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Ever Vigilant By: Alan Ayers

As a new Rider I have no delusions of being an expert. I understand that as a new rider you have to stay vigilant at all times making sure you don’t take things for granted. I hope that by sharing my experience you may learn from my mistake.

I have been riding since September of last year and have gone approximately 2500 miles.  One of my difficulties is keeping control at slow speeds.  I have worked on this by going into parking lots and doing maneuvers at slow speeds. I find it amazing that a large motorcycle (Electra Glide Ultra Classic) handles so well.  Now I have another issue. My driveway is gravel, slopped, and curved.  I take my time and make sure I go slow enough and don’t panic (which makes me go tense and thus unable to turn). I think in the time I have been riding I have done fairly good at coming in and out of my garage, and riding on the gravel. Continue Reading →

Family and Motorcyclist By Jim and Abby Childers

My wife and I road to Cullman AL for a graduation party for my nephew where my family was getting together as a mini family reunion. I had not seen part of my family in 4 years and so much had happened. This was also Donna’s first major road trip in three years.

I was supposed to be writing this article while I was there but was having difficulty coming up with anything that I liked or felt passionate about. I got the bright idea that I would ask my college bound niece to help me write this article (I was hoping she would write while I dictated the ideas and she would make it work). Well she kind of turned the table on me and started a brain storming session with most of the family together. Continue Reading →

Getting Ready by: Jan Knobbe

Summer is well underway as is the AHDRA racing season which opened in April.  Our racing season, however, started back in January as we had to find ways to become even more competitive this year.  We consulted with other motorcycle race teams, engine engineers, and frame engineers.  We came up with several strategies.  Our first step was to relieve rolling resistance.  We did this by lightening the drag bike up by changing to super light race wheels.  I mean we went from a 35 lb front wheel and 46 lb rear wheel to an 11.2 lb front wheel and 13.5 lb rear wheel.  Continue Reading →

8th Annual Motorcycle Show by: Biker Bunny

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. Continue Reading →

What is ABATE? by: Jim Childers

Some folks look at me funny when they find out I am the President of TriCounty ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education).  They don’t understand what ABATE for Missouri is or what it is that we do for them and all motorcyclists.

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. Continue Reading →

Drag Racing by: King Jake

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. Continue Reading →

Road Trip By Jan “49%” Knobbe

I ordered a new trailer for the shop just after Thanksgiving and was hoping to pick it up before the new year.  Well, after many calls to the manufacturer checking up on the progress I finally got the call that it was ready to be picked up.  I was as anxious as a kid on Christmas morning to finally get to go and get my new toy.  ROAD TRIP!  Myself and friend Doug Dillon started our journey to Fitzgerald Georgia Friday the thirteenth, not realizing this till about Chattanooga Tennessee.  I probably would have waited a day . . . okay, maybe not. Continue Reading →

Reflections By: Pastor Terry Burke

Well as I sit here thinking of the year to come, my mind reflects to my bike and the up-grades and changes I have made this past year.  As many of you know, this can be a big leap of faith changing your ride up and it can be costly.  So this is where I will share my experiences about Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  It begins back in December of 09;  I had just driven about 1800 miles (nonstop) picking up my new street glide.  I had met Jan and Jim a couple of times, really brief encounters, but thought I’d give them a try.  Well I showed up to unload my bike looking for a ramp and the one I found was not what I was looking for.  It turns out it’s the block wall outside the shop and then Jim decides to go sliding all over the parking lot in the snow to bring the bike in.  So there begins my relationship with the shop.  And it has grown into more than a business relationship, it’s a friendship.  Continue Reading →

Reflections By: Pastor Terry Burke

Well as I sit here thinking of the year to come, my mind reflects to my bike and the up-grades and changes I have made this past year.  As many of you know, this can be a big leap of faith changing your ride up and it can be costly.  So this is where I will share my experiences about Chariots of Fire Customs LLC.  It begins back in December of 09;  I had just driven about 1800 miles (nonstop) picking up my new street glide.  I had met Jan and Jim a couple of times, really brief encounters, but thought I’d give them a try.  Well I showed up to unload my bike looking for a ramp and the one I found was not what I was looking for.  It turns out it’s the block wall outside the shop and then Jim decides to go sliding all over the parking lot in the snow to bring the bike in.  So there begins my relationship with the shop.  And it has grown into more than a business relationship, it’s a friendship.  That’s one thing that’s great about them whether you are new to the biker life or been riding for years, this shop supplies great service.  I have had all my oil changes and services done there along with a power commander and many other things.  The work has always been done professionally, along with good pricing.  Continue Reading →

Goodness Gracious December Already By: Biker Bunny

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.