I was lucky enough to meet Christina Shook at the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in Keystone - our targeted destination on the Ride for Courage '09.   

Talk about the real deal. Christina's got this incredibly magnetic energy which translates into each photograph and each personal story of the subjects she captures in Chicks on Bikes.  

I scored an autographed copy of the book... got it sitting on my living room table.  Quite the conversation piece.  gotta tell ya! 

The cover (for those of you who get it) might cause you to double over in laughter as my husband, John did at first glance, or it may grab some of you by surprise, it is just that... an attention grabber.  However, after spending quite a bit of time with the book, I have come to recognize the cover's clandestine significance and relevance.  That's the beauty of art.  it's personal.

The old cliche "can't judge a book by the cover"seems somewhat applicable here.  But what's inside... y'all, trust me here.

Y'all have GOT to check out this BOOK and the chick (Christina Shook) who assembled this glorious photo essay about women who ride. Definitely in for a surprise with this one.  It's NOT anything that you might expect.  Sorry guys, the chicks on bikes featured here, might not all make the "Ducati Hotties" cut. Rather, Christina's bewitching eye captures beauty that goes beyond the visual aspect, exposing the idiosyncrisies that define genuine & lasting luster.

Just last week, I took the book into Glendale Harley to share with some friends.  DJ, my buddy who works for Eagle Riders, couldn't wait to jump on line to order one.  Before i had time to scroll through my emails for her contact information, DJ had already found her online and ordered a book.  Hot stuff! 

Talk about a story to tell.  Somebody needs to photograph Christina and delve into her story.  I'm still diggin' - all i know is she's got a spirit about her that enraptures anyone in her presence.  Christina's obvious passion and zeal for life and her art, just oozes from every pore! Tricky sometimes to get these types to open up.  i guess you should consider this a challenge, Ms. Christina Shook...  SOOOOOOO????  in all seriousness, only when and if you're comfortable to share some intimate and unique details about yourself.

I'd love to hear how you discovered your talent and what your favorite part was in assembling Chicks on Bikes.  What did it feel like to actually set out and ultimately realize your dream to publish a book?  WOW!

During the conference, I don't think i saw Christina once without her camera in-tow.  she had a booth where a string of women lined up to buy her book; while autographing books with one hand,  she was taking pictures with the other.

I about flipped out of my chair when she asked to take a few photos of me and my Harley. WHAT AN HONOR.  As we walked outside of the conference hall and out into the fresh Rocky Mountain air, I just disappeared in the beautiful Keystone background as she snapped away ...  Even though posing for photographs is not the most comfortable thing in the world, she made me feel like a super model...  even with my Jay Leno chin and all. And in some of the shots, I had my new-found friend, Eldonna (pink biker chic) in her tricked out softail beside me. What fun!

*** Rumor has it... she may be working on book # 2!!!!! It'd be a sin for her not to... what a gift she has! 

 

So there ya go.  One of the many magical experiences from the conference.  Thanks to Christina's gift, it was so cool to be able to bring home a memento which keeps the memories at the forefront of my mind! 

Christina, are you definitely planning to come out for Love Ride 26 on October 25???  If so. the tens of thousands of attendees are in for a big treat. Hey, maybe you could snap a photo of Jay Leno and me, and we can do a real chin comparison!!!!

 

kiss kiss~

Carlana