March '21 - Florida Ride or Die Magazine

2021 # 05

FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM THE FASTEST PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE SPORT BIKE RIDER

CONTENTS

2021 ISSUE #5

FEATURES 7

THE BIKER BOOK FOR CHARITY

14

RIDING VALENTINO

28 32 36

FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MEDIA KIT REINKARNATED TATTOO THE TANK WHISPERER CRAIG PAINTS BIKES

REPORTS 2

CONTENTS

5

RIDE SAFE RIDE SMART INTERSECTIONS

10

ALEXIA PETE

22

JAYE + LUCIFER UNITED WE ROLL

27

TAMPA ELITE

31

CANDY COATED CUSTOMS

34

ROSA

ON PAGE

[14]

813 Audio

40

Advertise with FLROD

25, 26

AJ Therapy

4

Attorney Advice

IBC

Candy Coated Customs

26

FLROD Website

13

Health Management Daily

24

JAM Orlando

19

Join Social Groups

3, 24

Kemp, Ruge & Green

IFC, 1

Kemp, Ruge & Green

BC,5

Kemps Causes

6

Legends Barber

38

NT Fairings

39

Palm Beach Powersports

11

Tampa Elite

30

Total Vitality

12

Trim Printing

38

Weeki Washee

35

FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE 4377 Commercial Way #215 Spring Hill, FL, 34606

PUBLISHER

ON THE COVER

Antonio Hernandez floridarideordiemagazine@yahoo.com

CO-PUBLISHER

STACY KEMP KEMP, RUE & GREEN

Kathleen Hernandez

SKY POWERSPORTS NEW PORT RICHEY

727-944-6961

SALES OFFICE

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

KEMP, RUGE & GREEN $5,000 MONTHLY GIVEAWAYS TO YOUR CAUSE!

HERE’S HOW TO WORKS Each month, we will donate $5,000 divided up between 10 winners at 500.00 each.

Kemp’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

In 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.

We will calculate the winner based on the amount of “likes” or “thumbs up” your comment receives.

If you do win, you are not eligible to win again for 90 days.

Invite your friends, family, really anyone you can to get vote for your cause.

The contest will run each month for seven days from Friday until the following Friday at 9 am.

- We will announce the winners on Friday.

We will open nominations again the following month.

Let us know if you have any questions or need any assistance.

Good 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!

Written by Louise Lewis

Introduction:

Today is Christmas Eve. The sky, blue with puffy white clouds. The air, a balmy seventy degrees.

A typical winter’s day in Southern California. It is also the day of the annual toy run at the children’s hospital. Although I’ve volunteered here for almost two years now, this is my first opportunity to bear witness to the magic that is about to unfold.

I am Louise Lewis and I am the (cager) gal with the award-winning book, The Meaning of Life According to Bikers: The Biker Book for Charity--written by the women and men of the motorcycle community.

The women and men of the motorcycle community, along with generous photographers, have helped create an easy to read, thought provoking, and visually stunning book loved by riders and non-riders alike.

Wait one minute, Louise? You…a cager… created this book? How did that happen?

I was simply minding my own business, volunteering at my local children’s hospital when I pulled a volunteer shift, Christmas 2006, to help the hospital kids attend the annual H.O.G. Chapter Toy Run. It was on that day that I fell in love with the charitable heart of the motorcycle community.

Here’s the book’s Introduction that describes the moment from the Toy Run that forever changed the trajectory of my life.

For over twenty years, a local H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapter has dedicated Christmas Eve to putting smiles on kids’ faces by rolling onto the hospital grounds with an eye-popping array of toys, games, and stuffed animals.

My job is to escort the kids–those who got permission from their nurses–outside onto the sunny lawn. All morning long, the kids ask: “When are the biker dudes coming?

What’s the biker dudes gonna bring me?

Can I sit on a biker’s bike?”

With help from other volunteers, sick children from ages two to fourteen stream slowly out of the hospital—some in wheelchairs, some pulling along their IV poles, others clutching the hands of the nearest adults. They know that in a few minutes over a hundred motorcyclists on super-shiny machines will roll deafeningly through the parking lot bearing gifts just for them.

The kids jockey for the best viewing positions, some sitting cross-legged or squatting on the

grass, others lucky enough to find some folding chairs set up for the occasion.

Happy to escape the confines of their small hospital rooms, they wait restlessly,

faces aglow with anticipation and wonder. Minutes go by. Then excitement crackles in the air as the muffled roar of motorcycles is heard down the road.

A traffic light turns green and a cavalry of bikes barrels through the intersection, revving their engines to the delight of the kids. “It’s the biker dudes!” screams someone in the crowd. “Yay! They’re here!”

This yelling onlooker happens to be me!

Surveying the crowd, I see that some of the children are stranded behind others, craning their necks to see what’s going on. Others, absent of family or friends to share the day, shy away from the big noise and hug the walls of the building, far from the action. Oh, this will not do! I grab some kids’ hands and poke through the crowd, prodding adults out of the way and leading the bewildered youngsters to front-row views. Several wary children are now close enough to actually feel the heat from the engines blasting past.

Two by two, row after row, bikes of all shapes and colors roll by. Men on bikes.

Women on bikes. Men and women on bikes and trikes. Decked-out Santas wave and smile at the small fry in their jammies, bandages, hospital gowns, and rolling IV units.

The deafening roar finally subsides as the last of the bikers rumble into the parking lot and the bikes are shut off. Now the procession to the toy bins begins. There are four big, empty containers already waiting along the wall of the hospital, behind the kids. The bikers head over to the bins and begin filling them to the brim with the colorful bounty they’ve brought.

Watching each rider, the kids quickly check out every toy that drifts past them, eyeballing which one they might want.

I stroll through the crowd, making sure each child is okay. Warm enough? Need a chair? Did you see the cool bikes? Wanna sit on one? As I make my way through, FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM

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there he is, a fragile little boy in his hospital PJs, maybe five or six years old, sitting all alone, with his little legs dangling over the edge of his chair. Although sullen, he seems aware of his surroundings, yet at the same time oblivious. I’m sure being a patient gives him more pressing things to think about than bikers and toys. Or does it? Instantly my heart opens to him.

As I approach the little munchkin, from the corner of my eye I notice a badass-looking biker dude is also headed his way.

I mean no disrespect when I refer to this man, but he is fully decked out as the hardcore stereotype of The Biker. Had I been casting a biker movie, this guy would be called back on the first day and he wouldn’t need any help from the wardrobe department. He has the do-rag on his head and a long, straggly, graying beard. Faded tattoos march up and down both arms. Worn leather chaps and vest. A chunky metal chain strung from his belt to his back pocket. The classic, weathered, Easy Rider boots. He is the complete picture, the real deal.

I make way for the biker to approach the little boy. After all, this gentleman is a participant in the toy run, part of the reason the kids have something to look forward to on this Christmas Eve. The boy is well aware of the approaching man and eyeballs him up and down. I’m nervous. This little boy looks very unsure of himself and I’m worried that the man is going to intimidate him.

This could end in disaster or at least tears. As the biker takes another step toward him, I look in the little boy’s eyes growing wider as an “oh my God!” expression spreads across his face.

With each step by the biker dude, the little boy leans farther and farther back in his chair.

Then I turn toward the man and gaze into his eyes. Well, I’ll be damned. Would you look at that! There is as much fear in the biker dude’s eyes as there is on the face of the sick little boy.

Is he simply preparing himself in case the boy freaks out and starts crying? Two boys: one big, one small, and each afraid of the other. This I’ve got to see. I don’t move a muscle and breathlessly wait to see how this plays out.

Slowing his steps, the man stops within arm’s length, crouches down to eye level with the boy, and shakily extends a teddy bear. Well, that’s all it takes. With one look at that teddy bear, the sick little boy turns into a regular little kid. He looks up at the biker and gives him the toothiest smile I have ever seen.

The dude’s face flushes with relief and joy. And in that moment, these two boys become one. With the gift of a simple teddy bear, all fear vanishes.

In the middle of a crowded parking lot filled with kids, bikes, and riders milling around, the little boy is smiling, the biker dude is smiling, and I’m crying like a baby. As I wipe away the tears, I hear God say: Your next book is on bikers. I reply: Okay.

In this moment, I learn a simple truth about these folks who straddle a “wild thang”. Behind their don’t-fuck-with-me masks, this tough-looking crowd is truly a bunch of loving teddy bears with big-ass hearts.

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Witnessing that awesome encounter between the sick little boy and the biker dude opened my eyes and, dare I say, opened my mind as well. Deeply moved by that moment, I felt I’d been let in on a major secret—these riders are really special people. I was now damned curious to learn what goes on in their heads. And to share my findings with the world.

It seemed only appropriate, if not obvious, that since this book began at a children’s hospital, it should be used to help youngsters. And as I learn more about the charitable heart of the motorcycle community, I see just how generous bikers really are: holding thousands of charity rides and other events every year for every cause under the sun. Surveys show that riders give to charity and participate in charitable causes far more than nonriders do, dedicating entire rides to feed the hungry, provide for veterans, aid in cancer research, and yes, to brighten the lives of children in need.

Join me in celebrating this amazing community that continually gives back and provides a charitable example for all to follow.

With God’s Mission for me firmly planted in my heart, I took a road trip, interviewing riders at several motorcycle rallies-Sturgis was first—asking everyone only one question: what is the meaning of life?

After the rallies, I next asked the book’s social media Followers to join the fun. Lastly, I knocked on the door of every single famous person who “straddles a wild thang.” Joining the many regular folks in submitting a quote to the book are famous riders: Peter Fonda, John Paul DeJoria, Travis Tritt, Kyle Petty, Lorenzo Lamas, to name just a few.

Since the book was ‘born’ at a children’s hospital, 100 percent of the proceeds and donations received are donated to children’s hospitals.

The Biker Book for Charity’s goal is to donate to every children’s hospital in the U.S. A lofty goal indeed but: I will “get ‘er done!”

ORDER INFORMATION:

FOR AUTOGRAPHED, PERSONALIZED COPIES (U.S. ONLY): www.thebikerbookforcharity.com ALSO AVAILABLE ON AMAZON FOR DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ORDERS. FOR QUANTITY DISCOUNTS: SCHIFFER PUBLISHING – 610-593-1777 TO JOIN FORCES WITH THE BIKER BOOK FOR CHARITY TO SPONSOR A CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, GROUPS, SOLESPONSORS, AND CORPORATIONS CAN CONTACT LOUISE AT WWW.THEBIKERBOOKFORCHARITY.COM

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ALEXIA PETE AGE: 21

PHOTOS: SEVENTH GEAR PRODUCTIONS

Hi, my name is Alexia Pete. I’m from Florida but I grew up in Washington state with three other siblings including my mom. After years of living in Washington, we moved back to Florida my last year of high school due to family deaths in 2016. So much for being the shy quiet girl, I quickly grew out of my comfort zone. I now consider myself a multi-talented individual. Within the last couple years I’ve been exposed to wonderful people and great opportunities like doing clients hair, fashion shows, doing interviews, Photoshoots with great photographers and so much more. Soon enough, I made a decision to join the Air Force, which has always been a goal of mine that I’ve procrastinated on for years. If something is destined for you it will always make its way back to you.

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RIDING VALEN TINO R

NEALE BAYLY

In my peripheral vision the smooth yellow, orange, and blue line flows effortlessly past the windscreen, indicating I have found the place I have been looking for. It is all starting to make sense. And from the angry snarl spitting into the atmosphere from under my right leg, we are beginning to pick up speed. Holding second gear as the bike goes from hard left to hard right with less than a thought, the brightly colored line of perfection now rolls passed the other side of the fairing. From somewhere in the ether, other world powers are now communicating with my right hand as the instant increase in decibels coincides perfectly with the front wheel’s exit from the 124

smooth, Spanish tarmac. This means the inline, four-cylinder engine has hit twelve thousand rpm and with the bike still leaned over, we hurtle towards turn four.

Chopping the throttle to bring the front wheel back to earth, I can read the number 27 on the back of Stoner’ bright red Ducati Desmosedici GP 07, and putting all my faith in the sticky Michelins, I brush the brake lever and tip the bike on its side.

Picking up the throttle my eyes are glued forward as I attempt to give chase. He is starting to pull away and there is nothing I can do about it. But just knowing there is a human being in the Ducati’s saddle

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finally brings me the thin thread of reality I have been looking for since I climbed on board Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha YZR-M1.

With whoever is riding Stoner’s Desmodieci obviously being another journalist, as witnessed by the fact that I am almost able to stay with him, I have finally found some way to gauge how fast the guided missile between my legs is traveling.

For the second time in my career, Yamaha has invited me out to Valencia, Spain to ride Valentino Rossi’s world famous Yamaha YZR-M1, emblazoned with his trademark number 46 on the carbon fiber bodywork. In traditional fashion, all the MotoGP teams have opened their pit doors

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ROSSI’S

for an assortment of journalists to sample their machines after the last race of the season. The term journalist should be used loosely. In reality, a high percentage of the test riders present are ex-racers turned part time scribes, shipped in to give their respective magazines the highest degree of exposure for their stories. For instance, there was some bloke called Kevin Schwantz in my group riding Rossi’s bike, just in case I wasn’t intimidated enough.

Having lost my MotoGP virginity on Valentino’s World Championship winning 990 back in ‘05, I was able to approach the new 800cc machine knowing I might live to tell the tale. The new 800cc M1 is making a tad less horsepower than the 240 claimed for the 990, but I wasn’t actually able to obtain an exact figure. According to the Yamaha factory race site, the bike produces over 200 horsepower, and chatting with various people in the pit garage during the test that figure is actually very close to the 990s output. What I can say is the 800cc engine is revving higher and producing less torque, so from a rider’s perspective there is a noticeable difference.

Like its predecessor, the new M1 uses an inline fourcylinder engine with a 90-degree crankshaft and four valves per cylinder. Weighing in around eight pounds lighter than the previous engine, it is also narrower as well as revving higher. Cradled in a twin-tube aluminum frame, this particular piece of modern artwork has multiadjustable steering geometry, wheelbase, and ride height, while using a fully braced aluminum swingarm in the rear.

Front suspension is a set of fully adjustable Ohlins inverted forks, which probably cost more than a starter home. In the rear, an Ohlins shock works through a rising rate linkage and has to be the sexiest piece I have seen to date on a motorcycle. As with its predecessor, the M1 rolls on 16.5-inch wheels, and these are available in a variety of rim widths depending on the track. These, as most of you will know, come wrapped in Michelin race rubber. Brembo supplies brakes on the M1, and the system uses radial mounted four piston calipers biting down on 320mm carbon discs up front. In the rear a single 220mm steel disc is used and gets cozy with a two-piston Brembo caliper when Valentino puts his foot down. During my test, I never touched the rear, but have some interesting things to say about the front brakes in a moment.

Magneti Marelli, as with the 990, provides the electronics, and the mapping is fully adjustable. Coming with a host of sophisticated electronics, which include traction control, engine brake control, and torque control, the bike is also said to have more precise fueling this year. Watching the Yamaha techs prepare the bike in the morning, I noticed them changing out a black box under the seat and hooking up another electronic gadget in the front fairing that had “Estoril GP” on the side of it. Presumably, Valentino Rossi’s M1 was being set up for the softest power delivery possible and was having its red line turned down in an attempt to preserve it as much as possible.

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bodywork and bent levers, it appears they didn’t soften the power delivery enough for one enthusiastic gentleman from Japan.

Introduced in an attempt to slow MotoGP bikes down, the 800cc limit imposed this year hasn’t reduced race times at all, and in many cases the new bikes are going faster than the old. Contributing factors are later braking points, faster corner speeds, and better electronics controlling the wicked amounts of horsepower these machines are producing. Watching and listening to the bikes before my ride in the Valencia sun, the brutal ear drum shattering noise they produce, and the way they seem to break the sound barrier approaching turn one, it doesn’t seem they have had their fangs trimmed so badly.

Sitting in the changing room pulling on my leathers, it’s ‘70s night in my stomach with the butterflies donning platforms before head banging to some serious Black Sabbath under my navel. Thankfully, by the time I arrive at the pit garage the concert’s over, and I have my mind clearly on the job. In a unique move, Yamaha has invited a very small number of people to ride Vale’s bike, so we get a total of ten laps in the saddle, split into two five lap stints. This is a much better than last time when I had one out lap, wo flying laps, and an in lap.

Watching the Yamaha mechanic ready the bike, I am surprised when he calls me over and shows me on the brake adjuster how to change it on the fly. Last time the guy just yelled, “you crash it we’ll kill you.” I assure him I will be too busy to need any changes, but do take the time to check the adjustable front lever position that seems finene for my digits.

Watching the bike being started signals it’s time to go, and I climb into the saddle of possibly the world’s most famous race bike. Blipping the throttle lightly to test the travel, while the mechanics remove the wheel stand, I have a quick look around the digital tach and get myself as comfortable as possible. Up for first on the GP shifting six-speed box and off we go down pit lane. Like the 990, first gear is extremely tall.

The bike doesn’t need much work to launch and ripping down pit lane with the sound from the Akrapovic pipe bouncing off the pit lane garages, it’s time to work.

Rolling onto the Valencia tarmac, with only four laps experience at this particular racetrack, I try and relax to figure out which way the circuit is going. Twisting the throttle toward turn two, it is quickly apparent that the 800cc engine doesn’t have the same brutal torque of the 990and tipping it into the turn, the bike doesn’t send me into a manic series of steering corrections. Feeling more neutral than the 990, as well as less likely to catapult me through the next gravel trap on the throttle, goes a short way to calming my nerves as I putter around the Valencia circuit.

In the saddle, I am very tense and oh so overly aware that binning the bike is not an option, so I elect to use my first five laps wisely. Learning the track, feeling the pull of the engine, and experimenting with the brakes, I am soon tipping into the last corner before the front straight. Knowing I survived a full throttle assault on the 990, I twist the throttle gently to the 126

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stop and get instantly greeted with a face full of windshield. Snapping the throttle shut and clicking down to second gear the resulting wheelie is less intense, but not so the forward motion. Hurtling towards turn one, shattering my mental perceptions with its mindblowing explosion of speed, if the 800cc engine is any slower there is no way in this world I can tell the difference. Clicking down again and feeling my blood freeze from the resulting sonic boom emitting the four-into-one pipe, the time it takes to reach my braking markers is just plain sick. Thrashing a liter bike on a long straight you feel every gear change, and there is time to register what is happening. On the M1 it is all over before you can think, the bike causing the most vicious assault on the senses. Between the noise, the wind, and the rush of the asphalt beneath the wheels, the experience simply takes your breath away.

Rolling off in plenty of time, the biggest surprise of the test was the brakes. Having nearly given me a heart attack two years ago with their reluctance to operate without heat, and then behaving like someone had welded the pads to the disc when they did work, this year’s braking system is more similar to a modern sportbike than I could have imagined. Giving smooth, strong, controllable power, I was able to slow in plenty of time without any drama, concentrate on the corner, and re-opening the throttle. Running harder into turn two, I tried the brakes again to make sure it wasn’t a mistake and was rewarded with the same easy to use feel. Now don’t get me wrong, the stopping power is on the nose bleed side of powerful and makes

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yanking on the new ZX 10R’s brakes from 180 mph look like you are using a drum brake set up, but it’s not overwhelming.

Pulling back into the pits after my first five laps, I felt as stiff as a board from being so tensed up, and wandered how long I had gone without breathing. Instantly whisked away to Rossi’s chair; I had a chance to chat with Jeremy Burgess. With all the noise and confusion it wasn’t a long audience, but he did tell me that Yamaha needs to find some more power for next year. He didn’t want to get drawn into a tire discussion though. Leaving me to feel unworthy in the number 46 chair, the next person to sit down was Mr. Kevin Schwantz. With Kevin lapping some 18 seconds faster than me, there wasn’t much point in swapping notes, but he was definitely having a blast testing all of the assorted MotoGP bikes.

Heading out for my second session brought the most frustration I think I have ever experienced on a motorcycle. Feeling more relaxed, the bike making some sort of sense, and with a basic idea of the track layout, the laps got easier and easier. Then finally on the last lap, it all clicked as I chased Stoner’s Ducati.

Comparing times, I lopped four seconds off lap four compared to lap three, and watching some video afterwards, I was visibly quicker on lap five. The frustrating part of this equation being that it was my last lap before bringing the bike back to the pits so I never got a time. The Yamaha M1 just wants to be ridden hard, and it takes a lot of minerals and seat time to conduct that task. But on the last lap I was beginning to understand what makes this bike so incredible, and my lap time on lap four was six seconds faster than on my best time on the 990. Although compared to Vale, the difference in speed is a like a snail getting a tail wind.

But lap times aren’t really the point of this test. I was given the ride so you the reader would be able to relate. By giving us ten laps this year, I unraveled some of the M1’s mysteries and got from shock and awe to looking at the tachometer long enough on the straight to realize the engine is spinning to over 18,000 rpm.

I also found the sweet spot at 12,000 rpm where things really get crazy and to experience the bike howling forward with the front wheel off the Floor when leaned over. And it also gave me yet another chance to take my hat off to the super humans who ride these machines and the whole Yamaha team of designers and engineers who produce one of the fastest race bikes on the planet. It might not have won a world championship this year, but it wasn’t too far off when you look at the teams competing.

And with Rossi on better tires next year, Jeremy Burgess and crew looking for more power over the winter, it looks like the ’08 season is going to be plenty exciting. I am just hoping Yamaha keeps me on the invite list as I know with a few more laps I can really get that thing flying. A bit like a snail getting a tail wind.

— Neale Bayly

Photos by Yamaha

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+ Club: United We Roll Florida | Car: Lucifer PHOTOS: SEVENTH GEAR PRODUCTIONS

I have been a car enthusiast and into bikes since I was little. My dad rode in Motocross since the late 70’s so I have always been around cars and bikes. It wasn’t until I got married that I got into the car scene more. I bought a 2000 base V6 Mustang and it was off from there. My husband is a master mechanic and I kept bugging him to put a V8 engine in it. Finally, he said yes! I was so happy.

The changing of the V6 to the V8 4.6L was hell. It took about 2 months, that is because unfortunately my husband suffered a heart attack and then later on a stroke during the build. I am thankful to say my husband is better now.

After the car was finished, I decided to name him Lucifer because of all the hell he put us thru building him. Lucifer is now a V8 4.6L. I also had a customized seat delete done by Delinquent Designz, Envyus Airbrusing and Gotham Designz.

I then had underglo, wheel and engine lights done by Delinquent Designz as well as customized airbrushing under the hood by Envyus Airbrusing.

I then decided after everything was done to create my own car club. It’s called “United We Roll Florida” I accept all makes, models, bikes, slingshots etc. You can find my club on Facebook - United We Roll Florida to join. I have a great bunch of people in my club. We go to a lot of shows, cruise ins etc.

I have won a lot of trophies with my car as well as with my club. It has been quite a fun journey and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.

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TAMPA ELITE MOTORCYCLE & CUSTOM IS A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS STARTED BY MIKE SULIEMAN.

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.

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WILL SET THE STATE OF FLORIDA ON FIRE AS THE ONLY FREE STATEWIDE EXCLUSIVE MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE SPORT BIKE COMMUNITY.

MEET ANTONIO HERNANDEZ Antonio Hernandez has a strong vision and sees the need to create and give back with this new exciting magazine.

Antonio is an entrepreneur of business, a motorcycle dealership partner, skilled in marketing, networking and promotions. He is a long-time sport bike rider who is a advocate for his community and children’s charities. He owns the largest social media platform for sport bike riders: Florida Ride or Die.

“It’s a billion-dollar industry and Florida Ride or Die Magazine will deliver this lifestyle to you and your customers!”

“Are you ready to RIDE?” - Antonio Hernandez FOR MORE INFORMATION 727.944.6961 WWW.FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM

A GROWING MARKET According to Grand View Research Inc, market reports, by 2025 the United States motorcycle market will be worth $10.88 billion. Florida is the 2nd largest population of motorcycle riders under California with over 545,000.

The sport bike market has grown with a dramatic increase in the State of Florida since 2015. Riders have evolved over the years as well. As a means of transportation, leisure riding, professional racing and connecting with others who share the same passion, this market segment has continued to grow and there are more new riders every day.

SPORT BIKE COMMUNITy This community bands together to develop a strong family sport bike togetherness. Weekly, monthly and yearly organized events and gatherings will be created and documented to maintain constant connection with these riders. Charity events, rides, bike nights and special promotions with dealerships and riding clubs will all put back into the communities creating economic impact and an ever-growing network of consumers.

The sport bike marketplace is a great opportunity for a significant and powerful impact to businesses.

The marketplace offers a great deal of variety with products and services. Outlets such as Ebay and Amazon are exploding and importing the hottest and newest sought after parts and accessories to hit the industry to make it even more popular.

MOTORCYCLE SALES

• ACCESSORIES

• FABRICATING

• AUDIO/SOUND SYSTEMS

• APPAREL

• PAINT

• INSURANCE

• CUSTOM BUILDERS

• DESIGN

(NEW AND PRE-OWNED)

• CLASSIFIEDS • MAINTENANCE • REPAIRS

HIGH PERFORMANCE HORSEPOWER

• LED LIGHTING • ALARM SYSTEMS

727.944.6961 WWW.FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM

TOURISM TRAVEL ADVENTURE

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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My name is Ray Morrow I am a Pittsburgh tattoo artist by trade and owner of Reinkarnated Tattoo. I have always had a passion for creating and tinkering and bikes gave me the opportunity to be both creative and mechanical. The art part has always been a part of my life I spent most classes in school doodling instead of doing the real class work. But when I got my first car at 16 which was an 86 Chrysler LeBaron, since those cars were so reliable, I was forced into gaining some mechanical skills.

Skills that showed me that gratification that comes with solving a problem with just your brain and some simple hand tools. So, with all this combined, it’s not hard to see how when I got my first bike that became my preferred form of creating. Since starting to tattoo drawing for fun had stopped and I had needed a way to express my obsessions and ideas.

And it seems to come out in motorcycles perfectly. I try to do all the work myself everything from the fab work to the mechanical. I have even torn down an engine, sanded off all casting marks and did a full rebuild.

It’s also complete with oversized valves, ported heads, special jugs and custom-made piston to bring the bore from 1000cc up to 1360cc. Even the paint polish and so on is custom made.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE SCHULTZ

My work can be seen on Instagram ray_morrow_tattooartist

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ROSA

PHOTOS: SEVENTH GEAR PRODUCTIONS

ROSA knows classic cars – her parents were from Cuba. Her favorite car is a 1967 Camaro.“I think my dad had one when I was young. I just remember riding in it during early mornings. We lived in Zephyrhills on a large piece of land and I was so happy during those days. It’s just something about those old classic cars the way they look and are built. You just can’t replicate that.” The fastest she’s ever been in a car was 115mph and it was a thrill.

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THE TANK WHISPERER MAKES YO 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 high-grade epoxy coating we use is second to none; we can even remove most Kreem and Red-Kote liners.

We have a fast turn-around time; it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all week.

813-407-2226 or CraigPaintsBikes.com 3 26

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YOUR OLD TANKS LAST FOREVER

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