Jan '22 - Florida Ride or Die Magazine

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CONTENTS FEATURES 8

ADVENTURES WITH JOSEPHINE

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12-13 BAKE BEAN 18-19 PICS FROM BERT’S BIKE BASH 22-23 COVER STORY - 50LEGS

STEVE CHAMBERLAND 26

TEAM CUCO

29-31 BRANDON NILES 34-35 MANUEL “MANNY” ESQUINA 38 SHEILA

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2022 ISSUE #10 ADVERTISER INDEX Always Available Bail Bonds

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A Sane Design

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Attorney Fran Haasch

2,3, BC

AJ Therapy Center

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AJ Beauty Institute

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Bert’s Barracuda H-D

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Bert’s Barracuda H-D

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Broward Bike Night

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Caprice Cruises 46 Gorilla Tek Motorsports

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40-41 LOS DE LA BURLA

NT Fairing 20

44-45 MICHAEL LEWIS

PowerSports of Palm Beach

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PowerSports of Palm Beach

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ON THE COVER STEVE CHAMBERLAND’S 50LEGS SEE PAGES 22-23

Ride Now 10-11 Ride Now Biker Bash

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Trim Printing 7

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FLORIDA RIDE OR DIE MAGAZINE 8432 Delaware Dr, Spring Hill, FL 34607

PUBLISHER Antonio Hernandez

floridarideordiemagazine@yahoo.com

CO-PUBLISHER Kathleen Hernandez EDITOR Lauren Hernandez SALES OFFICE 727-944-6961 GRAPHIC DESIGN Tracy Allen 813-814-1505

Florida Ride Or Die Magazine | 727-944-6961 | www.floridarideordie.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 Ride or 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 copy write 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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14 years ago I walked in to Jim’s HD on a whim and bought my first bike, a Softail Deluxe; today a Street Glide is my ride and I have the privilege of representing the Sales Department at Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson. This is my biggest adventure! I enjoy the opportunity to serve the riding community, and to meet people like attorney Fran Haasch. With her support and generosity, I and other members of the Pinellas Chapter of Stiletto’s on Steel, attended the 80th and 81st Rallies in Sturgis, South Dakota.

In 2020, Lynne “F-Bomb” Kottke, Wendy “The Big Event” LaForce and I (“Rock Star”) rode our baggers over unknown terrain from the Badlands to downtown Sturgis; from Hill City to Mt. Rushmore, and beyond. Custer State Park taught us why you don’t pet the fluffy cows. We held our first Sturgis Rally SOS Meet N Greet at a place called Deadwood Dick’s Saloon, a combination bar, eatery, hotel, antique shop and ammunition store.

Perfect. We’d always high tail it back to the LA Quinta before dark to commandeer the outdoor smoking section so we could discuss the day’s highlights and unwind.

In 2021, Monica “Bunny” Dixon, Lisa “14” Stephens, Wendy and I rode farther and saw lots of live music. We braved the Buffalo Chip to see Kid Rock, heard a family act at the Stonehouse Saloon in the middle of nowhere, and caught bands trading sets at two bars side by side in some cool little town I can’t even remember. We tore up the roads all the way to Wyoming’s Devil’s Tower. We held this year’s SOS Meet and Greet at the Beaver Bar, where a couple of us snagged trophies, too. We hung with FranLaw team members TJ Sutton and Brian York, and we wore shirts and gifted swag from our friends at FranLaw, Bert’s Barracuda HD, OCC Roadhouse and The Bling Lab to folks everywhere we went.

I still can’t believe I had the opportunity

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to make these trips and forge friendships with such wonderful ladies. I wish it for everyone. Perhaps just making the decision to try something new is all it takes to begin an adventure. Come see me today at Bert’s Barracuda Harley Davidson and let’s get started on yours. Happy riding everyone!

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I’m international rider “Bake Bean”. I live in Jacksonville, Florida where I started the journey of riding motorcycles.

I’ve been riding for twenty years and stunt riding for five of those years, but I actually started out on a dirt bike when I was 15 years old. I love riding just about any motorcycle, including Cruisers, but a fully built stunt bike is my first choice ... a Kawasaki ZX6R or Yamaha FZ207!

When I did my first wheelie, the love for motorcycles was totally different for me. The feeling of the bike becoming weightless while on one wheel felt so good and addictive that it took away any bad day and turned it into a good day! “Throttle Therapy” is a way to label it! Riding is all around fun in so many ways you just have to find what you like and for me it is to taste it all!

“Wheelie Wednesday2.0” is a ride that I do the first Wednesday of every month starting in March and ending in October. This is where anyone and everyone that loves motorcycles come together and ride in the

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middle of the week to get away from the everyday monotony. It’s a chance to meet new people, build new relationships and have fun with people who have the same passion as I do … riding motorcycles.

I support groups in my area like the “Gear Bangin’ Group”, where I coordinate stunt shows, bike nights and other activities that take place here in Jacksonville.

My message to people who judge sport bike riders is, “Try it, you just might like it. No judgement needed, stay in your lane”.

Those are my words of encouragement … “Know your limits, stay in your lane, push your limits, be consistent as that takes you to the next level, how far are you willing to take it and always wear a lid (helmet).

How can I be contacted? Don’t contact me, I’ll contact you (lol) … watch for flyers, look at Instagram (Baker_acted1) and FaceBook (Bake Bean).

Ride safe you F**ks and don’t be a squid.

Bake Bean

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ST. PETE • CLEARWATER, FLORIDA

january & february 2022 events: jan 2: OCC WRESTLING

Feb 6: OCC WRESTLING

Jan 9: TWINKIE RIDE

feb 13: BERT’S BOWL BASH - OCC Feb 18-21: BERT’S TRIBUTE TO AMERICA

Jan 23: CAR SHOW Feb 5: TAMPA L.A.M.A 17th ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Feb 20: OCC WRESTLING feb 25: PRE-PARTY - LEGS, LOVE & MUSIC

Weekly events:

MONDAY: GAME NIGHT TUESDAY: TRUCK NIGHT WEDNESDAY: COUNTRY WESTERN NIGHT THURSDAY: BAY AREA RIDERS BIKE NIGHT 10525 49th street North | Clearwater, FL33762 www.bertsbarracuda.com | 727.527.9672 TEXT:BBHDWIN TO 55678 FOR ALL CUDA HAPPENINGS! 14

january & february 2022 events: Jan 8: SARASOTA L.A.M.A. 7th ANNIVERSARY Jan 13: CHARLOTTE COUNTY LOCAL ECONOMY DAY Jan 21: FINAL KARAOKE WINNER Jan 28: WCFR BIKE NIGHT Feb 3: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT

Feb 4-6: SWFL MOTORCYCLE & MUSIC FESTIVAL Feb 11: LOS LOBOS Feb 12: CAPE CORAL BIKE NIGHT Feb 13: BERT’S BOWL BASH Feb 19: CAR SHOW Feb 25: WCFR BIKE NIGHT

Weekly events:

WEDNESDAYS: KARAOKE CONTEST THURSDAYS: HONKEY-TONK NIGHT 4th FRIDAY of the MONTH: WCFR BIKE NIGHT

2224 El Jo Bean Rd. | Port Charlotte, FL 33948 www.bertsblackwidow.com | 941.883.8000 TEXT:BBWHD TO 59925 FOR ALL WIDOW HAPPENINGS! 15

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A former professional wrestler and semi-pro football player, keeping fit and living a healthy lifestyle have always been important to Steve Chamberland.

His commitment to staying active didn’t change when he had to have his leg amputated below the knee following a motorcycle accident in 1999.

“In 2011, I was contacted by a friend who knew of a 9-year-old girl in need of a prosthetic leg,” Chamberland said. “The girl was injured when she saved her sister’s life by pushing her from the path of a truck headed their way. When I heard this story, I realized that my leg was taken for a reason and that I would devote myself to helping other children get their lives back.”

That same year, he founded the nonprofit organization, 50 Legs.

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to provide 50 legs in 50 weeks,” Chamberland said. “I wanted to bring awareness to the fact that people with prosthetics can lead fulfilling lives if they are just given a chance and the proper-fitting prosthetics.”

But after providing prosthetics to 50 people, Chamberland realized the need was greater than he imagined and decided to continue the work.

In the past 11 years, 50 Legs has helped more than 600 people obtain prosthetic legs, including children born with birth defects and military members. 50 Legs was also one of the first to help and support victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

“I thank God every single day for losing my leg because it led me to what I am supposed to do,” Steve Chamberland said. “I just want to help people better their lives.

To learn more about 50 Legs and the work Steve Chamberland does you can visit:

www.50legs.org

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6407 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32244 • 904.351.6914 • ridenowjacksonville.com

Bikes For All Styles Of Riding

Massive selection of New and Pre-Owned Motorcycles

Premiere Service Department

Monthly Bike Nights

last Friday of every month + covered bike parking

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Founded: Puerto Rico & USA. Founders: Jose Orlando Adorno, El Cuco del Monte, Jileanna Quiles (Collaborator)

Team Cuco was founded in 2016 in Puerto Rico and in 2020 expanded internationally to the USA. Everything began with the support of our founder “El Cuco del Monte” and his love for the sport and sharing his passion with all of his friends. The mountains in Puerto Rico granted this group the area it needed to become what we know today as, Team Cuco. It has been a constant motivator to grow and share the passion behind o ATVs. It’s a familiar sport which we all love.

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Hello, I’m Yusileidi Ortiz better known as la flaka de Tampa, I’m currently 19 years old and the proud owner of a black and purple 2011 Suzuki GSXR750, currently I’m a member of a women’s group called Las Insoportables, even though my roots are with Los Rompe Corillos, I’m very thankful for the growth that they have given me. My passion started and became a fire as in the group there We never thought we wouldweren’t many At the startriding of 2020, especially women and that sparked a inmy January, Puerto suff ered continue to grow as much asflame, we I got own bike a 2006Rico Suzuki GSXR-750 due to a series of earthquakes have, let alone expand outside without even knowing how to ride, I went to an lot, got the hang of it and of Puerto Rico. In 2020, Teamempty parking we experienced.

During thisriding timeit home fell about a block away, the next weekend Cuco left Puerto Rico and flew to Team Cuco came together to the group Orlando.

Everfoundasince then fundstofor different Orlando, Florida to meet andwhen ridewithraise I’ve pushed myself to learn more and more, and tions that would help provide with different groups. During now I’m getting good at racing my bike but I still this time is where Team Cuco food and supplies for people remember when no one would want to except my received support from different affected

by Carlos the earthquakes close friends including R. Candelario and which states. people in need. nextracer event may he rest in peace, he wasOur the best out funds for there andwill was to onebe ofto thehelp littleraise people that were willing to children show me and mewith a better rider.

To have the ability to participate andmade adults cancer.

He inspired me and many others, and now I want in this sport entertains and disto pay it forward and inspire many other The first thing I would say ifriders you tracts us, while getting to spend and push them to break the expectation.

I feel time with our friends. These haven’t participated in this sport empowered as a female rider and I want my other friends are the ones that eventu- previously, I invite you to do it. female riders to remember to always be a Strong ally become family.

Woman! Just because some people do

not use their equipment properly doesn’t mean we all do; people might judge but we are not all the same and this sport is for adults and children alike. This sport is showcased all over, where each person participating is honored to represent their country.

We always stress the importance of insuring that all participants of this sport, use all the safety necessary and required corresponding with the place they are riding at.

Facebook: El Cuco del Monte” Instagram: elcucodelmonte Tiktok: elcucodelmonte 27

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DO YOU SEE US NOW? BRANDON NILES ASKS....

Well... I’ll start off by introducing myself.

My name is Brandon Niles. I’m a 34yr old Ecudorian-American male whom resides in St. Petersburg, FL. I am a father of 2 boys (ages 5 & 7) and a beautiful step-daughter (age 11). I was born in Los Angeles, CA and pretty much Florida raised. My pops was in the navy so, after being stationed at Miramar base in CA, he transferred to Mayport base in Jacksonville, FL, where I grew up most of my life. Since I can remember when I was a kid, I wanted a motorcycle. I begged my parents for a dirt bike every birthday and Christmas from the age of 4, until I moved out the house when I was 17 lol, They never got me one unfortunately and nor did Santa lol. I was however very lucky to have a father who had a love and passion for motorcycles. He exposed me to the bike scene very young.

Taking me as his backpack on several rides, bike meets, and to and from school as a kid.

But due to my over worrying mother he was never able to give me the dirt bike I always wanted. I grew up riding on the back of his

‘89 Honda V65 Magna VF1100, then his 2010 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail, and then his 2014 Harley Davidson Fatboy.

As soon as I moved out on my own, I got to finally get my taste and need for some of my own throttle therapy adrenaline. The freedom and sense of power you feel and become engulfed and swarmed with riding a motorcycle is compared to that of no other. I started out on my friends 2 & 4 stroke dirt bikes, then I got to try my buddies ‘08 Suzuki GSXR 600. I became even more infatuated with sports bikes. I ended up getting a ‘99 Honda CBR F4 and then had my ‘08 Honda CBR RR, my baby named Irie.

I miss it dearly till this day, but hope that God willing, hopefully by this year if not by 2023, I pray to be back on 2’s....or 3’s at least lol. I don’t really want a trike as it’s not my style, but bagger with a side cart, a T-Rex, or a sport’s bike with a hydraulic arm lift of some sort to be able to ride on 2’s again and be able to balance at a stop, (As I no longer have my legs or knees) would make me one of the happiest men on Earth again. You see, this month on the 16th of January 2022, it will mark the 3yr anniversary to the day that I had my legs taken away

from me in a hit-n-run accident. I should of died that night, but my will to survive and be there for my kids and not let the new man in my baby momma’s and kids lives be the one to raise them. I’d be damned if I let that happen. They really gave me the strength and will to survive and pull through, as I laid there in the middle of the road with my left femur broke, both my legs chopped off completely, my left bicep had been pulled out, and my left forearm bones had both broke in half but didn’t pierce the skin, so it was just dangling there. As I laid there in shock and worry, I knew that I had to control my breathing and gather my thoughts. I needed to stay as calm as possible in order to control the rate of my blood bleeding out to death, in order to give myself a fighting chance of pulling through for my kids and family. If I had a chance at all that is. I decided to pretend that I didn’t even notice the both of my legs were gone and that the only injury I had sustained was that of my arm.

What happen, you ask? Well I was riding my bike to go meet up with the fellas at the bar. Jan 16, 2019 it was around 10:30pm at night, no rain, clear visibility, it was a beautiful night outside to ride. As I headed northbound over an overpass ramp, I watched the car on my right hand

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side continue parallel to me through the separating dividers. As I was in the far left fast lane I went to throttle out and go through the traffic light and I expected the vehicle on my right to eventually merge northbound with me in the far right lane.

Instead in the split of a second this mofo decided to hit an illegal sharp ass left turn at the light to go into an Applebee’s plaza.

We’re always trained to keep our head on a swivel and to be aware of all our surroundings when on a bike, to keep a heightened awareness for danger and idiots on their phones, not paying attention, especially in FL none-the-less St. Petersburg/ Tampa area. I had practiced quick stops in parking lots before and considered myself a very good experienced and aware rider, but nothing can really prepare you for all the different variables you may face when it’s your time to go down in the real world. Unfortunately that is just part of the territory with riding motorcycles. We run the risk of losing our lives every time we throw our leg over the tank to ride. But at least it would be doing something that we loved, which is why we’re addicted to, and do it. Though I highly urge anyone with loved ones that rides to set a will and get life insurance on yourself so that if you do perish doing what you love, your loved ones are taken care of still when your gone. Many of us love speed and the thought of just cheating death by a couple milli-seconds. We chase the thrill and adrenaline euphoria feeling that takes over simultaneously, continuously, and relentlessly. We’re taught to dress for the slide and not the ride, because at any given moment, it could be our time. So I urge anyone reading this new or old, it’s never

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too late to start, to wear proper gear, yolo and it can be the difference between life and death. Not trying to be the gear police but it is a fact that you are safer with the gear. Thankfully I was wearing all my gear this night and I truly believe it’s because of my gear and God that I am still here alive, of sound mind and body, well and breathing writing my story. I had my riding boots, jeans, gloves, chest protector, riding jacket, and my helmet on. I always went out riding in full gear because I knew at any given second it could be my time to bite the dust.

Either by hitting a gravel patch, fucking off, or some idiot in a vehicle not paying attention. I knew my chances of survival would be far greater wearing gear then that of me not wearing any when riding, plus I love my ink and want to protect it too lol. So please if your one of those, like me whom always like to push our limits riding and really test the limits of the bike, or if you have loved ones that count on you. Don’t quit what your doing or give up what you love, but please dress for the slide and not just the ride. Practice quick-stops in a parking lot at varying speeds, ideally speeds of 45mph and up. Practice, practice, practice. Had I practiced my quick-stops more I feel I may have been able to avoid the idiot that cut me off that night and clipped me.

I slammed on both my hand and rear foot brakes immediately as I noticed this mofo deciding to hit a sharp illegal left turn in front of me to cross 6 lanes of traffic and the median to the Applebee’s. My brakes lock up and my bike hydroplanes into the rear back side bumper, just enough with the momentum to throw me up and over the handlebars, up and over the car into

the center median traffic pole sign. My bike then ghosted itself down about 3 more blocks ahead, as my body hit the traffic sign about 2ft off the ground, it bent the pole a full 90 degrees. I believe thats what broke my left femur, forearm, and bicep, the initial hit of the pole. My body then continued to slide up the pole to where the square and diamond traffic signs proceeded to act as razor blades and sliced my legs off both just under the knee. I was left there for dead as the car that cut and hit me off, just drove off like nothing ever happened. I went to lift myself up on my left side when i noticed I broke my left arm as I couldn’t lift myself up with that side and had to roll myself to the right side to sit up. I take off my helmet and begin to assess myself for any injuries sustained in my accident. That’s when I went to try and stand up and realized as i looked down at my legs....I couldn’t even get myself up if I wanted too, to go and whoop this guy’s ass. I processed how this guy literally just cost me both of my legs. I was shocked and distressed but went into survival mode and pretended that my arm was my only injury. Thank God that night there was a state trooper whom had he not just started his shift and been there at that moment to witness the incident and act as quickly and efficiently as he did to put my legs in tourniquet, then I wouldn’t be here still breathing today. State Trooper Cole saved my life that night. He used is 1 tourniquet on one leg and used his tie on the other leg until a bystander came by and gave up his belt to act as a tourniquet for my other leg.

I lost 10 pints of blood that night, pretty much a whole body blood transfusion.

The guy who hit me was a 20yr old at the time. His father made him come back to the scene about 2hrs later. He had a suspended

license, no insurance, violation of probation, and had 12 felonies on his record already, smh. Needless to say, I got extra fucked that day as not only did he cost me my legs, but my bike and way of life. All gone in just seconds. Tomorrow is never promised , remember that. Live everyday as if it were your last and be grateful for what you do have, because it may not be there the next.

The guy that hit me was sentenced to 5yrs.

I’m glad that justice was served in that sense, but it will never bring me back my legs or way of life. I’m very grateful and happy to still be here today, to be able to still wake up to the fresh air and be able to take care of my kids. I have a great job at a doctors office doing medical records now, have a gorgeous girlfriend, and am just enjoying life and can’t wait in anticipation of being able to get out and ride again. I won’t be an everyday rider like I used to be, but I will still go out on weekends and group rides on a bike again eventually.

Until I can afford a custom bike for myself because of my legs then jeep life at the bike night events it is lol. I included my facebook (Brandon Niles) and email (b.niles1418@ gmail.com) in case anyone whom needs some uplifting, words of encouragement or motivation due to being hindered in life from an accident or other life changing

experience to be able to reach out to me if they want to and have someone they can relate to.

I believe God has a plan for everyone. You may not realize it right away but eventually you will. I feel his plan for me is to act as a sign of hope for people in similar situation’s as to mine and show them that life is not over. To show people that no matter the cards that we are dealt in life, that it is what you make it out to be. A mind over matter kind of sense. In other words, don’t dwell on the negatives in life, just focus on the positives and keep it pushing. Look at me, I lost both my legs at the age of 31.

I didn’t sit there in the hospital in pity or sorrowfulness for myself. I decided not to sit there on my ass in depression about my new life situation. I chose to adapt and look at the positives and continue to live my best life. I knew with today’s day in age of technology I had the possibility of walking again in the future. I didn’t know how as to I was gonna be able to afford them, but knew it was a positive possibility to believe in. I knew that there are people in this world whom have it way worse than me, that there will always be someone whom has it worse than you. Therefore rejoice and be grateful for the blessings that we do have in life. Everything you need is

provided by the one above, you just have to trust and have faith. God answered my prayers not even 6mo after getting out of the hospital and sent me my angel Steve Chamberlain, the man behind 50 Legs who then sent me to Stan Patterson, the man behind the best prosthetic place to be in FL, aka POA (Prosthetics Orthotics and Associates) in Orlando. Between them and the 2 veterans that passed away and donated their microchip processor knee prosthetic genium legs to 50 Legs, then I wouldn’t have been able to have been walking again within my first year of losing my legs (granted it was with a walker lol). I wouldn’t be standing or walking and being able to do the things I can now if it weren’t for those 2 men and their establishments helping me to get where I am at today in life. I truly urge anyone who can to donate whenever/ whatever they can to 50legs.org as they truly are a non-profit organization out here doing God’s work and not only helping individuals like myself in the bike scene but other amputees of all kinds and several kids as well. Prosthetics are far from cheap and every dollar someone gives can mean another leg for someone to walk/ stand tall again. Much love to all my bike fam out there, I love you guys and girls and I will see you guys out on the road again soon, believe that 100%.

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My name is Manuel Esquina. I’m a 37-year-old amputee originally from the Bronx with a Dominican heritage.

I am the founder and owner of Luna Performance. I lost my leg on my 29th birthday while living in my current state of North Carolina. At the time I was young and reckless with my health. The struggles of having to pay my bills came before taking care of me. Needless to say, one thing led to another and ended up getting an infection in my bones of both of my legs from uncared wounds that invoked the amputation of one leg and toes on the other.

This was also at the beginning of my

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riding career. When I first learned how to ride it was on an old Honda cruiser with an automatic transmission. I fell in love with riding after that first turn, I made on it. It lit an empty part of my soul and it never went away or died down. Riding opened my heart and made me feel free. It made me feel carefree and unbothered. The wind, the freedom, the speed, and the adrenaline completed me.

Unfortunately, with me losing my leg right at just a few months of learning how to ride the hopelessness of not being able to ride again started dawning on me. After I lost my leg, I

had retreated back into the countryside in Mount Olive, NC and stayed with my mother until I could recover and receive a prosthetic to start learning how to walk again. In the midst of my recovery, I went through a lot of mental struggles and difficult battles. As you can see to this day, I conquered them even if it was by barely nothing. I had an old Honda CBR F4 that I started riding and learning on in the sports bike class. After I lost my leg, I didn’t see it for months and I felt empty.

It was finally brought to me and with my walker every morning I would get up and slowly go down the stairs and

spend hours fixing something or painting it. My passion was back. I wasn’t riding but I felt like a piece of me has come back.

Needless to say, the complications of how to ride were never a problem. Shifting was the final hurdle for me to ride again.

After several methods and tests I finally learned how to shift without any additional devices on this motorcycle.

As I learned how to ride and try other

mechanisms, I had learned about the air shifter in my days of drag racing. That soon became a must for my motorcycles and helped me make trip of over 6-7 hours without any fatigue on my leg.

In the process of learning how to work on my motorcycle I decided to open Luna Performance in 2018 once I had the right facilities and tools. Luna is my families last name and something I will forever carry on. In opening the shop my intentions were to do mechanical work and powder coating but also to teach so that they can save money in the future. We all don’t have vast resources like that, so that’s my way of contributing back to the riding community. They always have good support from me and also those who have helped me reach where I am today.

As a sport bike rider I know that we receive a lot of criticism from the riding community for being reckless and a menace. That does not apply to all of us.

Some of enjoy the speed and power but were also responsible and courteous to other riders and people on the road. Don’t let a few people with different riding styles determine one rider. We’re all different but we all have one thing in common; We love riding and it’s our passion. For all those who have a dream follow it. It will take blood, sweat, tears, and determination but the end result and the lasting effects will be so fulfilling.

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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 36

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

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TOURISM TRAVEL ADVENTURE

• LED LIGHTING • ALARM SYSTEMS

727.944.6961 WWW.FLORIDARIDEORDIE.COM 37

Hello, my name is Sheila I’m 38 years old. I’m originally from Puerto Rico. Seven years ago I moved here to the sunshine state with my 2 daughters and my Dogs. My passion for the motorcycle world has always been in my luggage where ever I go. My passion for bikes started at a very young age. While in Puerto Rico I was always involved in any promotion or bike activity I learned how to ride on my own I challenged myself every time to get better and better till I mastered it about a year ago. I was able to buy my GSXR750 I absolutely love her and I enjoy riding her around. I’m also a full-time mom to my daughters and work full-time I don’t ride as much as I would like to but when I do I enjoy myself to the fullest.

To all the women life is what you make of it. Be happy do what you love respect and be respected and remember you only live once. So, ENJOY THE RIDE. 38

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Founders: Angel Torres, Jose Osorio, Nelson Medina Located: Zone 4 on the Westside of Jacksonville, FL Year founded: 2021 Social Media: Instagram @los_de_la_burla_jacksonville @nelflowbarber @Cheito_0412 This group was created by a small close-knit group of friends. The idea behind the team was to spend time together as a family, doing something we all like to do, but with time the group simply keep growing. Riding to us means a lot of things, mainly it’s a passion where your everyday worries and struggles can be forgotten, and everyone is one.

We just did a ride where we were asking for gift donations for children in need, our goal is to continue to do rides to support events.

I have a message for those who see us and say or think we are crazy. The reality is we are, we have this weird philosophy we think we are free, enjoying the wind, the rain, the dirt, and the sun. We call our friends brothers, we help each other, we greet one another without knowing each other, and once we arrive at our destination after a ride we greet each other again, as if years have passed.

We have a saying among us, “Don’t leave without a helmet” it’s always a good to use all safety gear required to ride a motorcycle.

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Motorcycles have been part of my life from when l was 8 years old. My mom met and married a motorcycle rider/racer that was the president of a dirt racing club here in CALIFORNIA named the Four Aces. He taught me to ride his 250cc Greeves, l couldn’t reach the ground but starting from the tailgate of his Ford Ranchero l learned to start and stop. In 1963 he bought me a Yamaha YG-1 80cc street bike that we modified for dirt, all 2.5 inches of Travel. 59 years later, lost limb, broken neck, collarbone, broken hip x2, broken ribs, wrist, fingers, toes and countless other injuries l still can’t get enough seat time. I spend time

off the bike in the gym training in order to be better on the motorcycle. I love Motorcycles, but it’s the family and friends I’ve met and made from Motorcycles that made this so special. The encouragement l have received and others l have been able assist in their life challenges that inspire me to ride.

My Skateboard career was primarily Freestyle however l enjoyed downhill, Skatepark riding and cross-country skating as well. In the late 70’s l was general manager of three of the most popular Skateboard parks in California; Oxnard Endless Wave, The Big O and Skate City Whittier. While there I began Skateboarding in swimming type pools/bowls in addition to reservoirs and 3/4 pipes. Abrasions and broken bones taught me to limit my pursuit of dropping into the pools. Ultimately l went to work for Van’s tennis shoes in Anaheim, CA. This became among the funniest part of my life, Skateboarding, Roller skating and performing everywhere from coast to coast doing shows/demonstrations from LA Laker Halftime shows to Wide World of Sports, Sports Spectacular, TV shows, Movies, Books and countless newspapers and

magazines. At 25, l was being paid as a professional Skateboarder on one leg.

Sponsors such as; Gordon & Smith, Hobie, Madrid Tracker Trucks, Sims, Huffy, GT, Vera and Van’s. Unbelievable and not planned. l left Van’s and began working in the fishing industry for a publishing company that was focused on Bass fishing tournaments.

The company also owned a saltwater fishing magazine, as an avid fisherman l got very involved and became big-game tournament angler. Mostly Marlin and Tuna but sometimes Shark and other species of fish. At the same time l still enjoyed Skateboarding, Snow skiing, Water skiing, Climbing and then dancing the nights away.

I attempted a World Water skiing speed record for one leg and fell at 73 miles per hour and sustained a hematoma and lacerations in both

Set your own limits in life! Missing a tool doesn’t prevent you from doing the job!

I’m 70% of the man l once was, still giving 100%!

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eyes. The whites of my eyes were blood red for a long time. Maharaja was my Water skiing sponsor and Skiwarm my wet suits. I did exhibitions at the Long Beach Marine Stadium and Irvine Lake boat races. I was once asked to do a TV news show/interview Water skiing, l said when they said this weekend at Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino, CA. It was February the ground was covered in snow and the lake was really cold. l sat on the dock, the boat took off and l skied around for a while and then did a beach landing without getting wet. Not because of being that good, l just didn’t want to freeze.

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