May/Jun - Florida Ride Or Die Issue #18

CRIS CYBORG HOLY WARRIOR

Badass Brazilian-American “Cris Cyborg” mixed martial artist competes in Bellator MMA. She is referred to as a “legend”. Cyborg is the current Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion and has held the title since January 2020. She is also a former UFC, Strikeforce and Invicta FC World Featherweight Champion. Cris is the only MMA fighter in history (male or female) to become a Grand Slam Champion, holding world championships across four major mixed martial arts promotions. Cyborg is widely regarded as one of the greatest female mixed martial artists of all time. I have seen her ascent and I can tell you she takes no prisoner! In fact, I found out an MMA reporter once asked her how long it would take her to get her opponent in submission and Cyborg responded by taking the reporter into a headlock. I was therefore on my best behavior for this interview.

Cyborg first rose to prominence when she won the Strikeforce title on August 15, 2009. She defeated Gina Carano via firstround technical knock-out (TKO). As of March 29, 2021, she is #1 in the Bellator Women’s pound-forpound Rankings. After earning her first submission victory in a 26-fight MMA career, she was awarded her BJJ Black Belt by Rubens ‘Cobrinha’ Charles.

being discovered by Rudimar Fedrigo, a Chute Boxe Academy trainer.

“I was participating in a friendly handball tournament between men and women and one of the boys, called Jorginho, was a friend of Mestre Rafael and Mestre Rudimar. He saw me training handball and asked me if I liked fighting. I replied that I thought it was cool, but I had never done it. He invited me to take a Muay Thai class and I [was hooked]!” - Cyborg

Cyborg was married to fellow mixed martial artist Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos and “adopted” his nickname. The couple split in December 2011. Cyborg announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend, trainer, and former MMA athlete Ray Elbe in 2017. In 2018, Cyborg legally adopted her teenage niece, making her historically the first mother to hold a UFC championship belt.

Cyborg is a beast yes but she is far more than that. She truly is a “Holy Warrior”. Literally. 20 minutes into our meeting in newly opened mixed martial arts “Overcome Academy” (www. overcomeorlando.com) located on 300 Countyline Ct. Winter Haven Florida, it did not take long for her and I to get along

By: Florida Night Train

Facebook.com/FloridaNighttrain

IG: florida_night_train

323 Photography Studio

Courtesy of Icicles.Com

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Cyborg was born Cristiane Justino Venâncio in 1985 in Curitiba to Brazilian parents. Cyborg started her sports career at the age of twelve, playing handball at a national level in Brazil. She won numerous athletic scholarships in private universities. She eventually chose to pursue the path of physical education. Later, she planned to become a professional handball player and finish her college studies there before

just fine and pick-up on things dear to both our hearts. We both laughed at the irony that her brothers are still protective of her. “Heck I could never go out without asking permission from my brothers at one point” she said chuckling. Dad sold tires for a living. Mom sold fabric and she is still at it even at 67 years of age. Before and during her morning runs she listens to gospel music. “It feeds my soul. It’s one thing to call yourself a Christian. It’s another to walk the talk” she says. In fact, when I was in discussion with her agent (Jerry), he told me she was in an Orlando church giving her testimony. What do you say to those who question your faith because you fight I asked. Clearly, she has been asked that question before and was well prepared to answer. The scriptures are filled with violence against evil she declares with confidence. I agree. You don’t fight evil by standing down.

I love Cris’ story. She started with nothing and rose with sheer determination to

the very top. She had a thousand reasons on her journey to cave into fear and anxiety. Asking her how she dealt with these she energetically tells me there is no greater liar than fear. Again, she shares her faith in our talk and that she simply prays for peace. She enthusiastically tells me her favorite scripture verses; Joshua 1:9 and Romans 8:28. Ephesian 6:10-18 is displayed on her jersey in a fight. My response to her? Deuteronomy 6:5 I said is my top verse. Each one of my children can recite this one I said to her. We both looked at each other in a split moment of silence smiling. Cyborg plays Christian music as her choice of music in her entrances for her fights. She recounts a moment when she was leaving a restaurant where a flock of teenagers came to her and circled around her to chant songs of worship. Tears welling in her eyes you can tell Cris’ faith is genuine. “I can have all the belts in the world or all the money but none of these give peace and freedom as my faith does” she says.

I would have loved to see a bout between her and Ronda Rousey who is now in prowrestling. The fight never happened. You can tell Cyborg still has the eye of the tiger at the sound of Rousey’s name. Maybe a wrestling match? I said mischievously. I still think Cyborg would have taken Rousey down.

So what’s in store for Cyborg now? She is giving herself another two years

of fights then she wants to become a missionary. “I want to plant good seeds and truly make a difference in people’s lives as my legacy” she says. For now she works with “Fight For The Forgotten” (https://linktr.ee/fightfortheforgotten) , a non-profit organization organized by Justin Wren that digs wells to provide drinking water for Ugandan Pygmys.

Never in her life she thought she would ride a motorcycle but here she is with a sportster. She wants to ride that thing and enjoy it. At the mere mention of motorcycle the conversation quickly shifted from fighting and faith to showing pictures of rides, children, family, laughter and things that truly matter. We closed the conversation praying for each other.

I made a good friend in Cyborg. This Holy Warrior truly has her priorities straight with a clear sense of reality. I left inspired to continue on my path. Inspired with conviction that in a world which lost its moral compass in a sea of political and business corruption, we must press on even if it means going against the grain taking punches in the jaws figuratively speaking. Will you join?

Sources: Cris Cyborg, Wikipedia and internet - www.criscyborg.com

Photos: Cris Cyborg, 323 Photography Studio and Florida Night Train

IG: @florida_night_train and @criscyborg

FB: www.facebook.com/floridanighttrain

Daniel Xavier was born and raised in Brazil, moved to US in 2004 Currently living in Bradenton, Fl

My passion for motorcycles came from childhood. I bought my first motorcycle in 2008 and since then I’ve been riding all over the United States!! During this period, I already had more than 10 motorcycles, I have had the pleasure of meeting many people and losing great friends.

February 14, 2018, I had the opportunity to take over the leadership of 941 Riderz. We are located in Bradenton, Florida.

My goal in mind was to promote motorcycle safety. 941 Riderz has grown and

we have members throughout Florida and the United States.

As a group we have done many charity rides and have been able to help many families in need.

Riding for me means freedom, it’s the time I have to connect with myself and where I can think about my future goals. It’s where I feel an adrenaline where I can’t feel anywhere else!!

What I would say for those who don’t understand us is, we have families, too and we want to get home safe, as well. Please be friendly on the streets and remember we only have two wheels and two brakes, look twice save a life.

Never forget that there is a time and place for everything, don’t try to show off to people that you don’t know, by stepping out of your comfort zone, remember that the goal is not to see who is the fastest, but who survives the longest.

Daniel Xavier - Facebook daniboy_46 - Instagram

Years old. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, I was raised in Chicago and I’m now living in here in Florida.

Growing up I was always around motorcycles. Watching my uncles ride in Puerto Rico and the motorcycle scene is what inspired me to start riding. I have been riding for 2 ½ years. When I am riding it gives me the feeling to be free of any negativity and stress.

My first motorcycle is a Honda Grom.

Bike Features:

3 row front headlights

Protaper handle bar

Metallic red brake levers

New turn signals in the front and rear

New muffler

Rearview mirrors

Aside from riding my motorcycle I am the owner of Dlux online Boutique. I enjoy playing basketball and my dad and I have a softball team named Com’padres.

I have been doing events in Florida and Puerto Rico since 2020. My goal is to do more ride outs and events throughout the United States for everyone to enjoy!

My advice to others always be aware of your surroundings and always wear your helmet.

www.Dluxboutique787939. myshopify.com

Instagram- dlux_boutique787939 Facebook- dlux boutique and more

If anyone is interested in doing ride outs or events contact me!!

KRISTA GROTTE SAXON

Until about 2017, I have spent years involved in churches leading studies, events, music etc… I rubbed shoulders with pastors, leaders alike and what I now like to call “pew-warmers”. I can tell you friends that just as in churches not every so-called pastor or christian is of genuine faith, you would be well advised to consider that not everyone who practices pole dancing is to be painted with the same paint brush as the majority of all other “users” of poles and their “dancinglifestyle”. I know this to be a fact because in all the years I have collaborated with Krista Grotte Saxon, her outlet and art form being pole dancing has revealed to be quite the healing and expressive form to her. Unconventional healing practice yes but that’s Krista. Nothing about her is conventional.

dancing has become a giant middle finger to the Hollywood elite where she subtly exposes Hollywood’s vices through her art. Pole stunting began for Krista as a healing outlet from her then broken heart. Every bit of her story is being told through each Hollywood music video she creates. You can see it all on her new YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@ polestuntinwithkrista.

As Krista states, “Perceptions and projections are fascinating concepts. I am a ballet dancer in the sky and I dance above slandering whispers. What began as a learning process for a movie role, quickly became the healthiest and strongest both spiritually and physically that I ever been in my whole life”.

After a devastating experience as an Executive Producer among Oscar winners in Hollywood, Krista learned great lessons. She made it her mission to change the game for independent filmmakers who deserve better for the greatness they provide the world through their art. Currently in discussions with key Hollywood stakeholders representing and on behalf of producers, this ballerina is pretty much set to change some critical part of the Hollywood landscape. I guess we can say “Halleluia Jehovah”?

“Pole is brutal and painful” Saxon says and “just like life, we perform with a smile and show no pain”. Pole Tricks & Action Flicks!

By: Florida Night Train

Krista marches at the beat of her own drum. That is a well-known fact. She has been through hell and back in her personal life and also in the last 20 years of her career as an award winning actress in Hollywood. Her pole stunt

Saxon’s channel is a Hollywood kind of exotic pole show! A sport that requires superhuman strength, finesse and talent. Combine pole stunts, action movie scenes and music to give you a mini movie experience with each video. In these clips, Saxon showcases the fundamental aerial tricks.

Krista Grotte Saxon is an award winning actress (Full Moon Film Fest & Florida Motion Picture Crystal Reel Awards), Executive Producer of Nation’s Fire Movie starring two time Academy Award nominee Bruce Dern. This movie, Saxon thought would be her greatest accomplishment. It turned out to be her greatest tragedy. Now she performs on her terms. Each video is a message to Hollywood and sexy fun for you!

Pole Stunting with Krista is music videos of dangerous and action sequences set to your favorite movies and music. It is not pretty when training. There are ups and downs, there is nausea, vomiting even on spins. Krista is well aware there is hatred and great misunderstanding related to her art form. She pushes harder regardless.

“To me, these are my mini movies. I share what I must express. I believe that if we

bottle up, suppress and neglect our emotions and negative experiences, this will manifest physically down the road in terms of illness. Terminal illness. I’m not allowing anyone from Hollywood nor anywhere to rent space in my heart or my soul. I speak truth. The brutal truth. Truth that others are afraid to share but also truth that is changing the game for so many brilliant creatives who deserve a chance. So I am creating a roller coaster of beauty and pain and leave that self-expression for others to relate to and release through my performances.”

When all is said and done, you can look, say or think whatever it is you wish. It will I assure you not phase Saxon in the slightest way. Krista has proven herself. She is extremely grateful for the support she has received in her years of performance. She has nothing else to prove now. To celebrate her path and truly paint a picture

of this ballerina who victoriously performs sky high above murmurs of slander, we took her on a rooftop downtown Tampa Florida. Her assignment? Pole dance on the said rooftop while I did a burnout next to her. The temp of that brisk morning was 3 degrees. Riding to the location meant 60 minutes on two wheels. It felt like my neck was being slit with a machete and my fingers were about to burn from freezing. It was tempting to turn around but there was no way I would let my friend down. With the windshield high above ground Krista proceeded determined to perform in the most adverse conditions. The results were artistically stunning. Krista has a heart of gold. She is a loyal friend. The biker community has been extremely supportive of her. She acknowledges that wholeheartedly with gratitude.

IG and tik tok: #polestuntinwithkrista

Web: www.poleStuntinwithKrista.com

FB: Krista Grotte Saxon

www.facebook.com/floridanighttrain Photos : 323 Photography Studio courtesy of Krista Grotte Saxon and Night Train

Hello, I am William Lugo also known as El Draga. I’m 47 Years old and I’m originally from Moca, Puerto Rico. Currently live in Ocala, Fl and I ride a Suzuki (gsxr 2002) Named La Bebecita

Bike features: Kit 240 (rims), music (Beyma audio), 3 sets of lights, diamond cut custom parts, 250 tire set, lowered 3”, custom seats

I started working at 10 years old and have always been the breadwinner of my family. At 16 I began riding the adrenaline is what inspired me, and purchased my first car and at 18 I bought my first house. In 1994 I had my first motorcycle accident (the graduation) I believe in perseverance, when I want something, I work for it without giving up.

Most memorable moment has been when I had the

opportunity to take my 7-year-old daughter on a motorcycle ride with me. I rented a slingshot so that my daughter could ride alongside during a motorcycle ride.

My advice to other riders would be to never lose respect for your motorcycle and to always wear your helmet. It will save your life.

I founded Team Los Del Barrio officially on March 4th, 2019. Our group is a family, we love to spend time with other motorcycle groups along with our family members.

We also do motorcycle events and in the last 3 years we have participated in donating toys to a shelter of abused women during Christmas. When Los Y Las Barrio ride together it is a relief from daily stress and the search for strength.

Advice to other riders: You will never know what makes a motorcycle rider or what is like to ride unless you become one” Always wear your helmet and never lose respect for your motorcycle. Your life is in your hands.

Find us on: Instagram: William.lugo.3760

Facebook: El Draga & TeamLosDelBarrio

Hello! I’m Nathanael, I’m 15 years old and my Nickname is Natha. I’m from Jacksonville, Florida and started riding at the age of 11. I currently ride a 2020 DRZ 400 SM

My inspiration to making La chucky was to bring something new and a totally different style to the streets. I made La Chucky to be so believable and it’s a dream to have a bike that stands out like no one else.

Many young people now a days are more focused on drugs and not positive things. When I decided to build La Chucky I did it so I can show other people my age that they can create the same dream as I am living. Building my bike has given me more confidence in myself. My wish for anyone who is reading this is YOU CAN TOO. Its not about the competition its all about the passion and how your work is shown.

I have competed in several bike shows my last show was in Daytona and I won 1st place in the Super Moto Class.

I would like to give a special thank you to my father Kiro, my uncle Edward ,my best friend Franciso , and my family none of this would have possible without your help and support.

SO MUCH MORE THAN RIDING!

Ingrid M. Rodriguez is originally from Bayamon PR and is known as “La Madrina”. Yes, she is the “God Mother” to numerous riders throughout Florida. She leads prayers before rides asking for God to watch over everybody and protect all. She has been riding nonstop for more than 15 years and has earned the love of the ATV community. She says they are her extended family.

Ingrid is 51 years old and says … “Riding is a huge part of my life. I love the sensation of freedom, the adrenaline and the connection with nature. My first bike was an YFZ, my second a Raptor 3er Cann Am and now I have a Rojito Honda Rancher. I have a few accidents including getting plastic surgery on my ear, but that

couldn’t stop me from riding!”

She added, “My goal is to continue helping ATV groups with their events and bring together families in the unforgettable moments we share when we ride. Riding helps release stress and it doesn’t matter the shirt you wear … we are all one big family together for the same passion.”

Ingrid is part of the administration of numerous ATV groups

in Florida including: Florida El Corrillo del Fango, Los Corruptos and Los Locos del Fango. She also organizes several events throughout the year to feed the homeless and she volunteers at non-profit organizations to help families in need in Osceola County.

La Madrina is a very special person and we love having her grace our pages!

Instagram: snowwoman_tattoo-artist

FaceBook: Ingrid Rodriguez

My name is Paula, I’m 48 and I have been riding for the last 28 years. It’s crazy saying that, seems so long ago.

I was born in Georgia but grew up in South Florida. I currently live in Viera, Florida where I plan on staying, I absolutely love it here.

I recently just bought a Suzuki GXSR 750. This will be my 4th Suzuki I have so many plans for this bike from the rims to a new wrap, powder coat the rims and many more upgrades by the time I finish my bike it will match my car. My plan is to travel to all the bike and car shows.

Aside from riding I also love spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, boating, paddle boarding, skydiving listening to live music, and traveling.

In May of 2023 I started an allwomen motorcycle group called Women on Two Wheels which is

located in Viera, Florida near Melbourne and cocoa Beach.

I want to be able to inspire other women and build a sisterhood where we can all ride and support each other and always bring positive vibes to our group. Our group plans on participating in the community and giving back to others.

If you are in my area and would like to be a part of this amazing group, please feel free to reach out to me.

Facebook / paula.m.lewis.75

Instagram/ @plewis1006

Tiktok/ @paulahardie987

My name is Theo Alicea Jr, I’m 51 years old. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NYC, For the past 18 years I lived in Tampa Florida.

I have a 2001 Suzuki Hayabusa named King Tut and it took me three years to build. It’s fully custom and fully chrome out with a 360 custom phat kit. Has custom wheels with pyramids and the eye of Horus design, also has the brake and sprocket one side. Special made hubs so

the wheels design is more visible. Custom Swingarm with lights inside, Custom show plate with pyramid design on it, Motorcycle is fully airbrush and also custom seats.

The motor was fully rebuilt and has a T4 turbo pushing 25 pounds of boost, a tail 50mm blow valve and also tail 38mm wastegate, custom airbox and B2000 injectors, Power Commander V, AEM 400IPH Inline High Flow In line fuel pump, 8” dual hyper cooling fans.

King Tut also has Led lights and custom music with one DS18 10” sub-woofer, two 8” McLaren mid-woofer speakers, two McLaren drivers, two 6” ½ McLaren speakers in the front. Two amps Sound Digital. Custom cluster, clear clutch cover and stator cover. Front custom light with angel eye and lights, has a 2013 rear tail custom Led brake light.

I have been riding since the age of 18. My hobbies are creating different things something that comes to my mind. I love to ride go places meet people and tell them my inspirations make my stuff different from everyone else. Growing up i was bad did a lot of things I wasn’t proud of. I changed my life for the better

and learned, if you put your mind to something nothing is impossible. I built my bike in my kitchen from screws to the motor. I was made fun of because it was taking so long. Everyone thought I was making it up, but, once i finished and brought my bike to Quemando Brea, everyone’s mouths dropped!!!!

By Zack of Why Not Ride?

It is no secret and no one is debating the argument that– Riding is dangerous. So if riding is so dangerous why do so many people do it? Well ask yourself, why do people do anything? Because of the way that it makes them feel! To us riders, the danger of riding a motorcycle pales in comparison to the positive mental benefits mentally that we gain from a motorcycle. Every person feels something different when they ride. Some people ride cruisers to clear their head because they live a stressful life, maybe physically or mentally. Then there are young guys who ride supersports to go super, super fast to help them cope with

a breakup. Others ride just because of the level of focus it takes to survive and be safe. It’s the only place they can feel clarity and a clear mind… That’s me.

For many like myself, it is more than just riding. To be honest, I like building and working on bikes more than I like riding. I am obsessed with creating things. Riding a stock motorcycle isn’t enough for me. I want my bike to be unique, I want it to mirror my personality. I want the bike and me to be one. One beast of a machine firing on all cylinders. The feeling of creating something fun, different and unique makes

the riding experience a lot more personal. When you add performance parts, change the color or the sound or even get new tires you feel so much more connected to your motorcycle and it makes the feeling of riding so much more personal. It is an indescribable feeling.

I know a lot of people that end up getting a motorcycle because it is cheap transportation. Then they fall in love with what…? THE FEELING. It’s not just the feeling of riding, it’s not just the feeling of building bikes– it’s the sense of community. Many enter this bike life not knowing what to expect. Maybe there are people out there like myself who have never really been accepted by any group of people, but the MotoCommunity accepts all races, genders, sexual orientation, whatever you are and however you are, if you are on two wheels, you’re in.

Yes we know, riding is dangerous. Yes we know that we could die and it not be our fault. Yes we know we are hard to see on the road. Yes most of us ride recklessly. Yes most of us have been in wrecks or as we say “I’ve gone down.” Yes to all the above yes yes yes. But there is no argument that

Zack is a motorcycle rider with a dream but he’s more publicly known by his social media alias @whynot_ride. At age 26 he has collected 8 years of street riding experience on sport bikes ranging from 300cc-1000cc. His social media presence really took off collecting 55k followers on instagram and 275k on tiktok in less than 18 months. His 4k quality videos coupled with a combination of viral dances, educational videos and brand reviews quickly drew the attention of a variety of lifestyle and motorcycle brands alike.

Currently Whynot_ride is working with Vortex Racing, Cardo Systems, NBT Clothing, Attack Performance, New Rage Cycles, Quadlock, JW Coatings, Monster Fairings, Motivation USA, SC Project, Born Primitive, Flow and many others in the works.

For more information please see the links and handles below. Like, subscribe and follow!

IG @whynot_ride

TikTok @whynot_ride

Youtube: Why Not Ride Clothing: wickedsquidclothing.com

you could make to a biker to tell them to give up their freedom and give of the feeling of pure bliss and control. It is not in our DNA. I posted the other day on my Instagram @whynot_ride and I spoke about this subject exactly. Do not expect someone who has never ridden a motorcycle to understand why you would ride given the history of death and danger of this hobby. People from the outside looking in try to chalk it up like we have a death wish. It’s actually the exact opposite. Because I know on any given day I could die, by any means– car wreck, aneurysm, heart attack, flying coconut targeting my head, whatever it may be. Any of us could die at any time. So know that… why would we refrain from doing an activity we love that makes us feel the most connected to our inner soul? Trick question. We wouldn’t. Why do we ride despite all the danger? The feeling.