Got Green? By Reine Knobbe

We here at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC enjoy seeing everyone and appreciate how you have helped us grow.  We want to spread that growth to others in our motorcycle community.  We realize that there is life outside of riding and want to highlight and bring business to our fellow riders.

We all have green.  Some of us more than others, however I am not talking about money green.  I’m talking green space.  Some of us have big yards.  Some of us have little yards.  Some of us have acres.  Most of us can take care of our own space.  There are always those times that extra help is needed.  I now know who to refer you to.  Ronnie King of King’s Tree Service LLC.

Ronnie’s specialty is tree removal.  “Big or small, we will remove them all” is his motto.  Ronnie has 20 years of experience with tree removal and has owned his own business for three years.  Besides tree removal they also do other yard work such as retaining wall tear outs; fencing repair; emergency storm damage service also.  That’s right, King’s Tree Service LLC will come out any time day or night to remove trees blocking roads or driveways.  If you are in need of a service Ronnie can’t do, Ronnie will subcontract out a service and make it part of his bill so there is only one fee and one contractor to deal with.  Once you enter into a service agreement with King’s Tree Service LLC, no money is collected until the job is completed, including all yard clean up, to your satisfaction.  Customer satisfaction is extremely important to Ronnie.

I went to King’s Tree Service LLC’s facebook page and read most of the reviews.  They were all glowing!  The following terms were repeated often:  knowledgeable; dependable; honest; trustworthy; professional; fantastic!  I’m not surprised after interviewing Ronnie and learning that he gives discounts to military, seniors, and first responders.  Every year he has a contest for up to $1000 towards tree care on his facebook page.  To enter you need to explain why you are in need and deserve his help.  Ronnie is typical of most big bikers I know.  Big and strong and yet really a teddy bear inside.  I say this because Ronnie understands people.  If Ronnie tells you that a tree must come down because of disease; damage; or safety reasons and that tree has sentimental value to you, he will replace that tree with another for free.  Ronnie will also give you advice, even if you do not contract him out for his services.  You can contact Ronnie on his Facebook page King’s Tree Service LLC; [email protected] or 636-345-7902.

Ronnie’s big heart spills over into the motorcycle world as well.  Ronnie has been riding for ten years (took a while to be able to afford to ride).  In those ten years Ronnie has built up lasting friendships.  Not surprisingly, Ronnie’s core group is filled with others that want to help people.  In May of 2019 they created 4 H.E.L.P.  (Helping Everyone Live Peasefully) a nonprofit 501C3 entity.  Ronnie is the president.  Their purpose is to help everyone they can specifically bullying; suicide; financial aide after life’s difficulties such as a fire.  A tall order indeed for a new organization!  If you need any kind of support with life’s difficulties, contact 4 H.E.L.P.  at [email protected] or they have a Facebook page also.

Please be sure to give King’s Tree Service LLC your business.  Let’s help him grow as you have helped us grow! 

Many blessings, Peace Out, Reine

If you want your business featured in our monthly newsletter, please contact Reine at 636-775-1385 or [email protected]

2019 Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition

Rosie was assigned to pick out this year’s fundraiser.  She did a terrific job!  After reading the following statistics, you’ll agree.  Currently, as I am typing this, there are over 14,500 children in Missouri foster care.  Over 4,500 are in foster care in the seven county area that Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition serve (St. Louis City; St. Louis County; St. Charles; Lincoln; Warren; Jefferson; and Franklin Counties).  Ten years ago there were 9,000 children in foster care across Missouri, a 42% increase in the last ten years.  The opioid epidemic is the primary reason.  According to the CDC, approximately 150 people die daily nationwide from opioids.  Children stay in care longer because of relapse.  Since 2007, there has been a 400-500% increase in babies addicted to opioids. 

Kyle, with Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition stated that he wanted people to know the following:  we often hear in the news that there is a shortage of foster parents.  Kyle stated that is not necessarily the case.  Many good people come forward to become foster parents.  The problem was that 60% quit after the first year and more drop the second year.  The good news is that in 2017 The Jones Family Program was started and they have a 95% retention rate after only two years! 

I am very pleased with Rosie for finding such a worthy fundraiser for this year.  Another important statistic is that 95% of the funds go to the children.  On June 1st the weather was wonderful; Midlife Crisis entertained us; Taormina’s fed us; Pawn Bucks donated the gun to raffle; Don Nolen came up with another cool “Best of Paint” trophy; Jan & Sparky put together a hip “Best of Show” trophy; and those that attended were more than generous.  A special thank you to:   Oggie for helping with set up and tear down; Cindy for helping with registration; and Tammy for helping sell the 50/50 tickets.  And, as always, thank you to all of you who attended and made the day the success that it was! 

Peace Out,  Reine

2018 End Alzheimer’s, by Reine J. Knobbe

First of all I would like to apologize for not writing this article for a year.  So reflections is a very good way to look at it.  Kind of ironic that I have to work on pulling up memories from a past event with the fundraiser being Alzheimer’s Association, don’t you think?

When searching for a fundraiser each year, we first think about the people around us and what is having an impact on people’s lives.  There is a couple in the Chariots circle that is experiencing and living with Alzheimer’s.  It has also impacted my life as I watched my grandmother go from driving me to church (a little too fast/I know where I get my lead foot from!), to going to a nursing home.  It wasn’t easy.  Back then it wasn’t uncommon to “tie” up residents that wandered off.  Thank God there have been great advances made.  There is still work to be done which is why we chose Alzheimer’s Association.  The second thing we ask is how much money actually goes to research and community outreach?   The Alzheimer’s Association national organization meets or exceeds relevant watchdog standards in its allocation of donor dollars. Great fit for our fundraising efforts!

If memory serves me correctly, Catfish Willie entertained us.  I do remember setting up the silent auction tables outside in front of the garage door; pulling them in because it started to drizzle; then putting them out; then pulling them back in!  The rain held off the rest of the day, however attendance was down slightly because of it.  Don Nolen of Extreme Rides painted up a unique “Best of Paint” trophy.  Overall it was a wonderful day as we were able to raise funds for a good cause as everyone that did show up was very generous!  We are so very blessed with very giving customers!  Special thanks to our staff and terrific volunteers.

Luxurious Concepts

We here at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC enjoy seeing everyone and appreciate how you have helped us grow.  We want to spread that growth to others in our motorcycle community.  We realize that there is life outside of riding and want to highlight and bring business to our fellow riders.

Summer time, summer time!  This month’s featured business is Luxurious Concepts LLC.  Think relaxing on your patio with a lovely custom built fireplace.  Need a built in bar and grill next to it?  Bo Hawkins at Luxurious Concepts LLC can make your dream a reality!  Bo specializes in custom masonry work.  I went to his website (Luxuriousconcepts.com) and Facebook page to check out some of his work.  The photos I’m sure don’t do his work justice.  Beautiful work! 

Bo has twenty two years of masonry experience.  Being the type of man that likes to stay busy, when he was laid off of work, instead of trying to find a new job, or waiting for business to pick up where he was working, Bo decided to open his own shop.  Bo told several people that he was going out on his own.  With no prior business experience Bo was going all in on his dream to be a business owner.  After all, he said it out loud to several people and he is a man of his word!

When you call Luxurious Concepts LLC, rest assured that you are dealing with a top notch company.  Bo does not cut corners; customer service is a priority; communication is key; Bo is a man of his word; Bo’s integrity is important to him; all jobs are completed right the first time; Bo is proud to state that he has not had to go back and fix his masonry work.  Very impressive for having been in business for eight years! 

In business for eight years and riding since age two.  Bo’s father had him on the four wheeler at two; dirt bike at four; first dirt bike race at eight; started riding Harley’s around 13 or 14; crotch rockets in his twenties; back to Harley full time.  Bo enjoys hanging out up at our shop and is at many of our events.  So next time you are up here, just ask if Bo is around I’ll be sure to introduce you.  Or better yet, give Bo a call yourself and tell him I sent you 314-280-8836.

Many Blessings, Peace Out, Reine

If you want your business featured in our monthly newsletter, please contact Reine at 636-775-1385 or [email protected]

We All Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends. By Reine Knobbe

We here at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC enjoy seeing everyone and appreciate how you have helped us grow.  We want to spread that growth to others in our motorcycle community.  We realize that there is life outside of riding and want to highlight and bring business to our fellow riders.

May is motorcycle awareness month and also tornado season!  I don’t need to preach to the choir about the importance of riding safely and I’m sure you all know to duck and cover when the weather gets dicey.  So, with that being said, I thought we would highlight Steve Swarts Roofing and Siding as our featured business.  I hope your homes are all safe from high winds and hail this season, but if not, Steve’s your guy.

Steve has been in the roofing industry since age 16.  That in and of itself should tell you what a hard worker he is.  Steve opened his own business four years ago.  Since roofing is such seasonal work, he expanded his business to decks, remodels; just about anything a handyman can help you with.  Steve will even travel out of state when needed to help folks hit hard by Mother Nature.  He is very humble and I had to pry out how important community is to him.  We know this personally as Steve supports Lincoln County Bike Nights.  Steve also sponsors local baseball teams, sheriff’s department and has even been known to donate a roof for a family facing hard times.  He’s that kind of guy.

Motorcycles?  Well, Steve owns three.  He has been riding since age 7 from dirt bikes to street bikes.  Him and his wife, Tammy have been to Sturgis seven or eight times.  When pressed to give me a favorite riding story, Steve stated every ride is “awesome” and that he feels very blessed to have the freedom to ride.  As we all know stress is left behind when we are riding.

Please be sure to give Steve Swarts your business.  Let’s help him grow as you have helped us grow! 

Many blessings, peace out, Reine

If you want your business featured in our monthly newsletter, please contact Reine at 636-775-1385 or [email protected]

Here’s to Spring and Growth. By Reine Knobbe

  How wonderful it is to finally be spring!  The warmer weather brings everyone out and about.  The rain and sun bring growth and opportunity.  We here at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC enjoy seeing everyone and appreciate how you have helped us grow.  We want to spread that growth to others in our motorcycle community.  We realize that there is life outside of riding and want to highlight and bring business to our fellow riders.

  One business that tends to be seasonal similar to motorcycle riding is the bridal industry.  Many weddings happen in the spring, summer, and fall.  This winter Mustard Seed Rental and Events LLC opened its doors.  Pam and Suzy saw the need for a local rental company last year.  Suzy’s daughter was married and Suzy found it challenging to find a place to rent everything she needed.  Pam just so happens to be a wedding planner at a local church and a long time friend of Suzy.  And so Mustard Seed Rental and Events was born!

  Both women want to make the process of planning a large event extra special by taking some of the pressures off those planning big events.  They enjoy being a part of whatever celebration it may be.  They don’t just rent out items for weddings, they have been involved in renting items for prom, birthdays, showers, local businesses have rented out chairs, if you have a party or meeting need, call them at 636-775-2244 for more information.  Their building, located at 451 Main Street, is a great space for meetings and parties.  Yes you can rent a room!  Pam and Suzy specialize in making each event unique to your specific tastes.  One example is a wedding where the groom wanted golf included somehow.  The girls put their heads together and came up with unique idea of golf tees in the boutonniere among other ideas.  Way to go girls involving the groom!

  Pam became a motorcycle enthusiast ten years ago when she met Chad.  They showed up at all of our dinner runs back in the day when we went out every Thursday evening for a ride and dinner.  Pam enjoys watching how different people from many walks of life enjoy the sport.  Motorcyclists have their own “spirited brotherhood”.  When someone goes down, everybody rallies around them.  Pam has also spear headed the annual Troy Ride Against Suicide.

  Please be sure to give Mustard Seed Rental and Events LLC your business.  Let’s help them grow as you have helped us grow! 

Many blessings, peace out,  Reine

If you want your business featured in our monthly newsletter, please contact Reine at 636-775-1385 or [email protected]

Which Wheel Would Work Your Wonder?

   When creating a custom look for your bike turn to wheels. You have two choices, it shouldn’t be hard right? Well, let’s hear Tommy’s thoughts from the parts counter. He has seen folks turning more toward billet wheels lately. With the array of different styles and designs, you can find something that goes with the flow of any motorcycle.

   Billet wheels have many advantages. To start, they provide greater stability at higher speeds compared to spoke wheels. Also, inner tubes and rim strips become unnecessary.  So the only con for a billet wheel seems to be the higher cost.

   Spoke wheels still carry the classic traditional look for most motorcycles. Whether it is the standard cross laces spoke or the radial fat spokes there are many options to make your spoke wheels be a little different than the next guy. When you get into the detail of your spokes and nipples many more decisions come into play.    How many spokes, diamond spokes, twisted spokes, chrome nipples, colored nipples…  So many options! The only cons Tommy sees with the spoke wheels are the extra cost for a tube and rim strip each time you replace a tire and the amount of time it takes to keep them shiny and clean.

   Remember, when installing anything new to your bike, always go with quality! A couple of the top sellers we offer here are DNA, Performance Machine, R.C. Components, Arlen Ness and SMT.

 

Think of Her. By: Reine Knobbe

    Our tech department has written some great blogs the past couple of months on upgrading your ride.  They are full of really good advice and knowledge about how to make your engine fit your riding style.  And I’m all about that!  Everyone knows I enjoy riding behind Jan and going on long trips on a fast, dependable machine.  Not only are our motorcycles dependable they are comfortable.  I can ride for long distances, often gas tank to gas tank, because the passenger seat works.  If your passenger is not comfortable, well, we’ve all heard that saying “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”!

   I’m writing about this following our winter vacation in 2017.  With shorter days and a short opening to take off, Jan and I flew out to Arizona and borrowed a motorcycle.  We were so very blessed to have a good friend lend us his motorcycle as they were back here during our visit.  Jan and I were all too happy and honored to borrow his ride.  Jan could attest to the bike being dependable since all maintenance is completed here at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  This particular motorcycle has the original factory seat.  Works great for the driver, however not so much the passenger (now I’m not complaining, just being honest as I know the person we borrowed the bike from is reading this also).  I did not last for more than an hour without having Jan pull over so I could stretch.  Especially after a few days of riding.

   I am telling you this story because I want you to think about your passenger.  When upgrading your baby, think about your baby on the back.  The motorcycle we borrowed, well his baby has her own ride, so the seat works for him.  If your honey likes to ride behind you and cuddle and whisper sweet nothings in your ear like I do with Jan, you better make sure her fanny is comfy!  Girls, this one’s for you!  Come by the shop and mention this article and we will give you 20% off any seat.  I HIGHLY recommend a Mustang seat. 

It Takes a Village. By Reine Knobbe

I don’t know about the rest of the world, but 2018 absolutely flew by for those of us working at Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  Jan and I could not have built our beautiful new building without the help and support of our staff.  We did our best to keep everything even-keeled on a daily basis and kept the shop open and “business as usual”.  Quite frankly, I’m amazed that I was able to keep up with all of our events.  Working with our great team made this challenge feasible.  

 

Sparky kept the work flow on the shop end going when Jan was called away to the job site.  Rosie, always with a smile, managed customers, social media, and followed up with all the scheduled events.  Tommy, our newest addition, was thrown into the parts and service position in the middle of the build with little to no official training. Doing an excellent job I might ad.  Jan and I are so very blessed!

 

We are also very fortunate to have built up a wonderful customer base.  Jan and I work very hard at having a place that you can feel comfortable coming to, knowing that our staff is knowledgeable, honest, and easy to talk to.  Jan and I wanted to make sure our new facility would reflect that comfort.  The color palate, cabinets, wall textures, and lighting are all meant to be inviting and calming.  A place you can come to for reliable service in a relaxed, unpressured atmosphere.  How fortunate we are to have you as our customer!

There were some fun times preparing for the building:  going antiquing last winter; picking out lighting and cabinets; endless hours at hardware stores choosing paint and brick; Jan choosing those great front doors!  Then came the actual building itself.  Our contractors were all great to work with getting the bones of the building up.  Then it came our turn to finish the interior.  Thank God for all our volunteers!  I’m afraid I might inadvertently leave someone out, so I’m not naming any names, but know how much we appreciate every paint brush stroke, screws, nails, plumbing, brick, stone, cleaning etc. that went into our building.  Blood (a couple spots can still be seen), sweat and tears (mostly Reine . . .) went into this facility.  I figured it took us 15 weeks of working evenings and weekends from the time we got started on the inside until the weekend we moved in.  

 

They say it takes a village to raise a child.  Well our baby is no different!  It takes a village to help a small business grow.  Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom our hearts!  Here’s wishing you a blessed holiday season.  Time to celebrate the blessings and, yes, the heart aches of 2018 (for we learn from them).  God bless us, everyone!

Peace Out,  Reine

To Bore or Not to Bore? by Amanda “Rosie” Lotter

   More than likely you know there are many ways to improve the “get up and go” factor on your bike. But, did you know how inexpensive and efficient a Big Bore Kit could be for you? Before doing this research I really wasn’t sure what this process entailed and now I have to admit, I am impressed with S&S Performance. Not only have they made Big Bore Kits easily accessible to us, but they have damn near perfected the procedure. Supplying us with everything we need including great tech support and amazing prices, there is no better option on the market.

   The S&S Bore Kit is the ideal combination of performance and savings, designed to transform your motorcycle without breaking the bank. Now, will this kit fit your bike? S&S offers two different kits for both Harley’s Twin Cam and M8. The 100”/110” kit will fit 1999-2017 Harley-Davidson big twins (except 2006 Dyna models and 2017 touring models). The 124″ kit will fit 2017-2019 Harley-Davidson M8 Models.

   For a limited time these kits are available at an even lower price. If knowing you’re getting the best on the market doesn’t sell you on this then maybe saving up to $400 during the month of November will do the trick. You know you’re going to park your baby for the winter anyway. Why not use this time to give that motor an ultimate facelift? You won’t regret it.