OREGON – If you want to get Monica Miller to smile, mention motorcycles.
Miller, an Oregon native and owner of Kneez in the Breeze, has been riding for 20 years. And her love of riding has led her to open her store, which specializes in biker apparel.
Area rides know that Ogle County is a great place to ride, with many scenic and fun routes. But once out in the county, Miller said there was no place for riders to stop if they needed any gear.
“There’s really nothing for anybody,” she said.
There is now, and Miller’s business, located at 215 W. Washington St., has items for bikers who live in or are traveling through the area.
“That’s why I picked this location,” she said.
She opened on Oct. 2, the weekend of Autumn on Parade. But to keep it going during the winter months, Miller said her store, which is housed in a large building, has taken on consignment business. So, people can find anything from jams and jellies to sporting good and a wide variety of other items.
And yes, that includes motorcycle parts.
“Eventually, want to get rid of consignment and do just motorcycle stuff,” she said.
That would mean more leather – chaps, jackets and even riding boots.
That would be a good fit for Miller, who helped start the local riding club Bitch’n Bulldogs. And her club, like most motorcycle clubs, is all about riding for a cause.
She said that last year, Bitch’n Bulldogs raised $11,000 for people suffering with medical issues. One ride last August raised money for a 5-year-old Oregon girl suffering from lymphoma.
Miller would love for her store to be a center for riders in the region to stop. It will also be a jumping off point for future rides.
“I am a rider,” Miller said with a smile. “I’m all about speed.”
Customers can keep up with the current items Miller has to offer on her Facebook page.
