Well, June means we are in the beginning of summertime here in Florida, which also means it rains almost every day around 3-6pm. This makes it very difficult for bike nights and besides the rain, we must deal with the sweltering heat of Summer. This is the best time to make those big changes to your bike if you are staying in Florida, break out the boat or Jet ski and alternate weekend on the bike or on the water. Some people travel currently because the weather up North is much more beautiful than the heat and rain here in Florida. June is also the beginning of Hurricane season, so it’s time to prepare for the multiple hurricanes that seem to target Florida for the next few months. Most everyone starts a hurricane supplies closet or box that includes flashlights, battery chargers, phone cords, grills, canned food, unperishable items, and numerous other items you can use when the power goes out for a long period of time. Please be safe, drink water while riding, stay hydrated and find shade when possible. There are a lot less people in Florida currently, so riding is great, just be aware of the heat and weather.
Full Throttle starts planning for the big rides we do in June, July, and August. Let’s first talk about the 5-bridge poker run on June 17th. This is a great ride in the Tampa Bay Area that travels over the 5 major bridges that connect Tampa to Pinellas. Those bridges are: The Bayside, The Howard Frankland, The Gandy, The Courtney Campbell Causeway and The Skyway Bridge. This ride is going to be great because everyone on the ride will get a free T-shirt from Denmon Pearlman Law and a 5 Bridge Poker Run patch. The ride ends at the Winghouse in Ellenton and we usually give back somewhere between $500 - $1000 to the top three poker hands and of course the worst poker hand. The Next big run is my favorite
ride of the year and I think it is most peoples favorite ride of the year, the Annual Soaked and Sore Ass Poker Run. This year we are heading back to the Florida Keys and ending at Islamorada. The Last time we went was during covid and there were tons of travel restrictions like you had to wear your masks on the streets in Key West, that was just crazy, but thank goodness that’s all over and we can go to Duvall St. and party like the rockstars we think we are. Our third ride is going to be a ride we did a long time ago and we are going to bring it back, the Tuck a Buck Poker Run. This ride will stop by adult establishments in the Pinellas and Pasco Area and will be a lot of fun. Be on the lookout for advertisements for that soon. We are also looking at a back-to-school event in August where we will gather school supplies for children in need and donate them to a charity that will pass them out to the children in need. I love school supply shopping so this event will be a lot of fun!!!
I am super excited about the opening of the new venue called “The Sound” in Clearwater. Some of the bands that are coming to this new venue are amazing and very biker friendly. They are starting with CHEAP TRICK on June 28th. Ringo Starr on September 10th and how about Sammy Hagar along with George Thorogood on October 29th. This is going to be an awesome new venue to see bands at. Check out their website for all the bands coming to The Sound at www. thesoundFLA.com
Be sure to come out to the bike nights that continue through the summer here in Florida, it’s very difficult to keep them going due to the weather and the heat. Here is a good list of Bike Nights we are normally at each month. Starting with the weekly bike nights, Quaker Steak and Lube on Wednesday Nights and OCC Roadhouse on Thursday Nights both Sponsored by The Fran Haasch Law Group. Those are the weekly bike nights. Besides that, we have Circle S BBQ on the 3rd Wednesday of every Month. We have Shaka in Tarpon Springs on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month. The First Tuesday of the Month is at Winghouse of Palm Harbor. And one of the biggest growing bike nights is at Diesel’s Garage and Grill on the First Thursday of the Month sponsored by Denmon Pearlman Law.
Ride safe, Ride Smart and don’t drink and Ride and I’ll see you soon! I would like to wish my daughter, Ashlynn Cianci, a very special HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY this month also!!!! I am so proud of the woman you have become! Congratulations on your Graduation and I hope you enjoy your trip to Italy! You deserve it, you worked your butt off. I guess the only thing left to say is…. GEAUX TIGERS (LSU bound)
The Gulf Coast Diva Angels are thrilled to welcome their own Chapter Director, Launita “La La” Burtley, as the Diva Angels National President on May 8. La La was elected because of her belief in the sisterhood and camaraderie the Diva Angels has brought into her life. She will effectively lead the organization with great enthusiasm toward meeting and exceeding its goals and objectives with initial goals to grow membership, bridge any gaps between chapters, build internal relationships, practice positive sisterhood, and provide support where needed. Congratulations La La!
It’s been enjoyable and eventful riding weather for the Gulf Coast Diva Angels where we have been putting miles on our bikes while we are able to contribute to various causes. We presented a check for $1,688 to Suncoast Charities for Children from our Thunder by the Bay 50/50 raffle (many thanks to all who played!), and along with all our Florida sister chapters
donated over 300 boxes to the “Cereal for Summer” drive which aims to help children in Tampa Bay who face hunger during the summer. So many other activities to mention! Arcadia Bikefest, International Women’s Ride Day, ride to Plant City, all chapter party boat to Anclote Key, potluck BBQ, and MORE! Follow our Facebook page to keep up on our events and please feel free to join us!
Check out our website http://www.divaangels.org/ to find a chapter near you or visit us on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/DIVAANGELSGULFCOAST/ to keep up with our events and shenanigans, and join in with us when you can. We are a 501c (7) not for profit organization.
Hello "Mi Gente" here we are again sharing a little bit of my thoughts for the month.. this past month has been a little bit intense but we’re not really going to talk about the past so let’s move forward. We have our ultimate five nights at Krate in Wesley Chapel. and needlessly just saying a lot has been going on Wesley Chapel. Let me start off with the bike nights have been extremely awesome with great turnouts, I’m talking about people from all diversities, riders, non riders, families . It’s like a date night for many and family outings for others. the entire venue has different choices of food you can choose from so that’s no problem. If you like empanadas they have it.. if ya like some Spanish style plate you’ll find it. Full Throttle Magazine puts up a bike show giving away trophies that bikers can definitely take home and brag how good their bike look ..remember it’s every last Wednesday of the months from 5 till 9 pm in Wesley Chapel at the grove.. come early and stop by the new Harley-Davidson in Wesley Chapel before you come to bike night!! Who knows, you might just leave with the bike and show it off at our bike night !!
Just a friendly reminder try to wear your helmets. I’m a rider and I know how hard it gets out there but sometimes you have to think about your family and yourself being you don’t want to end up in a wheelchair or more than that because some person was not paying attention on the road and you were involved in an accident, be safe my fellow riders. Love you all.
Danny “ Mi Gente “ Lopez
“Brand snobbery” certainly has been permeating our human nature for as long as I can remember. If we are honest, we have all done it and we have all seen it done.
As humans, when we get our hands on something that beats all others in terms of engineering, design, performance and excellence, the temptation of pride is hard to resist. If that isn’t counteracted with a healthy dose of humility and wisdom, deceptive and pretentious “brand snobbery” is born within our mind. One only needs to go to any motorcycle brand dealership to witness that mentality.
When it comes to Ducati, you can witness the pride of their owners. You can also witness the envy of many. Heck! Even other competing brands will compare themselves to Ducati as a reference point to benchmark themselves. When Ducati bikes show up and rev, heads turn. No question here. I have a good friend of a mature age who at the mere sound of a Ducati or at the
mere mention of the name Ducati, she goes back to a demeanor displaying the excitement of several 7-year-old children jumping up and down while all of us awkwardly look at each other unable to understand or relate to the depth of her excitement! One night, we saw her sitting and talking by herself to her boyfriend’s Ducati! Literally. She is a living breathing epitome of a pure “Ducatisti”. So much so her boyfriend is now wondering if she is with him for him or for the bike. As far as I remember, when I was a little boy, Ducati was an unattainable “holy grail” of sort which only a few fortunate could afford. Not any longer!
Jason Chinnock, CEO, Ducati North America is the anti-thesis of “brand snobbery”. I absolutely love this man’s story. His ascension to the top corner office of this mega brand from the trenches is inspiring to say the very least. Not only this but it goes to show if you put your mind to anything, you can get it. It goes to show that the old saying of following your dreams is not a foolish thing. That even huge global corporations such as Ducati are still capable to see, recognize and reward the potential and hard work of passionate individuals who bet on quality and merit more than entitlements.
Jason started as an apprentice in a small motorcycle repair shop in California. He then earned a degree in business administration and marketing and joined the sales team at Ducati North America. He became Vice President of Sales and Marketing followed by a promotion to CEO of Ducati North America in 2016. Jason was instrumental in launching the beloved Panigale V4 and the Ducati Diavel. Jason has been named an International Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. A strong voice for the motorcycle industry and a passionate defender of Ducati’s values, he has also been a contributing founder of MotoGP and World Superbike racing. Philanthropic organizations such as the “Ride to Give” program have also benefitted from the fruits of Jason’s passionate pursuits. Jason has been recognized by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association, and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It has been said Ducati grew to become one of the most profitable and admired motorcycle manufacturers in the world because of Jason and his leadership.
Now hold on to your helmets! As if this was not enough, would you believe as a 13 year old, Jason went door to door in sales? Jason has held the position of Marketing General Manager for Lamborghini. This champion in a past life was a touring rock musician. He was a tank pilot during Desert Storm. Raised in Christian based home, motorcycles were a forbidden thing. Today Jason and his dad enjoy riding together.
“It’s really not about bike building. Its about connecting people” Jason said in our one on one. This eligible bachelor visited Ducati’s manu-
facturing plant in year 2000 and that’s when he told himself “This is where I belong!” With a top speed of 167mph under his belt, Jason proudly states how content he is today. His job constantly challenges him to be the best he can be. “Stay true to yourself. In your pursuit of dreams. Bring people in who desire to be part of it all. Apply yourself. Balance passion with skills and do not chose the pursuit of money.” Jason says.
Now what? Well… Ducati has presented to the public eight new models that complete an ever-wider range, able to offer all Ducatisti the most suitable bike to express their passion for two wheels. Among the most awaited models, there are certainly the Multistrada V4 Rally, the motorcycle for long adventures and the new Diavel V4, the model that won the "Most Beautiful Bike of the Show" award at EICMA. Also, the second generation of Scrambler Ducati, which Jason was deeply involved in its conception confirms the simplicity and authenticity that have always represented essential values for all Scrambler Ducati enthusiasts, becoming more contemporary, attainable, colorful and endowed with an even more lively personality.
What is the equivalent to my bike? I asked Jason… “The Panigale V4S” he responded with confidence. I’ll be visiting the dealership in the near future “brand snobbery” or not … who cares … it’s the experience that matters. Night Train: www.facebook.com/floridanighttrain or IG @Florida_Night_Train
Photos and source: Ducati North America
Will you drink bud light anymore? Yes I'm going there! No one has missed the fact that one of our mainstays of beer is in turmoil from the stockholders to the guys we know who deliver by the truckload. In one state it iwas $3.49 a case before it expired. So people say it is principle, let's boycott our favorite beverage. Who are the real losers and winners here? The cancel culture has been irritating to watch play out, and in the bigger picture if you liked beer, football, guns or Disney world you're somehow un-American?? What's next, Harley? My point is if you follow cancel culture you're allowing social media to rob you . Period. When the bud lite issue started, I still ordered one because I like it. I still shop at Target for certain things like I always have, I will still wear my adidas, and if someone gives me some expensive shoes by Balenciaga yep I'll wear them. It doesn't make me unpatriotic, or less for living life on my terms. Biker loyalty for brands is huge and yep it can take down a company pretty quickly if it's canceled. Or make someone a success overnight. But I am choosing not to participate..I am doing exactly what I like because Damn it no one is telling me what to do! We get rules and laws showed at us 100% of the day, I sure don't need my friends scolding me at happy hour too haha..Look at the bigger picture. So many of you refused to participate in the pandemic, why participate in another engineered grab at our rights. Look at the bigger picture. I'm called an influencer, but I am so "anti follow" Social Media's opinion these days. I would rather influence you to get out and do life at an in person level again!
Peace and love to my Biker family, Laurie Jo
