Chicks on Bikes: a new book by author Christina Shook.
When you hear the phrase “chicks on a bike” it might conjure up one of two images: a dolled up, half-nekkid girl with butt floss & fake boobs draped across some guys motorcycle -or- a real, independent woman riding her own.
Christina Shook thankfully delves into the diverse world of the latter, using her photography to punctuate the alluring stories of the featured women riders in her book.
Chicks on Bikes by Christina Shook
Chicks on Bikes is the first book to visually chronicle the culture and lifestyle of real women motorcyclists. The photos and stories range from sassy young racer girls, wind-roughened seniors, leather-clad outlaws, chic corporate climbers, grease-covered mechanics to motorcycle fashion designers.
Women love to hear or read stories about female riders, especially if they don’t ride their own (yet). There is a lot of respect and inspiration (and maybe a little bit of envy mixed in) that motivates non-riding women, giving them that “if she can do it, I can do it” attitude.
"These women redefine what is beautiful."
Chicks on Bikes captures an intimacy that a lot of other books tend to miss the mark on. It’s a collection of stories as varied as the women who tell them, daring to dig a little deeper into the subject that most are unwilling to touch. Women riders are people, not just an idea or a great hook for marketing.
I enjoyed reading about all of the women, seeing some familiar faces along with some new ones. I was touched when reading about Samantha Morgan and Melinda Moore, chuckled while reading about Zan Sterling’s tale of outriding a desert thunderstorm and amused by the overall kookiness of Max Mosher’s style.
It’s the right balance of words and quality photos, in addition to the passion, attitudes, freedom, misnomers, truths and independence of women riding motorcycles, that keep you wanting to turn the pages and dream of being more like them.
Chicks on Bikes words and pix by Christina Shook
Chicks on Bikes words and pix by Christina Shook, $24.95
Order a signed copy online: chicksonbikes.us/order.html
Learn more at chicksonbikes.us
Read Christina Shook’s blog: cshook.wordpress.com
Follow Christina on Twitter @cshookup
Here’s Christina talking about women motorcyclists and her book Chicks on Bikes. I wish her the all the success in the world with the book, it’s great!