Ashmore Ellis Builds Custom Strider Called Lil’ Ripper – Staking a Claim in Biking’s Future
Ellis is the co-founder of Babes Ride Out
Flying Piston Strider Builder: Ashmore Ellis is the co-founder of the largest women’s motorcycle event, Babes Ride Out. Since I met Ashmore in 2013, she has been all about introducing women to riding.
And lately, she has even more reason to welcome more young women into riding, as she recently became a mother to the cutest tiny human, Amelia.
Amelia will undoubtedly be riding a Strider as soon as she can!
Want to meet all the 2020 Female Builders (other than one)? Surf Over to the 2020 Flying Piston Benefit – Strider Custom Builders page.
Ashmore knows that things like riding a bicycle build a kid’s self-confidence, which is crucial for little ones. That’s one reason she was excited to be a part of the Flying Piston Benefit and put her skills to the test by customizing a Strider balance bike.
Explained Ashmore, “If we want to build this community and have a more active youth in general, nothing is better than getting kids on their first bike. The balance, control, and confidence they will learn will follow them the rest of their lives. I hope by contributing to the Flying Piston’s Tiny Strider Custom bike build we can get kids excited to be outside and doing something active, fun, and challenging.”
Ashmore Ellis Builds Custom Strider – Her main focus for the build was function. She wanted to make sure that a child could still ride this balance bike. Since the Strider is set up ergonomically for a child, she didn’t want to alter the frame or change how the handlebars sit. Being an avid rider both on and off-road, she knows that handlebar position is of the utmost importance in comfort!
She knew that if a kid wasn’t comfortable, being able to reach the handlebars, wrap
their hands around the grips, touch the ground with both feet and find their balance,
their first ride might turn them off completely. And really, that goes for adults, too!
But style didn’t take a backseat. Ashmore said the colors and checkered flag themes
were pulled from 80’s BMX bikes, adding that she wanted it to look fast but also appeal
to a little person.
“I wanted a little girl to see this bike and know she can go just as fast
as anyone else on it,” she said. “I put the race plate on using Babes in the Dirt cause we always say learning in dirt is best.”
She did get by with a little help from her friends, too. Nicole A @chicken_in_a_biscuit
handled the incredible BMX style paint job and Ginger at @newchurchmoto made the
tiny custom leather seat!
Ashmore’s been known to don full leathers and hit the track and the outback in pursuit
of fun on two wheels. In addition to being co-founder of Babes Ride Out, Ashmore has
produced more than 25 moto-events across the country over the past decade,
(including Babes in the Dirt, Sierra Stake Out, and Blue Ridge Stake Out,) initially intending to inspire women riders and ultimately making places for all riders to connect
and enhance their skills.
Now, through this little bike, she’s also reaching out to develop ridership in the future.
This tiny, aspirational custom Strider stands as a stellar example of a fresh, inclusive
point of view: one that states it’s not simply okay for girls to get dirty, it’s totally cool.
Ashmore Ellis is a co-founder of Babes Ride Out, Babes in the Dirt, Sierra Stake Out, and Blue Ridge Stake Out. With over 25 events produced and often sold out across the United States, she sees the value of giving riders a place to go, connect, and enjoy some of America’s best roads (on road and off). As a new mom of a baby girl, Ashmore is more excited than ever to encourage kids, especially young girls, into giving two wheels a try. “If we want to build this community and have a more active youth in general, nothing is better than getting kids on their first bike. The balance, control, and consequence they will learn will follow them the rest of their lives. I hope by contributing to the Flying Piston’s Tiny Strider Custom bike build we can get kids excited to be outside and doing something active, fun, and challenging.” 
Flying Piston Benefit Custom Strider Class of 2020
The 2020 star Strider builders are Savannah Rose, WomenRidersNow Build Team, Lena Fairless, JoAnn Bortles, Ron Finch, Ashmore Ellis, and Cris Sommer Simmons.
About Flying Piston Benefit: The Flying Piston Benefit is produced by Marilyn Stemp of Iron Trader News and Jeff Najar of Horsepower Marketing. The event and silent auction supports veterans issues and the motorcycle industry through fundraisers for non-profits and individuals.
Each Flying Piston Benefit provides a silent auction that is art-oriented and also includes unique and collectible items.
Each event also doubles as an industry get together where enthusiasts, businessmen and women, custom builders, athletes, and artists come together to socialize, enjoy breakfast and support a worthy cause.
To get involved, contact Marilyn Stemp at our contact page or text her at 828-205-8482.
Watch the Flying Piston Facebook page for our latest updates.
About Flying Piston Custom Striders: The Custom Strider Program is an initiative of The Flying Piston Benefit produced by Marilyn Stemp of Iron Trader News and Jeff Najar of Horsepower Marketing to raise awareness and funds for vets and the motorcycle industry through fundraisers for non-profits and individuals in the biker community. Each year a new class is unveiled at the Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the first Sunday of Sturgis Rally. Contact: Marilyn Stemp, 828-205-8482, marilynstemp@gmail.com or Flying Piston Benefit.
About Strider: Strider designs lightweight bikes that build two-wheeled balance, coordination, and confidence in children. Strider is helping kids learn to ride and developing new motorcycle riders through the AllKidsBike movement which makes bike-riding a part of the kindergarten curriculum. www.allkidsbike.org, www.striderbikes.com.
Words by Savannah Rose – Ashmore Ellis Builds Custom Strider
Photos compliments of Strider Sports, Int’l
