SportBikes Inc Magazine June 2014

ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING

CUSTOM BIKES . MOTO TECH

JUNE 2014 VOL 4 ISSUE 9

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

THE LADIES ISSUE THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE | HER ENTRANCE & APEX | VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING | KNOW YOUR ROLE: WHERE MY LADIES AT? | THE URBAN CURVES PROJECT

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THE FEATURES THE SHOW: PANDORA’S BOX

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HER ENTRANCE AND APEX

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WHERE MY LADIES AT?

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THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE

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VIOLET STARS AND HAPPY STUNTING

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THE URBAN CURVES PROJECT

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THE USUALS

JUNE 2014 - VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=12 12 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=18 18 THE INBOX http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 SHOP SPOTLIGHT - THE SIC SHOP http://issuu.com/action/page?page=24 24 THE SHOW - PANDORA’S BOX http://issuu.com/action/page?page=32 32 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=38 38 THE INSIDE TRACK - By Corey Alexander http://issuu.com/action/page?page=46 46 THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE - By Dystany Spurlock 50http://issuu.com/action/page?page=50 LINES OF A WIFE OF A LEGEND - By Kiana Gadson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=60 60 VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING - By Leah Petersen http://issuu.com/action/page?page=70 70 FEATURED CLUB - A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. MC http://issuu.com/action/page?page=74 74 KNOW YOUR ROLE - By Kim “Lady Kim” Roper http://issuu.com/action/page?page=82 82 THE LION’S DEN - By Lion James 88http://issuu.com/action/page?page=88 FEATURED RIDERS 100http://issuu.com/action/page?page=100 ASK THE PRO WRENCH - By Thomas Campion http://issuu.com/action/page?page=104 104 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=118 118 FOCUSED - By Rickey Gadson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=124 124 DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS - By Billy Morrison http://issuu.com/action/page?page=134 134 THIS LIFE - By Tyson Beckford http://issuu.com/action/page?page=136 136 THE NEW ISH

INTERACTIVE CLICK ON NUMBERS TO JUMP TO A PAGE

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FEATURE STORY

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THE URBAN CURVES PROJECT PAGE 110

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EDITOR’S LETTER O

ften, I receive emails from young ladies asking if I accept model submissions for inclusion in SportBikes Inc Magazine.

The short answer is yes but there are specific terms for which I accept submissions. Most of these emails include photographs of very beautiful women... in scantily clothed, if clothed at all, or skimpy bikinis... collapsed over backwards across the rear tire, gas tank, front fender, making the duck face wearing six inch stiletto heels... you get the point.

You know that she’s not riding that bike!

These ladies often remove themselves from the status of model and reduce themselves to the position of hood ornament. Last time I checked, bikes don’t have hoods...

wash, a bikini competition... I even personally emcee a few bikini competitions throughout the season. However, there is nothing sexier than a woman on her own bike, wearing her own gear with the throttle pinned wide open... There’s nothing like it. I salute all the real women that really ride.

So if you are reading this and are a model and would like to be featured in SBI, send me images of you with your bike. Real riders will always get love in SBI. This edition of the annual ladies issue is dedicated to my homegirl, Drrty Martini. Stay strong. Fuck cancer.

I respond to these young ladies that send Best, me these pictures with a question, “Do you Allan ride?” I am often pleasantly surprised with an allan@sportbikesincmag.com affirmative answer from the lady and then that is followed up with photos of them riding their bikes, geared up... on the track, at the bike night, on the streets... I again respond with, “Why didn’t you send me these pictures from the beginning?” Nine times out of ten, their response to that last question is, “I thought that’s what you wanted to see... I thought that’s how I get into magazines.”

Perhaps with other publications, but not with SBI. We here at SBI respect all ladies that ride. We celebrate ladies that ride and will always spotlight them in their natural habitat in appropriate apparel as the situations allow.

I’d like to go on the record here as stating that I love women and everything about them. I will be the first one on line at a bikini bike 8 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

THE TEAM Publisher/Editor in Chief: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

EDITORIAL

Lifestyle Director: Tyson Beckford tyson@sportbikesincmag.com Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com Road Racing Editor: Corey Alexander corey@sportbikesincmag.com Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com

Staff Writers: Dystany Spurlock dystany@sportbikesincmag.com Michael Lawless lawless@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com Meekail Shaheed meekail@sportbikesincmag.com Contributing Editor: Marika Krejci Contributing Writer: Alicia Elfving Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com

ART & DESIGN

Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com

Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com

Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com

Rev Limiter Editor: Leah Petersen leah@sportbikesincmag.com

Cover: Photographer: Red Spade

Bike Life Editor Lady Kim ladykim@sportbikesincmag.com

Contributing Photographers: Terence Belton Brian J. Nelson Alicia Elfving Tim White Terry Zorich

International Correspondent Billy Morrison billy@sportbikesincmag.com

SportBikes Inc Magazine - June 2014 Volume 4, Issue 9 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2014 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

In no way can any part of this magazine be reproduced in print, digital, broadcast or any other manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

SportBikes Inc Magazine (ISSN 2158-009X) is published monthly by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment.

SportBikes Inc Magazine is not responsible for any advertising claims made by its advertisers or partners.

Any and all items submitted to SportBikes Inc Magazine will become the sole property of SportBikes Inc Magazine and are subject to, but not limited to edits, comments and titles.

Sportbikes Inc Magazine, staff and partners are not responsible for injuries, loss or damage to their being, vehicle or property, including death that may result from contest submissions.

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THE PRESS ROOM SPORTBIKES INC MAGAZINE WINS AT THE 2014 BIKERS CHOICE AWARDS The 2014 Bikers Choice Awards Show was held on May 24, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Hosted by SBI’s own Lifestyle Director Tyson Beckford, the evening was full of exciting live music acts and biker focused entertainment. SportBikes Inc Magazine was nominated in the category of Best Biker Magazine of 2013, an honor in itself considering who was in the running.

When the winner was announced, SBI was standing tall and proudly accepted the award. With a good number of magazine staff on hand for the event, Publisher and Editor in Chief, Allan Lane not only demanded that they joined him on stage, he also took the liberty to invite anyone and everyone from Philadelphia on stage before engaging in a colorful, entertaining albeit lengthy acceptance speech.

The staff of SportBikes Inc Magazine would like to thank all that voted for and have supported SBI. Winning an award such as this drives us to further push the limits and continue to provide you with the utmost in “moto-edutainment”.

SBI... Ride with us. You know we got it!

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RECALL: BMW TELLS OWNERS TO NOT RIDE THEIR 2014 R 1200 RT BMW has just issued a DO NOT RIDE warning to owners of the 2014 BMW R 1200 RT, effective immediately. This model is equipped with a Dynamic ESA option and there is a potential defect in the rear spring strut that could fail. Even though there has been no report of failure, accidents or injury‌ BMW is taking the initiative and getting in front of the matter. They are currently working with the dealership network to organize a repair process for owners. There are just over 800 bikes that are affected by this notification.

Again, if you are an owner of a 2014 BMW R 1200 RT, DO NOT RIDE your bike until further notice from BMW. For detailed information, please email CustomerService@bmwmotorcycles.com.

ERIK BUELL RACING’S NEW 1190SX As the Erik Buell Racing Superbike, the 1190RX is starting to gain some traction in the market, the team at EBR recently unveiled the new EBR 1190SX, a naked street fighter styled version of their RX. No specifications, details or MSRP have been provided by the manufacturer but by all accounts, it seems to utilize the same basic engine components with a more standard seating position and ergonomics that would make it a practical urban assault machine or commuter.

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THE PRESS ROOM ICON MOTOSPORTS SIGNS ON AS TITLE SPONSOR OF CLUTCH CONTROL 2014 ICON Motosports will be providing a good amount of “asphalt technology” to this year’s Clutch Control in Philadelphia. The Portland, Oregon based manufacturer and provider of riding lifestyle apparel and safety gear has signed on as title sponsor of CC2014.

The aptly titled “Illy in Philly” is gearing up to bring the spotlight back to the lifestyle of being a motorcyclist with national brands such as ICON’s participation.

Clutch Control 2014 “The Illy in Philly” occurs on September 20 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information on attending or to become a vendor, please email info@ clutchcontrolusa.com or visit http://clutchcontrolusa.com.

HARLEY DAVIDSON’S PROJECT LIVEWIRE Harley Davidson drops the new Livewire, an electric bike, and the twitterverse implodes. But what else would you expect when such a strong brand with massive global following seems to make a left turn and try their hand in the electric bike game, appearing to aspire to join in the likes of Brammo, Lightning and Zero? True, it caught many off guard but it may prove to be a smart move by the goliath who promises that all of the essence of riding a Harley is still present on the Livewire... The only difference being that this bike is electric. The Livewire is currently not for sale nor has HD announced any news on when it will be on sale. The bike is currently on tour, being presented directly to the consumer market for consumer data 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

and feedback. The Project Livewire Experience Tour is slated for over 30 stops across the US, offering demo rides and rider simulations. Visit http://project.harley-davidson.com/en_US for tour dates and further information.

THE 2014 NATIONAL BIKERS ROUNDUP Founded in 1977, the annual National Bikers Roundup is a traveling mecca for all motorcycle clubs and their members. The Roundup operates very much like a club itself with a governing body and its very own set of bylaws. The Roundup’s location changes year to year, traveling all over the continental USA, but it always returns to its home base of Kansas City, Missouri every ten years.

The Roundup is arguably the largest gathering of motorcycle clubs with average attendance of over one thousand clubs and over thirty thousand

individuals in attendance, over a five day event annually.

The 2014 National Bikers Roundup is happening July 30 through August 3 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is slated to be the most engaging Roundup in the event’s history. The schedule of activities includes live music, stunt shows, bike shows, drag racing, poker runs, vendors and much more. Visit http://www.nbrkcmo.com for all event details and information.

The 2014 National Bikers Roundup is happening July 30 through August 3 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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THE PRESS ROOM THE 2015 YAMAHA FZ-07 The 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 is a 689cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin machine. The 8 valve engine is a total brand new design for Yamaha and is spotlighted by their Crossplane Concept. In essence, the Crossplane Concept

provides linear torque delivery making powerful accelerations smooth and effortless in the low and mid ranges.

MSRP: $6990.00

NEW LAW IN WASHINGTON ALLOWS RIDERS TO RIDE THROUGH RED LIGHTS As riders are aware, there are vehicle sensors located under the asphalt at most lighted intersections. A majority of bikers have fallen victim at some time or another to the everlong red light. This happens because the vehicle sensors are weight sensitive and trigger the changing of the lights only when a certain predetermined weight is achieved. Since bikes weigh less than cars, they often fail to trigger the sensor.

Riders in the state of Washington, thanks to Senate Bill 5141have been given limited authorization to ride through red lights under these conditions if they have sat through one cycle of traffic lights and that the way of travel is clear of traffic. Currently, Washington is the only state that has this law on the books although other states have similar bills in legislation.

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THE INBOX BROUGHT TO YOU BY KRIEGA

Email SportBikes Inc Magazine at INBOX@SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM. Every month, we are giving away a R25 Back Pack from Kriega and an SBI T Shirt to the LETTER OF THE MONTH!

LETTER OF THE MONTH Dear SBI, My dad read the article you did on me and the series.

This was his response. He taught me everything I know and my work ethic. This email meant a lot to me. Thanks again for taking the time to notice what I do.

- Jason Miller Mechanicsville, MD

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Jason, For what you’re doing for the sport of drag racing and for the global motorcycle community, we should all be thanking you. Thank you for sharing your time and efforts with us. Your father has a lot to be proud of.

-SBI Magazine

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SHOP SPOTLIGHT: THE SIC SHOP

Words: Allan Lane Images: Courtesy of The Sic Shop

CONTACT:

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Dealership name: The Sic Shop Location: 1011 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950 Showroom Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm Year established: 2004 Brands sold: All major stunt riding component brands.

The Sic Shop is on a mission. That mission is to spread the love and support of freestyle sportbike stunt riding on a global scale. The Sic Shop is the brain child of owners Sic Nate and Jan SicChic and was established as an online store in 2004 in San Diego. Their dedication to stunt riding is evident in all that they do... Sic is actually an acronym for Specializing in Competition. Nate and Jan, through hard work and perseverance were able to grow their online set up into a brick and mortar retail shop in Vista, CA before coming to their current storefront in National City, CA. Stunt riders as a consumer group can be very demanding and it makes sense because the sport is highly demanding not just on their bikes but on themselves, as well. Who better understand this

fact than two stunt riders themselves? That’s correct, Nate and Jan are both stunt riders. Therefore, they can better serve their clientele and offer excellent customer service. They are up on all the latest and greatest components that stunt riders may desire or need. The Sic Shop carries all of the major stunt brands. If it can go on a stunt bike, they most likely have it or can get it.

Beyond components for the bike, the Sic Shop offers branding services for the rider themselves that include design and printing services. They can provide signs, banners, screen printing, direct to garment, heat press, embroidery services, stickers, car and bike wraps, wheel decals, and much more.

They are truly geared on being a one stop shop for all of your riding, competition and branding needs.

Want to see your shop or dealership featured here? Drop us an email!

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THE SHOW

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PANDORA’S BOX WORDS & IMAGES ALICIA ELFVING

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THE SHOW: PANDORA’S BOX

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he Monster was a long project, three years in fact. Almost every surface has been refinished or upgraded, as it was wrecked twice (once on either side) by the previous owner. This left it without any form of brakes, a bent front wheel, horrible dents all over the tank, and a mangled right engine mount frame hole. After a ton of work, help from friends, the bike looks like what you see here.

There are some fancy baubles throughout the tri-tone color scheme, some more eye catching than others... but all integral to my ‘vision’ for the finished product. Small sized Rizoma brake and clutch reservoirs were used without a mounting bracket or arm in order to keep the clip on bars low profile, the front end was upgraded to a 748/996 set up and therefore dual disc Brembo brakes and matching, much nicer looking perches. Speedymoto timing belt and sprocket covers bring the gold three mag wheel theme together. The stacked streetfighter headlight from ShinYo changes the classic Monster silhouette just slightly, while the rear hugger addition makes up for the short monoposto custom seat.

The bike rides like a dream, really... the superbike front end turns in and responds quickly, the bike answering your demands for control in tight twisties and long sweeping corners what feels like instantly. After such a long, drawn out build, learning about every nut and bolt on the chassis, a great sense of oneness is just a twist of the throttle away as the low end torque of the Monster picks up

and goes.

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THE SHOW: PANDORA’S BOX

PANDORA’S BOX

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THE SHOW: PANDORA’S BOX

MotoLady “Pandora's Box” 1998 Ducati Monster 750 Brakes: Brembo Exhaust: Custom exhaust, Cone Engineering mufflers Wheels: Front 2001 748 Wheel, Rear 1998 M750 Wheel Tires: Pirelli Sport Demon Suspension: Showa Rear, 748/996 Front End Upgrade Custom/One Off Accessories: Leather tank strap, indicator panel dashboard, headlight bracket, monoposto seat, USB plug for recharging devices.

Built By: Alicia Mariah Elfving AKA MotoLady... with the help of friends.

Paint By: Base paint Jeff Yarrington of Saint Motor Company. Gold leaf logo by Chris Dunlop. Pinstriping by Jeff Wolf of Wolf Designs Owner: MotoLady 30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE GRID: NEWS WSBK: PJ JACOBSEN PUTS AMERICA BACK ON THE PODIUM IN WSS It was in Misano that American Patrick “PJ” Jacobsen finished third and took the final spot on the podium marking his first top three finish and America’s return to the podium in World Supersport. PJ will look to continue to making his hard work pay off with the upcoming US round in Laguna Seca after the next round in Portugal.

MOTOGP: SIMONCELLI INDUCTED INTO THE MOTOGP LEGENDS HALL OF FAME

The late Marco Simoncelli was inducted into the MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame in Mugello by Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. Simoncelli’s father Paolo was on hand for the induction as his late son became the 21st rider to become a MotoGP Legend.

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MOTOGP: MARQUEZ RELEASES BIOGRAPHY Marc Marquez, the youngest MotoGP Champion ever, has released his official biography. The life, thus far of the 21 year old Marquez was penned

by Perez De Rozas who collaborated with Marquez over several months and focuses a great deal on Marquez’s 2013 season.

MOTOGP: IS LORENZO LEAVING YAMAHA?

As his manager is currently working on contracts for 2015, Jorge Lorenzo is keeping a positive outlook and is hoping to remain with Yamaha. Lorenzo has been a Yamaha rider since 2008 and has only ridden for them in the premier class.

His present contract ends at the end of the 2014 season.

Lorenzo keeps it one hundred when asked why there seems to be some hesitation for Yamaha to re up with the 2012 Champion. He admits that it is about the money. The rumor mill is a buzz as some are suspecting that Lorenzo is talking with another manufacturer with an Italian accent. Stay tuned.

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THE GRID

Images: Courtesy of Tim White

THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...

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ELENA MYERS

#21

“I

chose #21 because Troy Bayliss was my favorite rider growing up. And I was born on November 21 at 2:21pm!”

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THE GRID

THE INSIDE TRACK

WORDS: COREY ALEXANDER IMAGE: BRIAN J. NELSON/MOTOGP.COM

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orry for missing last month’s article.

Unfortunately I managed to break my collarbone stupidly enough just as the article was due and two weeks prior to the Road America round of my AMA Pro Roadracing Schedule. With that said, I made my way from New York to California to visit my good friend Doctor Ting and have some bling bling added to my personal titanium collection. This time in the form of a plate and a handful of screws slapped across my collarbone.

Fast forward two weeks and I was throwing a leg across my steed of a GSXR 600 and eventually putting it on pole followed by a first and second place finish. Now here I am writing another article for SportBikes Inc. Allan and I discussed writing something about women as racers and what it’s like to ride alongside them. As I started writing this I realized that I don’t have much to say about girls as riders because to me they are just another person on the track that it’s my job to do whatever I can to beat them.

I think to sit here and say women face so many adversities and they’re so very out of place on the racetrack would be very wrong.

To me motorcycle racing and even riding is so much a mental challenge that if you listen to modern day studies about how women are so much mentally capable than men that they theoretically are better suited. Unfortunately the only thing that makes a girl racing a motorcycle such an odd thing is the very lack of them in the sport. There is just not enough girls out there that realize just how capable they really are of racing. If you look at women’s motocross, it’s 38 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Caroline Olsen

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THE GRID

Ana Carrasco

much more popular to see a woman riding.

The only problem women face in motocross is how physically demanding and grueling it is.

Roadracing on the contrary is in my opinion more mental than physical. Sure it’s tough on women, maybe even more so at the highest at levels but I think if the number of women racers were greater you’d see many more toward the top of the ranks like Elena Myers or Spanish phenomenon Maria Herrera.

To me, the world seems to be amazed when women can do the very same things that men can. The press eats it up, sponsorship comes a bit easer... maybe? And fans, especially men, go figure... flock. Though sometimes it may seem strange when girls racing at the back of the pack get so much more attention than the boys up front, I think personally the sport needs more of it. It’s unfortunate to be part of something that misses out on half of the world’s market because it’s male based. The more women get involved, the more women watch, the more women buy, the more sponsorship comes. At the end of the day as hard as it is to say, the future of the road racing especially in the US needs to kept in mind. Becoming a 40 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

more attractive, appealing, and “sexy”, if you will, sport is only a positive. I think a part of the reason motocross is so popular is because, they do a much better job at making stars out of racers and they found a way to interest women. Granted guys throwing fat whips across 100 foot jumps seems a bit more daring than dragging your elbow on the ground at 120mph plus oddly enough, road racing needs to become more appealing and with that more accessible to the likes of people like women.

All in all, as I was saying women racers to me are just another competitor that it’s my job to go out and be faster than. It doesn’t matter if you have a prosthetic leg, no pinky, you’re blind in your left eye, or you’re a girl. At the end of the day if there’s a chance you might beat me, you’re not so very different. I have had the sad pleasure of narrowly being beat by a girl, due to her physical advantage of small size and actual talent. With that said, I’d never like to have that happen again, but the more women the merrier; even in road racing.

Isn’t that how life works?

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Ophelia Zayat

OPHELIA ZAYAT

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NAME: Ohelia Zayat HOMETOWN: New York City, NY AGE: 17 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: CCS, ASRA, East Coast Flattrack, TPM GP Moto Girl GOALS: To be racing in Europe in the CEV series or Moto3.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

USMGP top three in the national championship, NJMiniGP wins, 2013 Red Bull Rookies Cup invitation, Flattrack race win, TPM GP Moto Girl double wins.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: The desire to effortlessly glide over pavement.

CONTACT:

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THE STRAIGHT LINE

THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE WORDS: DYSTANY SPURLOCK IMAGES: MEEKAIL SHAHEED

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T

hank you for joining the SportBikes Inc family again for another great issue. This month is the Ladies Issue, which is by far one of my favorites. Before I get into my column, I must say that I am extremely proud of my SBI family! We were presented with Best Magazine of the year at the Bikers Choice Awards. I also won The Rickey Gadson Award, Best Track Racer of the Year. I would like the entire staff of SBI to know that I am exceptionally proud of everyone and I am extremely thankful to be a part of SportBikes Inc. We have grown so much over the years and the fans have shown us how much they love what our magazine has to offer.

After such an honor thanks to the fans of SBI, riders, and readers alike, lets talk about what us women as riders and racers like to wear.

The motorcycle industry does not really cater towards women in general when it comes to apparel or protective gear. Most companies tend to make dark colors and limited choices when it comes to having gear that stands out and really represents a woman. I’m not saying that everything has to be bright pink, girly, flowers, etc., but I do feel as though the industry should do a better job when it comes to catering to us women that ride. It’s almost like these companies tend to assume what a woman would want to ride in or look good in, as opposed to actually gathering information from a variety of women that ride. Not everyone like the same things, nor the same colors, but I think I can speak for the majority of women riders when I say that we do not want to purchase gear that is very similar to the men’s. Motorcycle gear is not any different from the clothes we wear on a day to day basis. As a young woman, I like to wear clothes that represent my personality, my sense

of style, and my creativity. Therefore, I think the motorcycle gear for women should represent the same. From the color to the cut of the gear, we would like it to be sexy but safe.

Riding motorcycles is extremely fun, but it needs to be safe. Remember safety should be the first thing that comes to mind every time you mount a motorcycle. I have seen numerous females wear gear thats too big or too small just to try and be “cute”. Yes we all like to be stylish, but trust me nothing will be stylish if you were to go down in gear that does not fit properly. It can be just as bad as wearing no gear at all.

Even though this is the Women’s issue, ladies you can pass this information to some of the male riders you know as well. Most riders do not understand the simple basics of riding gear but I’ll discuss a few. Starting with your head, your helmet should always be snug, almost unbearable, at first fit. All helmets require a “break-in” which is where over time the padding will start to form to the face. The next important area of protective gear would be the jacket. Leather is always the preferred material to wear when purchasing a jacket regardless of weather, but mesh/textiles with padding for shoulders, forearm, elbow, and your back is very important. The obvious protection would be your gloves. Similar to the helmet, gloves should also fit snug as they have a “break-in” period as well. Just remember that when you go down, naturally you use your hands to absorb the impact so make sure you invest in some nice gloves.

Whether you’re a racer or a rider, while riding in your stylish gear, remember safety is first!

God Bless!

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF THE WIFE OF A LEGEND

HER ENTRANCE AND APEX

WORDS: KIANA GADSON IMAGES: RICKEY GADSON/TEAM PROMOTION

T

his month my husband aka the Legendary Rickey Gadson and I decided to switch things up for our readers. As you know I am the Fashion Expert and he gives you his lines and experiences. Well I have some lines I need to drop for my ladies... And my hubby decided he'd Focus on the women hahaha. After this, just head to page 118 through 121 to find out what I mean.

Ladies, what I want to talk about is our strength.

If you follow me on social media, you know I'm all about the girl power. If it's not our body, it's our family or the hustle of making it count.

I entitled this article "Her Entrance and Apex".

Signifying my entrance into doing something new. Live by the belief, dream it and get to work. Make it happen. And then the Apex...

Apex is defined as: The top or highest point of something.

Recently my dream was to road race. So even 50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

though I was a bit hesitant about it because I didn't have a clue how it was done, Rickey and I packed up and he shipped me off to the Team Pro Motion racing school being held at New Jersey Motorsports Raceway. The co owner and instructor Bill Sink had me racing on the Thunderbolt race course and taught me about the entrance, apex and exit of a turn.

That and learning the course was my mission in that day. Besides learning about technique, the most important thing he reminded me was, as it is the same as in drag racing and in life, to run my own race. Before we can compete against anyone if we are going to compete, we must first get to our own goal. And to, believe it or not, get all the information to excel and watch out for distractions. Even though Bill was talking about on the race course.

Before I knew it, I was impressing my instructors and making my own "smooth arching lines" around the track, as Bill would say. And of

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF THE WIFE OF A LEGEND

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course I tried things my way and made some mistakes which all helped me to learn. Thank God I didn't make any huge mistakes that landed me in the dirt or worst in an ambulance.

But I had a lot of fun and learned a ton. I'm definitely going to get back out there and try to race and look something like a pro haha. With Bill and Rickey's help, they feel like it'll be in no time and I trust them. Though I did it on the track, I haven't reached my true apex in road racing or in my career. Which is a great thing.

Because from here I can still go up. But I'm so proud of myself for having the "balls" to go for it.

If road racing wasn't enough excitement for one day, Mr. Gadson suggested that I go out and ride a "2 up" with Glen Goldman. For those of that have never heard of that, it's where you ride with a pro to see what it feels like to ride like them. If you don't think it's a big deal just

ask the people who have rode with Glen in the past. Most people come off that ride wobbly legged with their hair standing up... in their helmet. Most are in shock afterwards and one guy even shit himself... True story I swear! That experience was too awesome and exciting!

It was a great learning tool after riding the course and seeing how it can be done. But more than that, it was a ten minute thrill ride and I loved every single second of it!! But then again the guys at the track tell me that I "ain't scared of shit!" The truth is we all get scared of something. Whether it is a failure or success.

Whether you're scared or just never did something before... Ladies we just have to make it happen. I'm your girl K.G and this has been "Lines of the Wife of a Legend".

Go to http://teampromotion.com to get the experience too!

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Kelly Brice Lloyd Clontz

KELLY CLONTZ

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NAME: Kelly Clontz HOMETOWN: Mechanicsville, MD AGE: 32 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: MIROCK Series and local racer at Maryland International Raceway. Chris Clontz, Mark Cooksey, Schnitz Racing, Andre Carter Motorsports, Atlantic Cycle and Power, FBR Shop, Rick Smith Race Engines, R&D Motorsports, DME, Dynatek, Vortex, Mickey Thompson, Fast By Gast, Dragbike.com GOALS: To win the MIROCK Series Top Sportsman Championship.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2013 Mirock Top Sportsman 3rd Place Series Finisher 2013 (2) Runner Up MIROCK MIR Top Sportsman 2013 Paint the ¼ Pink Winner 2012 Paint the ¼ Pink Runner Up 2006 Maryland International Raceway Track Champion 2006 MIROCK Rockingham Pro ET Winner & Quick 32 Winner- Run 13-0 that weekend 2005 Mirock Rockingham Pro ET Winner Numerous ET Series Race Wins over the last 11 Seasons on both a drag bike and street bike.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: To do what I love and love what I do!

CONTACT:

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THE REV LIMITER: VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING

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ONE POSSIBLE FUTURE WORDS: LEAH PETERSEN IMAGES: MARTIN LEE

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THE REV LIMITER: VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING

W

here are the sportbike riders?

This question was brought up during a recent conversation I was having at a sportbike dealer the other day. We all know the sportbike community is alive and well. But where do they go on their weekend rides and where are they hanging out after a late night weekday ride?

Harley Davidson has done a brilliant job of giving their riders somewhere to meetup and share their passion for riding and the brand...

Dealers! On any given weekend every Harley dealer will be jam packed with riders from hours, sometimes, days away. The avid Harley fan wears their dealer-specific tees like a mark of honor, proving their passion for riding in how many dealers they have visited throughout their riding career. Travellers from other countries will even make a point to swing by the local dealer while abroad to meet the local riders and swap stories from the road.

This public meeting place for Harley riders makes it easy for the brand to communicate with them and offer programs like “Riders Edge” to teach riding skills and “Garage Parties” targeting moving more female riders from the passenger seat to the drivers seat. In this independent, adventurous sport, Harley has essentially established a local “clubhouse” in every corner of the world to unite their riders on a global level.

So why doesn’t this exist for sportbike riders?

And most importantly to return to my initial query, where are the sportbike riders in the first place?

Back alley clubhouses, diners near the start of their weekend ride or in an abandoned parking lot stuntspot. I’m always amazed at how many people come to the stuntspot just 62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

to hang out with their friends and watch the riders train. Subsequently I always feel bad when I can’t invite more people out due to the limitations of illegal stuntspots. More people means more commotion, which increases the likelihood of getting removed from the spot.

That doesn’t stop riders who already know about the stuntspots to stop by before and after rides, sometimes bringing lunch and friends to watch the riding. We have clubs who regularly have their monthly meetings at the spot. It’s also very common for tourists and visitors from around the world to write a message requesting to stop by the spot to see their favorite riders ride in person. It’s a shame we can’t share our sport with everyone who wants to be a part of the scene.

The sportbike riders are out there, spread out and isolated in the invisible late-night shadows of the city. So if the dealers want to build a relationship with their consumers, why not give the people what they want?! Building a network of legal stunt spots to be sportbike hangouts across the country at dealers would give stunt riding the enormously needed step forward and unite motorcycles riders who just want to chill around like minded people! The stunt riding scene doesn’t have the resources to do something like this on their own. The government isn’t about to start allowing stuntbikes in skate parks. So it’s left to a brand that’s likely to benefit from a movement like this.

Nearly every dealer has a parking lot big enough to host an “open lot session” and with simple steps to get the concept off the ground, it could be the start of a sportbike revolution.

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THE REV LIMITER: VIOLET VIOLETSTARS STARS... & HAPPY STUNTING

stunting in a safe way!

The open lot stunt sessions could morph into riding schools and someday maybe stunt riding schools – a request I get almost everyday via email from riders around the world looking to get into the activity. Skate shops, surf shops, Harley dealers know how to bring the people together and when good people get together, good things happen. Ideas start popping up, new relationships are established and a once fragmented and invisible subculture develops a voice of their own.

From the popularity of clubs and stunt riding 64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

you can plainly see the sportbike riders of America are looking for common ground, a place to share their passion for bikes. Harley Davidson saw that in their riders and opened their doors to them. Why can’t the sportbike dealers do the same?

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THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Asia Bullock

ASIA BULLOCK

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NAME: Asia Bullock HOMETOWN: Montclair, NJ AGE: 16 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Yonug Ayo Productions GOALS: To be a professional motocross racer, freestyle stunt rider and film maker.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Honor roll student, good role model, amateur motocross racer, amateur freestyle stunt rider and amateur film maker.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is my lifestyle... What I love is how I live.

CONTACT:

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ADVERTISE WITH

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION AND RATES, EMAIL INFO@SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

HTTP://SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE LIFE: FEATURED CLUB

Images: Courtesy of A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. MC

Rocker Interpretation: The Alluring Lovely Ladies Sophisticated Talented And Riding Steel better known as A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. MC are represented visually by three female riders proudly standing next to their motorcycles with the city of Cincinnati in the not so far distance. The road between the ladies and the city signifies the club’s willingness to travel well beyond their city limits to the greater club community. The red, white and blue color theme makes it clear that the ladies have embraced the freedom that only comes with riding your motorcycle on the open road, leaving the drama of the world behind you.

History/Origin of Club: The all female club was founded in 2004. Founding members

A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. MC REGION: A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. MC FOUNDED: 2004 MEMBERS: 12 ELECTED OFFICIALS:

FOUNDER/PRESIDENT - SASSY FOUNDER/FORMER PRESIDENT - 007 VICE PRESIDENT - FIRE SERGEANT AT ARMS - XXPOSURE SECRETARY - LADYLOCS BUSINESS MANAGER - DESIRE TREASURER - SUPERSTARR ROAD CAPTAIN - WHOO DEY P.R.O. - HELLRAZOR

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Sassy and 007 decided that it was time for them to pull together a team of ladies that shared the passion and enjoyed motorcycles just as much as they did. The A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. were born.

Club milestones/memorable moments: 2014 marks a decade in existence for the A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. MC. While there is strength in numbers, less often proves to be more. The dozen members of the club have done a lot since their beginning. Ten years on the set is a major accomplishment and testament to the club’s stability, drive and focus. This past February, the A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. celebrated their anniversary with

their annual cabaret. Having launched a second chapter of the club in Chicago only furthers their efforts to empower female riders.

Future of the club: Looking to the future, the A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. MC will focus on being charitable contributors to their community and region. Their recently formed non profit extension of the club, A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. Charity is just one avenue of which they set an example for other clubs to follow. They have teamed up with a local Harley Davidson dealership to form the Junior A.L.L.S.T.A.R.S. division, a promising mentoring and scholarship program for young girls.

Want to see your club featured here?

Drop us an email!

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THE LIFE: KNOW YOUR ROLE

WHERE MY LADIES AT?

WORDS: LADY KIM IMAGES: COURTESY OF LADY KIM

I

’m singing...Where my ladies at? Where my ladies at? Well, if you were out and about on May 3 of this year, then you would have seen the ladies riding on twos for International Female Ride Day created by Vicki Gray in 2007. The global theme this year across 20 countries was “Just Ride”! I rode across four states just to eat at my favorite breakfast spot, Waffle House! As I was riding, people were waving, honking the horn and taking

pictures. Yes, I ride my own! It was nice to be acknowledged by the onlookers even though there are still some men that think a woman should only ride as a backpack. In this male dominated sport, women must act tougher, ride harder and demand respect no matter what size or brand of motorcycle they ride. My favorite meme is “Some Girls Chase Boys… I Pass Them”! Luckily, I have been around men that have encouraged me to ride the right

BESSIE STRINGFIELD

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EBONY ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB

way whether it’s pounding the highway, drag racing or road racing. Women have come a long way on the motorcycle set and all female events. I have to highlight a couple of events to look out for if you haven’t been able to attend yet.

I spoke with 2Tuff of Ebony Angels Motorcycle Club that is celebrating two decades on the biker set! What an accomplishment when most clubs do not last a couple of years.

How did your club get started?

“Our founder is Cynthia Jones of Raleigh, N.C. She is now a national, stellarnominated neo-soul recording artist. She attended a motorcycle safety class back in 1994 and other ladies in the class enjoyed riding with her. She wanted other females to ride with on a regular basis and decided to start a club. She, along with five others, formed the Ebony Angels. Right away they began to ride and do charity work for those in need. The first charity event was

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THE LIFE: KNOW YOUR ROLE “The Ride for Baby Jordan”, a sick child whose parents needed help with medical bills. Since then, we've done so many charities that are too numerous to list but some are March Of Dimes, Kidney Foundation, Lupus Foundation, Susan B. Komen Foundation, Fallen Rider Charities and many more. We've been in magazines, newspapers and videos.”

“We are North Carolina’s oldest all female motorcycle club. We welcome women of all races. One of the original six members was a Caucasian female, named Cynthia Brown.

We remain in contact with her and our founder as well still to this day.”

What is the meaning of your colors?

“Our colors consist of a one-piece patch and as protocol states, we are not a MC but a Motorcycle Club. It is written out as motorcycle club under the patch. Female clubs should have motorcycle club spelled out on their vests.”

What are some of your club’s highlights?

“In 1994, when we started, of course there were surprising looks and comments from 76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

males. Some were rather supportive as well. We had to prove that we could ride locally and distances as well just like the men could. We would ask to ride with them and most welcomed the challenge.

Then we began to hit the track! All angels didn't race but quite a few did and continue to do so. We accomplished a rather difficult task of getting people to see us as riders and not sexy women trying to ride a bike.”

“A memorable moment for us was riding with the men and seeing the reactions of how well we handled our riding skills. We have so many memories. These reactions still continue to this day.“

What are the future plans of the Ebony Angels?

“The Ebony Angels will go on as long as possible. We plan to continue to educate those that are willing to learn and hoping to follow protocol. We want to continue to inspire women to ride. We want to be an inspiration to young kids as well.“

What women riders or female events have inspired the club?

“Our founder, Cynthia Jones, has definitely inspired the drive for our club as well as charitable events. Bessie Stringfield is a name that all female biker should be familiar with.

She was known as the Motorcycle Queen of Miami. She was an African American that road an Indian Scout across country solo. She was discriminated against due to race and gender.

She was only 19 at the time. She became a dispatch rider for the US Military. Such a huge accomplishment especially during that time in 1929.”

Over the last 20 years how have you seen the women in the motorcycle community evolve?

“There is more female presence in the community. Also more women are on the track and in Motocross too. The respect from the male dominated sport has become more positive. When we started we had to earn the respect from the males. Women are riding motorcycles with more CC’s such as Hayabusas, Kawasaki ZX14’s and large cruisers such as Harley Davidson.”

What advice would you give other women that want to ride or start a new female club?

“Definitely take the safety class so that one may learn the correct way to operate a motorcycle and learn the 'rules of the road' as well. Do your research and know the history of motorcycling and motorcycle clubs. Research the female history of riding as well. Be sure to start with at least five riders who own bikes and have a passion for riding. But before starting a club, be sure to access the existing clubs as you

may want to become a member of an existing club as opposed to starting from scratch. It is a lot of work and respect comes with time and effort.”

“I've been a member for almost fifteen years.

Our senior most member is Cherry Myers with seventeen years. All other members, with the exception of one have been in the club at least six to ten years. I am proud to be a member of this organization as well as the President for the last eight years. The women of the Ebony Angels are phenomenal women who work, raise children, and maintain relationships while finding a way to enjoy the motorsport of motorcycling. The Ebony Angels are well respected across the U.S. and other countries.”

Throttle Hands Up for these ladies celebrating 20 years on the bike set and your extraordinary service by giving back to your community. You have definitely earned your respect on the set!

We salute you and we encourage everyone

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THE LIFE: KNOW YOUR ROLE to help them celebrate their Time Machine 20th Anniversary Celebration going back to 1994 during the July 11-12 weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina. There is nothing more empowering than seeing a group of strong, independent, multi cultural women that love to ride their motorcycles.

For the second time in Myrtle Beach, I had the pleasure to ride in the Atlantic Beach All Female Takeover 2014 event called the “The Purple Passion Ride”. The ladies wore purple for “Royalty, Sophistication & Lupus Awareness”.

There were more than 400 women at the event riding cruisers, sport bikes and trikes. The ride had a police escort from the Hooters by the North Myrtle Mall to the Carolina Knights MC, Bike Week Founders, club house for a free brunch and group photo! After networking and taking pictures with the ladies, the final stop ended at Atlantic Beach Bike Fest to enjoy the festivities. We shut Myrtle Beach Highway down! I rode with my club sister Bazooka and this was her first allfemale ride. She loved the fact that it was a purple theme charity ride since her bike was purple! She was amazed at the number of women that came out and how organized the ride was on the highway even though I was slowing it up a bit by taking quick pics since we were at cruiser speed!

The ladies behind me were great sports! They never beeped their horn at me one time. When we stopped for the brunch, I asked the ladies riding behind me to tell me a little bit about themselves and what they thought of the ride.

Felicia “Foxxy” Howard, President and Founder of the club: The Lady Legendz On Two Motorcycle Club was founded and established by myself and Melissa Melo Lee in April of 2013 in Killeen, Texas. We are an all female club who value the love of the road and the sisterhood we are building. We held our first 78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

event this year for our chosen charity of Autism.

We chose this charity because Autism is close to our hearts. We have members of our club that have Autistic children. We want to support them as much as possible. At our event we held a silent auction and we tripled our original goal. As we continue to pound the pavement and build our sisterhood we hope to make our yearly Autism event grow and reach those in the MC and those that are not. We want to continue to show love and support to the MC community and just enjoy being us and being on two’s.

What was it like riding in the Lupus Ride with a large group of women?

Seeing more and more women on theirs two’s and not on the back of one. We have more women branching out and standing on their own and being independent instead of dependent on the male MCs. This was the first time we attended the Lupus Ride in Myrtle.

Seeing the support from all the women riders was a beautiful thing.

We have not personally witnessed that big of an out pour of just women on a ride. This ride gave us a chance to meet some new women and start to build new friendships.

This is a must do annual ride if you want to meet, ride and network with other female riders for a great cause! Another great all female event to attend is Females Leading Our Way or F.L.O.W weekend in Ohio from July 11-13, 2014! It is an annual

weekend for female riders by female riders.

Females Leading Our Way is an organization comprised of various members of the motorcycle community that are Presidents of female clubs, female members of co-ed clubs as well as female independent riders. Each year the event is hosted in a different state and by a new host committee. The first annual weekend was in Piscataway, NJ and the second annual weekend was held in Waldorf, Maryland. Female riders rode in from as far as Atlanta, Cleveland and Boston. This year’s activities include the Circle of F.L.O.W. Meet N Greet, F.L.O.W. N at Midnight bike run, F.L.O.W. Cares Charity Ride benefitting Josiah’s House Inc., Biker Relays, How to Clinics, F.L.O.W. N Da Dark Trophy Party and BreakF.L.O.W. farewell breakfast. For more information visit http://the-flow.org.

Ladies get out there and just ride! I will see ya on two’s at a road near you.

Two fingers... low!

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THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN

I WANNA RIDE

WORDS AND IMAGES: LION JAMES

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I

remember wanting a lot of different things in my adult and young adult life. I remember wanting to go to college, I remember wanting to date the prettiest girl on campus and I remember wanting to take home that elusive gold medal in the annual Pan-American Martial Arts Tournament. I remember wanting to get married, I remember wanting to buy a house, I remember wanting to be a father and I remember wanting to write for this very magazine.

I also remember not “wanting” these things for very long. I don’t say that to mean that I am lazy and gave up on achieving these things or that I am prone to change my mind often. I didn’t stop wanting these things because I lost interest, gave up trying to get them or failed in my attempts to attain them. Quite the contrary, I stopped wanting these things after I got them. One need not want once one has, in my Confucius voice. I no longer wanted them because I had them.

Never let it be said that my ambition outreached my ability. I’m not given to want for very long.

If it’s in my sights then it shall be mine. I also remember when I wanted to ride a motorcycle. I have been enamored by all things two wheeled since I was a child but I didn’t want to ride until 2004. Once again I didn’t want to ride for very long. From wanting to ride to the time I rode was only a few months and I haven’t “wanted” for the ride since. It’s been over a decade since I first wanted to ride and I’ve enjoyed the ride since. Riding has changed so much since then that it made me curious as to what makes new motorcyclists want to ride today. I spoke with several non riders who hope to one day soon throw a leg over and know the joy of the ride like I did a decade ago.

One such would be motorcyclist I spoke with told me that he’s just always wanted a motorcycle and thought it would be cool to own one. He isn’t very knowledgeable about the sport, mechanics, techniques, gear or even the different types of motorcycles. He even referred to Sportbikes as “crotch rockets” in one conversation we had.

After I unclenched my teeth and fists as I tend to do when someone calls a sportbike a “crotch rocket,” he confessed to me that he did not know the difference between motorcycle types, thought all cruisers were Harley’s and couldn’t discern the difference between motorcycle sub classes let alone manufacturers. For him the motorcycle was little more than a high priced fashion accessory or status symbol. He wanted to be seen on his motorcycle and wanted to be made cooler by the ownership and operation of a motorcycle.

I have often said, and even wrote about it previously in the pages of SportBikes Inc Magazine, that I don’t fault anyone for their reason for riding because only they can ride their motorcycle. I am not arrogant enough to think I am entitled to say whose reason for wanting to ride is frivolous or whose is valid but I felt compelled as a responsible motorcyclist and voice of the industry and sport to inform this young man of the dangers and responsibility that come with throwing a leg over. I would have been derelict in my duty had I not cautioned him against buying and riding a motorcycle as a representation of status and that a motorcycle is not a substitute for a flashy piece of jewelry or even a fancy new car. After I stepped down from my two wheeled soap box I continued to probe this young man... for more specific reasons for wanting to ride and what he hoped to

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THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN gain from the ride. He made mention of his interest in Motorcycle Clubs as well as bike nights and parties. Drawn to the culture more than the sport he had attended bike nights in Philadelphia, PA, King of Prussia, PA and New Castle, DE which solidified his resolve to get a motorcycle. We spoke about the camaraderie shared by motorcyclists in social settings.

One particular story he shared with me was from a bike night he attended at a Hooters Restaurant and he noticed how all of the bikers regardless of what they rode in on, how they dressed and any other difference in appearance or ethnicity greeted one another, socialized and treated one another. He was of the opinion that were it not for the motorcycle gathering and the common interest they all shared in motorcycles, this conglomerate of personalities would never co-mingle this harmoniously, peacefully or with this much enthusiasm for discussion. Although not as eloquently as I have stated it, this is what the young man was trying to describe to me. Being of the motorcycle community for 10 plus years this was not surprising to me and I wish more non motorcyclists could see that side of the motorcycle community. This humanization of bikers is not a common understanding of who we are among the non-riding public. Towards the end of our conversation about his desire to ride I discovered that for this young man the biggest obstacle to his motorcycle ownership was financial as opposed to simple indecision as to which machine to get.

He admitted to me that his saving for a motorcycle had taken him longer than initially planned but that he was still very much interested in getting a motorcycle and riding among us. When last we spoke he had still not gotten a motorcycle nor acquired his M class license endorsement. “ I hope to see you on two soon good brother. You know who you are.”

Another non motorcyclist hoping to join our ranks that I spoke with was a young lady who had already gotten her motorcycle license and had completed both the basic rider course and the experienced rider course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. She borrowed a friend’s motorcycle for the latter and while she has logged a significant number miles in the saddle, considering that she has never owned a 84 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

motorcycle, she still “wants” to be a motorcyclist.

When I asked her how was it that she had taken and passed both MSF courses offered in her state, clocked thousands of miles on two wheels and knew more about the sport than a good number of motorcyclists I know yet did not have a motorcycle she began her explanation with a very familiar “well, what had happened was…”

Her father was a motorcyclist and member of a well known, some would say notorious, outlaw Motorcycle Club and her mother, whom she still lives with, was against her daughter riding motorcycles. The family lost her father to violence which her mother attributed to the club and more specifically the motorcycle lifestyle. The young lady who wants to ride motorcycles and own one of her own has been hiding her desire for the Ride. from her mother and struggles with her independence and want for a motorcycle. She doesn’t want to disappoint or concern her mother with her decision to ride a motorcycle out of fear that her mother will see it as little more than following in her father’s footsteps.

When I asked if she had put any thought into joining a Motorcycle Club she replied with an emphatic “No.” She was no more concerned with flying colors and paying dues to a club than she was with driving a “four wheeled cage” as she called it. She wanted to ride because she enjoyed the feeling of freedom offered by two wheels. She feels as though no other means of transportation short of un-tucking your cape and taking to the sky in Superwoman fashion can provide the unparalleled thrill of a motorcycle.

From the way she talks about riding you get the sense that for her life is just a mundane collection of moments spent not riding and the time spent on two wheels is when she feels breath pumping through her lungs and blood coursing thru her veins. She has a passion for motorcycling that is rare among those who actually ride and almost non-existent in those outside the two wheeled population. I asked her if she had immediate plans to get herself a motorcycle of her own as opposed to borrowing friends’ motorcycles for jaunts down the road and she said simply “not yet.” The way she said it wasn’t as if she wasn’t sure when it would be an appropriate time to get one. It wasn’t a tone that led me to believe that she was unsure SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 85

THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN or apprehensive. The confidence with which she responded told me that she all but had a date circled in red on her calendar for when she would be picking up her new bike.

Aside from the confliction between motorcycles and her family history, this young woman wanted to ride because she genuinely loves to ride. She knows the dizzying highs that come with riding and she has first hand knowledge of how much fun riding a motorcycle is. She wasn’t looking for a bump in cool points, she wasn’t looking for attention from men in the motorcycle community and she wasn’t looking to buy a 400 pound two wheeled plastic and aluminum party ticket. She wanted to ride for the sake of riding. She told me that she didn’t require someone to ride with, a destination to ride to or a reason to ride. Riding was her reason and she wants to do it more. When last we spoke on the phone it had been three weeks since she had been on a motorcycle and she was on her way to pick up a motorcycle from a public storage unit to take for a ride. Her tone conveyed a sense of rushed urgency reminiscent of a Wall Street trader coming off her lunch break power walking to the trading floor. My last question to her was “how do you feel knowing that in less than an hour you will be able to ride again?” She answered with a smile that could be heard through the phone “How do you think I feel. I wanna ride!”

The next hopeful prospective member of the two wheeled elite was an unlikely candidate for the ride. He was a gentlemen whose age is, as he so proudly proclaimed, “north of the speed limit.”

While he wouldn’t tell me how old he really was I estimated him to be between 68 and 75 years old. After all he didn’t say he was “just north of the speed limit.” A diesel mechanic and military veteran whose only experience on motorcycles was during his service in the military, he wished to spend his golden years seeing life from behind the throttle. He was a widower, his remaining living children lived on the other side of the country and he has retired from both the military and his career as a technician. When I asked him why he wants to ride he responded, with a chuckle “I’ve seen it all so now it’s time to see it from the saddle.” He seemed to have an attitude of “it’s about time I rode a motorcycle” which was very different than a lot of the reasons I had heard from people up until 86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

now for why they want to ride.

Almost nonchalant in his approach to motorcycles he didn’t seem to have any hang ups about what he rode or where to. “Sumptin comfortable” was his reply to my inquiry about what kind of motorcycle he’d like to ride. I showed him my Triumph Daytona 675 and asked if he thought he would like to ride something along those lines and in an almost endearing tone he replied “you must be crazy!”

I liked this gentleman and enjoyed our conversation.

He reminded me of my grandfather and uncles with the slick way he spoke and the life experience that could be heard in his voice. Several times during our exchange he reminded me that he had either “turned more wrenches than I had ever even read about in my little magazines” or “you may have been around the block son but I been around the world.” My response to each of his declarations of my lack of experience in all things as compared to his own was a respectful, “yes sir.” I’m still not quite sure if he wants to ride because he has nothing better to do or if it’s another box to be checked off of this old timer’s bucket list.

One of the reasons he gave me for wanting to ride a motorcycle was that since he was free to come and go as he pleases, no spouse, children or job to answer to, he could take a ride any time of day or night and go wherever he wanted to. I suppose when a good deal of your life you are told what to do and where to go, the freedom to make those decisions for yourself has great appeal. Our elders hold tightly to their independence as many of them lose it or have it taken from them thru failing health, lack of sufficient income or poor support structure and family. Something that is easy for young people to take for granted like the privilege, ability, freedom and facilities to simply do what you want to is often a major highlight of a senior citizen’s day. I applauded this gentleman’s drive and commitment to ride a motorcycle considering his advanced age but then began to feel as tho perhaps I was being unintentionally condescending.

Why shouldn’t this guy ride? Why shouldn’t he maintain his independence and go thrill seeking like any of us just because he was long in the tooth and gray at the roots? He led me to believe that

getting a motorcycle was something he simply hadn’t gotten around to doing yet. I was under the impression that he could, and quite possibly would after our discussion, just go out the following day and purchase a brand new motorcycle and start this new chapter of his life. Many folks make grand plans for what they will do after retirement, after they get out of school, once they get out of the military or even once their children have left the nest. This gentleman was looking for what’s next and judging by our conversation he has found it. I met him at a motorcycle dealership in New Jersey and while our conversation started after I thanked him for his service to our country in recognition of his military Veteran status, we spoke mainly about motorcycles, riding and his plans to introduce himself to both. Much to my regret I did not get his

contact information but I did give him my business card and told him as we parted ways to call me when he gets his motorcycle because I would be honored to share the road at his side. He has yet to contact me but I hope he got his motorcycle because I wanna ride with him.

Looking back over the past couple of years that I have enjoyed this sport and lifestyle and thinking about why I wanted to ride in the first place I can’t help but smile. I smile because I am happy that I wanted to ride in the first place and even happier that I no longer “want” to ride. I ride. I will Ride. until the day I die…and then for 3 days after that.

Do you remember when you wanted to ride?

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Elizabeth Kollars LOCATION: West Chester, PA. OCCUPATION: Software Development Operational Account Manager.

YEARS RIDING: Been riding for 7 years and many different bikes.

RIDING STYLE: Street and track.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Honda CBR600RR, 2014 Aprilia Dorsodro.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Ohlins Suspension on the 600RR. Makes a major difference in building confidence and speed.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Arai helmet. Light, great air flow... Snell safety.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding the street in North Carolina and Tennessee on the Tail of the Dragon and other local mountain roads.

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Kelly Rose Bunch LOCATION: Elverson, PA. OCCUPATION: Navy Special Operations EOD. YEARS RIDING: 2 years.

RIDING STYLE: Mainly street, but I have been working on making

my way into the stunting world.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2006 Suzuki GSXR 600 FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My favorite accessory is definitely my Two Brothers Exhaust.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My White Speed and Strength Wicked Garden Moto Shoes.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My most memorable ride was the trip I took to Pagoda Mountain at the end of last year’s riding season.

Myself and a couple very good close friends took a long ride there, ripping around the winding curves of the mountain, then watched the sunset from the top. It was a beautiful day spent with beautiful people. And that’s what it’s all about.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Stella Jean LOCATION: Donna, TX. OCCUPATION: Police Cadet.

YEARS RIDING: 1.5 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street and track.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2009 Ninja 250R Special Edition.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: MGP Growler for maximum disturbance on a baby bike. Loud Pipes Save Lives.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My helmet because it expresses a rider’s personality.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding for hours on the Ducati down Ortega Highway meeting new fellow riders and friends and enjoying the food and view down to Lake Elsinore.

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Dominique Langston LOCATION: Tacoma, WA OCCUPATION: Toddler teacher at a child development center.

YEARS RIDING: 5 years riding, majority street.

RIDING STYLE: I ride street and track. Showing off is for the birds.

BIKE/S OWNED: Current bike is a 2007 Yamaha R6S. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My GP Growler Exhaust because it literally sounds like a GP exhaust.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Definitely my helmet because it saved me from a tremendous injury in my last head first accident.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: A ten hour ride from Tacoma to up

and around Mt. Rainier, through back roads up to Mt. St. Helens.

Then we turned around and went the same route back. We were in full suits, me and all my guys I’ve been riding with for five years.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Angie Bivins LOCATION: Middletown, DE. OCCUPATION: Assistant Manager at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

YEARS RIDING: 8 years.

RIDING STYLE: I keep it chill and I keep it sexy.

BIKE/S OWNED: Kawasaki ZX636 and Suzuki SV1000.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My fairings.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Arai Helmet. It has cartoon eyes on it.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: The recent “Pocono Screamer” created by the Christian SportBike Association.

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Min J. Han LOCATION: Cypress, CA OCCUPATION: Staff Sergeant in the US Army YEARS RIDING: 2 years.

Riding style: Street, Canyons and been to the track twice.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2012 Honda CBR 600RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: None yet. But I am going to get a Yoshimura RS5 Carbon Fiber Slip On Exhaust.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Shoei helmet and my Dainese one piece leather suit.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first canyon ride at Bouquet Canyon with my buddy Sleek. I was so scared but I made it thru with no crash.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Christa Faust LOCATION: Reading, PA OCCUPATION: Dental Hygienist YEARS RIDING: 7 years.

RIDING STYLE: Mainly I ride the streets. I would love to try stunt riding but need a stunt bike. Mine is too pretty to drop. I plan to try the all girl track day coming up July 12th.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Honda CBR 600RR Graffiti Edition FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My wifi controlled L.E.D. kit from XK Glow. Also my shorty levers are nice.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My ICON Field Armor Vest.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: 2013 Hollywood Block Party ride.

It was insane. Loved it.

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Rebecca Williams LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN. OCCUPATION: Fine Artist.

YEARS RIDING: 2 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250r.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Musarri exhaust.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Sidi boots.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Tail of the Dragon, Gaitlinburg, TN.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Leslie Keys LOCATION: Hampton, VA. OCCUPATION: President and Founder of 2Up 2Down Riders 4 Life MC. YEARS RIDING: Over 30 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street and strip.

BIKE/S OWNED: Kawasaki ZX12R and Kawasaki ZX14R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The whole bike but if I had to pick one it would be the air ride.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Helmet. Safety first.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: 2011, coming from the HOTT MC Summer Bike Bash and less than five minutes from my home, I was run over from behind while still in motion.

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Hope Cohen LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA. OCCUPATION: Author of “Fast, Fresh and Simple”, Chef, Media Personality.

YEARS RIDING: 11 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2004 BMW 650 CS FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My aquamarine crystal license plate bolts... Bling!

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Prada boots.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Daytona South to St. Augustine beautiful stretch of A1A.

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MOTO TECH Words: Mark Rozemo Image: Courtesy of Motion Pro

ASK THE PRO WRENCH

WORDS: THOMAS CAMPION IMAGES: LEON BRITTAIN/ALICIA ELFVING/TERRY ZORICH

Q

: What are the ten most important things a lady needs to know about her bike?

A

: I think this question should be, “What are the ten most important things that everyone needs to know about their bike?” Because narrowing this to ladies only is not my strong point given obvious reasons, but I will try to.

1. Tire pressure! Tire pressure is probably the biggest thing you should know because tires loose pressure over time. You need to check them often and you need to know what to set

them to. There should be a label glued to your swing arm on most current model sportbikes with recommended PSI. 2. Fuel. Does your bike need high octane gas?

Most bikes do. Do you have any modifications on your bike that require a higher octane?

3. That leads me to, you should know what aftermarket upgrades you have done to your bike. That way you can tell the mechanic when they are doing doing maintenance or hanging at the “spot” talking to other riders about your bike.

FUEL TYPE

TIRE PRESSURE 100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

MAINTENANCE

WEATHER 4. Know your bike’s maintenance intervals.

When you need to get the oil changed… air filter changed, etc.

5. Listen to how your motorcycle sounds when it’s happy. This will help diagnosing problems when your bike isn’t so happy. Chain noise, valve train noise, brakes. All this will help for unscheduled maintenance.

6. Know the weather. Worst thing is getting stuck in a downpour without having your rain gear. Worse yet, if you aren’t very confident in your riding skills, rain can make for a nerve wrecking ride in the rain.

7. Pay attention to where you park your bike, and know how to park on various terrains and

slopes. Hills… Always point the bike uphill. Leaving

BIKE PARKING

RIDING IN A GROUP

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MOTO TECH Words: Mark Rozemo Image: Courtesy of Motion Pro

PICKING UP YOUR BIKE

it in gear will keep it from rolling. In grass, put something under the side stand so it doesn’t sink in.

Worst thing ever is walking up to where you parked your bike and it’s on its side.

8. How to ride in a group. This is covered briefly in your motorcycle class endorsement test but needs to be discussed. Nobody wants to ride with someone that is unpredictable. Sudden and unsignaled lane changes are a big no no.

9. I pray this one is never needed but, how to pick up your bike after a tip over. I’m not saying that this will happen to everyone but most new riders are going to have some type of “get off”. Whether it’s pulling up to a stop sign, or slow speed collision in an empty parking lot, practicing your riding. It sucks staring at your bike, laying on the ground, and not being able to pick it up. Leverage is your friend.

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RIDING ABILITY

Most people, even veteran riders try to lift a bike wrong. I don’t care if it’s a dirt bike or a dresser harley. Even petite girls can lift a bike if they know the right way. Example: Bike falls on its right side. I will pick it up by the right handle bar, turn the bars to the left and keeping my back and arms straight, I will pick up the bike like I’m doing a squat. Once most of the weight is balanced, I then start to bend my arms until the bike is upright.

10. Know your riding ability. Your limits. Riding in groups is good but you can often be pushed pass your limit whether it’s going too fast for a turn or slow speed turning around. Whatever it is, take your time and ride your ride. Your group will wait for you. If they don’t, you don’t need to be riding with them.

THE BEST MOTORCYCLE SCHOOL IS BACK. World-class professional-level motorcycle rider training now at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW AT RIDELIKEACHAMPION.COM 8 5 5 - R I D E YC R S @CHAMP_SCHOOL /RIDELIKEACHAMPION SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 103

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE 25/75 BRAKING RULE WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: MEEKAIL SHAHEED

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E

arlier this season, we discussed the application of the 25/75 rule as it applied to braking.

When the brake lever takes at least three times (75%) as long to release as it does to apply (25%), riders are able to carry their braking deeper into every corner and the motorcycle is as stable and predictable as possible at turn in. This month we will look at the other half of the 25/75 rule, which gives us important guidelines on how to use our other major speed control, the throttle!

As soon as the motorcycle is adequately pointed up track, the second half of the 25/75 rule comes into play. Throttle application should happen as soon as the major bar input for direction change is finished. In many corners, this bar input happens in a clearly definable zone, as opposed to turning with a constant input throughout a corner. Once the bike reaches the end of this zone and is pointed up track most of the turning effort can be, and more to the point... must be released. As bar effort is released it immediately frees up turning load on the tires. This load should be quickly replaced with acceleration load.

The most common mistake that riders make on the drive is that they wait too long to apply the throttle.

Since they gave time away in the initial portion of the drive, they will often snap the throttle on too quickly to try to catch up. During acceleration, the application of the 25/75 for Penguin students is put into practice by noting that the first 25% of throttle application should be the same amount of time as the remaining 75%. The throttle is not usually applied in a linear fashion, it is instead rolled on slowly at first and then faster later in the drive.

The key to applying this principle to drives is to first ensure that the turn point, the moment when the SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 105

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS tires are used 100% for turning, is effective enough to fully change the direction of the motorcycle.

When the direction of the bike is fully changed, the load replacement can begin to work in reverse.

Again, load replacement dictates that in an ideal corner we add one load as another is released.

Just as the brake release happens simultaneously with the major turn input, throttle application must happen simultaneously with allowing the bike to

quickly. As long as the major turn is completed, riders can completely release bar input during acceleration and will have drives that are not only fast, but smooth.

stand up. This release of bar pressure provides the extra grip needed for acceleration.

This risk for a high side is the greatest in the first moments after the throttle is applied. As the rider approaches the 25% mark of throttle application, the bike has usually reduced its lean angle by close to 50% and the consequences for spinning the tire are greatly mitigated. When the bike is straight up and down, any rider can get away with spinning the tire since there is no tendency for the bike to toss the bike over the “high side”. As riders get more comfortable with approaching the limit of traction, the final 75% of roll on happens more

far ahead of the engine, it gives the motor time to “spool up” and catch a rider off guard. If a rider is finishing a turn and the bike passes through its peak torque rpm, the sudden rush of power can overpower the rear tire quickly. This rarely happens at partial throttle (especially in the first 25%).

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By making the initial roll on early and slow, several positive things are accomplished. First, there is a direction connection between your right wrist and the rear tire. When throttle application gets too

Second, by rolling on early and slow, a rider gains critical speed that can never be recaptured. The major separator between amateur and expert racers comes in the first 30 feet off of the apex.

The faster a bike is going, the harder it is to spin the tire. If you think about it, the rear tire is much

more likely to spin at 20mph than at 120mph. By picking up an extra 3 to 4 mph in the first 30 feet, a rider not only gets a 3 to 4 mph head start on everyone else but also can apply more throttle at the end of this 30 foot zone because the bike is going faster. This effect builds on itself as a rider rolls on earlier and earlier, harder and harder.

is well down the straight, (2) released all bar input and reduced hand effort to “thumb and forefinger guidance) and (3) allowed the bike to stand up enough in the first 25% that the side load in the tire is nearly gone.

In the ideal case, the limit to the strength of our drive is the outside edge of the racetrack, which is the only thing that we cannot change. In addition, we have had a direct connection to the rear tire the whole way through the drive and done all we can with our turn strategy to maximize grip. More speed, more confidence, and less risk... It’s a win win all the way around.

As long as the major bar input is released, all that happens in a strong first 25% is that the bike stands up and runs wider, because the rider allows this to happen. Eventually, the limiting factor to the strength of your 25% roll on becomes the fact that you are running out of racetrack at the exit. This is exactly what we want to happen. The second 75% of the roll on happens as fast as the original 25%, and the Until next time, ride fast. Ride safe! bike is able to tolerate this because the rider has (1) turned the bike well enough that the trajectory

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THE URBAN CURVES PROJECT WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: MEEKAIL SHAHEED SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 111

FRICTION ZONE: URBAN CURVES

T

designed specifically for the ladies that ride.

Female riders are the largest growing demographic in the bike industry and have been so for several years. There are more women on the road, in the streets, on the track... The ladies are competing among the men in road racing, drag racing and in the sport freestyle stunt riding. There are more female motorcycle clubs on the global motorcycle club set than ever before. Females have become such an integral part of the fiber of the industry, manufacturers of motorcycles, gear and apparel are no longer overlooking or ignoring them... They are creating products and marketing campaigns

Observing the ladies coming up in the industry has been S. Taaj Hubbard.

Watching, listening and learning what she would describe as a movement.

What she saw happening in the culture and subculture of the industry and the women that were engaged in it inspired her and moved her. Hubbard began documenting the lives of a select number of Black female riders that were part of the Atlanta, Georgia club set. These ladies that were part of the culture of riders in the densely populated region were mothers, wives, business owners, athletes... All women. All riders. Hubbard knew that their stories have to not only be told, their stories needed to be shared. The Urban Curves Project was born. “The initial face of Urban Curves is an unscripted show following the lives of specifically targeted types of women who are just as deeply involved in the motorcycle community as men.  The TV show is character franchised beginning in Atlanta and then moving onward to other cities where the viewers will

he lives of riders are full of drama, intrigue and entertainment. On the bike or off, the natural course of being in the life is nothing short of an Oscar winning screenplay. However, there is no script. This is not a movie. This is real and any authentic rider will tell you that while most people dream about living this life, more than half would run and hide when confronted with the reality of what being a true motorcycle rider means. And none have it harder than female riders.

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FRICTION ZONE: URBAN CURVES

be able to follow the lives of other women with similar attachments to this male dominated industry.” Hubbard explains.

“The subject matter of how the woman has impacted the entire motorcycle community continues to be discounted and fogged by images sprinkled into a documentary, shown as just a beautiful model or written in as property of an outlaw club. There is so much more to be seen.” Hubbard is correct in that the overall view of a woman’s role in the male dominated bike world is often stereotypical and most likely disrespectful. Black female rider representation is few and far between, if at all. Hubbard’s mission is very clear. She aims to dispel all the myths simply by spotlighting the lives of real 114 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

women that really ride.

“I believe we have more than enough scripted and non scripted shows that portray singers, models, rich wives, talent contests... Where are the real stories showing women who fall down and get up? Literally, mentally, socially and professionally?” In the process of capturing the lives of these ladies, Hubbard slowly formed a cast of individuals that represented everyday women dealing with everyday struggles. Included in the cast are Stacey Hicks and her daughter Jamae Hicks, owners of RFL Customz, an Atlanta based motorcycle repair and custom shop; Dystany Spurlock, professional drag racer and moto journalist; Fyre, P.R.O. of the all female Xecutive Riders MC;

Minx, an independent rider; Ayanna Muhammad, creator and owner of Curvy Riderz which makes riding apparel for full figured lady riders; and Queen Isis, a former drag racer looking to make a come back.

“Urban Curves differs from any other show in the genre by the obvious elements of love and passion for motorcycles.” Hubbard is very clear about the essence of the show, “Even though the friendships exist between the characters, the stories are independent on their own and carry enough weight where there can be spin offs developed without losing the core audience.”

And this is where the plot thickens.

Urban Curves, while in production has yet to get a broadcast network deal. “We continue to get questions like: What channel are you on? When are you all going to launch on television? Will you be filming in our city? Network executives have encouraged us to keep at it because it is such an interesting subject matter.”

money. “Like any new project, it never ends up how you originally planned it. We have had character changes.

We have also been held hostage by producers who claim they can pitch it to the networks and we end up with stale time. Urban Curves started out with the plan of being a dynamic web series and today, we are back on that plan. Although if interest comes from a network, our ears are open.”

Hubbard has faced her share of obstacles and oppositions along the way, not unlike many of the members of her cast face everyday. “Anytime a woman decides to do anything a man is known for doing, there will be male opposition. We are used to that and continue to ignore it.”

Reveling in what seems to be an undying and ever growing global support system, Hubbard understands the full potential of Urban Curves as a brand, not just a web series or network show. She has been contacted from other countries offering support and inquiries if there are plans to shoot in Currently, the series can be viewed other lands. The global female rider online as a web series. A one woman movement strongly upholds itself and army, Hubbard has done what most looks to assist anything within that could not do in terms of working with movement that casts a positive light little to no budget to produce, shoot, on women that ride all over the world. edit, package and market Urban They also have received their propers Curves. Hubbard says that originally, from their male counterparts, as well. the idea was for the show to be a web “Urban Curves has and will continue to series. However, when word traveled respect the culture and the community and there was a surge of views and of what it means to be a member attention from several media outlets... of any motorcycle club... We have the idea that Urban Curves could have received great support from both men a greater impact on the global stage and women clubs. While motorcycle in a broader range than just a web riding is a way of life in most places, series became evident. But that takes it is still considered a luxury here in SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 115

FRICTION ZONE: URBAN CURVES

the U.S. Urban Curves will connect globally with women riders, racers, and mechanics. Ladies from around the world will be moved and empowered with the additional projects we have in store aimed specifically for them.”

really ride come together and things get real. The ups and downs. The triumphs and the failures. The ebb and flow... It’s already there. The truth is, you can’t write about this life. You just have to let it happen and be thankful for visionaries like S. Taaj Hubbard Urban Curves is not a reality series. It is who have made it their mission to what happens when real women who capture it and share it to with world.

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Distributed by:

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FRICTION ZONE: FOCUSED

WOMEN AND MOTORCYCLES

WORDS: RICKEY GADSON IMAGES: RICKEY GADSON, LEON BRITTAIN, TERENCE BELTON

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W

e decided to switch things up to keep you readers on your toes! This month I'm gonna "Focus" on women and motorcycles and my wife Kiana Gadson is gonna give you "Lines of the Wife of a Legend!" So try and keep up with us.

This year while in Myrtle Beach I was just saying to my homie Jay while we were cruising around that “for every ten motorcyclist, four to five of them are women these days."

In the 1970’s when my mother started riding, it was real rare to see a woman on a motorcycle.

But let's not get it twisted, because women that were family or friends of my family as far back as the 1950’s were on motorcycles.

Unintentionally for fifteen of the twenty five years my Mom and Dad were together my Dad was grooming my Mother to become a rider. One day in 1977 my Mom decided that she no longer wanted to ride on the back with my Dad. She wanted her own bike. At that time there were only about six women that

we knew of that rode motorcycles and they were looked at by men as not too feminine.

But when Victoria Gadson decided that she was going to bring sexy to motorcycles, that is exactly what she did! My Father had a KZ 1300 back in 1979 with a custom paint job of a "cat" which was on the prowl looking for its prey, and on my Moms custom painted 550 Honda's gas tank was a mouse in high heel shoes with a skimpy skirt. Playful as it was, that mouse represented my Mom. So when they rode together, it was the "mouse" that the "cat", my dad, was chasing.

My mom was well known all over the country and introduced me to the motorcycle club world when I was young. As the years went on I noticed women started liking motorcycles for the same reason men did, because it represented cool. But more importantly, some of these same woman could really ride now and were becoming sexier and sexier as female motorcyclist. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, in just six years the number SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 119

FRICTION ZONE: FOCUSED

Petey Vee

Dystany Spurlock

Angelle Sampey

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Victoria Gadson

of female operators shot up from 4.3 million in 2003 to 7.1 million in 2009. Experts attribute the rise in ridership and bike ownership to better education, fancy gear like the sexy riding gear Speed and Strength has launched for women, as well as the sexy new bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 300, which is the largest seller among woman. There are high profile riders such as Jillian Michaels, Queen Latifah and Margaret Cho who own and ride their own bikes as well.

While female motorcyclists share their love of the open road with men, they approach the ride differently. Since my wife Kiana Gadson is one of the sexiest female riders I know, I can say from experience that women want to ride while they look good and be safe. They might not all know the torque and horsepower numbers of their bikes like we do, but they

surely know how to coordinate with their bikes.

But there is a different breed of females lately who not only want to look feminine while riding on the streets, but also know what horsepower bikes make and know how to extract it on the drag strip.

Petey Vee and Dystany Spurlock are two of those woman and I should warn you not to sleep when you line up against women like this because competition is in their spirit. Not only have women become the norm on street bikes but females like Angelle Sampey, Karen Stoffer, Angie McBride and Peggy Llewelyn have changed the face of professional racing with Angelle becoming the winningest female racer in the history of the sport. So with women like this in motorcycles you can bet that even more greatness with less testosterone is surely to follow!

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AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY, HE KEPT RIDING. Introducing the new Pirelli Angel GT tire. Perfect for never-ending trips or just a short weekend ride, it’s engineered to give you confidence and enhanced durability, even on wet ground. More than sport touring: this is 100% Italian Gran Turismo.

N°1 for Mileage according to an independent test of Motorrad TestCenter comparing Pirelli Angel GT with Michelin Pilot Road 3, Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II, Bridgestone Battlax BT 023, Continental RoadAttack 2 and Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M/O on 122 and | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM 120/70ZR-17 180/55ZR-17 set. The test took place in Spain, Marbella in November and December 2012, using six Suzuki Bandit 1250 ABS.

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FRICTION ZONE

DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS

WORDS AND IMAGES: BILLY MORRISON

Bangkok to Pattaya on a CBR400RR that had no brakes in shorts and a tee shirt. This I do NOT recommend!

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I

n Los Angeles, we have a few distinctly particular two wheeled factions that live and breathe in specific locations and at specific times. Those of you that are keen observers of the motorcycle and all its sub genres could spend a few days enjoying the wonders of LA bike culture. And the first group I would suggest you seek out is an interesting bunch. “The Weekend Warriors.” This multi colored, chrome covered species can be observed in its natural habitat, Melrose Avenue, from about 11.00am onwards on any Sunday and are easily recognized by their machinery. Usually late model, high capacity Japanese superbikes, think Hayabusa or similar, that shine and glisten in the sun, mainly due to the fact that they do about six miles a week!

Their migratory patterns have been studied at length and we know that they meet at one end of Melrose, ride about six blocks to Johnny Rockets, park up... and then ride home at the end of the day! Minimum mileage and maximum show seem to be the group’s raison d’etre and the louder the pipes and the brighter the paint, the higher up the pecking order they seem to be. An interesting viewing indeed. Look out for the “Crested Warrior” that can be identified by a fake brightly colored Mohawk hairdo glued to the outside of their helmet.

Seriously!

Then we have our local chapter of the “Boy Racer”, and this genre obviously exists in every town and city worldwide. Full race leathers, replica lids, knee sliders, some freshly scraped on the wall of the garage before actually being placed on the knee, and factory paint jobs on Repsol Honda’s, Alice Ducati’s and the Tom Sykes painted Ninja’s.

Their home is a place called the Rock Store, in the canyons of Malibu. Forever trapped in a never ending lap of Laguna Seca... in their heads... they aim to get their knee down at every corner, collect tickets like baseball cards, and can be observed at the Rock Store discussing the merits of Ohlins,

Brembo and “the time they got their knee down on the hairpin bend at zzzzzz...” Oh! Sorry, I drifted off. These guys are definitely fast, but can be seen slowing down for the cameras that are now at specific turns and corners along the routes.

Their mating call can be heard echoing around the canyons on a Sunday morning... “Vroom, vroom, look at me, look at me, look at me vroom!” And I cannot confirm or deny that there is a pic of me on a Multistrada pulling a wheelie in the streets of San Francisco. I don’t know what you’re talking about, Officer.

“The Retro” are a rare sight, but nonetheless interesting if you spot them. Old Bonnies, ratty BSA’s, the odd Norton and without a full face lid between them, these denim and leather clad historians build, restore, tweak and polish their own machinery. Sneering at the mere presence of a 6 Pot Caliper or an electronic ignition, a trip to Venice or somewhere equally as trendy... maybe Silverlake if you’re lucky, can yield a “Retro” sighting. Tending to ride in smaller packs, this wonderful sub genre of rider is a unique and fiercely proud specimen of Los Angeles two wheeler. Just to be clear, there are two types of Retro. Standard and rich. “Rich Retro” are pretty much the same as “Weekend Warrior” in that they tend to throw tens of thousands of dollars at an old Bonneville, getting it customized by the latest super cool bike guy, and then still only ride it from home to Starbucks and back.

There are still many other species to spot here in the bustling city of LA, but as I have a limit on the amount of words I can type here, I’ve just outlined the main three. Me? Well... I just get on one of my black bikes most days. I ride the length and breadth of the city, in rush hour traffic or on empty Memorial Day Sundays, it doesn’t make any difference to me. I’ll take to the canyons on Sundays. And I’ll take to the notorious 405 Freeway SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 125

FRICTION ZONE: DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS on a weekday. I leave my Alpinestars one piece suit and any “knee down, hang off the side like Lorenzo” type stylings I may have for the track. I’ve taken skid pan courses, defensive riding courses, off road courses, and still know the reality... That I am an average rider with a life expectancy that’s drastically lowered by daily riding on the streets of LA. I’ve ridden to Johnny Rockets and the Rock Store many times. I’ve also ridden from Los Angeles to

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Seattle, Bilbao to Madrid, and London to Glasgow.

Oh, and Bangkok to Pattaya on a CBR400RR that had no brakes in shorts and a tee shirt. This I do NOT recommend! Hopefully you get my point.

Motorcycling has room for all types, for all ages, and for all ego sizes. Just please, Hollywood, can we not have any more movies made like “Biker Boyz”. Thank you.

I just get on one of my black bikes most days.

I ride the length and breadth of the city, in rush hour traffic or on empty Memorial Day Sundays, it doesn’t make any difference to me.

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FRICTION ZONE: RANDOM

Image: Courtesy of Warner Brothers

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BATGIRL...

A pioneer for sisters riding their own rides since 1967.

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FRICTION ZONE

THE HIT

LIST

Do you ever wonder what MUSIC your fellow riders are listening to when they are not on the bike? We do... So we decided to ask them.

Tammy Hilton! What’s on your hit list?

“Cowgirl in the Sand” by Neil Young. It’s a tune you have to feel... Guitar psychedelic heaven.

“Got to Give it Up” by Marvin Gaye. An instant hip mover you can’t listen to this without moving to the beat.

“Who is He and What is He to You?” by Bill Withers. Soul at its finest and you feel the lyrics.

Not to mention, a great base line.

Tammy Hilton Emporium Manager at Deus EX Machina

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FRICTION ZONE: SPORTBIKES INK!!!

Want to show off your SPORTBIKES INK? Please click on the icon to send clear, high quality, hi res photos.

RIDER// Christa Fausta BIKE// 2008 Honda CBR600RR Graffiti Editon TATTOO ARTIST// Reading Tattoo’s Rob

RIDER// Danielle Gehringer BIKE// 2004 Yamaha R6 TATTOO ARTIST// Jonny Metropolis

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RIDER// Stella Jean BIKE// 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Special Edition TATTOO ARTIST// Martin Reyes

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THIS LIFE

RIDE FOR CHARITY

WORDS AND IMAGE: TYSON BECKFORD

I

t is that time of year where we ride for charity or other rides to raise money or to bring awareness to various worthy causes to help others in our community. It’s good for the soul!

But it also shows the world that we are not just a bunch of speed freaks riding the streets with reckless abandonment.

There are many responsible riders out here in the world who care for the lives of others and promote meaningful rides with their clubs and communities to help the sick, the less fortunate and those in need. It is always great to meet

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and spend time with these clubs. I had the opportunity to kick it with K9 MC this year in Myrtle Beach along with my club, Ruff Ryders.

Both of these clubs are great organizations that give back to the community and look out for others. It was a fantastic time in Myrtle Beach spending time with these clubs and seeing the love and the power of brothers and sisters coming together for great causes.

So here is my question to you... What are you doing for your hood?

Front and rear pads

nt pa r

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BRAKE WINNING ELEMENTS

US distributors:

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BATFLY® ENDURO Onroad disk

LE1 - Multi adjustable clutch lever (available black or silver)

LE2 - Multi adjustable brake lever (available black or silver)

W-FLO Floating disk

MOTORCYCLE HELMET CASE ● Keep your lid dry and protected ● Includes an exterior mesh pocket for carrying an extra visor and a vented interior keeping your helmet fresh ● Universal design fits most street helmets

49.99/ea

$ $

www.MOTOdRACIng.COM

Performance riding motorcycle aPParel and accessories

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MOTOdRACIng/

THE NEW ISH PUIG • RACING LEVERS

Puig’s billet aluminum Racing Levers are CNC machined and come in a number of colors.

Clean and stylish, the levers offer six positions of adjustments. The levers are available in four lengths: standard, shorty, folding and extended folding.

Colors: Blue, Black, Red, Gold, Silver Price:$199.95 Contact: http://puigusa.com

JOE ROCKET • FLEXIUM TX GLOVE

REV’IT! • XENA LADIES LEATHER TROUSERS These are leather pants with a purpose. Designed specifically for the female waist, hips and legs, the Xenas offer style with high grade quality and protection.

They are equipped with CE approved hip and knee protectors, dual leather in the seat area and held together with safety stitching. On double duty, the Xenas can function on track when paired with knee sliders and zipped to the Xena Ladies Leather Jacket via the 360 degree waist zipper. When not on track, simply replace the knee sliders with the velcro backed, detachable leather knee patches.

Sizes: 34 - 42 waist, short - long length (Euro) Colors: White/Acid Green, Black/White Price: $399.99 Contact: http://revitusa.com 136 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

The Flexium Glove is aggressively designed with strong, durable yet comfortable construction. Offering superior protection with double stitched leather, doubled layers in the palm, thumb and pinky and the molded armor at the knuckles. The molder knuckle armor also doubles as housing for the ram air vents of the Flexium. The articulated panels throughout the chassis of the glove lends to its comfort and mobility offering noticeable dexterity.

Sizes: S - XXXL Colors: Black/Black, Black/Red, Black/Blue,White/Silver Price: $99.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com

RIZOMA • KAWASAKI ZX6R FRAME SLIDERS Add some stylish protection to your Kawasaki ZX6R with this kit of sliders from Rizoma. Made with strong and durable Delryn plastic pucks, the sliders bolt right onto the frame of the bike without any modification to the fairing.

They are designed for an easy and effortless install for the ZX6R from 2009 to current.

Price: $196.00 Contact: http://rizoma.com

ICON MOTOSPORTS • LADIES HOOLIGAN SPAZTYK STREET JERSEY

The Hooligan Jersey is a lightweight jacket that offers heavy weight protection, making it an obvious choice for warm weather riding. The ICON Fighter Mesh chassis is equipped with full D3O impact protection in the shoulders, elbows and back. And when the streets get really hot, the jersey has zip off forearms so you can continue to be protected in the heat of things.

Sizes: XS - XXL Colors: Black, Purple Price: $160.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com HELMET K.I.T. • “KEEP IT TIGHT” HEAD WRAP

It is a very common problem for lady riders, passengers and any woman that wears a helmet... Helmet hair can strike anyone at any time. The K.I.T. (Keep it tight) Head Wrap minimizes the troubles that Helmet hair can bring. A very simple yet effective product, designed to be fashionable and functional for ladies that ride. Available in several colors and made from a rayon and spandex fabric, the K.I.T. is machine washable, can be customized and works on several different hair types.

Sizes: Standard, Large Colors: Navy Blue, Red, Black, White, Heather Grey, Hot Pink Price: $14.95 Contact: http://www.helmetkit.net

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THE NEW ISH BELL HELMETS • CAM RED QUALIFIER HELMET Bell Helmets are worn by some of the top riders in road racing which is a testament to the brand’s pedigree. Their new helmet model, the Qualifier provides the quality and protection that riders have come to expect from Bell... at a fraction of the price. The helmet features an aggressive and aerodynamic shell design, Bell’s quick release face shield system and an adjustable ventilation system. The antibacterial interior is removable and washable. This model also has integrated speaker pockets for an audio communications. Available in several colors, the Qualifier is an entry level helmet with premium features weighing in just under three and a half pounds.

Sizes: XS - XXL Price: $109.95 Contact: http://bellhelmets.com

VOODOO MOTO • CLIP ON KITS Using high quality, CNC machined aluminum, Voodoo Moto has composed a clip on kit that is durable and versatile for “show” or “go”. The kit is complete with a pair of collars, bars and bar ends. The collars are set at 7 degrees and are hinged for easy installation.

Sizes: 43mm - 53mm Colors: Black, Chrome Price: $140.50 - $182.25 Contact: http://voodoomoto.com

VELOCE PUBLISHING • THE DUCATI MONSTER BIBLE If it has to do with the Monster... It is in here. With over 170 pages and including over 190 color images, the Ducati Monster Bible covers every model of the Monster from 1993 to current. The book’s author, Ian Falloon, includes model specifications and technical references from every engine capacity and variation. Makes a great reference tool or a great gift for yourself or the Monster rider in your life.

Price: $54.95 Contact: http://veloce.co.uk 138 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

KRIEGA • STASH MOTORCYCLE ORGANIZER WALLET The Stash is a great way to keep track of and stay organized with all the small items that you may need or that you keep with you on your ride. You can easily fit your identification, cash, credit cards, keys, phone, etc. in the Stash and then tuck it underneath the seat on your bike.

Made from 1000D Dupont Cordora with reflective print, the Stash has a .5 liter capacity and is equipped with an integrated belt loop.

Price: $15.00 Contact: http://kriega.us

ALPINESTARS • STELLA FASTER SHOE The Faster shoe was designed for a woman’s foot from heel to toe. The shoe is sleek, light and aggressive offering amazing comfort and uncompromising protection for the riding on the street. TPR sliders are located on the outer ankle and toe to safeguard riders from abrasions, nicks and bumps. Extra padding where it counts making the Faster shoe very functional on and off the bike.

Sizes: 5 - 11.5 Colors: Blue/Black, Pink/Black Price: $129.00 Contact: http://alpinestars.com

SPORTBIKELITES • SBL HONDA GROM REARSETS Addressing the need for aftermarket parts for the Honda Grom, SBL has released a variety of awesome products to take the Grom and make it a truly custom machine. The SBL Rearsets are complete with passenger foot peg mounts and use miniature stainless ball bearings for the shift and brake levers to reduce loose play. The foot pegs have knurled design to grip the bottom of the rider’s footwear and are adjustable to give a custom riding experience.

Price: $225.00 Contact: http://sportbikelites.com

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THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM

MOTOVUDU • DARK ART OF PERFORMANCE BOOK AND DVD BUNDLE The Dark Art of Performance is a comprehensive power bundle devoted to making you a better and faster track rider. The book, composed by Simon Crafar, 500 GP winner and World Superbike Racer, the book is full of amazing photographs and illustrations capturing Crafar demonstrating his theories and techniques in a very real life, easy to comprehend manner that not only educates, but inspires. Every aspect of track riding is addressed as Crafar dispels myths and provides reason for his methods. In eight chapters, Crafar breaks down the fundamentals of body positioning, braking, corner entry, track day etiquette and more. The DVD takes the lessons to a higher level with action packed sequences of Crafar demonstrating his teachings alongside lesson discussions and practical conversations about riding on track. What Simon Crafar has put together is a motivational tool for existing track day riders and an inspiration for those looking to get on track for the first time.

Price: $59.51 Contact: http://motovudu.com

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Cool all the way through.

GT-R Air textile jacket

The GT-R air breathes well, comes with built-in safety features and is smartly styled to boot.

The outer shell features large 3D air mesh-panels for ventilation, and stretch areas on the elbows to allow for a comfortable forward seating position. For hot summer days a Challenger cooling vest can be zipped in. Thanks to CE armor at the elbows and shoulders riders are protected against impact, and an easily upgraded back protector further enhances safety.

View the new Spring-Summer 2014 collection and locate your nearest dealer on www.revit.eu

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STAFF STUFF PERMATEX • FAST BREAK SUPER PENETRANT Allan Lane

and hop, I thought to myself, “Dear Big Baby Jesus, what have I done?”

In a panic, I call SBI’s Moto Tech Editor, Thomas “Tommy Boy” Campion AKA The Pro Wrench. I explain my situation and my concerns that all was lost. In a calm, cool and collected manner, Tommy Boy asked if I had any penetrant. I vaguely remembered buying a can of Permatex Fast Break Super Penetrant a while back to have on hand, just in case... Well this was just that case. Tommy Boy instructed me to get the area good and coated with the penetrant then let it sit for a good amount of time. I gave it a good once over and waited for five minutes to pass. I then gave it another coating and waited another five minutes or so. I said a quick prayer before picking up my socket wrench and inserting it into position. I place a firm grip on the arm of the wrench and applied steady pressure to the head of the socket to prevent any hopping or skipping. I gave a strong, evenly pressured pull on the arm and felt movement. Fearing the socket was just rolling around the stripped part of the plug, I now put all of my weight on the head and pulled... And as the end of the wrench arm came to my body I realized that the penetrant worked and the plug was loosened. I carefully worked the wrench and before long, I was holding the spent spark plug in my hand. As he last thing that you ever want to do is strip the suspected, the edge of the plug was slightly rounded. socket end of a spark plug when removing them from the cylinder. The mere thought of a stripped plug has Permatex Fast Break Super Penetrant saved the day. been known to make a grown man cry. Such was the Highly recommended as an item to have in stock, just case when I was replacing the plugs on my 2005 Ducati in case... It works.

749. While the plug in the horizontal cylinder was not as stubborn and only required forceful encouragement, Shout out to Tommy Boy for reminding me that I had a the plug in the vertical cylinder refused to budge. It can of it sitting on the shelf. wasn’t going anywhere. Now, I’m not a small dude and I’m pretty solid so my physical efforts were significant. http://permatex.com But that is what would cause my troubles. Removing plugs is an exercise in grace and resourcefulness. Brute Rating: 6 (out of 6) force is not your friend. And when I felt the socket slip

T

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THE BACK SHOT!

Image: Meekail Shaheed Location: Daytona International Speedway