Garage-Girls announces 2014 Ultimate Biker Makeover winner sponsored by GEICO Motorcycle

(Mitchell,SD) September 24, 2014 – Garage-Girls recently announced that Chris Gibbany of Harrison, Arkansas, is the winner of its 2014 Ultimate Biker Makeover, sponsored by GEICO Motorcycle.  Gibbany was among 84 contestants who sent in a 600-word essay describing why they are most in need of a Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover. Her essay touched upon her sacrifices and commitment to “hunker down” and put herself through school in order to open new career opportunities.

“We received more submissions for the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover Contest than for any other contest. It was a definitely a challenge choosing a winner among so many great entries,” said Garage-Girls marketing coordinator, Sara Liberte.  “We want to thank GEICO as well as our other sponsors for their commitment to make this contest possible. Frankly, there would be no Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover Contest without their continued support.”

As the 2014 Ultimate Biker Makeover winner, Gibbany will be able to enjoy a multitude of prizes that include: a new wardrobe of shoes from Harley-Davidson Footwear Footwear; a brand new jacket, matching gloves and a helmet from Roland Sands and J&P Cycles; a cleaning kit from Wizards Products; a case of Synthetic oil from Spectro Oils; clothing from Hijinx Apparel; a set of AVON Tires; and saddlebags from Mustang Seats.

“Chris puts a lot of miles on her motorcycle and we want to make sure she has the latest and safest riding equipment,” said Liberte. “We are happy that she will receive a brand new jacket, matching gloves and a helmet to help get her down the road safe.”

To read more about Gibbany’s story and for more information on the 2014 Ultimate Biker Makeover, please visit www.garage-girls.com.

About the Ultimate Biker Makeover Contest
Contestants were encouraged to submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover. Submissions were narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls. From there, the judges had to decide who they felt most deserved the Ultimate Biker Makeover and would have the opportunity to take home all the prizes.

Make sure you check out the interview that I did with Chris back in 2012.  She is one awesome biker chick!  So very happy that Chris was the winner of this contest!  Good things happen to good people!  Congratulations, Chris!

Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover 2014 - Ladies Only

Hurry Up, send in your submissions to win The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, brought to you by GEICO Powersports.

How would you like to score a HUGE list of parts and accessories for you and your bike? You can if you enter the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover.  Deadline is July 18^th 2014.

Contestants (ladies only this year) must submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by July 18th 2014. Submissions will be narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls. From there, the judges will decide who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover and will take home all the prizes which include; A wardrobe of shoes from Harley-Davidson Footwear, a case of full synthetic oil from Spectro Oils, A new Mustang Motorcycle Seat, a set of tires from AVON Tyres, a cool kit cleaning kit from Wizards, Motorcycle Helmet, Jacket AND Gloves by J&P Cycles and Roland Sands Designs, clothing by Hinjinx Apparel and MUCH MORE!!  Winner Announced online at www.garage-girls.com on August 29^th 2014.

For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit www.Garage-Girls.com

If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@saraliberte.com

Iowa Harley Girl LIVES!

Yes folks, I'm still kicking.  The winter got away from me and frankly I didn't have anything motorcycle related to blog about.  After my 1/2 disappointing Sturgis trip my urge to post and ride really kind of went right out the window.  I'm over it now and ready for the 2014 riding season.  We just have to stop getting snow here in central Iowa.  This has been quite the winter for I think most of the country.  That is with the exception of Arizona since I continuously see posts on Facebook from Boston Ann about how amazing the temperature is there during the winter.  Yes you are lucky with that but for the most part I think I'd rather endure our winter then the temps they have there in the summer.  But I guess I can't judge because I've never been to AZ in the summer. 

I read a great book this winter called 1000 Biker Tattoos.  Great stories about bikers and their tattoos and great photos as well.  The author is Sara Liberte who is known for Garage Girls and Rally TV as well as her fine arts collections: Builder and Machine, Woman and Machine, and Sturgis. 

My fellow Chrome Diva and Motorcycle Blogger Janet "Corn Dog" Green is celebrating her 10th year of blogging.  Her blog Biker Chick News is a great blog for female riders. I know that the men also follow Janet because she is such a wonderful writer.  She shares a lot of her riding journeys and gives great ideas of where to ride in Iowa.  Stop by her blog and wish her a big congratulations.  

Speaking of women motorcycle bloggers, I found a totally cool chick named Sash who writes the blog Sash Mouth.  Her and her motorcycle man Highway also write a motorcycle blog called Road Pickle Motorcycle Bohemia.  I'm kicking myself because a few of my Diva sisters met Sash and Highway last summer.  Check out this video with a great Biker Chick Tip on Sunglasses. 

I really can't wait to ride again.  I walk by Sadie every day and tell her I miss her.  I can't wait for SPRING!!

A Look into the Life of IHG - One or Two Questions at a Time

Why Harley Davidson? 
Because they are sexy badass bikes.  I love the rumble they make when you crank the throttle.  Harley Davidson is as Amercian as baseball and apple pie.  It's just the motorcycle I always wanted to own one day and now I do!!

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
I would love to hang with all the people that I've met through blogging that I haven't been able to meet yet.(Boston, Caveman, Viking Dave and BB, Willy D, Ms. M., Ronman, Mr. Motorcycle, Dan from Lowrider in the Wind and that one guy that fell off the face of the earth named Joker.  What ever happened to that guy?)  All the bikers I'm friends with on Facebook.  I would love to hang with Sara Liberte and Roadside Marty.  There are so many individuals in the motorcycle community that I would love to just sit and listen to their stories.  Bikers are freaking interesting people.  I really would love to meet Willie G and Gloria Struck.  And it would have been amazing to have known Samantha Morgan Storm! 

One of my favorite biker bands! 

Motorcycle Websites

Here are a few motorcycle websites that you might want to check out.

Bikes and Buddies

Wapello County Customs

Pat Savage

This is my favorite RallyTV video. Sara interviews Gloria Struck, who I just love! I want her spunk when I'm 86. Sara also interviews Roadside Marty. He's quite a character. I hope RallyTV visits Vintage Torquefest this year!!

Rally TV - The Show You Watch Before You Go Anywhere

Have you checked out Rally TV? Sara Liberte, Chris Callen and the crew from Cycle Source Magazine are bringing you exciting motorcycle news on Rally TV. You should also check out Rally TV Online , their website that keeps you in the know about rally events.

Here is a sample of what you can find on Rally TV. You can see what you missed at Laconia this year.

Garage Girls Contest

They Need your votes to win The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO powersports.

The final four have been chosen by staff at Garage-Girls and Carlisle Summer Bike Fest.

The rest is up to the public. Who most deserves to win the Ultimate Biker Makeover?
Contestants (guys and girls) were invited to submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by May 10, 2011. Submissions were narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls and Carlisle Events. It is now up to the public to vote online at Garage Girls for who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Two winners will be selected for the Rider Makeover, including all-new gear and accessories with one grand-prize winner, who will win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. (Accessories for his or her motorcycle as well) Voting ends and winners will be announced Wednesday June 15th 2011. Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 to collect their prizes.

For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit www.Garage-Girls.com or www.CarlisleEvents.com.
If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com

For more information, visit Garage Girls or Carlisle Events. To contact Sara Liberte e-mail sara@garage-girls.com

Cycle Source Commercial

Sara Liberte at the V Twin Expo

Garage Girls - Ultimate Makeover Carlisle Edition

Hurry Up, send in your submissions to win The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO powersports.

Just a reminder to send in your submissions for your chance to win the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover. Deadline is May 10th 2010.


Contestants (guys and girls) must submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by May 10, 2010. Submissions will be narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls and Carlisle Events. Once the final 4 are chosen, the public will then be allowed to vote online at Garage Girls for who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Two winners will be selected for the Rider Makeover, including all-new gear and accessories with one grand-prize winner, who will win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. (Accessories for his or her motorcycle as well) Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 to collect their prizes.

For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit Garage Girls or CarlisleEvents.

If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com

Sara Liberte's Update on Garage-Girls

My 3 favorite celebrity motorcycle women are Jasmine Cain, Sasha Mullins, and Sara Liberte. I was able to update you on Jasmine and Sasha in weeks past and now I've got an update on what is going on with Sara and Garage-Girls. Good Stuff!


I wanted to fill you in on what Garage-Girls has been up to...
We are working on our Ultimate Biker Makeover 2010, Carlisle Edition... here is a re-cap of 2009 http://www.garage-girls.com/makeover/index.php
2010 is GOING TO BE EVEN MORE AWESOME!!! I can't even begin to tell you the amount or prizes we have lined up for someone very deserving of an Ultimate Biker Makeover.. Last years winners Victoria and Krisitin were so stoked with the loot they won. We did get some sad news from the runner up winner Krisitn, her son Jed has been battling cancer since he was 4, well they found out it's back and he is now on a Bone Marrow Transplant list, he is back in the hospital. This breaks our hearts.... Kristin is such a special lady, so strong and Jed is such a brave guy, they both inspire us so much. You can follow Jed' fight on his blog at http://www.bigjedsworld.blogspot.com/ Of course we have been thinking non-stop about Jed and Kristin.....


We have also been working on more video posts for the site, we got to take a tour of the Mustang Seat Factory and see first hand how those comfortable seats are made start to finish all right here in the USA, watch the video very cool! http://www.garage-girls.com/blog/machine/index.php

we have re- worked our youtube channel, you can check that out here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQY0mysj4qo

and we are on twitter chatting about what it is we are working on in the shop... http://twitter.com/garagegirls

I'd say the coolest thing going on right now is the Holiday Shopping Discounts that are being offered to Garage-Girls, if your in the market for a new Mustang Seat, or a technology case, like a cool case for your iphone, ipod, blackberry whatever, Otterbox has you covered and both companies are hooking Garage-Girls readers up for some Holiday Discounts, head over to the site to take advantage of the discounts!
http://www.garage-girls.com/blog/machine/index.php


That's about it for now, so much more to come, can't wait for 2010, but looking forward to chillin' with family and friends over the Holidays...

Vote for the Biker that you think needs an Ultimate Makeover

THEY NEED YOUR VOTE TO WIN!!! 4 Finalists have been chosen for The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO Powersports.

After going through the numerous submissions we received we have narrowed it down to 4 finalists, this was not an easy task! . Please take a minute check out the finalist's stories and cast your vote on who you feel is most deserving of the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover. 2 winners will be announced, both receiving rider makeovers with one grand winner receiving a makeover for his/her bike as well. The finalists include, Victoria Kriner, a regional rep for the 911 ride, Gina Drobycki, a lady rider who after losing over 90 lbs no longer has any gear that she fits in, Kristen Buckeley, a mom helping her 11 year old son battle Leukemia, and J.D. Ames a rider with over 100,000 miles on his bike that is in need of some TLC to keep it road worthy.


Victoria Kriner
Gina Drobycki
Kristin Buckley
JD Ames
Two winners will be selected for the Rider Makeover by the public’s votes, including all-new gear and accessories with one grand-prize winner, who will win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 18th to collect their prizes. Winners will receive killer new riding gear from ICON including Jacket, Helmet and gloves, a sweet new pair of riding boots from HD-Footwear, a case of Spectro motorcycle oil, Wizards Cleaning Products, Pink Partz Clothing, a year subscription to IronWorks Magazine, A brand new Mustang Seat, a technology case from Otterbox, Riding Glasses from 7 Eye, a set of Pirelli Tires and this is just the tip of the iceberg, tons more prizes will be given away, as well as way cool parts and accessories for the Lucky Winners Motorcycle.
Garage-Girl Laura Klock along with The Klock Werks Krew will be joining Sara Liberte and Jody Perewitz during Carlisle Summer Bike Fest and helping out with the Ultimate Biker Makeover

To vote for your favorite biker shown above go to http://www.garage-girls.com/ .

If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com

http://www.garage-girls.com/
http://www.carlisleevents.com/

Would You Like to WIN a Makeover for You and Your Motorcycle??

Carlisle Bike Fest 2009: The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO powersports.
Two Lucky Bikers Will Win Biker Makeovers and One-Grand Prize Winner, The Ultimate Makeover
CARLISLE, PA – At the 2009 Carlisle Bike Fest, held July 17-19 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, two lucky bikers will win biker makeovers from the Garage-Girls, Sara Liberte and Jody Perewitz. One lucky grand-prize winner will not only get a personal makeover but will also win a makeover for their motorcycle to boot! The concept is simple: take Extreme Home Makeover for a person, in this case a biker (male or female) combine it with Pimp My Ride (a custom car makeover show) and bring it to one of the largest motorcycle events in the country; have two talented, well-known girls in the custom motorcycle industry host, judge and conduct the makeovers and you’ve got yourself the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition.
Contestants must submit a 200 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by May 15, 2009. Submissions will be narrowed down to a few finalists, and then narrowed down to the final three, via on-line voting at http://www.garage-girls.com/ and http://www.carlsileevents.com/. Two winners will be selected for the Rider Makeover, including all-new gear and accessories with one grand-prize winner, who will win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 18th to collect their prizes. Winners will receive killer new riding gear from ICON including Jacket, Helmet and gloves, a sweet new pair of riding boots from HD-Footwear, a case of Spectro motorcycle oil, Wizards Cleaning Products, Pink Partz Clothing, a year subscription to IronWorks Magazine, and this is just the tip of the iceberg, tons more prizes will be given away as well as way cool parts and accessories for the Lucky Winners Motorcycle.
For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit http://www.garage-girls.com/ or www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Garage-Girls.com is a rad new website developed to meet the growing needs of women who are seeking information about motorcycles and their maintenance along with other things that women are interested in, like celebrating the Garage Lifestyle of cool rides with health, exercise, nutrition, and all things that fit into the lifestyle from music and books to sharing stories about passions. 

The focus of Garage Girls is to encourage women to maintain a balance between their motorcycle and body. “The Motorcycle becomes an extension of your body,treat it the way you treat yourself and your riding time will be that much more enjoyable”. ~Sara Liberte.


If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com

For more information, visit http://www.garage-girls.com/ or http://www.carlisleevents.com/ contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com

Go check out Garage-Girls.com and tell me what you see??!!!!

Ok so I'm Toot, Toot, Tooting my own horn...HONK! HONK! TOOT! TOOT!

Sara Liberte was so happy with the interview and story that I posted about her that she has posted one of my stories on the Garage-Girls site!

http://www.garage-girls.com/blog/machine/index.php

Thank you, Sara!!! This truly means so much to me!

Photographer, Author, Artist, Garage Girl - An Interview with Sara Liberte

Sara Liberte graduated from Montserrat College of Art in 1997. Since then Sara has been a professional photographer. Motorcycle and portrait photography have been her passion. You may have seen her photos in Easy Rider, In the Wind, Hot Bike, Street Chopper and Iron Works. Her fine art photography work focuses on “Image Fusion”, a technique she uses to combine images. You can see this technique in her “Women and Machine” and “Builder and Machine” photos. And I’m sure you have seen the GEICO Motorcycle Insurance Ads that she created in 2007 for their print campaign. Sara is also staff photography editor for The Cycle Source Magazine.

Sara's passion for motorcycles lead her to becoming co-owner and operator of RT’s North Hills Cycle Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. She designs custom paint jobs and builds custom cycles. When she's not wrenching on motorcycles she is managing the parts and services department at RT’s.

Sara has been part of the motorcycle industry for over a decade and has been recognized as one of the leading motorcycle designers and photographers at the Sturgis Rally. House of Kolor named RT’s North Hills Cycle as the prestigious painter of 2007. This award is the most elite award in the custom automotive/motorcycle paint industry.

If you haven’t already you should check out “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twin Motorcycles”. Sara penned this book to help motorcycle enthusiasts who want to be able to service their rides but lack only the know-how. You may also recognize the name Sara Liberte from her “Garage Girls” seminars and website that she created with friend and fellow builder, Jody Perewitz.

Sara took some time to answer a few questions for me recently on her life and career in the motorcycle industry.

When were you first introduced to the motorcycle lifestyle?
Early in my life I started out on 3 wheelers, back then they were considered safer then motorcycles.

Did you always know growing up that you wanted a career in the motorcycle industry or did you have other passions first?
No, I never set out with any goals, just took life day by day. I knew I loved art and would end up doing something with art.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or are there many?
Tough question, I’m proud of many things. Mostly the friendships I have made over the years and my relationship with my family.

When did you decide to start “Garage Girls”?
I decided I needed to do more to reach other women interested in the garage lifestyle after I wrote “How to Repair and Maintain American V-Twins Motorcycles”. So many girls were approaching me and wanting to know more about the mechanical aspect of motorcycles. I decided a website would be the best way to rally us all together.

Could you tell me about the site and what people can find there?
The site focuses on maintaining a balance between our body and our machine. The motorcycle becomes an extension of our body so we need to take care of them both. We offer info about motorcycles and info on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We also have a section dedicated to animals. “Cruisin’ Companions” celebrates the 4 legged friends of our lives. We do product reviews and offer technical info. We share info on trying to stay healthy with health and beauty info, exercise and nutrition…you name it.

Do you have any mentors or people that you look up to?
Of course! My parents have taught me so many valuable lessons that I’m so grateful for. There have also been a few teachers, Christine O’Brien and Linda White, they both taught me lessons I use daily in my world of art and motorcycles. I have many friends I am grateful for as well.

I noticed you have a tribute to Johnny Chop on your website. Could you tell me how he touched your life?
Johnny was one of the guys I would look forward to seeing at the events year after year. I enjoyed our conversations about motorcycles and the struggles of being in business for yourself. We connected especially about the struggles. He had a generous ear and usually words of inspiration at the end of our conversations. I miss Johnny. Rallies just aren’t the same without him.

Have you found it difficult to get people to take you seriously in such a male dominated profession?
Yes… I could go on and on about the struggles but no one likes to hear you bitch…

What is your advice for girls and women interested in careers in the motorcycle industry?
Be involved because it is your passion. The only way you can be happy in such a tough industry is because you truly love this stuff. You eat, sleep, and breathe it! You can’t imagine yourself doing anything else. That is pretty much the only way you’ll survive this world!

Your photographs are beyond words, beautiful. Do you have any favorites?
I have so many favorites because they all take me back to the moment I created them. Whether it was a conversation with someone, or a shot as I was riding in a beautiful landscape or a moment I was alone with an incredible machine.

How did you decide on the concept for your “Women and Machines” and "Builder and Machines” photos?
Women and Machine was born in my head as I was heavily focused on the idea that the machine/motorcycle becomes an extension of your body. You control this machine, it becomes a part of you. “Builder and Machine” is my series that focuses on Craftsmen. Craftsmen are the rare breed, the dying breed. The craftsmen are the guys who can pretty much do anything like metal fabrication, drawing, engineering, machining, wrenching, and fixing broken parts, painting, bodywork, along with mechanical knowledge, etc. I set out to explore the true craftsmen in the motorcycle and automotive culture. Using my Image Fusion technique my goal is to create a portrait of each craftsmen combining a piece of who they are via their unique work. I was also studying certain quotes at the time, this one was a big inspiration for this project, “One Machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No Machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”-Elbert Hubbard.

Do you sell your prints and if so how does one go about ordering them?
http://www.saraliberte.com/ The "Woman and Machine" series is limited to an edition of 150 prints of each image on photographic silver gelatin emulsion paper. All prints are available in 2 sizes of 16x20” or 20x30”. “Woman and Machine” was featured at the Belknap Mill Gallery in Laconia, NH for bike week 2005, as well in the Laconia Television show “Riding with Rossi” which aired on the Travel Channel. This series was also featured on “Corbin’s Ride On” and American Thunder, Speed Channel and also on the Documentary DVD titled “Invasion of the motorcycles, Laconia”. "Builder and Machine" is available as a fine art poster print.

What cameras do you use to shoot your amazing photos?
I am a Nikon fan, I love their glass.

Along with being an amazing photographer, you also wrote a book. Could you tell me about it?
The book is a comprehensive guide to servicing a motorcycle, with useful information for those who have the will to service their rides but lack only the know-how. Part of owning a motorcycle is the pleasure of servicing and repairing it on your own. A motorcycle is a symbol of independence, and whether you're wrenching in the garage or making an emergency repair on the side of the road, doing it yourself is part of that independence. By doing much of the service work yourself, you'll save money and time, and you'll have the gratification of knowing what went into your ride.


Do you have any big projects in the works for the future?
Lots of exciting things for http://www.garage-girls.com/ . I'm hoping to shoot more work for Cycle Source Magazine and develop our garage-girls column more in the magazine. I have some new images I'll be releasing as well.

What is your favorite rally or do you have more then one favorite?
Sturgis

Where is the best place in the country to ride?
White Mountains New Hampshire.

Do you have any upcoming events that you will be at and if so where?
Lots of events going on! Carlisle Summer Bike Fest is one I'm looking forward to most.

Do you have any motto's that you live by?
My mom shared this with me, "the only thing achieved in life without effort is failure."

What are your other passions beyond motorcycles and photography? Animals, they are god’s creatures and deserve to be treated with respect and love. They have little souls and feelings. Too many people neglect that fact.


If you would like to learn even more about Sara Liberte you can visit her websites.
http://www.saraliberte.com/
http://www.garage-girls.com/
http://www.northhillscycle.com/
I'd like to thank Sara for taking the time out of her busy schedule to do this interview with me! Art and Motorcycles...what a gig she has!