Diva Customs Blog

Beach Biker Bettys 2011 Calendars on Sale NOW!

2010-08-24T12:30:00.004-04:00

Okay, so we have all seen typical motorcycle calendars with the high-priced swimsuit model who gets to lay naked over a bike that she has no idea how to ride.
Well if you are looking for a calendar that features "real" women who do ride their own bikes, the "Beach Biker Bettys 2011 Calendar is for you!
But not only is this calendar full of local Virginia Beach women riders...its designed to fulfill a bigger purpose...bringing awareness to the prevention of child abuse.
Regina Marscheider with Children's Performance Workshops, is the driving force behind this calendar. She has dedicated her life, and her husbands...to help fight and prevent child abuse. With her help, the city of Virginia Beach has put more than 170 sexual child abusers behind bars.
Her mission at Children's Performance Workshops is to improve the quality of life for children by reducing the threat of child abuse. Every penny of the sales of these calendars will go to help establish programs to help fight child abuse.
So if you were ever a child, a biker, a hot woman or a man who loves a hot woman biker...this is the calendar for you. The half-naked high-priced model who can't even ride a bike doesn't need your money...but the children do. Do your part to make their day safe and without fear...
BUY THE DAMN CALENDAR! Thank you!

Next up...Judy Harris

2010-05-22T13:03:00.003-04:00

Well I have known Judy Harris just over a year now. She came into my shop one day looking to have some things done to her bike, but you know how when you meet someone you just click? Well that is how it happened for me and Judy. One day a group of us ladies went on an awesome ride to the Eastern Shore, we were just leaving the parking lot of a cute little ice cream shop when I gave Judy here new name...CJ! Which stands for "Crazy Judy"...see she got tired of not being about to get out on the road from this parking lot that she just decided to jump right over the curb with her bike.

Now I guess I need to give you a little more background on Judy. Judy is in her 60's, she has been riding motorcycles most of her life and now rides a Harley Davidson Fat Boy. She has more energy than I do and has the most positive outlook on life. See Judy, well Judy is a survivor in many ways. I became close friends with Judy when she came in my shop one day and told me about and event she was going to in PA. She had reserved some rooms and some of the people that were supposed to join her were backing out. I asked her about the event, its called MAWMR..the Mid Atlantic Women's Motorcycle Rally in Gettysburg PA. It sounded like a good time to me so I told her I would go with her. Well, it was the best time I ever had at an event...and that says alot...because I have been to a lot of different motorcycle events. This event is primarily for women but instead of the catty women stuff I was expecting, instead I went to this event celebrating the greatness of being a woman. It was not about knocking someone who isn't a size 2, it was about empowering them for being the great thing that they are...a woman. The event raises money for breast awareness and during this event you meet women who are battling the disease now and ones that are survivors...and that's when my new friend Judy stood up. I could not believe it..she had not told me she was a survivor of breast cancer. But that is not even the most shocking...Judy is a three time cancer survivor. She fought and beat Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer and the most deadly...Ovarian Cancer.

Now I understand Judy's positive outlook on life and that is why Judy Harris is my hero and my "ME" ...Motorcycle Elite!

Athena...one of our "ME" Motorcycle Elite!

2010-03-12T16:39:00.003-05:00

My next "ME" I want to list is none other than one of the most famous names in the motorcycle industry, Athena Ransom, "Chickie" from Vagabond Choppers. When I first opened Diva Customs, I was out running errands one day when I got a call from my now husband, Jason. He asked when I was gonna be back at the shop because I had a visitor waiting for me; I told him that I had just finished up and was making my way back to the shop already. When I asked who the visitor was, thinking it was another sales person wanting me to buy something I didn't want, he calmly said "Athena". Athena?...like THE Athena? She is there now at my shop? Yep...well needless to say I kicked the speed up a little bit and made my way back to the shop as fast as I could. And there she stood, in my little shop in Virginia Beach, Va.

She had just finished to a TV special in New York and was in town visiting her mother. Well, Athena might not have known much about me, but I sure recognized her name. She opened Vagabond Chopper Company in Deerfield Beach Florida with her now husband, Don Ransom. Athena is a well accomplished bike builder, and I mean "builder". She doesn't just point her finger and tell someone to put something together for her...nope...if you stop in her shop you will probably find her standing beside a lift with a tool in her hand. She has even created her own parts line "Hearts" featuring several parts in the shape of a heart. She has donated countless "woman hours" in building bikes for charities along with being a business owner, wife and mother!

But my favorite side of Athena...she is one of the coolest women in the business. She is super friendly and never tires of answering questions about motorcycles or anything else you might want to talk about. So when you get a chance, look up Athena at www.VegabondChoppers.com or google her name...you will find tons of information about this special lady...my "Motorcycle Elite".

Mary Lou Plopper "ME" Motorcycle Elite

2010-02-25T17:01:00.004-05:00

I have had someone submit a incredible woman rider for our next "ME" story. Meet our next "Motorcycle Elite" Mary Lou Plopper...here is her story.

Mary Lou Plopper from Virginia Beach. Mary Lou and her husband, Ken, were respiratory therapist at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. They loved to ride Ken's Goldwing trike. They attended the Gold Wing rally in Salem VA, in October 2008 with 4 other couples and had a wonderful time. On the way home Ken had a heart attack, crossed over two lanes of traffic,the median and into oncoming traffic. Their trike hit an SUV and burst into flames. They believe Ken died before they hit the SUV. Mary Lou was run over by either the trike or the SUV, they are not sure.

The doctors did not believe Mary Lou would make it. She required several surgeries and during this time they discovered cancer. While in the hospital several local chapters of the Christian Motorcyclist Association, in the Roanoke/Lynchburg area and other motorcycle groups rallied around Mary Lou, visiting her and praying for her.

When she was finally released to come back to Virginia Beach she went to a nursing home. She was suppose to be there for several weeks. But instead of several weeks she was only there a couple weeks. It has been very hard on Mary Lou emotionally but she always trusted God to get her through the loss of her husband and healing her body.

Mary Lou loved to ride. She had rode herself years ago. She was determined she was going to ride again. She purchased a Goldwing trike from a friend of her's - exactly the same color as Ken's bike. At last year's Goldwing rally in Salem, VA she took the trike class. She now rides with her CMA chapter the Beacons of Tidewater and the Goldwing riders.

Mary Lou has been an example to everyone that knows her. When most of us would have fallen apart and given up, she trust God and spoke only positive things. This lady LOVES to ride!!!

And I want to thank Nancy Stowell for sending me the picture and story on this wonderful lady..she is definitely one of our "Motorcycle Elite"!

If you know a "ME" don't hesitate to send me their story! And keep coming back, we have a lot more incredible women to feature!

"ME" Series...Check Out List of the "Motorcycle Elite"

2010-01-29T12:07:00.005-05:00

I have decided to put together a list of what I call "ME"...the Motorcycle Elite! It is a list of women riders who have made a impact in the motorcycle industry. This series will include some of the most recognizable names in the industry; women who have stood strong in an industry dominated by men and left their feminine mark along the way. But its not just about celebrating those in the limelight...its about celebrating incredible women riders around the world.

So if you know a special woman rider that deserves to be on this list..please don't hesitate to send me their story!

First "ME" on the list: Charlena Beebee from Virginia Beach, VA.

Charlena Beebee is a local girl who is a Corman in the US Navy. She is an active member in her local HOG Association and and is the owner of an adorable Yellow Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail Trike. Charlena started out on a HD Sportster, but instantly fell in love with a pretty yellow trike she affectionately calls "Mello Yello". Charlena and her husband are true riders, never missing an opportunity to jump on their bikes and head out for the day. But here is the reason I picked Charlena for my "ME" Series...

Within a few weeks of coming home from a three month deployment, Charlena was called out again to assist her fellow sailors on the US Bataan...their destination? Haiti. I got a chance to see Charlena the night before her ship pulled out, she was exhausted from rushing around trying to get medical supplies for the earthquake victims in Haiti. But even though you could see the strain of the day in her eyes, she stood strong and proud. Even though she had never faced this kind of challenge before, I could see the determination on her face. My last words to her that night was that I was so proud of her, that she had more than medical skills to offer... she had a wonderful since of compassion. And one day she will remember that she made a difference to all those suffering.

Well, Charlena has been in Haiti since a few days after the earthquake. I got an e-mail from her the other day. I had a mixture of pride and sadness when I read it. She is overwhelmed with the pure tragedy she has witness. She is quickly running out of medical supplies and the overall devastation is more than she imagined. Her first days there were spent helping as many people as she could, going three days without sleep. Sleep did not offer much comfort her her either, she can still hear the cries when she closes her eyes. I said the only words I could say to her, you ARE making a difference and we are all so very proud of you.

So the first in the "ME" Series is Charlena Beebee. She is definitely one of our "Motorcycle Elite"

Again, if you would like to submit an incredible female rider for our "ME" Series..send me a story and a picture to Tami@DivaCustoms.com

End of the Season Clearance Sale!

2010-01-22T11:19:00.003-05:00

Hey everybody...well its almost the end of winter and Diva Customs is having their big end of the season clearance sale. We have marked items up to 70% OFF! Yep...that's right...we need to make room for the new stuff coming in for the spring and that means that in-stock pants and jackets must go! Go to our website at http://www.divacustoms.com/diva_clothing_accessories.shtml to check out just some of the great items that we have on sale. Or just stop by and see all the great things Diva Customs has to for the avid rider! And don't worry guys...we have some things that might interest you too!

Holiday Parade @ the Beach 2009

2009-12-15T12:11:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures from the Holiday Parade @ the Beach for 2009. I want to say a great big Thank You to the members of Tidewater HOG, they did the sweetest thing for me and I just wanted to let them all know how much I appreciate it. I had sent out over 200 e-mails notifying everyone about the Holiday Parade @ the Beach, Diva Customs does this event every year and have the best time doing it. Even though its pretty cold out, everyone who has ever done the parade says its one of the funnest things they have ever done. But even with 200 notices out, the day of the parade there was only me and my son lined up to represent Diva Customs. My heart was broken, I did not want to be a missing spot during the parade but just two people representing Diva Customs was kinda sad too.

So who came to my rescue? The great people from Tidewater HOG! They "donated" a few of their riders to help fill my group. Now, I am a member of Tidewater HOG, but I have to admit that I do not go to the meetings like I should...so for them to step up and see my problem and offer to take members from their group to help me...well..it choked me up. It was truly one on the nicest things anyone has done for me and want them to know how much I appreciate it and that I will not forget their kindness on that cold Sunday night.

So to all those from Tidewater HOG..."THANK YOU'!

Tami

Diva Customs

Hot Featured Item! Scorpion EXO-100

2009-09-28T13:02:00.006-04:00

Check out our "Hot Featured Item"! Talk about an awesome helmet...this one has it all! Scorpion has released the EXO-100 helmet, this helmet is both DOT and Snell approved! It has an removable padded ear and neck curtain, inside this curtain you can install headphones! The greatest feature of this helmet is the Retractable Sun Visor! With one click you can drop a sun visor from within the helmet!!! Yep...you heard me right...the visor drops from inside the helmet! Okay, you might have to just stop by and see this one yourself! The helmet comes in multiple colors and designs. You also have a choice of different colored shields. Stop by Diva Customs and check out this awesome helmet! Or you can go to our website at http://www.divacustoms.com/ to see all the styles available.

Why We Ride - Writer Visit

2009-09-14T13:52:00.003-04:00

I just got a visit from one of the ladies who wrote for my book..."Why We Ride". Ann Landrigan works for Waugh Harley-Davidson in Orange VA. She, and her family, came to Virginia Beach for a little visit and stopped by to say hello. So if you are ever in Orange VA, stop by the Service Department of Waugh Harley-Davidson and say "Hello" to Ann! Check out Ann's story on page 49! Makes ya want to get a bike and ride!

I want to hear from you!

2009-09-03T17:14:00.002-04:00

Hi Ladies, well... I have added a link from my website to my Blog Page...I hope this makes it easier for people to find it. I would like to hear about your adventures as this Summer comes to an end. So if you have a great, funny or interesting story, please feel free to share it with us.

Diva Customs went to Sturgis the first week in August. I love Sturgis, long way to go, but the riding is just gorgeous there! My big news from Sturgis is that my pretty little Sportster, Rojo, got her picture taken for American Iron Magazine!!! Thats right, and I am one proud mother! I took two bikes to Sturgis, on the last day we were there I left my Sportster parked out in front of the hotel...along with about 50 other gorgeous bikes. When I got back there was a note on my bike from a staff photographer from American Iron Magazine. He asked me too give him a call, he would like to shoot my bike for the magazine. I called him, fully expecting that he had put notes on several bikes...not just mine...but NO...mine was the only bike he left a note on!!! He asked if I could meet him with the bike on top of a mountain in about 20 minutes...I told him I was on my way! Well, the spot he chose was gorgeous...it looked out over Sturgis with Bear Butt Mountain in the background.

He told me that if the bike made it in to the magazine it could take from 6 months to a year. So keep your fingers crossed for me and Rojo. But even if we don't make it in to the magazine, just being asked and doing the photoshoot was enough to put a big smile on my face for the rest of the long trip home!

Why We Ride! The Book is Ready!

2009-04-21T10:53:00.002-04:00

Hi Ladies....well...here it is! The book is finally done and ready to read! I again want to thank everyone who wrote in... this could not be possible without you. I hope you enjoy this book...I think everyone will find a story that relates to their own riding experience. I plan on doing some book signings at different locations...I would love it if some of you ladies who wrote in would show up and show off your bike! I will list the locations and dates of the signings and would love to see a ton of women and their bikes come on out! The book is available at www.WhyWeRide-DivaCustoms.com and at Diva Customs. They will also be available online with Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Books A Million soon! Again...thank you ladies!!!

Thank you Ladies!!

2009-03-02T12:29:00.003-05:00

I have my 100 stories!! Thank you all for sending in your great stories. I am finishing up all the information for my book and it will be on the way to the printers!!! I was told that the book should be done and on the shelves in April or May. So all of you fantastic women who shared your incredible stories with me...Thank You. This has been a wonderful experience for me and I can't wait to share all these great stories from other women riders with the rest of the world. So thank you again for sending them in, and also putting up with all my begging!!! I will let you all know when it's here!!

Thank you again with all my heart.

Tami Walker

10 ! I need 10 more stories

2009-02-17T16:16:00.003-05:00

Okay Ladies...I need 10 more stories and the book is on its way to the publisher!!! I have to have them by the end of February...so hurry up and get your story in! After these last ones the book is closed and heading off book history!...Okay...maybe thats a bit much, but, this has been an incredible experience for me and I know that for every story in the book there will be a woman out there who can relate to her experience. So thank you ladies...for all the stories, allowing me to take a peak into your life and for sharing your wonderful memories and most of all...putting up with me sending out so many requests!!!!

Here are some more photos from some of our women riders!

Almost There!

2009-01-29T17:33:00.003-05:00

Okay ladies...the deadline is approaching and I still don't have 100 stories from 100 women that ride! Which is painfully hard to believe...because all of the women I have talked to are so passionate about riding...how can they not want to share their story? I am sure that some just don't know what to send in..well...you can send in anything...send your story to me and I will help you. But I guess some people just don't want to share their reason...and I can understand that too...its special to you...and just you. Well...as for me, this book has been an amazing experience...I am truly taken aback by some of the stories. Some are funny...some are sad...some are inspiring. I feel privileged that women allowed me and the rest of the world to share in their experiences. And I want to thank all the women who have written in....you are amazing...and you should be very proud of yourselves!

Now...for all of you that have not written in...get writing! Time is running out! And we need you! Send your story to Tami@DivaCustoms.com

Women Riders!

2009-01-17T10:58:00.002-05:00

Check out some of the pictures sent in from women who sent in stories for my book. Unforntunately I cannot put the pictures in the book, but I do plan on using the photos to help promote the book. So ladies you are more than welcome to send in pictures of you and your bikes. Keep riding safe and always keep riding sexy!

Okay... there is definitely more than 37 women riders!

2009-01-16T12:07:00.002-05:00

Boy, did I sit on somebodies motorcycle without asking! Go Ladies! I sent out this blog about having only 37 women reply to my request for a story for my book and wow did the ladies come back with gusto! I went from only having 37 women reply to 53 in two days! Lets hear it for the girls! I have been getting great responses and I truly thank you for sharing them with me. Some of the stories make me laugh, some make me proud to be a woman riding and some just bring tears to my eyes. So ladies we are half way there...only 47 more to go! If you would like to send in a photo that would be great too. I am very proud to be able to ride motorcycles, to own a business doing what I love...although sometimes I wish I just worked the drive-thru at McDonalds! We are a special breed, not everybody rides...but we do! So thank you ladies...for putting your hearts in your stories, for sharing special moments and for setting me straight that there are more than 37 women who ride motorcycles! Ride Safe and Ride Sexy!

There are only 37 Women Who Ride Motorcycles?

2009-01-13T11:35:00.003-05:00

Okay, I have sent out numerous e-mails, I have posted my request on several websites and have contacted several motorcycle groups about helping me spread the word about the book I am putting together. The book is filled with quotes from women on why they decided to start riding motorcycles. And I have to say to my complete surprise that there are only 37 women in the entire United States that ride motorcycles! Shocking isn't it? I could have sworn there were more than that. Well, maybe there are more they just don't want to let the world know why they started riding motorcycles. Maybe they are just shy...well...if you are a woman on a motorcycle you better get used to people looking at you. See...there are still a lot more men riding out there than women so its still a surprise when people see a motorcycle go by and there is a woman on the back of it.

Now my goal was to get 100 quotes from women on why they started riding, and my time is running out. I need all of the stories in by the end of January so the book will be available by the Spring. Now maybe you might feel like you don't have a good story...every story is good...because its yours. We all have different reasons...that's what makes it special. And I know you have time to write...it's wintertime...most of us are not out there riding in this cold weather. But I have to say that I have met several women who brave the cold climate and ride anyway.

So ladies, I ask you again, send in your stories...help me spread the word...don't let the other women riders down. Lets get together and finally let the world know why we ride. Its your time...its our time!

Send me your story, a paragraph 10 to 20 sentences long, to Tami@DivaCustoms.com. At the end of your story give me authorization to publish it, I have to ask for copyright reasons.

Thanks for helping me prove that there are more than 37 women who ride motorcyles!

Tami Walker
Diva Customs
www.DivaCustoms.com

I'm writing a book!...well...actually you are.

2008-12-29T18:03:00.001-05:00

Okay ladies, go back to that day that you decided to jump on the back of your own bike, why did you do it, why did you buy your own bike? I am putting a book together on why women ride. Thankfully I don't actually have to write the book...you are. The book is a collection of stories from women on why they decided to start riding motorcycles. So if you would like your story in my book, write me a paragraph about 10 to 20 sentences long on why you ride. At the end of your story, add a sentence giving me authorization to print your story. I am quoting you exactly and I need authorization for copyright reasons. I don't want anyone coming up later claiming they never meant for their story to be told. So...think back to that day that you decided to go for it...that little thought in your head that made you jump on a bike that weighs 1o times as much as you do and just starting riding. You can include your name, age, kind of bike you own and how long you have been riding. I need all stories in by the end of January and hope to have the book published by the Spring. So lets hear it ladies...I am sure you have a good one! For the latest happenings at Diva Customs go to our website at www.DivaCustoms.com.

Be Gentle...Its my first time!...Blogging that is.

2008-12-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

Okay..so I wanted to see what it was all about..what blogging is. So here we go...our first blog site. We here at Diva Customs are always doing something really cool, so we wanted to find a way to share our ideas, events, stories...ect. I have seen some pretty cool blog pages so I thought it was time that Diva Customs joined in the fun. So hang in there with us...we need a little time to figure this computer stuff out....we are a motorcycle shop and designing blog pages is not our specialty. So if anybody has some great ideas for us, or some suggestions...we are open to them. So keep checking back with us...I promise to put some really great things on the newly designed "Diva Customs Blog"