This first fundraiser was thrown together fairly quickly as we had only been open since March of 2005. I knew Cassie from both Sacred Heart Parish and Troy Buchanan High School. Cassie had a brain tumor and we decided to do what we could to raise money to offset the cost of her rising medical bills. Cassie was a vibrant young lady always with a smile to give. She will be missed. A fellow parishioner, Dale Hollis, provided the entertainment as a DJ that first year. Our new vendors sent us some goodies for giveaways. We contacted local organizations and asked them to come and set up tables and had a few vendors. I found out what a giving community we live in and how valuable my volunteers are. And thus was born the annual Chariots of Fire Customs LLC Motorcycle Show!

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. Everything from selling poster ads to distributing them; gathering raffle items; calling vendors; and then setting up and tearing down the day of the show.  It is all worth it to have our motorcycle family gather together for another fun filled day.

The first year was a learning experience for us. See my reflection on our 2005 show here >. Check back every Saturday morning during the month of May for my thoughts on the different shows and help us count down to our 8th annual show! Click on our annual show page for more information about this year’s event.

Mileage 9,800

Asking $19,000

103″ Motor, 6 speed

Dyno Tuned:  puts out 105 horse power; 105 torque, Dyno sheets on site

Alligator seat

Rhinehart Pipes

Driver & Passenger backrest

Detachable Trunk

Lots of aftermarket goodies

One Owner

I don’t always wear a helmet or full leathers and I did not join ABATE because of the helmet issue (which I think should be a choice). I joined for a lot of other reasons that affect motorcyclists and their rights. ABATE is MUCH more than just about helmets. We are looking out for your rights on the road and fighting federal/state nanny laws that the legislators are trying to impose on motorcyclists that impeded on your freedoms and rights.

Some people have the impression that ABATE is just a bunch of Harley folks. Far from it.  One of the most active members in my area rides a Japanese bike.  Nobody gives him any crap about his choice of bike, contrary to what the stereotype people have about ABATE.  We are all about pro choice and preserving your freedoms on the road and what you want to do with your bike. (It’s not what you ride, but that you ride.)

We are one of the few organizations that are fighting to get a true test done on the E15 (ethanol) that was ram-rodded through congress. True testing has not been done to prove that this gasoline won’t cause engines to run hotter or damage any air cooled engines, like your lawn mower or your motorcycle, and that usage could violate your warranty. We are also fighting against the “motorcycle only” check points that law enforcement has been doing WITH YOUR TAX DOLLARS. Those are all in the guise of “safety” when safety is not their concern. They just want to harass motorcyclists, fine them for anything they can find wrong, and if they can find any illegal substances, hey that’s just another feather in their cap. A state REVENUE GENERATING EXCUSE that is funded with your tax dollars!

State Department of Transportation (DOTs) are rapidly adopting wire meridian barriers where if a motorcyclist runs into one they can be decapitated. Again, ABATE is fighting for your rights on that issue.

So, if you ride, time to decide!  Do you want to have to wear neon colored gear like Europe has tried to mandate for riders, not be allowed to ride at night like some cities have tried to enact with their laws?   The following groups need our support to fight the government from enacting laws that take away our freedom to ride. They include AMA (American Motorcycle Association) MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation) ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education) and FORR (Freedom of the Road Riders). We need to get involved with these groups so they can fight for our rights on a national and local level to protect us for unreasonable laws that restrict our freedom to ride a motorcycle. It is a game of numbers the bigger the number the more power you have with the government. I am a member of the AMA, MRF, ABATE, and FORR.  It does not matter what you ride, if you want to ride it, you need to make your voice heard.

Jim Childers

President TriCounty ABATE for Missouri

For more info ABATETriCounty@gmail.com

Asking $14,800

113 in Ultima Motor

6 speed Ultima transmission

Riviera Hydraulic Clutch

Awesome paint

200 Rear Tire

60 Spoke Chrome Wheels

Wide Glide Front End

One owner bike/Lady ridden

Mileage - ONLY 301

Asking $8,500

Sportster 80 inch fuel injected 5 speed

Fat tires front & rear, after market flamed paint

Ape Hangers, Factory Motor, Show Winner, one owner