Letters of importance and magnitude…

Dear Willie D and the fine people at Harley Davidson,

Thank you for crafting such a beautiful machine in the Electra Glide Classic. I was pleasantly surprised with the ride, the comfort, the handling, the performance and the Harmon Kardon audio system. I’m especially grateful for two things:

(1) The AUX plug on the radio is great. I brought my iPod on the trip, but was only expecting to use it on the plane. I was pleasantly surprised to see it on your radio. After buying an AUX cord at a local Radio Shack, I treated myself to hours and hours of my own selections rather than having to scan for radio stations.

(2) Your thoughtful installation of a reserve gas tank beyond the actual fuel gauge reading is BRILLIANT! There are people in the world who push the edges on many things. I am one of those people, Willie D. I pushed the edge of the gas tank capacity while traveling along “Alligator Alley” in Florida.

Did I mention there are three exits along this 70 mile stretch? F’ing Florida…that’s another letter. Anywho, when the digital odometer on your fine machine went from a mileage reading to a “number of miles left in the reserve tank” reading, I was most pleased. My heart did sink when it went from 10 to “Lo,” but I made it to a gas station.

In summary, you may have won yourself a future customer, H-D. I enjoyed the ride and would do it again. As much as I have tried to avoid becoming a Harley rider in the past, I’m on board now.

Yours in keeping the rubber side down and rolling,
GMan

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Dearest State of Florida,

First, thanks for the great state. What you do with Key West, in particular, is amazing and worthy of more praise than I can offer in one measly letter. Keep up the good work.

Second, thanks to your people of Charlotte County for electing Pat S. as the Chairperson of the Board at the Charlotte County Airport. She orchestrated a merry band of applause-bearing and Santa hat-wearing greeters for the first flight ever to arrive from Portsmouth, NH. Additionally, when confronted with no taxis at her airport and me needing a ride to Fort Myers Harley Davidson, she offered me a ride herself. How’s that for service? Keep her happy.

Third, but no so happily, I have a big gripe with your highway system. Along Alligator Alley, you only have three exits. At the first exit, you post a sign saying “Next exit 26 miles.” I’m here to tell you, Florida, that sign is for crap. It was 40+ miles to the next exit, then seven or eight miles to the nearest gas station. Work on that one, sunshine boy. “In God We Trust.” Apparently. Sheesh.

Yours in all things sunny and non-Disney,
Greg

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Dear Citgo station just off of 829 near the Florida Panther Habitat,

Thanks for being there and thanks for selling gasoline. You were a life saver. Your prices weren’t outrageous. Kudos.

One more thing, Citgo. Your men’s room was among the most disgusting I’ve ever encountered. I know you’re busy with the gasoline portion of the business, but a little attention here could go a long way.

Yours in filling up and cleanliness,
Gregory

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Dear Brain,

What is it about us that chooses not to acknowledge a fuel gauge until a warning light is on? Why must we produce an adrenaline-pumping dash to a gas station along a remote Florida interstate? When we see a “Next exit 26 miles” sign, why don’t we exit, fill up the tank and have a leisurely ride to our destination? Let me know when you have an answer. I’m curious. I’ll poke you with a Q-Tip if we ever do this again. You knew better. Where were you?

Yours in creating drama,
G