Celebrating 75 years of Sturgis

by Pam Seng & Ashley Butler

1938- The Rally Begins…The first Sturgis® Rally, known as the Black Hills Classic was held on August 14th with a race of 9 participants and a small audience.

1942- Due to gas rationings in support of the war efforts the Rally did not take place.

1961-The Jackpine Gypsies introduce the Hill Climb and Motocross races.

1964-One block of Main Street is officially closed for motorcycle parking over the course of the 3 day event.

1965- The Rally moves to a 5 day event.

1975- The Rally evolves to its present 7 day event

1979- The City of Sturgis begins licensing temporary vendors. 9 vendors licensed.

1988- 117 vendors licensed in the City of Sturgis.

2000- The Sturgis® Rally saw the largest attendance exceeding 600,000 people.

2012- Attendance of 445,700 with participants from all 50 states as well as Canada and dozens of other international communities including Japan, Australia, Germany, England, etc.

2015 – 75th Anniversary-Pam and Chad Seng are going for the first time and leaving Ashley behind to work with the Chariots of Fire crew!

Wishing you a fun filled trip; With preparations complete a couple of last minute things to keep you safe. Check tire pressure daily. Use octane boost “Rocket Fuel” for those times when the only gas station for miles and miles and miles only has 83 octane…..

Only five more days until our tenth anniversary celebration!  Chairiots of Fire Customs LLC is made up of five people, two owners and three employees.  We could not pull off such a big event if it wasn’t for our volunteers.  Seriously, there is just no way!  I looked up the definition of volunteer:  “a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking for no pay”.  It may be a simple definition, but it is so much more to me!

I ask my volunteers to:

• Direct traffic for parking lot safety (potentially putting themselves in harms way)
• Sell raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets (not always easy asking people for money/even when it is for a good cause)
• Help set up silent auction items (where is the stuff and you want it set up how?)
• Set up tents (from easy pop ups to more challenging pole tents)
• Set up tables and chairs (manual labor)
• Judge the motorcycle show (not as easy as it sounds/many show winners out there)
• This year I’m adding handing out Commemorative Bottles, which includes checking IDs, wrist bands, and more!

I realize that I am asking much from my volunteers.  So know that each and every one of you is loved and appreciated!  While you are enjoying the festivities during our June 6^th show or any of the other events we have throughout the year, be sure to smile and thank my volunteers.  They are putting themselves out there for the pure satisfaction of helping out a good cause.  Oh, and I’d like to think a hug from Reine

By: Reine Knobbe

As our tenth anniversary celebration is fast approaching, I can’t help but think about how far we’ve come. We started out with 1,200 square feet with two motorcycle racks. Both Jan and I held down full time jobs and worked in the shop in the evenings. I often helped customers and did paperwork while Jan answered technical questions, ordered parts and did repairs. We had an employee answer phones until we arrived (no mechanic during the day the first year or so).

We soon moved to 2,400 square feet with four motorcycle racks. We hired an additional mechanic to boot.  By the time we were able to expand to 3,600 square feet with two motorcycle racks, Jan was working full time at Chariots. Our son Jake worked with us from the ages of 16 to 23.  Two years ago we were able to move up to 9,500 square feet with seven motorcycle racks. We already feel like we could use more space!

We have learned many things over the years. I have learned that any mistakes made within our computer programs can be fixed.  Don’t panic!  (and boy did I panic the first couple of years). I also learned how to delegate.  Jan’s input “Customers are always right….usually”.  On a more serious note, never trust your vendors when they say the part is on the way.  It is very important to Jan to give great service and not being able to move work through the shop in a timely manner because he is waiting on parts is his biggest headache.

While you can see we have physically changed in size and location, we have stayed true to our beliefs:  provide quality service and products with integrity and honesty.  Success will follow.

We thank all of our customers for believing in us and making us the success that is Chariots of Fire Customs, LLC.

By: Kellie Scott

As the weather warms up I am sure you are getting the itch to get the motorcycle out for a ride. If you haven’t already done so, here is a checklist for you to make sure your first ride this season is safe.

1. Check your fluids. Start with the engine oil. Look in your owner’s manual for the position the bike needs to be in so that you get an accurate read. First, make sure your bike is warm. Next, check the transmission fluid, following the correct procedures for your model. If you bike has a wet clutch, make sure to check your primary fluid.
2. While checking fluids, don’t forget the battery. If you used a battery tender, you should have good charge. Always check your terminals for corrosion. If you need a battery we have batteries in stock that carry a full two year replacement warranty. If you are replacing your battery this may be a good time to purchase a battery tender also.
3. Check your tires. Make sure air pressure is correct for your tire brand. Inspect tire tread for nail, screws and unevenness. Also check for cracks on sidewall. Chariots of Fire Customs, LLC carries Metzler brand tires and has most sizes in stock.
4. Chariots of Fire recommends a full service every 5,000 miles. If you haven’t at that mileage call Jan and schedule a time to bring your motorcycle in to have it done. If you had it completes before winter check your air cleaner to make sure the air flows correctly.
5. Check your throttle and clutch cable. Excess slack can cause problems that can contribute to an accident. Checking cables is a good time to lube them. The best way is pressure lube with a good quality cable lubricant and a cable lubing tool.
6. Make sure all lights are operational including your speedometer and high beam indicator lights.
7. Inspect brakes and brake lines. Make sure lines have no cracks and fittings aren’t leaking. Also check your rotors and pads. If you have to replace your rotors due to excessive wear you should replace your brake pads too. Check your brake fluids, clean around the reservoir cap before removing to avoid contamination.
8. Check all nuts and bolts, pay close attention to front and rear motor mounts, gas tank and fenders, belt/chain guards, and mirrors. Also make sure the spokes on your wheels are tight (if you have spokes). This should be done yearly or every 10,000 miles.

I hope this has been helpful and will make your riding time safer. Always remember Chariots of Fire Customs, LLC is here for any questions or items you may need. Go on Facebook and let us know which tip was most helpful. Don’t forget we have our website back up with a new look and we are constantly updating our calendar for any events that are coming up. Keep the shiny side up!

Here is a list of fifteen reasons why you like Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  These are in random order.  When you have read through them all, please go to our Facebook page and let us know what your number one reason is: Facebook.

1. We have a customer lounge.

2. You can’t buy your way to the front of the line for service or pull strings (just ask Jan’s son-in-law).

3. We give back to the community.

4. We have a friendly face behind the counter and I’m not talking about the one with a beard.

5. We have extraordinary specials on tires in March and April. Hint Hint click for details.

6. We are honest.

7. We trailer bikes in for service for free November – March.

8. Hugs from Reine.

9. We go the extra mile. For example, Jan rebuilt a carburetor on the side of the highway for a fellow biker heading to Sturgis.

10. We take phone calls after hours.

11. Jan does not let a bike leave the shop unless it is right.

12. We have competitive pricing on parts.

13. Our logo is really cool.

14. We picked out a very smooth Jack Daniels Single Barrel select. To find out how the process works tap here.

15. We love and appreciate YOU!

Come visit us on March 21st to see just how much you are appreciated.  We will have live music from noon – 3pm Mike and Jeff Acoustic Rock Show, snacks and swag.  Our newly designed tenth anniversary t-shirts will be out by then.  To view more events for our tenth anniversary year, check out our calendar.

By: Reine Knobbe

Posing with a larger than life statue of Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel in front of the natural, limestone filtered spring they still get water from today.

For the past six months we have been promoting our Tenth Anniversary commemorative bottles of Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select. Jan, myself, Jack connoisseur and son-in-law Clayton, daughter Marie as well as Mike and Pam Collins set out for Lynchburg, Tennessee early one Saturday morning.  Mike was the catalyst for this trip as he invited us on a tour of the distillery last spring.  The mood of the morning was a little sleepy, however, as the day progressed anticipation and excitement grew.

We drove straight through to Lynchburg, TN, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy a nice “grilled cheese on crack” sandwich at the Barrelhouse BBQ restaurant.  It was only a short walk from there to the distillery.  Our host, Jason, made us feel very welcome. The private tour started with photo ops.  We then walked across the property to the flag pole where the Jack Daniels flag was flying in our honor.  Next we headed to the Bethel house where the selection took place.

The Bethel house is the home of the first visitor’s center.  The mood was set.  There was a long table set up at the far end of the room with a large fireplace behind. Three small brandy shaped glasses were set and filled with caramel colored whiskey at each of our seats. As we got settled, Jason pointed out the barrel wall we walked through upon entering the room is made from the first barrels cracked open after prohibition.  Cool huh?

Jason shared his passion for tasting by first explaining the process.  Master selectors pull a hundred barrels and look for three flavor profiles; caramel, vanilla and toasted oak.  Barrels that meet these flavors are then left to age another year or two.  Seven master tasters determine if a barrel is worthy to become single barrel select.  Less than 2% of Jack Daniels sales are single barrels. And we got one! Continue Reading →

First things first, if you are putting your bike away for the year, change your oil and put stabilizer in it. We are going to be running a special in November. Continue Reading →

Another racing season is slowly coming to an end.

I started this past weekend by showing our Super Gas and Funny Bike down at Doc’s Harley Davidson alongside Eddie Crawic and Andrew Hines, Pro Stock Harley racers. John Force and Rob Hight Funny Car Champions, were also there.  Continue Reading →

I’ve used many aftermarket parts over the span of thirty plus years (twenty personal and almost ten here at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC).  Vendors from Accutronix to Zipper products.  What I have found to be most innovative and helpful for large displacement motors in the bagger/touring class is the extra capacity oil pan.  The other product is the Direct Drive 7 speed transmissions (DD7).

Continue Reading →