking insurance. This is when you have multiple vehicles that are insured. “Stacking insurance is also an option if you have more than one vehicle covered on an insurance policy. It gives you the ability to have more overall coverage and to get more money in the event of an accident,” Stacy tells us. When asked why riders should choose the Law Firm of Kemp, Ruge & Green, Stacy says, “We really strive for excellent client communication and satisfaction. We want you to get the best service and best outcome. I treat my firm like a business. The client is always right.” For more information visit Stacy’s site at www.kemprugegreen.com or call 727-847-HURT and check out all the positive reviews on Google and Facebook.
What do you do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident? Stacy says that first you should call 911. “Make sure you get the proper medical care. After that, make sure to make a police report. Don’t just exchange information with the person who caused the accident. Call the Sherriff’s office,” Stacy says. “Plus you want information from any witnesses. Use your smartphone to take pictures of the scene of the accident and also use it to get video statements about what happened. Walk up to witnesses with your phone and say, ‘I have you on video, tell me what happened.’ Collect as much evidence as you can before the police get there.” What happens next? “We try to resolve your case without going to court in order to get you the maximum amount of money for your injury. Plus, when we settle out of court, the attorney’s fees are less,” Stacy tells us. “We find that we can settle out of court 80-percent of the time with a pre-lawsuit settlement. If it has to go to litigation, we file suit and do depositions and will push the case as far as we have to in order to get the settlement our client deserves.” We asked how important uninsured motorist insurance coverage is to have and Stacy told us it is extremely important! “Many drivers are driving around today uninsured. And you have no one to go after if you have an accident. Uninsured Motorist Coverage covers your FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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SUNDAY AUGUST 30TH 12P TENOR FELICIEN JR. CPL US ARMY KOREAN WAR - 1951
7 STEPS OF HELL ARMORED DIVISION TENOR FELICIEN JR.
GREAT FOOD AND DRINKS 50/50 RAFFLES
COME OUT AND HELP HONOR OUR HEROES
TWISTED TURTLE - 1742 N. DALE MABRY TAMPA, FL 3361
12PM TO 5PM THADDEUS “DOC” BENJAMIN SPEED US NAVY - 1963 E4 MEDICAL HOSPITAL CORPSMAN
THADDEUS “DOC” BENJAMIN SPEED
CAR TRUCK BIKE SHOW $10 REGISTRATION
ALL MONEY COLLECTED BY ITEMS RAFFLED WILL GO 100% TO OUR HONORED VETERANS FL 33618 • VENDOR INFO CALL ANGELA 813.506.4225
MEET ELSA AND HEAVEN FROM RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE
TWISTED TURTLE TH LADIES NIGHT - BIKES - CARS - VENDORS - WIN
11742 N. DALE MABRY HW
LE THURSDAY BIKE NIGHT ORS - WIN FREE SHOTS - GREAT FOOD - LIVE DJ - GIVEAWAYS
MABRY HWY - TAMPA - 813-443-8258
ROSANNA TORRES
LA FIEBRE DE TAMPA BIKE NIGHTS
La Fiebre de Tampa is a gathering that happens every Wednesday and Saturday nights at 4301 W Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, Florida. La Fiebre starts at 8pm and stands are up by 9pm. From here we pick a route down Highway 60 through Clearwater, making a stop in Gandy and ending in Ybor City. Most Wednesdays we take 60b ending at the Quaker Steak & Lube Bike Night located at 10400 49th Street, N. Clearwater, where we eat and enjoy the live music and meet more bikers from there.
we check out the Bay Area Riders at Tampa Joe’s and Wednesday nights we head out to Quaker Steak & Lube. Many bike nights feature music, food and drinks and they also have raffles that give you the opportunity to win bike gear and more. These bike nights are extremely fun and they are following the CDC guidelines for the current situation of Covid-19. We are all going through so many changes right now that it feels good to be slowly going back to normal, allowing us to spend time doing what we love.
Bike nights are amazing and there are several bike nights throughout the week such as Ride or Die bike night on Thursday at Twisted Turtle in Carrollwood. On Tuesday nights
We all have different reasons why we ride, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the passion we have for motorcycles. I hope you will come out and support bike nights and the night rides and always remember, never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly. Love, — Rosanna Torres
La Fiebre in Tampa is for those who enjoy riding and meeting new people to get together, enjoy night rides and relax a bit with others who share the same two-wheeled passion. The group that has been keeping this event going for many years is Rompe Corillos 24/7. We welcome all single riders as well as riding groups to come and join us.
Anytime you want to come out on a Wednesday or Saturday night and ride with us, Rompe Corillos 24/7 is always ready to ride, rain or shine. We ride every Wednesday and Saturday night.
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established
JAN. 2016
IN JANUARY 2016 THE 2WHEEL HEROES WAS ESTABLISHED AS A DREAM by a man named Clark who wasn’t happy with the riding groups he was a part of. He didn’t feel they were organized and really weren’t all about making kids happy. One day his son said to him “ Dad why don’t you start your own group”? The question made a lot of sense, so he got together with a friend and came up with the name ‘2Wheel Heroes’. ‘2Wheel’ for them being motorcycle enthusiasts and ‘Heroes’ because they were both veterans. So the 2Wheel Heroes were born. You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to be a part of the group, but there is a lot more to it than just putting on a costume. When doing this you must know your character. For some it’s an extension of you, a piece or a whole part of your personality. You must be a dedicated person to do this. It is like another job but in costume and you get to make children smile. There have been a lot of people that have said they want to join but then realize how much dedication it really takes. Clark, the original founder of the group,was not well behaved as a kid. Clarks father took him to meet one of his heroes, Darth Vader at a local retail store and Clark was able to have his picture taken with him. He thought things couldn’t get any better, but boy was he wrong. The man that was playing Darth
etter b o n s a w e r e h “t k in g a a m n a h t g in l e fe y t a k in g b t s u j e il m s k id a k id ...” h it w e r u t ic p a
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took a break and actually sat down with a young Clark and explained that there was no better feeling than making a kid smile just by taking a picture with a kid and a few kind words or catch phrases. For Clark this was life changing. As a person with learning disabilities he knew what it was like to be treated differently. He knows how hard it is to succeed in life, so 2Wheel Heroes were born to make kids smile one picture at a time. The 2Wheel heroes are a licensed Non-Profit Children’s Cosplay Entertainment group through the M.U.C.H Foundation, Motorcycle Division. We entertain kids at different events to help raise money for whatever charity they are affiliated with for each event, or we choose a charity and at the end of the year all the money we raised gets donated to said charity. Some of those events are the Special Olympics where disabled children can compete in competitive events designed especially for them. We also go to The Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida at the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida. The Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida is a private camp for kids that have suffered severe burns. The camp gives them the opportunity to have fun without being stared at or ridiculed for their scars. We also visit hospitals to see kids that are sick to brighten up their day or for their birthdays. We also go to private birthday parties. Everyone that is a part of the 2Wheel heroes give their time freely as volunteers and we do not charge for doing what we do, however we do accept tips to help us keep doing what we do. Those tips help us purchase soda’s, water, and snacks. We also may go out to family meals after some events to celebrate the day, and it helps with any other necessities needed for the group.. This isn’t about ‘us’, this is all about the kids. Currently we are only in the Tampa Bay area but we hope that one day we’ll have enough members and be recognized enough to travel to other states to keep spreading the smiles of kids in need all over. Now as said prior you don’t have to have a motorcycle to be a part of this group. You just have to have the heart and the dedication to do what we do. The 2Wheel heroes with motorcycles also enjoy putting the kids on the bikes to take pictures with any hero or villain that is available at that time with supervision. The 2Wheel Heroes have several characters in their line up such as Deadpool, Batman, Superman. Ghost Rider, Spiderman, Belle and Beast from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Anna from ‘Frozen’. Those are just a few. Clark and his wife Nicole have been organizing rides and events for 4 years and are looking for new dedicated members with big hearts that can help. .Even if you don’t want to dress up, there are other volunteer positions available such as promotions, working the booth and crowd control. At the booth we sell key chains and stickers to also help us keep going. Nicole does all the bookings and paperwork but she also runs our booth and works with the female section of the group. Clark works with the men and does our marketing. .As stated before, we are currently recruiting for more members,from costumed characters to people behind the scenes. They are just as important as the characters. So now you know the 2Wheel Heroes and as our motto goes “ It only takes one act of kindness to be a Hero”!!!! So check us out on Facebook and watch our blogs on youtube at 2wheel Heroes. FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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YOU TRIED THE REST, NOW COME SEE THE BEST.
POWDER COATING IS A SAFE PROCESS,
low in toxicity and flammability, that provides not only color but also a protective finish. The powder coating process is often quicker and more efficient than wet paint. It is more resistant to cracking, peeling, chipping, abrasion, and rust, while providing superior color retention. Here at CCC We specialize in powder coating services that will make your bike stand out in a crowd, giving it an unforgettable finish that is also durable and protective. Located in Tampa’s historic Ybor City, our team is highly trained and experienced, taking pride in every bike We work on while never taking shortcuts. Your bike can be coated in just about any color imaginable. The frame, wheels, and every tiny nut will look amazing, uniquely representing you and your personality. Before powder coating your bike, we remove rust, paint, old powder coating, and other defects from metal parts through sandblasting or chemical stripping. After we powder coat your bike, you will be proud of the flawless and perfect finish that turns heads when you ride. To protect the environment, we also use an eco-friendly
and non-corrosive process to strip your parts. Make CCC your only powder coating, paint, sandblasting and vinyl wrap specialists. Brian, Yenny and the CCC team are ready to help you take your ride to the next
level. Give Us a chance to earn your business by contacting Us with any questions and for pricing information.
WE OFFER: Powder coating, Ceramic coating Sandblasting, Chemical stripping, Wraps and decals, Custom paint jobs, Tire mounting and balancing *Family Owned and operated *se Habla Español.
2211 N 38TH ST. SUITE B TAMPA, FL 33605 (813)769-9216 WWW.CCCPOWDERCOATING.COM
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IS RIDE OR DIE MY NAME IS ARIANA DOEG, I’M 26 YEARS OLD, I LIVE IN LAKELAND FLORIDA. AND I LOVE TO RIDE!!! My first bike was a 2012 Kawasaki ninja 250, and I easily grew out of it. My current bike is a 2019 Kawasaki ninja 636. I’ve been riding 2 years now. I generally ride all over. Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona and everything in between, but I do keep it local most of tthe time. I love riding with a group of friends, we can all just unwind and have some fun, Wind therapy. I’ve always been into the automotive scene so sport bikes weren’t too far off, and when I got the hang of two wheels vs four.. I fell in love. It’s a whole new adrenaline rush! I generally ride all over Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona and everything in between, but I do keep it local most of the time. When I’m not riding I work at the Fun Bike Center Motorsports as the receptionist and also as their
brand ambassador.
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$5
KEMP, RUGE & GREEN $5,000 MONTHLY GIVEAWAYS TO YOUR CAUSE!
HERE’S HOW TO WORKS -E ach month, we will donate $5,000 divided up between 10 winners at 500.00 each.
-K emp’s causes can range from schools, youth sports, dance groups, rotary clubs, or even just an individual or family that needs a helping hand. - Please, no political campaigns.
CHILDREN’S CHARITIES, ANIMAL GROUPS, SPORT TEAMS, VETERAN CHARITIES SCHOOL GROUPS
- I n order to nominate a cause, all you have to do is look at our monthly video on our Facebook or our YouTube channel (Kemp’s Causes playlist), and leave a comment under the video with the cause you would like to nominate. The two platforms will not be added together if a nomination appears twice
- You can only nominate one cause per month.
-W e will calculate the winner based on the amount of “likes” or “thumbs up” your comment receives. - I f you do win, you are not eligible to win again for 90 days. - I nvite your friends, family, really anyone you ca n to get vote for your cause.
- T he contest will run each month for seven days from Friday until the following Friday at 9 am. - We will announce the winners on Friday.
-W e will open nominations again the following month.
- L et us know if you have any questions or need any assistance. -G ood luck!
You must Comment Under the Youtube or Facebook video. That is where the likes will be calculated. Do not nominate the same cause more than once or on more than one platform. Only likes on one nomination can be used. They cannot be added together.
FACEBOOK: @KEMPRUGELAWGROUP YOUTUBE: KEMP ROUGE & GREEN LAW GROUP
WE ARE GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR A YEAR!
IS RIDE OR DIE WHERE WERE YOU BORN - Lake City, MN HOW LONG IN FLORIDA - 1 Year
HOW LONG YOU BEEN RIDING - Year And A Half HOW OLD ARE YOU - 25 Years Old
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WANT TO RIDE I was raised in Ellsworth, Wisconsin and rode horses my entire life. I always loved motorcycles but feared them for many years because a family friend was killed on one. It wasn’t until I moved to Florida a year ago and met my best frend and boyfriend who has been riding motorcycles for the last 12 years. I saw his passion for riding and wanted the same, I finally faced my fear and rode the first time on the back of his 2018 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10. After the first ride on the bike I was all in and told james I wanted my own bike. I went to the motorcycle dealership and bought a 2016 Kawasaki Ninja EX300 ABS and I absolutely love it!! Riding my motorcycle is a feeling of freedom and the best stress reliever. I have been apart of Florida Ride or Die for a year and it is like a family, it doesn’t matter what you ride but that you ride. I look forward to what the future holds for florida ride or die. I am currently in cosmotology school and when I am not in school you will always find me riding my bike. If I could give advice to any new rider it would be ride your own ride and dress for the slide not the ride. FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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TAMPA ELITE MOTORCYCLE & CUSTOM IS A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS STARTED BY MIKE SULIEMAN.
Mike has 9 children, 6 boys and 3 girls, 3 of which work at the shop. He also has 3 brothers which all are master mechanics. Tampa Elite, ran by Mike as head tech along with his youngest brother Yousif by his side. The Service writer is Mike’s eldest son Hum who will greet you and assist you with your repair and purchase needs. Then you have his 2 teenage sons Jub, 14 and Nuz, 13 who assist when school is out on vacation. Mike at Tampa Elite alongside with his 2 other siblings Alex and Musa will be opening a second location in St. Petersburg as they want to expand their services within the Bay Area. As you can tell the business is built based on family foundation and that’s how they treat their customers with no exceptions.
Want to talk about finding the best prices and quick turnaround in town? They have over 25,000 parts in stock and over 500 new tires and Mike can guarantee to beat any prices with the exception of online prices. You know the saying, “you get what you pay for” well at Tampa Elite you get what you pay for and much more. You get quality work, OEM parts, best prices and you gain a new extended family.
When the doors to Tampa Elite were opened there were no customers. With hard, quality work and dedication, the shop has become one of the busiest, reputable shops in the Bay Area with 5-star ratings. With over 30 years of experience and continued education Tampa Elite has become one of the most competitive repair shops in town. They specialize in repairs and customization for all make, model and year for motorcycles, as well as ATV’s, UTV’s, and vehicles. No job is too big or too hard to handle. The effort that’s put into their work and customer service speaks for itself. Mike’s goal is to provide exceptional work with 100% customer satisfaction, loyalty and safety. 3 24
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stock at w the you work, amily.
CRAIG PAINTS BIKES…
AND LOTS MORE!
Craig Skiver paints bikes. In fact, he is known around Tampa Bay as “The Tank Whisperer” because he has an almost mystical ability to mind-meld with an ailing motorcycle gas tank in order to restore it to pristine condition. What exactly is a tank whisperer? Simply put, Craig rescues gas tanks. He can take a rusty, leaky gas tank that has been buried in the ground for a decade and bring it back to life. This nearly lost art involves repairing tanks with holes in them and that have been rusted beyond belief. “I make it so you can put gas in the tank again and make it new inside and out,” Craig tells us. There’s a reason why world class airbrush wizard Chris Cruz uses Craig to bring old sheetmetal to life. It’s because Chris only works with the best. A rider himself, Craig loves all things with two or three wheels and all marquees of motorcycles are represented on his website, from Harleys to Hondas, Suzukis to Kawasakis such as the one you are looking at here. This hybrid 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000 has a Moto Guzzi front end, a Ducati tail and parts from Suzuki in there as well. Craig was approached by Santiago Choppers to create this street fighter based on the look of a rare Godier Genoud (look it up – it was one of the most prestigious Kawasaki racing bikes back in the 1970s). “I’ve done two of them,” Craig say, “and I had to have this one. It is a rolling business card for my company.” The bike 3 26
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features hand-picked Kawasaki colors, and as you might guess, it has won lots of trophies. Foundational paintwork has been Craig’s mainstay for many years and he is known for creating awesome custom graphics and super symmetrical pinstriping. Craig also handles all manner of sheetmetal repair including welding services, plastic and fiberglass fabrication. The main mission at Craig Paints Bikes is to produce amazing paintjobs by working with each customer to make their custom dreams come true. “We bring your motorcycle to life,” Craig says. “We can make your bike or trike extraordinary, designing and painting the baddest street bikes around.” He is well known throughout the southeast for reproducing colors and candy paint on vintage motorcycles and Japanese street bikes such as the Honda Sunflake Orange Candy used on CB 500s, CB 550s and CB 750s. Kawasaki Super Candy Red, Super Candy Blue, Rich Candy Gold and the obscure Halibut Blue Candy used in the 1970s on these coveted vintage motorcycles. Even Yamaha’s RD colors like Brandy Red have been reformulated with great success. Some of Craig Paints Bikes efforts have been featured on the Discovery Channel’s show Cafe’ Racer. “Santiago Choppers exclusively relies on my painting services for all of their custom motorcycles,” Craig says proudly. Westcoast Cycle in Tampa has also relied on Craig Paints Bikes in Tampa for over eight years to meet their needs, and more importantly, their customers’ needs to get their scooters back on the road and looking great. “Nicely polished parts are a must,” Craig says. “And the tanks must be perfect because they are the focal point on any motorcycle.” And who would know that better than The Tank Whisperer? For more information, visit craigpaintsbikes.com or call 813-407-2226. —Squid FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM
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THE TANK WHISPERER MAKES YOUR OLD TANKS LAST FOREVER
The heart and soul of your bike is the fuel tank. Originally, the tank was new and clean, but over the years that all has changed. If you are tired of cleaning carburetors or think you need a new tank because yours is too rusty or it leaks, I have the solution. We clean tanks and preserve the metal – even permanently stop leaks! The highgrade epoxy coating we use is second to none; we can even remove most Kreem and Red-Kote liners. We have a fast turnaround time; it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all week.
813-407-2226 or CraigPaintsBikes.com