Nov/Dec - Florida Ride or Die Magazine Issue #15

About The Floyd Laycock Foundation Inc:

The FLF Incorporated was created in Floyd’s honor, to help families who lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident cover burial expenses. No-one ever expects to receive that phone call, let alone have to try to come up with the funds to bury their family member. Floyd was in an accident in December of 2019 and unfortunately didn’t survive due to a car who didn’t see him. Floyd fought hard to survive but his body couldn’t handle the trauma. With the communities help, Floyd’s mother Tonya was able to receive enough funds to provide a proper burial, after that happened, she decided she wanted to give back to the community by opening a non profit to help other families lay their loved ones to rest. The FLF Inc is here to help any fallen riders family in their time of need, whether is be financial assistance with the burial, someone to talk to, or an escort ride for the funeral of the fallen rider.

Motorcycle Awareness

Bringing awareness of Motorcyclists is one of our top priorities. If you see the motorcycle watch out for them.

*Do a double take before switching lanes.

*Be less distracted while driving

*Do your part in saving their life. Share the road.

The

Why Donate?

We are a foundation who uses all of our funds to help the community. We work with the public to raise our funds to give back to the public. Burial and funeral expenses are unexpected expenses and we want to help alleviate some of that cost if it so happens to arise in your family.

LEVELUP Team LEVELUP Team

We are Team Level Up!

Alec Derita 25 and Alex Pietrucha 23, a tandem motorcycle team from New Jersey. We both ride Kawasaki ZX6R’s, pushing ourselves and the bikes to the limits. For 3 years now we have been a couple that is constantly growing on and off of the bikes. You might hear us say “Level Up!” since that is our motto. Every time we swing our leg over the bike, it’s time to push and be better than we were the last time we rode.

Alec started riding more seriously at the age of 10, riding dirt bikes and quads for fun. He taught himself how to wheelie in 2017, not knowing where it would take him! At first Alec wheelied dirt bikes, so his initial style comes from that, but he was later able to take those skills and his style to stunt bikes. Being in the lot every weekend for about 3 years now has taught him to be a well-rounded rider, pushing himself to try new things every week.

Alex, also known as Troosh, got her first bike in March of 2019, not even having a thought of where her DRZ 400 would take her! A little less than a year later, Alec started teaching her how to wheelie on a mini bike. In about a month she was scraping her DRZ in the lot! All we knew is that she wasn’t accepting failure, and that’s what motivated her to be a great rider. She quickly progressed to bigger bikes, landing on her ZX6R that she has learned circles and drifts on since then.

We have both suffered from injuries over the years but nothing can stop us from getting back onto the bikes! Bike life is in our blood. We started doing basic tandems soon after we met, but weren’t too serious about it until about a year and a half later, when we realized we actually had some potential! We started with the easy stuff, and went right into Alex trying to stand on the bars backwards. With lots of falls and a whole lot of adrenaline, we were hooked, tandems became our thing. Some of the tricks we do are harder than others, and we both have our opinion on which tricks are our favorites. One day Alex said “clutch up with me on the front of your bike.” We all thought she might have lost her mind, but no more than 5 minutes later she was sitting on top of the bike in a wheelie, then climbing down face first in between Alec and the bike landing in our upside-down trick. We have both agreed that Alex is the crazier one, sometimes it takes Alec a little more convincing to try out a new trick.

We didn’t know the first time we met that this is where we’d be 3 years later, but also didn’t realize how strong of a foundation bikes would give us to grow on. We perform stunt shows all over the country together now, and we love being able to show crowds something they have never seen before! We run our own business while having a YouTube and full-time jobs, both currently being electricians, but pretty much everything we do is together. Team work makes the dream work!

Riding has taught us a lot over the years. It has given us something to look forward to after a hard week of work, a goal to reach towards no matter how hard it is. That no matter how many times you fall you get back up and try again. You are truly only as strong as the person you decide to be with, so you might as well both be pretty damn strong. Fear will be the number one thing that holds you back in riding, but building the skills to get past that fear is key. Start slow, grow from there. Our biggest lesson learned is communication. Most days we act and move like one person, we can do our craziest tricks without saying a word, but we built that from hours of practice and talking out what we want to do next and where we want to be. For us this is just the start, we have some insane goals and tricks that we will accomplish. No matter what you do, LEVEL UP!

Instagram: @alecderita, @alextroosh, @team.level.up

YouTube: Level Up Stunt Team

Jose Sixth Gear

Born in San Lorenzo, PR Currently living in Jacksonville, FL.

Current Ride

17 370z Nismo nickname Shark

Modifications

Air lift air bags

Carbon fiber Hood and fenders

Cold air intake

Exhaust

Modified headlights

Z1 2 piece rotors

My first car was a 1981 Honda Civic Hatchback. It was in such bad shape I only got to drive it 3 times. I got into the car scene when I was young. I eventually started doing my own meets in 2018. My first meet only 5 people showed up. I didn’t let that discourage me. That’s when I bought my 2017 370z Nismo. I call it Shark because of the side gills on its fenders. I started to meet a lot of people. I joined different car groups and began to participate in car shows. 6th Gear was the old name of the 370z. Then the deeper I got into the scene people started to recognize me as

6thGear. I used this recognition and decided to try again at hosting a meet. It was a success. I collaborated with groups like GZR, Jax Meets, & North Florida Beemers. As time went by I was known for my Nismo so I decided to promote meets under Sixth Gear. After a Toy Drive car show at Morracco Shine Center I did with Los Mas Gufidos “LMGJAX”Sixth Gear really took off. I now host some of the best car meets in Jacksonville. Currently hosting car meets twice a month with food and activities for everyone. Next one is at Advanced Auto Parts. I love my Nismo because I have put so much time, money and effort to make it look the way it is but my dream car is a Lamborghini. Since I was 12 I’ve always dreamed of owning one. Maybe one day!

Thank you to LaLa and FLROD Magazine for giving me the opportunity to be in the spot light , you guys are the best.

Follow me on Instagram: @sixth_gear_meets, @6thgear01, @sixth_gear_pr

Or on Facebook Sixth Gear

In Memory Of Joshua Piazza Rest In Peace

Dear Josh,

I don’t even know where to begin… Never in a million years when you went on that motorcycle ride on Saturday, September 17th just the day before your sister and your Nana’s Birthday would we think how our world would change in such a devastating way.

Our morning started up so beautifully you took us all out for breakfast. You had such a sense of accomplishment that you were able to pay for the whole check as a Birthday present for them. I remember three various times Nana kept asking you why you were glowing. Little did we know we were hours away from not being able to see your beautiful blue eyes open again and not being able to hear that deep voice of yours again unless we call your voicemail or watch a video of yours.

I remember when you stood up to walk to the register to pay the bill it’s like time froze for a second and I saw Papa very briefly appeared next to you (Papa…my dad had passed away years ago so that gave me a very bad feeling.) We all met back up at the store and a very serious conversation took place between you and your sister on what was the best way to stop hiccups…if I could have been a fly on the wall for that hysterical conversation. Your little brother recently told me how excited you were about your new stainless-steel trash can and he couldn’t figure out why you were so excited because it was just a trash can, but I knew why. You witnessed some difficult times growing up, and you appreciated the small things in life because you experienced what it was like on the other side of that.

We came home and before you took off for your ride, I remembered saying our family prayer “Hedge of protection and traveling mercies in Jesus’ name.” I took a quick nap and then began doing the dishes so I could begin baking the Birthday cake for your sister and Nana. I heard a text message come through

and again time froze when I looked at my phone and it was a text from our Life 360 App that said you had either been in a collision or dropped your phone. I immediately began calling you, and you did not answer. I knew in my mama’s heart something horrible must have happened. I began crying out to God asking Him what I should do because everyone was at work, and I was home without the car, but I knew you were in trouble. God put it on my heart to call the Hospital and when I did at first they didn’t have you listed by name but I told them Life 360 App said you were in a collision and I was able to give them the exact address and description of your bike along with your physical description and to my horror they said, “he is here he is in critical condition. How quickly can you get here?”

I frantically called dad, and he raced home and picked us up and we made our way to the hospital. It was the longest 30 minutes of our lives as we waited for them to come and update us on your condition.

At first, we heard it was an accident but the more the police investigated we heard it was a hit and run but the more they investigated we found out that you were actually chased by two people in a car, and from what we understand the driver veered you into oncoming traffic and you were hit head-on by

a truck. My brain still does not comprehend how and why this happens. You were cared for and prayed for by several people at the crash site that I am going to be forever grateful to. Your injuries were so severe you had almost all of your bones broken, your helmet somehow flew off, and you were in a coma for about a week.

During that week we just loved on you. You gave us little signs that you were hearing us. I did all my Beverly Goldburg tactics on you that used to drive you crazy when I would watch The Goldberg’s. Yes, we can discuss that further when I see you in Heaven. I must tell you that the week you were in the hospital and still to this day we have been so supported by our friends and family. Josh, you were and are so loved!

Thursday, September 22nd, you decided to go be with the Lord. Friday, we did the Honor Walk as we chose to donate your organs through LifeLink. Josh, you were able to free two people off dialysis, your liver was also donated to someone, and there were other ways your life was saving more lives.

Your sister and Aunt had almost the same dream that you were healed, and you ended up walking through a glowing set of doors and the Lord and your Papa embraced you! It’s interesting because I believe those doors you walked through in the dream ended up being the ones in the that were the doors leading to the organ donation hallway where the Honor Walk took place.

I’m just so proud of you the life that you lived was so pure and adventurous your life is just making us want to do better. I finally got the back patio situated with the little, mini gym out there that you and I talked about and now I just have to make myself go out there and actually use the equipment. You have impacted your brother and sister’s lives more than you will ever know! What a great example you were for them and they miss their big brother so much. You taught us to just jump and go after our dreams! Dad is going to have his Photography Showing on His Birthday this November 27th and we are looking to have it at one of our favorite Park Shelters. Life is too short to be worried about who will and who will not support our dreams, etc.…we just want to go after life like you did! I just found out that I have a tumor in my throat, but I do not feel scared but instead, I feel a sense of peace because there are things, I need to work on to make sure you have justice. One thing God did put on my heart was I had three choices on how to handle your passing:

1) Get lost in anger and bitterness.

2) Get swallowed by the waves of sadness

3) Bring it all to God all of my sorrow, questions, anger, heartache, etc.…and just leave it at His feet.

I chose number 3 because I want to see what God is going to do in the midst of all of this. His word says He brings beauty from our ashes and boy do we have some ashes right now, but He is God, and your life, nor your death was in vain. You are so loved by so many that were around you. My hope is that somehow, I can get tougher laws passed regarding motorcyclists’ safety so other families will not have to experience this valley of sorrow like we have. You are so deeply loved and greatly missed my sweet boy!

God, thank you for an amazing 21 years as Josh’s mama!

P.S.

Also, I talked with your job and found you were doing great in your new position and Monday when you should have been able to return to work you were going to be told what a great job you had been doing and how your mentor wanted to keep you with him longer.

Joshua my sweet boy I will love you forever and will fight for your justice.

Love Mom Shannon L. Turner

I asked the family what they would like to say to you, and this is what they wrote back:

Six weeks without you and it still doesn’t feel real. Everyone tells me that with time it will get better but honestly, I don’t think that’s the case because with each day that passes without you, I just feel worse. I miss you more than I could even put into words. I got a necklace with your ashes in it because it doesn’t seem fair to go and live my life without you. This necklace means u go everywhere and experience everything with me and I know you hated when I followed you around so even in death, I will never stop being your annoying little sister. I love you more than anything, rest easy big brother.

Sister-Trinity Piazza

Josh, I remember the day that I asked you if you still believed in Jesus. You told me that you did still believe in Jesus because you would hate to not believe in him and get to heaven one day and find out that you’re really wrong and you’re going to be in a lot of trouble.

Nana - Linda Mulcunry

Josh, you had a servant’s heart. You were always offering to help put groceries up and so much more. Great AuntDottie Pennington

Dear Josh, Grandma and Grandpa miss you greatly. We remember with fond memories the joy you brought to our lives.

Grandma & Grandpa Robert and Karen Turner

Dear Josh, I miss you so much and wish you were here. I am so proud of everything you were able to accomplish, but even more than that, I’m proud of the young man you were. I’ll always be proud to be your dad.

Dad - Ross Turner

To connect further and walk alongside us in our journey please click on my LinkTree https://linktr.ee/ShannonLTurner

Raging for Peace©

It was on a Friday night at a local biker joint. After meeting a first date from a stupid dating app. First date was so uninteresting I caught myself distracted by a young couple appearing to be in an intense discussion. Both were in their late 20s. He was a patch bearer. After my date and I kindly dismissed each other I went on my business talking to another biker. He and I were the only two in the joint with sports bikes so we chatted up. Bike this, bike that and so on.

Few minutes later my new buddy and I were overpowered in our discussion by the young couple a few feet away who was now in a full-blown argument. Clearly agitated it became evident both of them were trying their best to communicate. That visibly

and audibly only gave rise to more mutual frustration. It was painfully embarrassing to witness. I could see the young man growing into a pressure cooker state about to explode. Red faced, agitated, frustrated, irritated. She wasn’t so loud. Small in stature she appeared equally frustrated but more in control of her demeanor.

The situation culminated to such a point, the young man screamed out of rage and frustrations. He literally exploded with anger. Like a young child who just cant get what he wants or place a word with his mom. My buddy and I stood there. Had this guy lifted a finger on the girl, patch or no patch he was going down I assure you.

Turns out all he did was letting steam off. That’s probably all he knew to do to deal with intense emotions. Unable to practice healthy manageable communication he let it out the only way he knew how. And that my fellow biker friends is where we (me included) need to start getting our shit together and own our mind. I felt bad for this guy. I felt bad for her yes but mostly for him. I could feel his frustration. Emotional overload in his mind. Unable to process the information coming from his emotions, from his girlfriend, analyze it internally and formulate effective concise responses to resolve whatever it was they were arguing about. This is a painful state of mind which most of us have experienced or witnessed.

Why is it both genders now don’t listen to each other anymore? We listen to respond and we don’t listen to understand! Someone told me repeatedly when I was married that “a soft answer turns away wrath”. Stubborn me I decided to practice that only too late after my divorce. I then discovered the incredible power of kindness in the face of conflicts. There are limits I know. Self defense has its place but for the most part, any argument can be defused and well managed.

Problem is us men have not been taught how to process, analyze and manage emotions. To be honest, most of us don’t even want to bother…until it hits us where it truly hurts…then we feel like lost puppies. If we did own this space in our heads I promise you we would not be portrayed as dumb as the majority of media likes to portray us. Problem too with most women is they rely too much on emotions. Not all. Most. Don’t crucify me here ladies! We all should know emotions can sure be unreliable! So what do we do? I’m not talking about us having to be vulnerable here at all. I’m saying we need to pay attention to what’s going on inside our heads and hearts, recognize it, deal with it, own it and then respond in a way that gives justice to the situation leaving everyone with their dignity. We need to let the other speak freely without interruption so we can understand them. Ask questions after. Be kind in our delivery.

In your dreams you’ll say? I don’t think so. Give it a try. Give yourself a chance. I did. It works. 100%. It takes a lot of work but I promise you will own your space and your boundaries will eventually be respected. Some of my favorite books/resources have been Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules of Life, Andrew Tate, the bible, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, The Alchemist by Paolo Cohelo, Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore etc….

I always tell my children; “There is nothing wrong with anger or feeling angry. It’s a natural human emotion and a gift that has its place. Its what we do with it and how we handle it that matters”. Men, women, own your space with kindness.

After the most recent pandemic and lock downs, like many other enthusiasts Sky Champion once a young rider himself decided to ride out to the Everglades here in FL to gain some guidance from his universe. Upon his return He became Sky Champion on Planet Powamoto. He decided to chase his dreams and aspirations on 2 wheels. Putting all other things behind he began to film his adventures throughout South Florida and the local motorcycle community. He decided to make a difference by influencing others to give back to their community and support each other. He decided to chase his dreams not for fame or fortune. He’s a grandfather with a degree in Speech Communications originally from George Mason University in Fairfax VA. He to this day thanks and appreciates and recognizes his University Professors for their excellent teaching and programs. He owes it all to his motorcycle. This is just the beginning for the Powamoto Gang as this channel has grossed over 3 million in views with over 3,500 subscribers and needs you. Please share this grandfathers mission to make a difference on 2 wheels and influence other younger riders to ride hard and have fun in their lives. Stay tuned as his videos are dropping weekly. The quality of editing and filming on this channel are unmatched. The Powamoto Gang believes in 1 million subscribers on YouTube. You can also follow on Facebook,

tic tock, and Instagram but YouTube is where in 1 year this channel is monetized. Help this creator grow by hitting the playlist and check out his donations and fun times with the motorcycle community.

Powamoto Gang is group in Miami Performing Motorcycle Stunts & Motorcycle Riding. The Powamoto Gang don’t sleep 2019 stunt ride has hundreds of motorcycles from all over the U.S. come enjoy some wheelies on their highway. (Please Sponsor Us Today on Patreon: www.patreon. com/user?u=56921696) Getting to ride the highways of Miami with the Powamoto Gang riders at their weekly fun rides in 2021. Hang on tight because this weeks vlog is fast and high speed! ENJOY You should always wear protective riding gear when learning a new trick including, a DOT approved helmet, riding gloves, Kevlar jeans, motorcycle jacket, and ankle high rider’s shoes. Tires also should be at the proper PSI to ensure good traction to the ground. If you like cool motovlogs and a fun new taste on the sport bike scene, you have come to the right channel for all you motorcycle questions and how to videos! Being a motovlogger that pushes the limits on stunt riding and bikes is all part of the lifestyle! Sky Champion has been on bikes all over the United States of America and has close ties with some of the best out there. He’s traveled throughout the

Mid-East with over 400k miles in 31 years.

The motivation for starting the YouTube channel for Sky Champion has always been and will continue to be to encourage other future motorcycle riders to enjoy and chase their dreams and passions on two wheels he will forever support the motorcycle community giving back to his local community Through charity and donations on his two wheels and showcase the beautiful stunts gorgeous scenery of Florida and our great nation he looks forward to traveling to your destination soon because there are 50 states that his motorcycle will go and even to Mexico. Sky Champion plans on bringing his YouTube channel to other motorcycle rallies for the last few years, he will be visiting sturgis, arizona, Myrtle beach, texas, Mexico rallies and the near future look for him and support the sky champion today.

Thank you for giving his channel of you on YouTube and social media platforms such as Instagram Facebook and tiktok help the Sky Champion rise United ball

motorcyclists as one group One Nation on two wheels sport bike riders, cruisers, Choppers, dirt bikes, super motos, trikes there is no difference when you have two wheels and one motor I believe it’s one motorcycle, and if that’s true and you believe in one motorcycle come join rise to the top on this channel and platform today. Patreon donations are always accepted and merchandise can be purchased on Redbubble at the sky Champions store on Google thank you for your patronage and supported this great Channel.

Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe. Once You Subscribe You Are Now Part Of The “Powamoto Gang”

YOUTUBE: POWAMOTO

Contact Info: Email: powamoto@gmail.com

Phone Number: (954) 200-4492

‘Sky Champion’ Website: Powamotocom.onuniverse.com/ Social Media: IG: POWAMOTO Facebook: POWAMOTO

My name is Jennylee Jeep Founder of LAS DEL CONTROL ATV THE LARGEST WOMAN TEAM IN FLORIDA. Founded March 2022. In one month we we’re able to obtain 2k followers and continue to grow everyday.

My adventure with the mudding world started with my JEEP family 365 Jeeplife but always had a curiosity for ATVS. So, in January 2021 I met the leader of TEAM JACKSONVILLE ATV-Lauren Hernandez. She invited me to one of her events where I met many people and became more obsessed with the MUDDING WORLD! After spending time at mudding events I realized my friends could use a WOMAN POWER FEMALES MUDDING TEAM. I was scared to start something of my own but my dear friend Yoanner motivated me to start a womans mudding team! I quickly spoke with Chay (LEADER OF ALO FUKER ATV) and asked her if she would help me and be a part of this together with other friends we decided to take over the mud in other words….. LET’s CONTROL THE MUD WITH WOMAN POWER!

The group started with the 8 Og’s of LAS DEL CONTROL ATV. We chose a POSITIVE NAME FOR WOMAN. THE WOMAN IN CONTROL! And we wanted to make a statement we wanted a strong name. WHY? Because many are married, single moms, divorced etc. but we have control of our lives and we are all hard-working moms. We are all from Central Florida but originally, we are all from Puerto Rico. Our many adventures are found on Facebook and Instagram under LAS DEL CONTROL ATV. The girls and I usually

ride out at Rancho Bonito, Halopaw, Ocala, Hog Waller and anywhere there’s mud.

Not only do we ride together but outside the mud WE ARE FAMILY! We go to concerts, bike events, Jeep events and stay connected always. Chay, Evelyn and I as leaders are beyond proud on the success of the team. The shirt sales have reached our goals and that is because of all the love and support we receive from other groups around us. We want to continue to grow and eventually grow into the jeep and bike world as well. Like I said WE WANT TO CONTROL! We are all hard-working mothers/ woman and the mud is our happy place where we forget about the house duties and work. We go there for fun, to spend time with our families, to take selfies because we want to capture the moments we spend together.

What is great about my girls is that they all have different ATV’s like 4x4, Raptors, Hondas, Talons, bikes, Canaam’s etc. They like it all. Some of the girls like Chay, Kachi . Evelyn and I like what is called SEGUETEO we like to race WE LIKE SPEED on raptors etc and do donuts, willys and more! They like to take control of the mud the way they have control of themselves and our page is all about woman empowerment and truly making a difference. Very important fact! My girls love to cook. We have Evelyn and Wally

who makes this amazing Puerto Rican soup that brings us together to sit, eat laugh and then get ready for the next ride! Our favorite rides are at night because we make a girl’s party in the woods.

Our Inauguration was 9/10/2022 at Rancho Bonito. The girls had a blast! The boys wore wigs, BUT also on that day we we’re able to raise donations for a little girl name Calia. We raised money to help the family with some of the cost for her upcoming surgery. We continue to pray for Calia.

Our next event will be February 2023 EL DIA DE LAS ENAMORADAS. Where we will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Location is not for sure but you can follow us on social media for updates and more upcoming events as well. Our page is super active and you will love the amazing post.

A message to my girls: Thank you for the love and support because we started with 8 girls and now, we are 20 and we continue to grow STRONG AND POWERFUL! We are family girls and the best thing that came to me 2022 was your friendship and your loyalty. And those still here I adore you! Chay you told me not to give up that people adore you and that I would show! Thank you for the push sis! Evelyn LA PASTORA of the group GRACIAS POR SER COMO ERES POR SIEMPRE BRILLAR y hacer que yo brille igual!

EliezerLosRodríguez’sCataneses

Car type: Camaro 1985 Superstock

Car Name: Los Cataneses

Customization of car: Modified Motor for faster speed

I first started racing in 1975. I was 16 years old and wanted to follow in my older brothers’ footsteps. My first car was a Camaro 1967. Thank God I have not had an accident in any of my race cars.

Goals: Win a national event

Achievements:

While driving in Puerto Rico, I won various events. I was a national champion in PR in 1986. Recently I was runner up in the Dragmania event in Orlando FL in the index 9.0 category.

I race because I still can at my age. I love feeling that adrenaline in my whole-body while doing a burnout and waiting on the start line. I want to continue doing it for as long as I can.

I would say to anyone interested in racing, SAFETY FIRST. Every sport is dangerous and has a risk associated with it so in order to fully enjoy and participate in safety must always be a priority.

Facebook: Julie - Eliezer Rodriguez

Eliezer Rodríguez 63 years old

Originally from Catano, PR. Currently living in Jacksonville Fl

My name is Gorgey, I’m 24 years old from Springfield Massachusetts but currently live in Miami, I ride a YZ450F & KFX400. My first bike was a 97 XR 100. I like to keep my bikes completely stock and just add my personal touch with graphics. I’ve been riding since I was 12 years old, what inspired me to ride was seeing my neighbor with a dirt bike and he gave me a ride on it and I fell in love ever since.

My dream bike is a YZ450Ff with blue rims, I still fall till this day learning new tricks it’s part of this sport., Since I started riding, I have traveled all across the country to ride and have met amazing people while doing it.

To any new riders, ride at your own pace, never rush greatness and do it because it’s something you love not for the popularity or fame.

Instagra: @ bikerboygorgey

Want to start this off by thanking Kathleen and Antonio for allowing me to share my bike in their magazine. My crew calls me BIG T, I am the CEO and founder of BRADENTON BUSAS out of Florida. I’m originally from NEW YORK but moved down here to enjoy the beautiful riding weather and beaches. I have had many bikes but I currently own a 2015 Suzuki Hayabusa with a custom fully gold plated 330 kit.

Basically, started this group to shine a brighter light on the local riders in my area. They were kind of looked at negatively for wildly riding wreck less and unsafe. I wanted to show the community that we are more than that. We give back to the community thru kid’s toy drives, local parades, annual rides for cancer, we show up and speak at different group homes etc.... It’s a blessing to be put into a position of leadership that positively affects the community. At the end of the day the word BIKER represents brotherhood. Riding brings peace to so many including myself when the world gets heavy it helps to clear the mind in order to move forward productively, an amazing release. Some good advice I would give is to ride for you and at your own pace. Live and love life to the fullest. Although my group is called BRADENTON BUSAS all bikes are welcomed and allowed to join in on Facebook.

No matter what you ride, sport, cruiser,3 wheels,slingshots,anything lol. If u have any questions or just want to ride with us you can reach me at any of the following social media outlets below. Thank you and be blessed.

Facebook: robert a marley

Facebook group: Bradenton Busas

Instagram: 585gorillas

Snapchat: Johnny long

THE SPARK Why Do You Ride

Just like all things, there was a spark that started it all. Mighty oaks from the little acorns grow. It began in a small town called Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Unsurprisingly, I was a wild child, could you imagine that? Who would have thought that a 26 year old sportbike rider with an affinity for face melting would get kicked out of kindergarten… Curious isn’t it? But on the day that I discovered motorcycles, I literally got sent home from kindergarten to wait another year. Mrs. Smith (I am not kidding her name was Mrs. Smith, it’s not an alias), made a phone call to my Mom to alert her that I was unfit to be in a classroom which debatably… I couldn’t argue with. Well this was a rotten day for me. This ruined my day for one reason and one reason only, the bank.

The bank was the one thing I looked forward to as a child

when running errands with my Mom. Not the library, not the post office, Victoria’s Secret maybe, but unequivocally the bank. At this bank in downtown Hollidaysburg the ladies handed out scoobydoo gummies. If you have any nostalgia in your veins you are probably going “OHHH YEAHHHH!!!!” Well because of my problem causing antics that day I was banished to the car while my mom went into the bank. This scene begins with me sitting in the front seat. Yes, I was sitting in the front seat, I’m a big baller.

Let me set the scene for you. This downtown area was called “The Diamond.” It was a one way, one lane road heading straight between an array of buildings. On the right was the large, marble, magnificent courthouse with copious scaffolding accompanied by ubiquitous construction and

fake civil war cannons and on the left were various brick and mortar built shops lathered with natural vines crawling paths in the dark red crevasse between the bricks. It was always cold as hell on the left side because the sun would rarely be hitting the side of the road leading to The Diamond. Guess where my Mom parked? In the God forsaken shadows of the desolate land of no Scooby-Doo gummies on the left. So there I am sitting alone with the windows down in the shadows of downtown with nothing but jeans and a black UnderArmor turtleneck and velcro Skechers. But don’t worry, this story takes a turn for the better.

Minutes feel like days when Toby Keith is screaming on the radio and you don’t know what “Hey Uncle Sam put his name at the top of your

list,” means. But over the chorus of Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith (2001) I heard the screaming of 4 cylinders barreling out the back of an aftermarket exhaust. It was a Yamaha R1, nearly brand new at the time. I shoved half my body out the window to get a look at the first sportbike I had ever seen. The guy had on one of those super weird helmets with a neon green mohawk. I screamed for joy when I saw him and flailed my arms so he could see me, and he did. The long, one way road leading to The Diamond was flat and smooth. After a sudden spike of RPMs shouting, he brought that front wheel up high and came flying all the way past all the cars. He then dropped his front wheel right near my Mom’s car for a front row show for me. He gave me a cavalier head nod and as my eyes

peered over his bike I caught a glimpse of a Barbie strapped to his back seat.

That is the day that I decided I wanted to ride sportbikes and that is why I have a Barbie on my bike. To this day I have no idea who that man was, where he came from or if he is still alive today, but he is the reason I ride. We all have a reason that we ride. It does not make someone more or less worthy of riding whether they have a story like mine or they chose to ride simply because it looks fun. We all ride for different reasons. As a child, seeing that green mohawk was so cool and fun to me. In those moments I imagined myself doing wheelies and being the center of attention. I love attention… Who doesn’t? Here I am submitting a story for you to read because I like sharing my thoughts, feelings, emotions and memories. I started riding because I thought it was cool. I ride today because it makes me feel free. I ride for euphoria, I ride because every second is life or death on the road and in the moments of sheer fear there is a calmness that I don’t find anywhere else in my life. If you ride you know exactly what I mean. Riding for me started as a cool thing I wanted to try and has ended up being the thing that allows me to release all the stress and anxiety from life into the world. Riding allows me to let it all go. Let it all go. All of it. Just the bike and me, nothing else matters.

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

Hello. I’m Menor, I’m 25 Years old and live in Deltona, Florida. I’m originally from Coamo, Puerto Rico and I have a 7month old daughter.

I ride a LTZ Suzuki 400 on the street. I have been riding for a year, since childhood I’ve always liked bikes and riding. I taught myself how to ride. My First bike was a 150 Pantera ‘and my dream bikes YZ250 and TRX450. I have fallen plenty of times ‘if you don’t fall you don’t learn! It’s part of the process.

Words of advice and encouragement: Just have a passion for riding ‘goals will come within. Whatever comes with it is a blessing! Love the bike life. If you ride use a helmet, watch yourselves! We love what we do but we risk our lives at the same time.

Instagram: Menorpr20

Facebook: Jayden Emil Colon Leon