(This review is only for their rental department.)
After planning a trip to Colorado to cool off from the hottest summer ever recorded in Austin, I decided to take it a step further and rent a bike to ride into the mountains.
I looked into renting a BMW first because that's what I own, but the only BMW rental service I could find required a 2-week reservation. I didn't know exactly what day I would be able to ride, so I decided to go with Mile High Harley since they didn't require a reservation.
I was curious / worried about how a big bike would handle tight curves and possible wet weather in the mountains, but it also sounded like fun, so I decided on a Road King Classic. It's a big touring model with lots of chrome, saddlebags, floorboards and enough style to match the 1584cc engine.
I got to the dealership on a perfect weather day. Sunny and 73 degrees in the city. I was truly stoked to get out of town and ride.
At the rental desk, there were friendly and helpful staff to greet me and go over the necessary paperwork. They supplied me with a helmet, raingear (thank the Lord, because I flew up there ill-equipped), and a booklet of map routes for my riding pleasure. I chose a 220-mile loop into the Rocky Mountain National Park / Estes Park.
After taxes and the minimum insurance, it cost $183 for 24 hours.
I know that's a lot, compared to a car, but that's actually the going rate for most bikes. Believe me. I checked.
It was worth every penny. I had such a good time on that ride, I'd say it was the best ride I've ever had.
The best way to view the Rocky Mountains in the Summer is definitely aboard a motorcycle. I suppose the view would be even better on the back of the bike, so you don't have to watch where you're going, but then you wouldn't have the joy of the throttle at your fingertips.
When I brought the Road King back the next morning, they checked the bike over for damages, and gave me my receipts. With that, they also handed me a nice Thank You card signed by everyone in the department and a souvenir poker chip. Nice touch.
They had a tent sale going on that day in the parking lot, and when I tried to leave, I was drawn to sit on a few used models. The friendly saleswoman just about sold me a Springer Softail. I had to leave immediately before I gave in to impulse.
I think they know that people fresh from a mountain ride are still high on life and easy to persuade.
I still want one of my own. read more