L.A.M.A. JACKSONVILLE

from Sep/Oct - Florida Ride or Die Magazine Issue #14

DILLON COOK

Latin American Motorcycle Association (L.A.M.A.) Jacksonville “904 Original”

15 Members saw the need to have a LAMA Chapter in Jacksonville, FL in which they could share with other locals, their passion to ride. The LAMA Jacksonville “904 Original” group was established 13 years ago. Our 13th year anniversary was this past month and we celebrated with a huge party with our fellow riders. The Latin American Motorcycle Association “LAMA” is an International Humanist Association whose mission is to promote peace, love, harmony and non-violence worldwide and serve as example to others all while enjoying the Moto Touring Sport. It is recognized as one of the most active long distance riding clubs in the world. The female riders “DAMAS DE LAMA” are an integral part of the association and have an equal role. They are well known for riding their own motorcycles, riding long distances and compete on the Moto Touring Championship. The 904 Originals love to ride with LAMA as it encompasses family values. That is a reason why so many join the Jacksonville chapter. We have active members which include DAMAS de LAMA, spousal members, associates and our youth members who all wear the LAMA colors, our mission is to support the ideals of LAMA, organize motorcycle events support moto-tourism, provide recreational and safety education activities for our members and establish charitable events on behalf of those less fortunate. Riding is our passion; it is a way to connect with nature and let go of those things that negatively impact our lives. There is no time to think about anything else but to enjoy that adrenaline rush. It is the way to release, recharge and be at peace with everything that is around us. LAMA has participated in diff erent types of charities. They have visited and brought presents to children during the holidays and the most recent was at Woodland Grove Health and Rehab Center where they spent some time with the residents and shared their experiences as riders. What is your message to people who judge sport bikes: “We don’t judge anyone on a bike… we have a couple of members that have sport bikes. We always

welcome them to ride with us. Don’t judge anyone for riding a bike and enjoying what they do. Take the time to get to know them/us and then come to your own conclusion. Riding is a passion and not everyone will share the same passion.” Words of encouragement or safety tip: “Do what you love doing…If you need someone to ride with message us. Especially female riding…we have a few females (Dama’s) that love to ride…hit one of them up and they will ride with you. Our President Tanya is always looking for more female riders to ride with. You will never be left behind.”

LAMA Jacksonville Events:

Karaoke nights are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month and Bike Nights usually the 3rd Saturday of the month. They also have a couple of things in the works…one being family day. “We all worked so hard with this anniversary party that we as a chapter will come together and enjoy our day. We also have our Halloween Bike night, Thanksgiving dinner and our Christmas party.”