Well, August was a fun month with our big trip to Sturgis and our Bike Show at the Buffalo Chip. Danny and I traveled to Sturgis for our bike show that got poured on, thanks mother nature, then drove back right after. We are making plans for next year to be there for at least 4-5 days and do more bike shows! That way we can do some riding and see the sights also. But for now, we are here in Florida dealing with the hottest year I can remember to date. It’s tough even getting on the bike when it feels like an oven is blowing in your face and all you are doing is sweating in your eyes and through your shirt. But isn’t that why we live here in the great state of Florida? At least it’s not snowing.
September is a fun month as things are getting back to normal with all the kids in school, football on almost every night of the week, and this is when the hurricane season usually kicks in here in Florida and we must dodge one or two storms. Then we jump right into October where every weekend is booked solid right now with Cotee River Bike Fest (This event is also the cover for this month) and then Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach. After that we head up to Panama City Beach to host their official bike show on Saturday. So, to say September is the calm before the storm is kind of funny and misleading.
October is going to be so damn busy; I am getting excited for all the upcoming events and hopefully the cooler weather that comes with this time of the year. We start out at Cotee River Bike Fest in Sims Park in New Port Richey. Cotee River Bike Fest is October 13th
through the 15th and there are multiple stages bands will be playing. One in Sims Park and the other in the street on Grand in downtown. There is a bike show and tons of vendors and this year they are packed with great tribute and local bands. Bourbon on Main always throws one hell of a party this weekend also so be sure to stop in there and grab a drink or something to eat. The very next weekend is Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach October 19th – 22nd. Full Throttle will be putting on 4 Bike Shows in three days this year at Biketoberfest. YES, I SAID 4 BIKE SHOWS IN 3 DAYS!!!! The first bike show will be the Budweiser Battle of the Baggers at the Cabbage Patch. This is a great show that is just for the baggers and touring bikes. It is held in the field around the coleslaw wrestling pit and usually gets about 100 or so amazing baggers. This ends at 4pm with our awards, then we will pack up and head over to the Grandview live and do an evening show that starts at 8pm and goes on till 1am in the morning. To say this is a fun show is an understatement, with every bike show registration you get into the club for FREE. And This club usually has 100’s of beautiful women. We will also do a fun sound show, nothing legit or judged, the crowd usually helps us pick the winner and everyone gets to play their music. Next is our biggest show of the weekend on Friday called the Boardwalk Bike Show on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. We are expecting 150 – 200 bikes registered for this show, we had just under 200 for Bike Week. That was one of the biggest shows we have ever been a part of, thank you if you were there and if not, this is the show you want to represent at for both Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Our last show is going to be on Saturday at the new Teddy Morse Daytona Harley under the pavilion. We are partnering up with Kory Souza and we are excited about it. Kory’s name brings a lot to this community and far beyond that. This is a NO CLASS bike show, so all bikes are welcome to enter. The Top 10 bikes will win cash and special prizes and the best in show will win $500 and a special Kory Souza Trophy.
I hope everyone stays safe out there in this heat and hopefully we dodge all the storms. Let’s go Bucs and Geaux Tigers and Go Toledo Rockets, oh year can’t forget O-H…… I-O! It’s football time! Be safe be smart, don’t drink and ride and I’ll see you soon!
The Diva Angels Pasco Chapter is hosting a TACO EXPLOSION fundraising event! The world is facing challenges like never before, but during these difficult times, we need to come together and make a difference. That is
why we are excited to announce our BIGGEST FUNDRAISING EVENT this year for “Hope In Motion”! The fabulous Diva Angels Pasco Chapter will be hosting the event on September 16,2023, 12-4pm at Chester McKay located at 7445 Chester McKay Dr, New Port Richey, FL 34655 During the event is our guests will enjoy great food, music by LostNFound, raffles, 50/50 and so much more! A $10 per plate donation. And if you bring a hygiene product/sock, you’ll receive a raffle ticket free! All pro -
ceeds will be donated to Hope In Motion. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of those in need. We are turning the traditional fundraising event on its head and want you to be a part of it! Help us spread the word about this event and invite your friends and family to join us.
If you’re looking for a group of women to ride with, volunteer with, support with and who truly enjoy each other’s company? Then we want you! Check out the all the chapters of the Diva Angels on our website http://www.divaangels.org to find a local chapter near you or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ DivaAngelsPasco we are a 501c (7) not for profit organization. Ride safe and rubber side down, COME RIDE WITH US!
Website: DivaAngels.org / Email: divaangelspc@gmail.com Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/Twitter @DivaAngelsPasco Angela Diva Angels Pasco Web Director
What’s up!!! biker community !! This month I will just talk a little bit about the adventure road trip I had a few weeks ago to Sturgis… waking up at 1pm to start my co-pilot skill.. driving to the captains crib and loading up snacks drinks our bags and off we went North bound.. the drive was ok till my captain played some music from pre skool!!
Now that was ok till I took over the Range Rover … this vehicle massaged me while I drove, turned on wipers without my assistance and other small things that I don’t remember… ( I’m getting Old ). I think my music drove the captain a lil crazy .. listen-
ing to Pit Bull, merengue, salsa, Andrea Bocelli ,Enya… it had me wide awake driving a few States before the captains turn came up … Along the way we met some friendly folks learned a little history about certain stores we stopped at ..Even hit the Casino on the way up the losses were heartbreaking but we still walked out smiling ..jumping the gun a little on the way back the temptations were high to stop at the casino again. It went great, we walked out as happy gamblers .. Sturgis was awesome, our Bike Show went well. The rain storms were overwhelming yet a great time was held by all.
I want to thank Lisa Smith for providing us with healthy road trip snacks and drinks, Charlie and Dana for housing us in their toy hauler... Thank you!
I really hope to see a lot of y’all at our events at Biketoberfest .. it’s been a fun year see y’all soon . Be safe ride hard .
Daniel Lopez
Beyond the intense battles within the MMA cage, Greg Gonzales aka “Chachi Versace” born February 2nd, 1988 is fueled with the only inspiration that matters; Lexi, his 4 year old daughter. His relationship with his daughter exemplifies the strength and compassion that define this remarkable fighter outside the octagon. Versace is not just a warrior in the world of mixed martial arts; he is a role model, a provider, and a source of unwavering support for his beloved child. Lexi had very complex health issues at birth. Still does. Versace literally saw her flatline a few times in the hospital. While watching MMA fights on the tube, laying by her side he saw Lexi’s excitement. Versace got triggered with a calling to enter the ring. As a former military service member. Versace already had experience fighting for our freedom. “She fights for her life. I will fight for her” Versace shared with me. I could feel the intensity in his voice.
At that time, Versace had a less than desirable job in a highly toxic environment feeling unappreciated and depressed. He set to change course from not so good decisions being a victim to managing and controlling his life with one intent; be a victor and honoring Lexi. Following that contagious inspiration, many rallied by his side; His girlfriend Taylor, pregnant with his second child. Fran Haasch and Rhett Jones of www. lawfran.com, Editor of www.floridafullthrottle.com Tony Cianci, owner of Venom Custom Choppers, Minh Mai https://www.facebook.com/Choppersvenom and, Bert King of www.bertsbarracuda.com to name a few.
By the time this editorial will be published, Chachi will have fought his 4th fight out of 5 towards his qualification as a pro MMA fighter. Scheduled to take place in Miami Dade Fairground August 24th, 2023 under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship agency ( www. bkfc.com ), Chachi is determined to take the prize. Chachi has good reasons to be confident. He is currently coached by Frankie Miguel, Chief Coach of Florida Boxing Academy.
Chachi understands the importance of balancing his demanding career as an MMA fighter with the responsibilities of
parenthood. Despite the grueling training sessions, the long hours at the gym, and the sacrifices required to excel in his sport, he always finds time for his family.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Chachi's relationship with his daughter is the way he instills in her the values he has learned from his own journey in MMA—hard work, discipline, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles. If you ask him, she teaches him more than he teaches her. Chachi doesn't just talk about these values; he demonstrates them through his actions. Why I asked? “I was battling depression and other issues. I want to raise awareness and inspire others to fight their fight and truly live their lives” Chachi said. Chachi serves as a living example that dreams can be pursued and achieved with the right mindset and especially with the right motives.
Beyond the tangible lessons, Versace's unconditional love and support create an atmosphere of trust and comfort for his daughter. She knows that her father is there for her, cheering her on in every aspect of her life, and that she can rely on him for guidance and encouragement. This sense of security lays the foundation for her confidence and self-esteem, knowing that she has a strong and loving father in her corner. Does Lexi ever go to his fights? She does. Versace recalls at one point taking a beating during a fight. Blood in the face. Exhausted lungs. Weak legs. One look through the cage captured by his daughter gazing at him still admiring her dad, he rose Hulk Hogan style to defeat his opponent.
In the end, Chachi Versace's relationship with his daughter showcases the true essence of this MMA fighter. He is not defined solely by his victories in the cage but by the love, dedication, and positive influence he brings to his family's life and his friends. Chachi is a fighter, a father, and an inspirational role model, proving that a fighter's heart extends far beyond the arena and into the hearts of those he cares for most.
I have not yet had the privilege of witnessing Versace’s skills in the octagon. I have been on this earth long enough though to know he is probably looked upon by many as an under-dog. Fair enough. But I will tell you this, do not ever underestimate the power of a
father’s love. It will destroy everything on its path. The visible and the invisible. I know firsthand. I will pay close attention and support him in everyway I can because of his “why”. I encourage you to do the same and reach out to Versace at https://www.facebook.com/PirateChachi or IG Chachi Versace
Chachi is a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, and a force to be reckoned with. Chachi isn't just a fighter; he's an artist, painting his canvas. With every punch, every submission, and every grueling training session, Chachi has transformed himself into a living testament to the power of hard work and dedication. His journey, much like the fights he engages in, has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks, but through it all, he has emerged stronger and hungrier than ever. He possesses the heart of a lion, never backing down from a challenge and always pushing himself to the limits. It's this unwavering belief in himself that has allowed Chachi to rise from the ashes of defeat, turning setbacks into stepping stones on his path to living his dream.
Outside the cage, Chachi is a role model, a true ambassador for the sport. He understands that the sport is not just about the individual, but about the community it fosters, the camaraderie among fighters, and the respect shared between them. As I write this I just found out our fighter is also involved with community counselors engaging with youths through speaking engagements on growing up using healthy coping methods.
As the MMA universe continues to evolve, Chachi Versace I believe will one day quite possibly stand at the forefront, a rising star whose light shines brighter with every fight. His determination, his skills, and his love for Lexi make him a true champion in the making. The world is watching as he continues to etch his name in the annals of MMA history. Chachi Versace is not just a fighter; he is a force of nature bigger than himself, and his story is only just beginning.
Source and photos: Chachi Versace, BKFC, web. www.facebook.com/floridanighttrain
Hello Florida and beyond, We're approaching National Domestic Violence Month, and this is an unpopular subject, like the Bud Light article from June . But I am choosing to finally say what I need to say and to raise awareness about domestic violence.
I have this cool job, and I know at least
2K bikers by name. Hardly anyone would have imagined I was in so much trouble behind closed doors. I kept everything shiny on the surface. People did ask, but for years, I lied about bruises to anyone who hadn't seen it first-hand. Domestic violence doesn't go away in an abusive relationship. It can take breaks, but it always returns in a bigger way.
In 2018, I found myself in the ER with staples in my head, stitches over my face, and vision damage from a dent in my skull. I knew I had to change my life, and I did.
I didn't want to tell anyone , it made me feel weak, and I felt sorry for the person who hurt me as well . That's commonly called a "trauma bond," and I definitely feel differently nowadays with help from my local DV center counselor.
People have always looked to me for advice, even women leaving the same scenario, and I felt like such a fraud inside. I didn't want to admit that after leaving an abusive marriage, I now found myself in a worse situation again a 2nd time. That pride and denial came at a high cost to my children. For that, I'm eternally sorry, I wish I could change it all , I can only do better. And I have .
That's the part of me no one knows about. But keeping everything in makes me
feel again like I'm still living that lie. It's got to be OK to talk about this because hiding it isn't helping the healing process. Avoiding it isn't helping the epidemic of domestic violence that seems to be sweeping our state.
Every person enduring abuse has to reach their own limit. It's painful to watch, and many friends and family walk away. It's said people enduring domestic violence take an average of 5 to 7 attempts at leaving before making it permanent. Everyone asks why you stayed ? But Domestic Violence is not just black eyes and stitches. It's also about someone pulling you down so far you don't even see reality at times. It's gaslighiing, so you think you've caused it all to happen. Abuse comes in many forms. Don't allow it to happen in front of you! Stop brushing the subject under the rug because it's uncomfortable. It's a helpless feeling to know someone you love is enduring abuse, Don't allow the perpetrator that much power either. There's always an anonymous text to 911 if it's physical. We can do something if only that.
Be the friend who says I'm here when you've had enough.
If you're in an unsafe relationship, please call your county Domestic Violence Center to schedule some free counseling to make an exit plan. It gets no better, and you don't deserve to live this way, and children do not either.
It's OK to talk about domestic violence. Let's end it.
Peace and Love Laurie Jo
National Domestic Hotline 800-799-7233 or SMS: Text START to 88788
