BMW Motorrad USA
bmwmotorcycles.com
The Ultimate Riding Machine®
FOCUS. SPEED. POWER. LET’S DANCE. MAKE LIFE A RIDE.
Whatever you do, throw yourself into it. Give it your all. It’s the only way to go farther than you ever thought possible. Learn more at bmwmotorcycles.com. ©2015 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.
6
BLACK GIRLS Ride
THE LADIES OF
S E S R O H STEEL CLUB MOTORCYCLE
FOUNDED: APRIL 1999 BROOKLYN, NY
I
n the late 90’s, a movement began and more women chose to ride their own bikes along side their brothers. Co-Ed clubs began to form, allowing women to take their place at the table as full patched members of MC clubs. On the East Coast, Steel Horses MC was established as a co-ed motorcycle club in Brooklyn, NY. Since their inception in1999, women have been woven into the fabric of this club, not just as members, but as leaders. The SHMC family has grown to include chapters in Los Angeles (2003), the DMV Area (2006), and their newly formed Atlanta chapter (2015). We caught up with the ladies of Steel Horses MC at their famous Brooklyn Bike Blessing, to discuss their bond...
8 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
“The Females in our club are
Intelligent, Crafty, Strong, Hard-Working Women...” #STEELHORSESMC
Want your club featured? Email us! blackgirlsridemag@gmail.com BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
9
BREEZE
STEEL HORSES MC BROOKLYN, NY
PEACHES
STEEL HORSES MC BROOKLYN, NY
JENKS
STEEL STEEL HORSES HORSES MC MC BROOKLYN, BROOKLYN, NY NY
8 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
JADE STEEL
STEEL STEEL HORSES HORSES MC MC BROOKLYN, BROOKLYN, NY NY
HERRICANE
STEEL HORSES MC BROOKLYN, NY
SPEEDY
STEEL HORSES MC BROOKLYN, NY
STILETTO
SWEETZ
STEEL HORSES MC LOS ANGELES, CA
STEEL HORSES MC DMV
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
9
CHYNA
STEEL HORSES MC
JU - C
STEEL HORSES MC BROOKLYN, NY
SEXY CHA CHA STEEL HORSES MC BROOKLYN, NY
KLASSY
STEEL HORSES MC
PT
PT STEELHORSES HORSES MC STEEL LOSANGELES, ANGELES,MC CA LOS CA
Q. Give us a brief history of your club... A. Established in 1999 by a group of positive professional men and women of the Brooklyn and New York City area, the Steel Horses Motorcycle Club promotes safe motorcycle riding for recreation and community events. We’re looking forward to establishing new chapters throughout the US. Q. What’s the club’s mission or motto? Our Mission is to provide our community with a positive image of motorcyclists, while building lasting relationships throughout the MC community. Q. What challenges have you faced as members in a co-ed club? A. As women, it’s important to make sure our voices are heard. The females in our club are intelligent, crafty, strong, hard-working women. Our borthers are very protective over us, but we all know we hold this club down and make sure things get done.
PINKY
STEEL HORSES MC ATLANTA, GA
Q. What type of member do you seek? A. We look for members who want to get out and rep this patch to the fullest. We look for members that can gel within the family, willing to work and ride. Q. What should a woman look for in an club? A. A woman should look for organization, loyalty, respect and family within a club. Q. What annual events do you promote? Steel Horses MC Brooklyn Bike Blessing (second weekend of July at the Steel Horse Clubhouse, Brooklyn, NY), Riders & Rollers Skate Event (Oct. 10, at Skating Palace, Temple Hills, MD), East Coast Meets West Coast Weekend (Sept. 24 - 28, in Charlotte, NC). Q. Are there any last words you’d like to leave us with? A. Steel Horses MC for life!
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
13
PAINT
THE 1/4
PINK
Words & Photos by Kwame Olds of K.O.. Photography P hotography by Terrence Belton of Teesphotoshop.com
14 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
F
or five years running, female drag racers have come together for Paint The 1/4 Pink, drag race held to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. Created by Daryle Sykes and Jason Miller, the race has taken place as a special event in conjunction with the WPGC Bikefest at Maryland International Raceway. Last year, over $7000 was raised, and instantly the team knew that $10,000 was a reachable goal. Congratulations to all the ladies on raising over $13,000 for Bikers Against Breast Cancer. Qualifying runs were made before the field was set for a bracket style race. The field started with 13 riders, a mix of veterans and newcomers hit the track. Former 2-time champion Kelly Clontz and Crystal Dickerson were knocked out by two of the brightest stars in female motorcycle drag racing. Gina Hamilton avenged a last season loss to Kelly Clontz. The protégé, Jody Butler, had the opportunity to line up next to her mentor, Crystal Dickerson, and showcase her learning. When the light came on, it was a win for Butler. Consistency is the key. As last year’s runner-up, Butler, stayed consistent round after round. The finals paired Jody Butler and Gina Hamilton. These ladies have really just begun to come into their own. This IDBL season will be their first full season of bracket racing. It was a fantastic race till the end. When all was said and done, it was Jody Butler who took home the first ever pink tree.
18 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
Name: Jody Butler Bike: 07’ Suzuki GSXR 1300 Team: Butler Racing Hometown: Madison,Va Goals: To beat my dad’s records... To be the best, you have to beat the best.
20 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
F
or Jody Butler, you’d think racing comes naturally. After all, as a third generation drag racer, it certainly seems like racing is in her blood. While her family background offers her a unique insight into the sport, it’s her focus, dedication, and hardwork that helped her produce her first win at the 2016 IDBL Paint the 1/4 Pink inside the WPGC Bike Fest. We caught up with Jody to learn more about her passion for the throttle... Tell us a bit about yourself... I am from Madison,Va but I currently reside in Fredericksburg, Va. I am 22 years old. I started racing at 19 years old this will be my second full racing year. I took a year off when I had my son Jaylen and focused on being a mom. I knew I would become a drag racer when I was about three years old. I used to go to the race track every weekend. I ran around after my dad (Lefty Butler) on his bike and pretended to race my grandfather’s (Hustlin’ Henry Butler) race car while we were in the staging lanes. I first started out on a 125 Yamaha dirt bike before my feet could even touch the ground. My dad would be on the back and randomly jump off and let me ride it alone. I used to picture myself on the track all the time. Tell us about your bike... What are you currently riding?
I currently ride a 2007 Gsxr1300 Hayabusa. My dad bought it originally for himself but said “If you can get it down the track and into the 6’s its yours” it took one pass and I owned it! That day he knew I was going to be trouble. What’s your race season been like? Who’s your biggest competition? My 2015 race season has been great I won my first IDBL trophy at the WPGC Bike fest. I’ve also became more focused and determined to become a better racer. By doing that I’ve accomplished so many short term goals this year. My biggest competition would be my dad Lefty Butler. I learned everything I know from him and I know if you wanna be the best you gotta beat the best. He holds championships at both of the local tracks we race at. Tell us about your Paint the 1/4 Pink experience... Was this your first time racing at this event? Did you race in honor of anyone affected by breast cancer? This race meant so much to me I was looking forward to it all season. I competed against some of the fastest female drag racers in the game. I was nervous at first but that didn’t stop my determination. When I first seen the pink breast cancer trophy for us I said “oh that’s mine”. I stayed focused and cut that tree down like it was going to be my last time racing.
No matter who my opponent was, all I heard was my family’s encouragement pushing me to the finish line. My mother (Sue Johnson) drove two hours from Madison, Va to see my race for the first time. Still to this day it scares her but to see that joy on her face after each round was just unexplainable. I love racing at Budds Creek, the track prep and staff is beyond awesome. Last year was my first time ever racing in the event and I took second place. That alone was such a blessing, so to be able to participate in the event again I wanted to be more involved. So this year I raised over $1,200 for the cause by advertising everyday on and off the internet. I work in the Nursing department on the oncology unit of Mary Washington. So I see how cancer effects patients and their family on a daily basis. Coming into the event I had just found out the weekend before that one of my close friends Jessica Deshazo found out she had breast cancer. At that very moment I went into prayer and told her I was going to win it for her. I knew whether I won or lost she would’ve been proud but I wanted to give her the encouragement that she could also be a winner against cancer. You never know when it’s gonna knock on your door but if it does you gotta prepare yourself for the fight.
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
21
end of the 2017/2018 race season I will be a fully sponsored rider. How can our readers follow you online? Readers can follow me online on two different sites Facebook and Instagram both are under Joleaya Chanel. What’s your motto? What keeps you motivated? Just continue to look for me! Before this is all over with I will reach my goal and be racing with the top pros. My motto is simple I shake all my opponents hands and say GOOD LUCK, BE SAFE AND GO FAST! What keeps me motivated is my two year old son Jaylen on and off the track. He’s always watching me so I try to make every step in a positive direction. He’s already has the passion I have for drag racing in him if not stronger. There isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t get on his iPad and watch drag racing. I plan on teaching him everything my father taught me so he can carry on our legacy. What advice would you give new ladies who want to learn to drag race? The biggest advice I can give any rider male or female would be to just be you, stay focused and go fast. You have to find your own style and let your passion be your throttle. Win or lose find the positives and negatives to come back harder and faster than before. Have fun, go fast and be safe! Tell us about your race team... Who are your sponsors? My race team consists of my dad Lefty Butler and I. What’s gets better than a father and daughter kicking butt as a team? We have a few racers that always help us out when we need pit crew assistance at any track. I currently have no sponsors! I’ve been overlooked and underestimated a lot. But I refuse to let anything stop me. I plan to continue to get my name out there and just pray the right person gives me a chance to show what I can do. Hopefully by the
22 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
Are there any last words you’d like to leave us with? Special thanks to Jason Smith for the huge kind gesture of not only donating to bikers against breast cancer but giving me a free paint job on my bike, As well as a discount to any of the other paint the quarter pink ladies! You truly are a blessing and we thank you!
Photos Credit: Kwame Olds - K.O. Photography Julian Glascoe - Asphalt & Opportunity Leon Brittain - Throttle life Terrence Belton - Teesphotoshop.com Nikki Lee - NLeePhotography
ALE RIDE 2015 ALL FESSM IE STRINGFIELD I
IN HONOR OF BE
nspired by Bessie Stringfield, the Motorcycle Queen of Miami, and her 8 cross country rides, The Property of Outcast MC organized the second All Female Ride Weekend, June 24 - June 28, from Gulfport, Mississippi to Jacksonville, Florida. With the support of their brothers and various clubs, nationwide, riders traveled from across the country, all in support of Sisterhood and the spirit of Bessie. Kurvez, PO of Alabama, gave us first hand insight on this historic event, in her own words... This year’s event began on Wednesday June 24, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This day was a “Let Your Hair Down” ride for the committee (Mi$$Fit, Sway, and myself). We also included our club sisters She-Devill (Florida) and SeCCret (California). We bonded with our club brother and sisters in Louisiana and Mississippi. The next day (June 25, 2015) was the meeting day for all the riders in Mississippi. It was a sort of meet and greet for those did not know each other and a reunion for those that did. The ladies came from California, Illinois, Georgia, South
24 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and the host state Florida. The ride started on Friday morning (June 26, 2015) from Gulfport, MS to Pensacola, FL to Jacksonville, FL. We also had ladies riding from New York, Delaware, Virginia, and Connecticut. These ladies rode in with Suicide (Black Pearls MC Founder/ President). The ride is the highlight of our event because it honors Ms. Stringfield and her efforts to “ride free” even during a time when it was not acceptable for women to travel alone or ride motorcycles. Once we reached our destination in Jacksonville, FL, the next day (Saturday June 27, 2015) was filled with activities such as the “Chat and Chew.” During the chat and chew, our speakers (Kurvez, Mi$$Fit, Sway) spoke on topics like packing your bike for long rides and the experience of a “non-rider to becoming a rider.” Our club sister SeCCret (our very own “Modern Day Bessie Stringfield”) had completed her eighth cross country ride (total of 5, 251 miles round trip). She also spoke about Ms. Stringfield’s life during the breakfast.
We asked our sister Suicide of Blaque Pearls MC to speak on “SISTERHOOD.” She did a phenomenal job of empowering and encouraging ALL FEMALE RIDERS and non-riders too. She stated “It is our duty as Big Sisters to show the Little Sisters the way.” The “Chat and Chew” was very educational and motivating for all that attended. Some of the lady riders were even shocked that Outcast POs rode bikes and rode bikes for distances like SeCCret, Mi$$Fit, Kurvez, CB, SoSassy, She-Devill, and KitKat (all Outcast cross country POs). The “Chat and Chew” also had a portion of the program that was dedicated to the Hubbard House of Jacksonville. The representative from the Hubbard House, Christin Brandon was there to talk with the ladies about their mission “Every Relationship Violence Free.” She was surprised to see how many women rode motorcycles and some of our techniques of riding cross country but she was also adamant about how freedom is the connection that we had to the Hubbard House. She described the freedom
of riding our motorcycles to the same freedom that the victims and their families of the Hubbard House. Our freedom is the same freedom that they strive for every day. She encouraged us to keep riding for that freedom. This type of freedom is what we could imagine that Ms. Stringfield rode for especially during a time when freedom was the dream that most (if not all) African-Americans and women longed for. For more info, visit www.hubbardhouse.org The last day (Sunday June 28, 2015) had a farewell breakfast and a dedication to all the female fallen riders. We left with a feeling of empowerment, motivation, and rejuvenation. This event was different from most of the female rides in that it was dedicated to a woman that had proved herself but has not been recognized very often for her achievements. There’s not much information on Ms. Bessie Stringfield but our committee and riders want to know and we will seek out the information and bring it to our next event June 22-26 2016, in Key West, Florida. Hope to see you there!
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
27
A
s an advocate for the Originators of the MC community, Marian “Ms. Showtime” Peterson created and produced The History of the African American Motorcycle Set, sponsored by Law Tigers and LA Harley-Davidson of Anaheim. 2015 marks the second installment of this very special program, featuring legends representing the history of over 20 African American Motorcycle Clubs. These clubs were chosen specifically for the richness of their heritage, with some founded as early as the 1950’s. Hosted by Boss Mike of Chosen Few MC and Teardrop of LOTC, a standing room only crowd heard directly from the elders of the MC set on the challenges black riders faced back in their day. Custom Chopper Pioneer Sugar Bear kicked off the panel, with insight on how Black bikers have contributed to the Motorcycle Industry. Manufacturers have often been inspired by designs from the streets and taken them to the showroom floor.
Photography BY Koi Sojer for Snap ‘N U Photos
28 BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
Ms. Showtime chose to recognize Isis, the historic sister who brought Buffalo Soldiers MC to the West Coast in 1997. As a doctor, recording artist, and ground pounder, Isis left a mark on the community as the first female president of a co-ed MC. She paved the way for women to act as leaders in the Southern California Motorcycle Riders Association. While traveling to the National Round Up in 2000, Isis passed in a fatal crash. President Smooth and Buffalo Soldiers MC still continue her legacy.
John “Pee Wee” McCullen Scholarship Winner Asia Bingaman & Ms. Showtime
The first ever fallen rider scholarship was presented in the name of John “Pee Wee’ McCullen of Defiant Ones MC, to a college bound child of the MC community. She partnered with Operation Love Thy Neighborhood, a non-profit organization charted by Cali-T of Unleashed Ridaz MC and Spencer of Xplicit Ridaz MC, both focused on helping children and families in need. Together, they raised donations to award this year’s scholarship to Asia Bingamin, a 4.0 student, heading to study at UCLA this fall. Pee Wee’s wife, Mrs. Anna McCullen and her family presented the scholarship in Pee Wee’s honor. Pee Wee’s grandson Andrew accepted the award on Pee Wee’s behalf. With over 300 riders in attendence, the 2nd panel of The History of the African American Motorcycle Set was a huge success. Black Girls Ride Magazine serves as a proud sponsor and promoter of this event, and we look forward to bringing the event to motorcycle communities, nationwide. We are currently seeking clubs interested in hosting this event in 2016. For more information, contact us at blackgirlsridemag@gmail.com
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
33
GEARED UP: BULL - IT LADIES FLEX - SR4 DENIM JEANS
Words by Toni “Toni2fine” White
A
s riders, we should always be concerned about protecting our assets. Enter Bull-It’s new Ladies Flex SR4 Denim Jeans. Made with Kevlar and a unique Covec thermal barrier inside to prevent heat transfer from road friction. These jeans are breathable, yet water repellent, to help keep you dry during your ride. Offering 4 seconds of abrasion resistent protection where you need it most, the SR4 Denim Jeans offer side and rear triple stiched construction. We offered one of our favorite BGR riders, Toni “Toni2Fine” White, an opportunity to take the SR4 Denim on the road. Here’s what she had to say... Tell us about yourself... My name is Toni2fine and I like to consider myself “daring” and on the streets of LA. I am known as a rider with more miles than excuses, and with a reputation such as that, it’s important I am around a long time. What did you think about Bull-it’s Ladies Flex - SR4 Jeans? I found the jeans to be very appealing to my body type, as they hugged my hips. I took off on one of my many adventures from LA to AZ solo, and dark apparel makes me blend in with the night. The blue demin makes the jeans my first choice for night riding. As a surviver of a motorcycle accident I had back in 2010, it’s always been my fear of skid marking my legs. I have many friends who have been scared by the “unforgiving gravel”. Th SR4 jeans gave me a sense of guaranteed protection and security. I must say, I am a tall woman and a little more length would be the selling point for me to buy the jeans. The ride was comfortable in the heat of Arizona and the chill of San Bernadino, California where the temperatures dropped to 40 degrees. The pockets were deep and I could hold all the necessities ie: chewing gum, id, money and cellphone. I washed the jeans and they kept their form and coloring really well. Once I iron them I am sure they will look brand new. I give the jean for performance an 8. I made the solo trip to and from without any accidents but if I would have had a spill, I am sure my bum would have slide safely without any abrasions!
Bull-It Ladies Flex SR4 Jeans Retail $179.99 Available at www.irvseaverbmw.com
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
35
THUNDERKAT’S TIPS: BRAKING IN A CURVE
Perhaps you went into the curve too fast, misjudged its depth, or need to slow to maneuver around a road hazzard. Our resident ground pounder Thunderkat gives us a few tips to help us brake safely and come out of the curve beautifully.
entry speed, not come to a complete stop. Applying the front brake and/or chopping the throttle, in contrast, may transfer an adverse amount of weight onto the front tire and test tire traction limits, which could straighten the bike up and ultimately result in a crash.
5
If you need to aggressively slow down, use both the front and rear brakes. Ease into your breaks to maintain your speed and traction. A sudden stop may cause your bike to come out of the turn and into an obstruction. Always remember slow in, fast out. Go into the curve and maintain your entry speed, giving a twist to the throttle coming out of the curve.
6 1 2
Establish your entry speed before the curve, so you can handle any surprises. Slow down before the curve, while the bike is stable and moving in a straight line. Follow the curve with your eyes - Don’t fixate! Where you look is where the motorcycle will go. If I am going into a curve, and I fix my eyes on something, most likely I will ride smack dead there. Look through the curve and the motorcycle will roll with it. If you can’t see through the curve, slow down until you can.
3 4
As you enter the curve, you must lean the bike to make it through a turn. The faster you go, the greater the lean. Maintain your entry speed throughout the curve. On a decline, you may need to brake to avoid added acceleration. If you find yourself going too fast, hold the throttle steady and apply a small amount of rear brake to drop some speed and tighten your line. The goal is to slow your bike to maintain your
Don’t panic. If you find yourself tensing up, flap your wings. What I mean by that is to act as if you are a bird and flap your arms, not to the point where you loose control but, enough to loosen up your shoulders. Do not do this in a curve do this after the curve wink, wink.
7
Practice makes perfect. Practice going into a curve alone, without any distractions, and while riding at your own pace. Practice as often as you can. Real experience will train you on how to react in any situation. When you master taking a curve, teach another rider that may need your help. As you attend group rides, there may be that one rider that is braking in the curve, and may not know how to handle themselves. Be that brother or sister and pull the person to the side and give them some pointers. At the end of the day ride safe and always remember riding your current skill set will always get you home. You will learn something every time you mount your motorcycle. There should be no rush in anything that you do while you’re riding, unless it’s to react and get out of harms way. ~Tkat
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
37
EVEN THE MOST REVERED TRADITIONS NEED REINVENTION FROM TIME TO TIME
THE CITIZEN e-CIGAR COLLECTION IS A NEW TWIST FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY SMOKING WHILE RIDING. e-Cigars gives motorcyclists and their riders the contemplative pleasure that smoking a Havana-esque cigar does, without the distracting tobacco smoke, smell and ash.
w w w.c i t i z e n e c i g .c o m
AVAILABLE IN FOUR AWARD-WINNING FLAVORS:
Cuban, Chocolate, Peach and Vanilla.
RETAIL:
$26.95
SHARE YOUR
BEST SHOT
WITH US!
@BLACKGIRLSRIDE #BEAUTIFULBIKERS #BLACKGIRLSRIDE
BLACKGIRLSRIDE.COM
39
BGR Photographer
Koi Sojer
for Snap N U Photos
Next Ad Date: Oct 15, 2015
www.blackgirlsride.com