Harley-Davidson Joins the Journey
Harley-Davidson continues to show its support of women riders by becoming presenting sponsor of the upcoming AMCA Chix on 66 Riveter Chapter ride. Chix on 66 is a cross-country ride that spans Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, from June 11 through June 25, 2022. The celebration will begin on June 10 at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee with rider registration, motorcycle tech check, dinner, riders meeting, and optional Museum tours.
The 14-day ride will now include Athena “Vagabond Chickie” Ransom of Vagabond Chopper Co. and Vivian “Gypsy” Charros as the Chix on 66 all-female mechanical support crew.
Women Ride and Wrench
The Chix on 66 crew will provide mechanical support in the event that any motorcycle needs a road-side repair. In addition, Jason Sims of the Cross Country Chase/Motorcycle Cannonball will be driving a truck to offer sweep support. The two services combined will offer riders the security of having backup mechanical and transportation support for problems that may arise.
Riveter Chapter President Karan Andrea says, “From the beginning, we wanted female mechanics to provide support on the road. This goes right along with the intent of this ride, which is to inspire women, not just to ride, but to broaden their vision of what is possible.”
“Having Athena and Gypsy provide mechanical support on this ride will inspire all of us, myself included,” says Karan. “When women see other women do these things, they begin to believe it is possible for themselves. I am so grateful that Athena and Gypsy are taking time away from their lives and businesses to join us for Chix on 66.”
Athena “Chickie” Ransom
Athena Ransom has been riding and wrenching on motorcycles since her teens. She is the founder/owner/lead tech at Vagabond Chopper in Pompano Beach, Florida. As part of the Chopper Chick Crew, and the lead crew member of Cris Sommer-Simmons’ Motorcycle Cannonball team in 2010, Athena has put to use her extensive experience with building, servicing, and maintaining bikes. She currently hosts the Athena After Dark podcast, featuring various women in the motorcycle industry. Check out her story on WRN about putting together a tool kit to bring along with you.
Athena exclaims, “I’m so honored to be able to participate in the Chix On 66 adventure. My past encounters with parts and people proved to be the driving force for a passion-based career in the motorcycle world that I am grateful for daily. It is super exciting to provide support along with my esteemed colleague, the legendary Ms. Gypsy Charros. I’ve had the great pleasure of partnering with her on some incredible motorcycle endeavors. Participants’ preparedness will be key, and through multiple platforms we will build confidence and motorcycling memories.”
Vivian “Gypsy” Charros
Vivian Charros’ mom forbade her to ride the neighborhood boys’ dirt bikes when she was 9 years old. So, she did what any good Catholic girl would do in that situation … she lied. The inevitable crashes, bruising, and abrasions followed. Hiding the injuries from Mom was a snap but fixing the bikes with a 9-year-old’s salary was challenging. It taught Vivian wrenching basics and creative engineering. Those days prepared her for when she got her 1973 Harley FLH in 1977 which needed a total rebuild before it was road-worthy.
Since then, Gypsy has owned and wrenched on Harley-Davidson Panheads, Shovelheads, Twin Cams, and a custom Knucklehead. She’s been a Harley-Davidson dealership parts manager, builder, winner of a Discovery Channel Biker-Build-Off trophy. However her favorite accolade is being a member of the Chopper Chick Crew along with Athena Ransom.
Gypsy says, “I’m thrilled to be partnered again with Athena on this exciting legendary ride. I look forward to traveling Route 66 in its entirety. I also welcome the opportunity to not only provide support for the other women riders, but inspire confidence to wrench on their own rides.”
Online Seminars for Tour Preparation
In the months prior to the start of Chix on 66, all riders and staff will be invited to participate in a series of online seminars addressing topics such as how to prepare one’s motorcycle for a 2,400-mile ride, what tools and gear to bring, what you should know about your bike, and more.
Learn more, find out about the seminars, and sign up for the ride at Chixon66.com.
