LET'S GO FOR A RIDE con't from p. 10 Pennsylvania and Kansas City. American made; the brand is American strong! Changing lives and fulfilling dreams, owning a Harley delivers way more than a nice ride. Remembering a lady who attended their Riding Academy Course, Cox says, “She took the class and knew exactly what bike she wanted—a Soft Tail Deluxe teal and white everything with white wall tires. When she saw her custom bike for the first time, she literally cried. It changed her life!” Customizing bikes to the riders is what Harley is all about. Clark assures, “One of the coolest things about Harley Davidson Motorcycle is when you buy a Harley, you’re buying a blank canvas that you can make your own. Owning a Harley is a way of expressing yourself.” Once you’ve picked out your bike, then it’s time to take a ride. Riding is, “Freedom. Total freedom!” exclaims Cox. Clark agrees, “I’m happiest when I’m on my motorcycle riding cross country with the tunes cranked up. I have nowhere to be. I don’t know where I’m staying the night. Some days you have to endure as maybe it rained 500 miles that day, but you feel ALIVE!” Cox adds, “You see things from a bike that you never see from an automobile. Just being able to throw my leg across a motorcycle and ride back and forth to work gives me a whole different perspective of life.” There’s nothing quite like packing your motorcycle for a trip. Riders learn to simply pack what’s needed and no more. Clark explains, “Think about it. We are attached to so many gadgets, but deep down we’re really the happiest being minimalists. On a bike you can escape the mortgage, the computer, all the extras going on. When you take a trip, you need your rain gear, a helmet, jacket, boots, the basics. And you roll.” And the best riding season? Cox exclaims, “Fall—absolutely, bar none! From the second weekend of September when you can feel a little bit of crispness in the air to Thanksgiving is the best riding season. Motorcycle enthusiasts love going to the mountains, one of the most beautiful places in the world to ride, and it’s only three hours away. The most amazing time to visit the NC/SC beaches is in the fall. Just go to the first country road and follow it to the middle of nowhere.” Riding the two lane back roads is a favorite of cyclists. As far as safety is concerned, many resources are available. The best thing you can do, according to Cox, is to take the Riding Academy Course. “As far as safety, riders know the dangers. Start educating yourself and then be confident.” Clark agrees, “Confidence is huge! Ride your own ride; stay within your comfort level; and generally you’ll be safe.” Arriving at the Cox’s Double Eagle name for the new store was a team effort indeed. In addition to using the Cox name, Robbie also wanted to incorporate some golf terminology along with using the Eagle, a representation of America. In the golfing world, a Double Eagle is the highest achievable score for a single hole. LET'S GO FOR A RIDE continued LET'S GO FOR A RIDE continued Including all things family, local, and America, the meaningful name became the perfect name on so many levels. Poised to become a destination dealership, Cox has invested his resources to create a cutting-edge, modern facility, well-stocked inventory, and welcoming sitting areas. Outside, a 60x30 party deck stocked with sinks, cabinets, and built—in grills looks forward to many celebrations. Cox shares, “There will be times when we cook for our customers, but I also hope that riders out on a Saturday afternoon will come, throw some hamburgers on our grills, and enjoy a cook out.” Clark emphasizes, “Our goal for this dealership is to bring the fun of Harley Davidson to the Pinehurst area, to see more riders enjoying life.” The location of the dealership makes a lot of sense. “At first,” begins Cox, “I questioned the location, but once I realized the main corridor— how it sits in the middle of nowhere but in the middle of everything from Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen to Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, Sanford, and all towns south of Raleigh, I was like, ‘That’s how Asheboro is!’ The dealership sits south of Asheboro on 220 and pulls from High Point, Greensboro, Winston Salem, Raleigh.” Ultimately riders want to get away from the city traffic and hit two lane roads with beautiful riding. With a grand opening in the works, the Cox’s Double Eagle family looks forward to an all–day celebration with events listed on their website. As for the best way to stay in touch, Clark tells, “Sign up for our newsletter through our website to receive the weekly email sent on Thursdays.” Cox adds, “We’re also on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook every day.” Welcoming family and friends, customer service reigns at Cox’s Double Eagle. Hoping to bring the same feel of the Asheboro store, many long-time employees commute to Pinehurst. With the rebuild, a new generation grows connections as, “We’re a family— whether you’re an employee or a customer coming in the door,” assures Clark. With 22 employees, the store is ready to serve under the guidance of Jerry Wilson, General Manager who tells, “Truly the staff is inspirational. We strive to be better than anyone else when it comes to customer service. There are many Harley Davidson dealerships in the world, but it’s going to be a long trip before you find such a dedicated, hardworking staff as we have here.” Clark gives me a tour of the building totaling 27,000 square feet with room to fit 100 bikes on the showroom floor. The general merchandise counter leads the way to the customer lounge area, bathrooms, vending, etc. There’s plenty of space to relax while your bike is being serviced. The service department operates six full–service bays with an open–door policy. Customers can talk with their technicians, building the bond between the dealership and the customers. Around the corner, we hear a Harley start up; there’s nothing quite like the sound of that rumble! Clark smiles, “And nothing feels like a Harley.” Kenny Page, a Harley mechanic since 1979, tells, “Being part of the Harley family runs in your blood! I love working on them; I stand behind my work and do it right the first time.” Kenny Page, Harley Mechanic. Kayle Cooper employed with Cox for seven years drives from Asheboro every day and stocks the motor clothes department. Proud of her work, she informs, “I get everybody all geared up and ready to ride. The fashion for riders really never changes from the garage shirts, leathers, pants, but the incoming fashion incorporates a little more of the old school and grungy look which I love.” Kayle Cooper, Motor Clothes Department. Serving on the showroom floor, Chip Sanford, Sales Associate smiles, “I’ve had the privilege and honor to work with the family for four years; they have been four of the best years of my life; Jerry Wilson, General Manager. LET'S GO FOR A RIDE con't. next column LET'S GO FOR A RIDE con't. next column LET'S GO FOR A RIDE con't. p. 32 p.26 The Pinehurst Gazette, Inc. No. 127
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