Athena Ransom has been riding, chopping, and building bikes since she was 15 years old.  Recently we traveled to Deerfield, Florida, to meet Athena, also known as “Vagabond Chickie” and discuss her career as the owner of Vagabond Chopper Company.  We also wanted to find out just how a nice girl like Athena got started in a business like this!  Athena was ready to tell the story of just how she got started and began by saying, “When I was growing up, my dad and uncles were into bikes.  They would play a game with me.  They would say, “Here’s an old motorcycle.  If you can make it run, you can have it.”  Athena then added with a grin, “It’s definitely grown from there.  Now I can’t live without the smell of rubber and oil.”

When talking about her passion for motorcycles, it all begins with riding.  “I ride a lot—20,000 to 30,000 miles per year!  It is an interesting balance of kids, school, and work.”  As far as what she looks for in designing her bikes, Athena told us that she wants her bikes to be functional, clean looking, and built to last.  “Longevity is definitely a factor,” she noted.  The all-important question of style also came up and Athena said, “History repeats itself. I like to take old-style looks and update the bikes with current technology.  I like the geometry low and I gotta have those ape-hangers!”  Athena says that she is always concerned with taking particular components and making sure that they work well together.  That’s where it is crucial that she has a great working relationship with her shop foreman, Don Ransom—yep, that’s right, Ransom…as in Mr. and Mrs. Ransom.  Don is one of the top bike technicians in the South and he just happens to work for his wife; however, that doesn’t bother him at all.  In fact, we asked the both of them just how it worked to spend so much time together at work and at home.  The both agreed that they draw the line when leaving the shop, and they also noted the tremendous respect that they have for one another in and out of the business as well.  Athena went on to say, “Due to the fact that we get along so well, everybody wins including the customer.”  Sounds like a great relationship to us!

Finally, we asked Athena how tough it was breaking into a male-dominated business such as custom motorcycle building.  She told is that it was tough and that she experienced a lot of grief from the other builders; however, it is apparent that in the end she is the winner and has gained the recognition, respect, and acceptance that she rightfully deserves.  In summing it all up, we asked her what the best part of the business was for her.  Athena responded, “Being able to make more than my own motorcycle is a pleasure.”  And, when we asked what she hope to accomplish in the future Athena stated, “I want to build a reliable motorcycle to ride forever.”  We have no doubt that she is well on the way.  If you would like to learn more about the parts and accessories from Vagabond Chopper Company, just give them a look on the web at www.vagabondchoppers.com.  That’s it from sunny Florida, so until our next ride, “keep the shiny side up and Ride On!”                        

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