(YouTube Link)

It doesn’t seem like a fair trade, but that’s exactly what the United States and India have agreed upon. While we’re eating mangoes for breakfast, Harley-Davidson’s 107-year old history is the focus of a massive brand-building campaign in India. The official reveal of Harley-Davidson’s full line of motorcycles will take place during the India Auto Expo in January 2010. Meanwhile, ‘boot camps’ are being held for journalists and motorcycle enthusiasts throughout India to familiarize them with the iconic Harley-Davidson brand. Leisure, adventure and group rides are being organized as well as talk of creating Harley-Davidson Owner Group (HOG) of India. The idea is to give Indian riders an opportunity to get out and explore the truly authentic experience of owning a Harley-Davidson.

Link via The Hindu.

Veteran’s Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2009, which starts the holiday season for military heroes of America. If you’ve got a minute, please send a thank you or holiday card to a soldier this season. The mailing address is:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD  20791-5456

It’ll only take five minutes to do and will probably be the best card you send this holiday season. There’s a bunch of guys and gals out there who have put their lives on the line to protect democracy around the world. Soldiers and their families would love to hear from you. So please take a moment to send a card to encourage them, thank them, and support them. Let them know you care.

All cards must be postmarked no later than Monday, December 7th. Cards postmarked after this date will unfortunately be returned to the sender. This deadline ensures enough time to sort and distribute cards before the holidays. For more information on how the Holiday Mail for Heroes program works, visit the American Red Cross.

1949 Harley Davidson Panhead

This gorgeous 1949 Overhead Valve (OHV) Harley Davidson Panhead was on display behind the Massachusetts State Building at the Big E. The chrome-framed sign leaning against the front tire says, “Look, dream and enjoy this part of American history, but….. DO NOT TOUCH!” Amen… to the “dream” part.

Panhead enthusiasts know that 1949 was the first year for the Hydra-Glide front fork. For complete Panhead history, visit the folks at bunchofpanheads.com.