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
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