Harley Fun in Miami (continued from previous post)

This post was written by Michael on May 31, 2009
Posted Under: Comments on Franchisors

My (rented) Harley

Continued from..
I called EagleRider and asked about availability. They were polite, efficient and helpful on the phone and after a quick licence check, I booked a Harley for bright and early the next day. It was going to be a bit more expensive than a hire car, but what the heck, I’d leave it off the expense report and pay for it myself, who knows if I’d ever get the chance again.
It was some way out of town, but sort-of easy to find. Easy for normal people, anyway. I always have trouble following directions in an unfamilair place. The office and showroom workshop were pleasant and spotless, there were minimal staff on duty, all fairly young, but after following a well defined set of procedures they had me standing in front of my gleaming chariot after just a few minutes of red tape.
The advertisement had said something about “training provided” and when I asked about it the staff member pointed to the large parking area and said, “you can practise in there, if you like”. Oh well, what did I expect?
I was asked to do a walk-around inspection if the bike, I did and it was spotless, absolutely perfect. I remember though that at the time in my mind, there appeared an image of a dented tank and smashed headlight superimposed upon an image of my credit card.
It was a nice motorcycle to ride, much better than I thought it would be and it was just great to be on the open road and on a bike again. I found Fort Lauderdale, the address I needed to find and a safe place to park the bike easily. The colleagues I met at the seminar didn’t believe that I had really rented a bike for the trip and probably still don’t. Especially a Harley. None of them ever got to see it. It didn’t matter, after the meetings were over, I had big plans for some quality time, alone with my new toy.
I rode for hours that evening. I got lost a few times, but on a warm Miami night, who cares? The next day was Saturday and I enjoyed many more miles of cruising and especially enjoyed going up and down Collins Avenue, soaking in the sights of that fascinating city. I feel that I got to know Miami much better than I would have while sitting behind the wheel of a hire car.
One thing that was unexpected was my sudden induction into the Harely Club. Every other Harely rider waved and the ones that pulled up along side at traffic lights would either give a serious nod of brotherhood, or say something like “cool bike, man”. There is something really unique about the Harley brand name. I mean how many other registered trade marks get tattooed on people’s chests?
When I finally took the bike back, EagleRiders was busy with eight or ten customers picking up or dropping off their hired motorcycles, doing their walk around inspections. It seems popular with the greying baby-boomer set and many customers obviously like to ride in company with two or three others. My bike was still spotless, I hadn’t put a mark on it and my credit card was safe! But I was really tempted to extend my stay and keep the bike for a few more days.
I have to tell you the whole experience was fabulous. The quiet no-fuss efficiency of EagleRiders, the excellent motorbikes they had to choose from, burbling up and down Collins Avenue and roaring along an open highway. It was all great.
This franchise, like so many other franchises, is so well run, that there is really nothing you can find to complain about and one day, if I am in the right city, the weather is good and there is an EagleRiders franchisee in town, I’m going to do it again.