Day Trips

Keith Hennessy shows off his road hogs. (Photo By Gerald E. McLeod)

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals of Austin gives their customers the thrill of a lifetime exploring the back roads of the Hill Country on the back of a new, high-performance Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

The rumble of the road has attracted riders from metropolitan centers around the state, the U.S., Europe, and Asia looking for the romance of the open highway. "We're the gateway to the American West," Keith Hennessy, owner of the local EagleRider franchise, says of Austin. "What better way to explore God's country than on a top-of-the-line Harley?"

Since Hennessy opened his shop on South Lamar last December, it has become one of the fastest-growing Harley-Davidson rental franchises in the United States. His 18 sleek hogs are on the road almost every weekend. Orders have already been placed to add 22 more new Harleys to his fleet that ranges from the fully equipped, decked-out Electra Glide to the streamlined Sportsters.

"Where else can a guy have so much fun for $3.60 an hour?" Hennessy asks with a laugh and a wink. Rental rates run $75 to $145 for a 24-hour period with unlimited mileage. The price includes helmet, locks, and insurance. "For an extra 15 bucks, I'll throw in a full set of leather riding gear," he says. The temporary Harley-Davidson tattoo is complimentary.

Bricklayers to bankers have taken Hennessy up on his offer to experience the American Dream of riding the highways on the "Rolls Royce" of motorcycles. He says the thundering power of the machines on the open road "can be a real stress reliever."

Ninety-eight percent of Hennessy's customers are seasoned riders, and all have at least a year's experience with big bikes. Sixty percent of his renters are from out of town looking for a vacation adventure. Hennessy offered Bruce Springsteen the use of a new Harley-Davidson while he was in town. He even offered to let him ride it to Houston, Springsteen's next tour stop.

Austinites who rent the sparkling new bikes are usually someone who had a motorcycle, but it went away for some reason, Hennessy says, whether it was because of a marriage, the need for all-weather transportation, or they just didn't have time for it. "You don't have to own a Harley to enjoy it now," he says. Also, the rental arrangement gives prospective buyers a chance to testdrive the motorbikes before they buy.

"A motorcycle can be a major investment," Hennessy says; he's been riding for more than 25 years. Most dealers won't let you test-drive a $24,000 bike for 24 hours, while Hennessy often offers special weekday rates for shoppers.

The former engineer is currently putting a brand-new, purple 2000 Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce through its initial break-in period before adding it to the list of rentals. The rare machine is not available for purchase. If you ordered one from a dealer it would be next year's model, Hennessy says.

Before a bike is added to the fleet, the staff drives it 1,000 miles to break it in. Every bike is detailed after it is returned. Scratched and dented parts are immediately replaced. "I want everyone to have the experience of riding a new Harley," he says. Hennessy only keeps an EagleRider in his stock for about 15,000 miles before it is replaced with a newer model.

Riding a steel and chrome horse off into the Texas sunset is the ultimate adventure not just for many Americans, but Europeans too. Hennessy has gotten a number of calls and e-mail messages from foreign countries. Recently, two Germans headed out on a 21-day tour of America and Canada. "They were on the musical tour from Austin up to Memphis and to San Francisco," says Tony Garcia, station manager.

Two of three Germans who recently started a 15-day tour of the Southwest didn't know much English, "except barbecue, beer, and table dance," Hennessy says. "I think they'll get along just fine." Motorcycles are much more a part of the culture in Europe where gasoline prices are more than double what they are in America.

Whether the renters are American or foreign visitors, Hennessy goes the extra mile to be sure they find the sights they are interested in. He has itineraries made up to emphasize historical sites, music venues, and even a tour of the Beaumont area called "Janis Joplin's Playground."

"We ask [the renters] what they like to do and then recommend a driving tour," Hennessy says. He has already caught the attention of the concierges of Austin's major hotels who regularly send him customers. Although he has a list of bed and breakfast inns around Texas, some riders prefer to take a tour and then return to Austin for the night.

Whether they just want to tour the Highland Lakes and stop for a burger and coffee at the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, or are looking for the scenic route to the Big Bend, Hennessy and Garcia are part travel agent as well as motorcycle enthusiasts. "We have so much fun with it," Hennessy says, "we like to send people to the same places we like to go." And EagleRider sends them there in style.

EagleRider franchises are also located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Orlando, and Phoenix. The Austin office is at 2300 S. Lamar. To reserve a Harley in your name, call 442-7539 or check out their Web site at http://www.eaglerideraustin.com.

Coming up this weekend ...

King William Fair in the historic district south of downtown San Antonio has a quaint air as the bands fill the parks and vendors line the streets, April 29. 210/271-3247.

Eeyore's Birthday in Round Top at the Winedale Historical Center combines Shakespearean performances with country fun, April 28-29. 409/278-3530.

Viking Festival in Georgetown's San Gabriel Park features cultural displays, food, and fun, April 29-30. 800/439-5686 or http://www.vikingfest.com.

Coming up ...

Eyeopener: Classic Tour treats mom to a Mother's Day she won't forget with a guided tour of folk-art sites around Houston with the Orange Show Foundation, May 14. 713/926-6368 or http://www.orangeshow.org.

"Texas Music Frontiers," a new exhibit at the Southwestern Writers Collection of Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos traces the history of Texas music, May 1-July 31. 512/245-2313.