SPIRIT
LOS ANGELES, CA
BLACK GIRLS Ride
5
Q&A WITH PROFESSIONAL DRAG RACER
ERIKA ‘VELOCIT-E’ ALLISON
Q
When did you first fall in love with motorcycles in general and drag racing in particular? A: I have always loved motorcycles. My mother and father were drag racers, but mostly with cars. It all started when my brother in law brought home a dirt bike when I was 12 years old. He told me briefly where the clutch, brakes and throttle were and before you knew it I was riding all around my front yard. I got the hang of it really quick which prompted me that this may be something that I am good at. However, drag racing has been a part of my life since I was born. It has always been something that my family has done. It’s in the bloodline!
Q Name: Erika Allison Age: 25 Sign: Pisces Current Bike: Suzuki GSXR-1000 Team: Velocit-E Racing Look for the 2011 Race Schedule on www.velociteracing.com Shout out to my MC families, 4 Horsemen MC, Twisted MC, Top Flyt Ridaz MC, Wolf Pack Ridaz MC, Hawg Riders MC, Coast 2 Coast MC –I see you!, Hurricane Biker Girls MC, COCKY RIDAZ in Los Angeles, AMU Riders MC, and SO MANY more – ya’ll keep it movin’ baby! I’ll be back!
8
BLACK GIRLS Ride
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your sport on your way to success? A: There have been so many challenges. The one that tends to keep lingering around is funding. This is a very expensive sport. You can blow hundreds and thousands of dollars in one day of racing. It is certainly a gamble. I never really had an issue with the guys in racing, although I have had several that didn’t want to race me – I am assuming it is because they didn’t want to risk being beaten by a lady. My thing is, once the helmet goes on it doesn’t matter what your sex is, it’s how you drive that bike.
Q
What would you tell a woman that is thinking about moving from the streets to the track? A: I started out street racing until I had a major almost fatal accident. My first time on the drag strip was influential and was a stepping stone in my life. I tell ladies that are interested in racing and have already been riding in the streets to, “know your bike.” Take baby steps and get a knowledgeable motorcycle drag racer to show you the loops and proper way to launch a motorcycle. Safety, Safety, Safety! You will get dozens of people that are at the track trying to tell you what to do, but you have to stick with that one person for now. Because if you listen to everyone you will get overwhelmed and it will show in your riding. Read the full interview at www.blackgirlsridemag.com
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE “Drag racing has been a part of my life since I was born... It’s in the bloodline!”
photos by: calicamera.com
10
BLACK GIRLS Ride
EASY DOES IT NAAKA MAKES HISTORY
January 8th, 2011 - Kelly “Naaka” Miller became the first African-American woman to win a 1st place trophy at the EasyRider Bike Show in Los Angeles, CA. Naaka, a member of Infinite Rydaz, took 1st place in the Metric Specialty People’s Choice Category. This was her first time entering a bike show competition. She entered the show in support of the West Coast Presidents Alliance and their participation in the event.
Photo by: My McCarthy
12
BLACK GIRLS Ride
BLACK GIRLS Ride
13
HEAVEN SENT CHARLIE’S ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB FOUNDED: 01.25.2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA
Charlie’s Angels Motorcycle Club
is one of the newest all Female MC clubs to hit the streets of LA. Comprised of successful African American business women, the ladies take pride in their bikes and pleasure in serving the community. President Sheila “She-She” Lewis brought the ladies out to our first Black Girls Ride photo shoot, where we had a chance to learn a bit more about Charlie’s Angels, their mission, and their guiding light.
“We must, as women, start supporting and respecting all females that are on ground.”
HONEI P SECRETARY
CHARLIE’S ANGELSMC LOS ANGELES, CA
SLIMGOODE SGT AT ARMS
CHARLIE’S ANGELSMC LOS ANGELES, CA
ITTY BITTY VICE PRESIDENT
Photos by Marselle Washington
CHARLIE’S ANGELSMC LOS ANGELES, CA
“To be a female rider you must have heart, strength, and a love for the road.”
SHEILA “SHE-SHE” LEWIS PRESIDENT & FOUNDER CHARLIE’S ANGELES MC LOS ANGELES, CA
Q. Tell me a bit about how Charlie’s Angels MC was founded… A. Charlie Angels was birthed on January 25th 2010, the evening my sister Charolette ‘Charlie’ Johnson passed away from a long battle with breast and brain cancer. The founding members are President: Sheila( She She) Lewis, VP: Ida (Itty Bitty) McCullam, Tres: Chimere(Chi)Anderson,Sgt at Arms: Rhonda(Slimgoode) Jordan, Sec: Paula(Honie P) Harrison. Charlie loved the fact her husband King Kong of the L.A. Chapter Kings of Cali and her sister was so anchored into the motorcycle set. She wanted to share that life experience with her family. She suffered from seizures which disabled her from riding a motorcycle. Her strength and determination didn’t stop her from finding an alternate means of keeping up and finding a way to get MC colors without a bike. She said she was going to get a Butter Creme yellow scooter put a flower basket on the front to hold her boom box so she could have music like us. Unfortunately, that day didn’t come but on February 2, 2010 the day she was laid to rest. She was presented not only with her colors but a Motorcycle and Social club named after her in commemorative of her spirit. Q. What’s the club’s mission or motto? A. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of women and children in under serviced communities by providing them with knowledge, resources, and encouragement; with emphasis on healthy living and Cancer Awareness. When women are informed they are empowered, and an empowered woman can make the difference between a thriving community, and a defeated one. Q. What are your favorite cities or roads to ride? A. One of my favorite rides is Arizona because its wide open and by the time you finish clearing your head you are there. That’s what a good ride will do for you create a place for peace to reign. Its called therapy. Other than that, anytime we get on the ground and return home safe, that’s a favorite road to ride. Q. What annual events do you promote? A. We promote and support community service projects. We have a concentrated focus on cancer initiatives. We currently have the following events on our calendar: • Revlon Breast Cancer Walk • Charlie’s Angels: Women’s Health & Wellness Fair • Charlie’s Angels, Thanksgiving Outreach • Charlie’s Angels Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
Q. What should a woman look for in an MC club? A. Women should look for commonality in a club, a place of likeness. She should find a safe place where the women in her circle won’t deliberately hurt her or set her up to fail. A place where she can laugh from the soul. A place where she can seek a supportive system that she can depend on in a time of need. A place where her tears won’t be the only ones to fall. A sisterhood that is durable enough to weather the storm. Q. What does your club look for in a member? A. Our club looks for members who are on the same page as we are. And who’s thought patterns are in line with our mission and values. We look for women who are humbled, willing and selfless when it comes to others; not only with our members but through community service. We look for mature minded and responsible women who are secure within themselves. We look for women who have the time to commit to nurturing positive relationships with other women. Q. Are there any last words you’d like to leave us with? A. To be a female motorcycle rider you must have heart, strength, and a love for the road. It is what sets us apart from others. We must, as women, start supporting and respecting all females that are on ground. Our numbers are small in comparison with male riders, but our dedication to riding is just as strong, so we need to stick together and really start making our mark on the bike scenes not only in Southern California, but nationwide. Charlie’s Angels, also consists of a social club with members that support our efforts as MC’s and help to fulfill our overall mission. We are a club with a mission and we will continue to uplift our sisters on and off the bike set. Although we are a new club, we are making strides everyday to empower our sisters, and contribute to the positive imagery of Female Bikers.
To Live & Ride In
LA
HEARTTHROB
MASTER SGT AT ARMS FIRST LADY’Z MC LOS ANGELES, CA
Photos by Marselle Washington
SMILEZ
TONI
LOS ANGELES, CA
BUSINESS MANAGER STILETTOS & CHROME MC LOS ANGELES, CA
RUNWAY
LOS ANGELES, CA
SHERRI
LOS ANGELES, CA
BROWN T. SUGAR PRESIDENT HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
CAPPAUCCINO SGT AT ARMS HAWG DIVAS MC LOS ANGELES, CA
BLACK GIRLS RIDE NATIONWIDE!
springcart purse party