Sensei Says Grasshopper Sucks

Sensei Phil was talking about our ride up the Snake to a friend, not knowing he was on speakerphone (dontcha hate when that happens?). The gist of it is I need to get on the throttle and go. Apparently I also need to get on the brakes and stop, so I have some work to do.

On that short ride up Mulholland, I was slow but I was in complete control, ready to stop at any moment. I stayed to the inside of my lane. I looked through every turn and kept the RPMs high (easy enough on a 250 Ninja). Was I overly cautious? In his opinion, yes. And he is a fantastic rider, very experienced, puts safety first, and his Buell is signed by Shawn Higbee, OK? He's Sensei.

Still, the road is dangerous. No, let me restate that -- the road is fun, but people on it ride dangerously, as though it's their private race course. Sports cars, bicyclists, motorcycle riders, so many people push the limits on this twisty stretch. And last Sunday was a black day: 3 notable crashs, 1 death, on Mulholland and vicinity.

Sensei says I'm too cautious, like I'm preparing for an earthquake that may never happen.

Athena "Chickie" Ransom - The Full Interview

Earlier this season, I had the opportunity to interview Chickie Ransom. We had a great conversation - she's generous, thoughtful, and just as spirited as her bikes! Part of this interview has been published in an online magazine, but we believe Chickie deserves full exposure -- she's not a shy woman! So here it is:

Athena “Chickie” Ransom Talks about the Chicks Rule and Boys Drool Tour

Athena Ransom, AKA Chickie, is a superstar in the world of custom built bikes. After building her first bike at 16, she rose through the ranks of her profession, gaining respect for her dedication to her craft and her passion for the motorcycle lifestyle. Today she owns her own shop, Vagabond Choppers, where she sells her custom bikes, along with rebuilds and restorations, to riders all over the country. Recognized in the industry as a top bike builder, Athena has appeared on the reality TV shows "Miami Ink," "Corbin's Ride On" and "American Thunder." Chickie is a member of the Motor Maids (www.motormaids.org), America’s first all-women motorcycling club. True to the vagabond spirit, this year Athena and the Vagabond Chopper crew are taking it on the road with the 2010 “Chicks Rule and Boys Drool” tour. Twelve national stops are planned for the tour, an ambitious program designed to showcase some of what’s available for women riders today. Several of Chickie’s hand-crafted motorcycles, with their signature styling, will be on hand to tantalize visitors. We asked Chickie to fill us in; as you can imagine, she’s a popular and hard-working woman, but she took some time out of her crazy schedule to talk with us:

NR: It looks like this is the first year of the traveling tour -- how did the idea of a tribute tour come about?

Athena: I personally have seen women riders who are searching for someone to explain their questions in a manner they can understand with the proper analogies in chick terms. Then I have found that there is no platform for women to come together, have their questions answered and voice their concerns. Learning some key things that will make the riders relationship with their motorcycle and technician cannot hurt either. On site seminars and featured guests will fill that need. And in my personal experience, knowledge creates confidence and to ride you must be confident that you are researching all options and making the best choices for you. So with that said, I wanted to provide that platform and it also ends up being great networking for all women. Motorcycling is about the relationships that you build during your time on the road.

NR: What are your expectations for the tour, if any?

Athena: I would like to get to meet as many people as I can (gender doesn't matter ). We all can learn something from one another. I learn about people and the riding habits of others by the feedback I get when on tour or doing seminars.

NR: How much of your business currently is to women riders?

Athena: 30%

NR: Is the women-buyer part of your business is growing, and do you know by how much each year?

Athena: I would say that part of my business is growing on an upward scale, about 15% a year. 2 years ago I only had guys for customers.

NR: Will featured clothing and accessories be for sale or display only?

Athena: We are going to promote and display the items available and discuss the pros and cons to all of it- even the apparel end- not just parts, tires and brake pads. But we are not selling for the most part, unless we have a book signing or a guest/myself has merchandise on a small scale. Bikedezigns.com has parts and Vagabond has parts and we will have some with us; so yes, I would like to have this grow into a viable shopping experience also. The fashion shows will not be just for women’s merchandise either.

NR: What other artists do you have scheduled to appear on the tour?

Athena: We will have me, Gypsy, Joann Bortels, Laura Klock, Jayme Gray, Cris Sommer Simmons, Yvette and Kenisha of BikeDezigns.com, and a few others that are on our TBA list. I am reaching out to my female colleagues and friends to participate whenever possible, to promote what we do and who we are as well network with others and provide and gain knowledge for each other.

NR: The tour will hold workshops. What kinds of workshops will be offered on tour? Oil changes and tire fixes, or more advanced projects, like suspension work or modifications?

Athena: We are going to concentrate on the fit of your motorcycle, leverage when maneuvering, key safety issues and what to look for when something crazy happens, some maintenance issues and safety concerns. We will even get into some things with regard to fabricating, technician talk and most importantly, doing what’s right for you. I want to make sure everyone gets their answers to any question, any concern and even helpful hints. In addition to all this, we have special guests planned that will talk about insurance, riding, racing, the history of women & motorcycling.

NR: Whew! Very impressive. You’re best known for your hand-crafted bikes. How long does a "typical" custom chopper take from first design to completion?

Athena: Depending on how elaborate the build is, it can take anywhere from 4 months to a year.

NR: What kind of budget does a woman need to have a custom bike?

Athena: My specialty is giving the customer what they want within their budget- A cool chopper with some cool paint starts at $24,000 to 25,000 and can go upwards from there.

NR: Chickie, will you personally be at every stop on the tour?

Athena: Yes I will, and I am looking forward to it immensely.

NR: Who influenced you, as a chopper designer?

Athena: That is a loaded question! David Mann, Guy Glover, Donnie Smith, Bandit from Bikernet.com, and my wonderful husband Don.

NR: By any standard, you’re a success. That’s especially impressive in the traditionally macho custom bike world. Who were your role models growing up?

Athena: My Dad, my brothers from other mothers - Clutch, Gangster Bob, Billy The Kid - all guys I grew up with. And also, my dad’s club brothers.

NR: The traveling tour is such a great concept; you’re offering something for everyone who loves to ride. And it’s exciting that your bikes will be on display - your work is awesome!

Athena: Thank you for the kudos. I love what I do and I am fortunate that I get to work with my family and do what I love. Thank you for doing a piece on this tour and I look forward to providing feedback to all who have interest on what women riders do & want.

Be sure to check the tour schedule and visit when it’s in your neighborhood. It promises to be worth the trip. Any opportunity to meet this inspirational and talented woman should not be missed – and the bikes will be cool, too!


To learn more about Chickie, visit:
Vagabond Chopper Company www.vagabondchoppers.com
Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour www.chicksruleandboysdrool.com
The Vagabond Chickie Athena www.vagabondchickie.com

Leaving Harley to Lead

I don't ride a Harley, I don't want to ride a Harley, and none of my friends ride Harleys (OK - 2 Buells among us). But I love Harley-Davidson. Why?

Well, they sponsor a Women's Rider Month, they have garage parties, they have women's only Rider's Edge courses, and now they have this seemingly-cool mentoring program, "Share Your Spark":

I watched the short video on their site and was simply directed back to my local Harley dealer to ask about it (not high on my list of things to do -- maybe when I've finished watching paint dry). Why won't the site tell me more? Ugh.

I think the mentoring program is an outstanding idea. My hubbie is an MSF instructor and I know he's passionate about helping new riders get more instruction than the Basic Rider class. Wouldn't it be fun to be a mentor or have a mentor?

I'm always struck by the fact that Harley is left alone to undertake these initiatitives and all the other bike manufacturers are silent.

I'm going to investigate this further (I think it's open to riders of all bikes) but I'm curious if y'all have more info.

Dominator Touring Pipes Installed on My Bonneville SE - Can You Hear Me Now?

The FedEx guy brought my new Dominator pipes from South Bay Triumph last week -- in black, of course. The polished stainless steel shown here is a photo from the Triumph Performance USA site, but I'm a black fan (I now have black shocks, pipes, bars, mirrors...very svelte). You can see mine pictured in a previous post and featured in the video below.

The sound is really deep and growly -- not obnoxious at all. It's hard to compare to another bike or exhaust system; the Triumph engine (a parallel twin) has a unique sound, so I shot a video and you can hear for yourself. They are leaps above the stock pipes, and I love the black.

I also love the weight savings -- exchanging them from stock took maybe 15 pounds off the bike and my mileage has gone from an average of 35 mpg to 45+ mpg. I'm not sure why my mileage has improved so much, but I'm not complaining.

Installation was really simple (especially for me, since I supervised). Designed to be plug and play, the whole job took about 10 minutes and the perforated core mechanical baffles guarantee no repacking for life. I have yet to bring in the bike for a reflash, but the guys at South Bay Triumph Performance promise I'll find a great increase in torque and RWHP -- up to 11 RWHP increase at sea level -- I live 33 feet above sea level, so I'm psyched! Truthfully, I haven't found the Bonneville missing in the horsepower department, but the bike is lighter, looks better, sounds better and gets better mileage.

I've lusted for these pipes since I bought the bike last year, but knowing I'd have to make the 200+ mile round trip visit to South Bay for a reflash, I wanted to be closer to the 6,000 mile service. Ladies and gentlemen, I am now ready for my reflash! I'll update y'all soon....TBC

Ninja Ryder Rides the Snake with her Sensei

On Friday, Donatella and I braved Friday Los Angeles freeway traffic and rode to the Rock Store. From Santa Barbara, we took the 101 to Kanan Dume, then rode back roads into Cornell, California. Once there, we visited with friends, had a much needed Diet Coke, and prepared to be schooled by Sensei Phil. He wanted to take us through "the neighborhood", AKA Cold Creek Road (our teaching road off Mulholland), but we were too wiped out. So he settled for following us up the Snake, a twisty area of Mulholland Highway, with a debrief at the top of the hill. From there, we went down Encinal Canyon and took the Pacific Coast Highway home. We passed Danica Patrick's GoDaddy car on Highway 1! That was perfect timing -- maybe we'll appear in a GoDaddy ad. Keep your eyes open for a little black Ninja....

Being a safety conscious motorcyclist, I always wear my Big Ear ear plugs. Between the ear plugs and the sound of my pounding heart, I had difficulty hearing Sensei Phil during the debriefing, but the gist of the conversation was that my riding needs help. I did hear something about a "chick thing", accompanied by a shaking of his big Shoei MultiTec. Once home, I followed up with him by email. Here's our conversation:

Ninja Ryder:

Thanks so much for riding with me today, and for the helpful advice. I focused on the relaxation thing all the way home. I also thought about your comments, and I have a question for you:

I get what you were saying about how I didn't use the whole lane going up the Snake. And it's true, this time, that no one was coming down the hill so there was no need to stay so far right. But what about Keith Code and the "tight inside line"? My speed (or lack of speed) is another issue, but even when I'm more relaxed and confident, I mentally divide my lane and try to stay to the right side. I still strive to handle a curve by "outside - inside - outside", but try to leave a good margin of safety for whatever is coming at me (whatever I can't see....). Am I missing something? Too conservative?

Another thing:

You know how I'm going to learn so much about myself as I work on becoming a better rider? And one of those issues I face might include self-esteem? Well, I had earplugs in during our debriefing at the top of the hill. And I could have sworn you said I had certain "proficiencies". It wasn't until half-way down Encinal Canyon that I realized you said certain "deficiencies". I laughed in my helmet all the way home. (Laughing is relaxing :-) )

That was a really fun day and I look forward to doing it again. Thanks for being so generous -- I take all your words to heart and your help over the past year or so has made me a better rider (even if you can't tell yet!)

It's about 154 miles round trip -- not bad!



Sensei Phil: Good, we got your attention today. When we get together next time, the earplugs come out and go in your pocket. None of my bikes are noisy so you don't need them for such a brief time. The only thing I want you to remember about Friday was to "relax" and we will go over lane usage and the relative factors of safety and riders view around corners next time. The word "deficiencies" was used to describe how Rob used to ride (like you were doing today regarding lane useage). I think he feels he owns his lane now, just like he should.
I may want to expand our next ride to include some parking lot maneuvers besides riding the Neighborhood. Think about it, and get excited not scared.--Phil


To be continued....

PS - Today I will post a video of my Bonneville SE Dominator pipes...I don't think there's anywhere to hear them online, and the video will be a public service to all you Triumph lovers and Matt Capri fans.

How I Came to be Ninja Ryder - Motorcycles for the Smaller, Lighter Female Rider

Motorcycles are beautiful machines, and anyone can find a style to love. But unlike a car, a motorcycle has to fit the rider. If you're under 5'5", have an inseam less than 30" or 31", and weigh under 150 pounds, you'll find your options limited when you shop for a motorcycle -- that is, if you want to put a toe on the ground (recommended when you need to stop!) For a new rider with beginner's skills a small, light bike is the safe and fun way to go.

There's a lot of advice out there about best bikes for women (as if such a thing existed!) It's easy to find advice on lowering bikes, changing seats, stacked boots, shorter shocks and other ways to fit your bike. Often, the advice doesn't hold water for me. I'm not saying they're lying, but when a guy tells me he knows somebody who gained 2" wearing Daytona Ladystars, or when a tall woman tells me her 5' 1" friend can flat foot a BMW with the BMW low seat option, I'm just saying I haven't shared those experiences.

Here's what I know is true for me. I'm 5' 2" with a 28" inseam, and I weigh 110 pounds. I go to the gym, so I'm not a total weakling, and I've been riding for a year and a half. I am not a Harley-Davidson or cruiser fan (I'm not anti-social about it -- I'll still wave to ya!) but I admit Harley does offer several models with comfortable, low seats. The catch is that they weigh a ton and don't seem to handle our southern California twisty roads very well. At least, not the Harleys I get stuck behind.

My first bike, my trusty Donatella, was a 2006 (3rd generation) Ninja 250. I bought her with 920 miles for $3000.00. I still wanted to lower the Ninja, so I chose a Soupy's adjustable lowering link, then a custom Corbin seat with their famous nose job, and some bar risers. On the advice of the fantastic Ninja 250 Riders Club, I changed the tires to the lower profile Pirelli MT75s (love them). I also sprung for the Frey Daytona Ladystars and gained a little extra height over my Oxtar boots. Of all the things I did to ride more comfortably, the biggest investment was the Ladystar boots.

We did all the work in our own garage with no special tools. Over the next few days, I'll detail the steps I took to modify my Ninja, and then explore the customization of my Triumph Bonneville SE. (You didn't think I'd stop at one bike, did you??)

Int'l Female Ride Day - Who Wants to Ride with Me?

This year, the Motoress International Female Ride Day falls on May 7th (it's always a Friday).

On the one hand, I love how loosely it's organized -- all you have to do is get out and ride. You can ride whatever you want (Scooteristas count!), and go wherever you want (your work commute counts too). No registration is required.

On the other hand, I'd like to find new women to ride with. It would be awesome if there were organized events that we could locate on the Motoress site. Here in the US, maybe they could partner with Starbucks (since it seems there's a Starbucks on every corner in this great caffeinated country of ours). Any woman who wanted to participate could be in the parking lot at a designated time, and share International Female Ride Day with another local female rider. Starbucks could print a supportive message on their thermal cup sleeves, and offer free coffee to participants. Am I'm getting carried away with the Starbucks thing? Sorry, that's the marketer in me... The point is, I'd like to find local women to ride with on International Female Ride Day, and I'm having difficulty.

Here's some basic information on the event:

Created in 2007 by Vicki Gray, and started in Canada, the aim of International Female Ride Day is to highlight the numbers of women riding motorcycles and inspire more of us to get on a bike. It’s simply a day to celebrate the fun of riding; and all women, on any kind of motorcycle, are invited to participate.

In the first year of Female Ride Day, 2007, the organizers weren’t sure what to expect. Their goal was to have a synchronized day where women from all over the world would simply ride. But as Vicki Gray remembers, “When you introduce a unique and new concept…you really don’t know how or if it will be received. The success was overwhelming and not just within Canada! Women riders of the United States jumped at the idea and provided unexpected participation as they too rode on Female Ride Day!” The following year, women from Australia, Greece, England, the Netherlands and Russia joined the party. And each year the numbers grow. Last year about 50 Kuwaiti women rode, making Kuwait the first country in the Middle East to participate. That’s remarkable considering that Kuwait didn’t allow women to vote until 2005!

Now in its fourth year, the organizers promise to continue the tradition as an annual event. The ride is scheduled to occur every year on the first Friday of May. International Female Ride Day has been enthusiastically embraced by women riders and motorcycle manufacturers. Clubs organize events like dinners or midnight rides. Some ride to benefit a charity or local cause. But Female Ride Day was created with three main principles and continues to hold to these guidelines: “1) freedom to participate in any manner desired, uniting women riders of all disciplines; 2) Not to be conceived as a charity or fundraiser—the message remains undiluted and is clearly in celebration of the female motorcyclist. Women may elect to involve a charity or create their own cause on Female Ride Day. This campaign will not influence that preference ensuring women have the freedom to decide; 3) the day is not to be taken over by a single motorcycle manufacturer, ensuring women of all brand choices are equal participants.” By upholding these three tenets, International Female Ride Day stays true to the original intent of highlighting all women riders.

I’ll see you out there on May 7th. Hopefully, I won't be alone!