How to get stuck on the side of the road By:KinG JaKe

I know everyone is looking back at this past year, and saying, “Gee I didn’t get stuck on the side of the road even once.” Well don’t worry I can help get you there. First step is to stop caring about your bike. This means no washing, checking tire pressure, or oil levels. Also, if you have the habit of taking pride in things, you’re gonna want to quit that, or you’ll overdo it and it won’t seem genuine. Remember, your letting it go to get dirty on its own, not by smearing it with mud.  Don’t cheat and you’ll feel more successful in the long run.  Just ride and the dirt will come. Second step is to not service your bike. Remember oil has lasted 1000′s of years underground, it will be fine.  Once again after this step, you just ride. Some of you are like “O yea Jake like that’s gonna work,” saying “I’ve been running my bike for the past year like that and it hasn’t quit on me yet!” Well don’t worry we’re not to the end yet. Next we’re gonna have you: tune your own carb. or fuel injection, drill holes in your exhaust, wire in your own accessory lights, and fix any rattle or squeak with bailing wire!  Once this is done your gonna start doing burn outs and launching the bike.  This may seem exciting, and even get you in the racing mood, but remember, if you have properly done the steps up till now your bike should be a jigsaw puzzle of bailing wire and duck tape. So actual racing is frowned apon.  Remember, were not looking for speed,  just breakage.
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The first Saturday in June is sneaking up on us quickly. As I count down the days and make the final preparations for our annual motorcycle show I can’t help but get excited about another big party! This year is exciting because we have added a gun raffle. Also, Women on Wheels is going to be pulling through with their state rally group.  I can’t wait!

This past month I have been thinking about past events and how grateful I am for all our wonderful volunteers. We could not throw a great party without all the behind the scenes help.
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            It’s four a.m. and I can’t sleep because I feel spring approaching.  So many things to do, so little time.  I know it’s hard to realize it, but the days are getting long already.  For me that’s a real good thing and for you also I’m sure.  Before you know it the days will be warm enough to ride.  If your bike is not up to snuff, you’ll be stuck in your garage or sitting on the side of the road messing with it, not enjoying it.  Think about pre-maintenance now, before spring hits.  Get the edge on the procrastinators.  Think about your battery, oil change, tires (March tire specials).  You know what they are, the normal A,B,Cs of pre-flight inspection.  But enough of that.

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Throttle rolled on, raising the rpm. Squeezing the front brake with the same hand. Looking forward as the track official spins both hands around one another. Nothing but the deep throaty roar of two bikes ready to do battle. Thumping, vibrations crawling through the ground into anyone standing near the starting line. Left hand opens, the clutch engages, spinning the rear tire around and around. Smoke fills the air, as the tire heats up and grows just fractions taller. Easing off the brake the bike launches out of the water box; ready to race.
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Reading Jake’s article in last month’s newsletter brought back memories of fall rides that  Miss Donna and I have taken, the people that we have met.  I love riding in the fall, the rainbow of colors and the crisp air are some of the best things in life. That means sometimes you get wet and cold, but still there can be good memories anyway.
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Fall, my absolute favorite time of the year!  Cool weather riding is the best.  As with any season it brings with it it’s own set of road hazards.  They may be obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to review them.

Deer, on the move as hunting season gears up.  Watch out for moving deer as well the dead carcasses in the middle and side of the road.  Fall leaves, lovely to look at, slippery when wet!  Farm equipment, bringing in the harvest means slow moving farm equipment on the roadways as well as corn.  Corn is as bad as loose gravel.  Wino’s down in wine country.  No one should drink and drive whether you’re in a car or on a motorcycle.  But let’s face it.  We all know it happens, so keep a watchful eye out for those wandering over the line or going too fast around corners.
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Have you checked out the latest pictures of the drag bike on the website?  Not only do they show the progression of the bike from raw frame to a finely tuned machine, but they also tell the story of a shared interest between father and son.  I feel blessed that Jake and I have a common interest.  Something we can share and have solid father/son time together.  A piece missing as I grew up.  My father pushed me to be what I wasn’t and I pushed back.  Life is too short to try to live it through your kids.  Find a common interest and explore that hobby together.
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When Jan told me that he was going to build a drag bike I had my doubts.  Then he told me that our son, Jake was going to race. . . well, I surprised even myself by being completely okay with it!  For our first year out we were very competitive even though we had a short season.  The Chariots of Fire race team was able to keep up with seasoned riders.  Our times and mph were consistent in the classes we competed in.  We had 36 runs and no major breaks.  Our rider, Jake Knobbe, was told by seasoned riders that he did an excellent job his rookie year.  Jake was very focused on race days exceeding our expectations.

The classes we competed in were S/G (super gas), S/E (super eliminator), and E/T (estimated time).  As of the writing of this article, Jake placed 18^th in S/G out of 40 competitors and 49^th in E/T out of 60 competitors.  S/E was a non point class.  Not bad the first year out huh?
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By: KinG JaKe

One thing I love about having a custom bike is that you are always greeted at the fill up station by someone. One thing I hate about having a custom bike is that you’re always greeted at the fill up station by someone. I’ve made plenty of gas stops, and have heard plenty of stories. Whether it be someone who just likes bikes and wants to say hi, an old timer recalling the past, or a crack head trying to sell me something stolen. I’ve heard it all.

Some days I may want to “just get gas,” and taking 15 minutes to get 1.7 gallon’s of gas isn’t exactly want I aim for. Getting into unwanted conversations becomes a specialty. And good stories are hard to come by, but when you do get a good story. You can feel the excitement in the air,
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I don’t know about all of you, but December snuck up on me very quickly this year.  I hope everyone enjoyed turkey day.  I know I did!  The year slips by so very fast, make sure to take the time to really appreciate your friends and family and tell them how much they mean to you.   I would like to do the same to you, our motorcycle family.  We truly appreciate your support of Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  Our doors are open for all your motorcycle needs year round.  Just come in and let us know what we can do for you.

As you are busy hopping from one task to the next, one party to the next, one shopping trip to the next . . . take time to smell the cookies!  Enjoy the look on a child’s face as they open up their presents.  Remember, it’s the little things in life.  Smile, relax, enjoy the season.  I know I will.