DAD OR GRAD? THESE CAN BE HAD

Yeah, we know. It’s Monday, Father’s Day is next Sunday…and you haven’t even thought about what to get your father. As both a father and son, I get it. Your mom carried you for nine months, went through godonlyknows what level of discomfort to carry you to term and – ultimately – deliver you at the end of nine months. Then (of course) she puts up with your crying-and-diaper-dirtying self for the next three years. After which you begin to talk back. In short, your dad had it/has it comparatively easy: no discernible weight gain, no pushing/breathing and no need to pump his breast milk, ‘cuz there ain’t any breast milk. But you/we still want to get him something, right? Right!

If you do, we’ve got some ideas. And in a perfect world they’d be suggested by our dozens of sponsors and/or advertisers. And those sponsors and/or advertisers are – of course – here; they simply aren’t here this week. So, we’ve rattled some cages, called in some favors and scratched – it’s gotta’ be admitted – our collective *sses to come up with the following. All are perfect for the enthusiast/active dad; they are gifts – if you will – we’d give ourselves. And maybe we’ll have to…

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM. Proof positive that we do – on occasion – open an e-mail. This is just in from Bowling Green, Kentucky, where the Holiday Inn offers its guests a special National Corvette Museum package and a Beech Bend Raceway package. While having little idea what a Beech Bend Raceway package is, we do know the Museum. Even if you’re years away from Corvette ownership, whom among us can argue with the Corvette’s iconic status? H*ll, we could probably spend a day in their gift shop. And from most places in Texas the drive can be done in a day, making for a perfectly paced long weekend. Once you’re had your fill of Corvettes, drop down into Nashville and buy a gee-tar.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON CVO MOTORCYCLES by Marilyn Stemp

HARLEY-DAVIDSON CVO MOTORCYCLES by Marilyn Stemp. We know, the move from Corvette to Harley makes this begin to read like a gift guide for the AARP. But hang in, as there’s a multi-generational pull to both the ‘Vette and H-D. And while Harley may be well north – at this point – of its centennial, the ‘Company’s’ Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) didn’t get kickstarted ‘til 1999. One of our contributors, Jesus Garcia, is younger than that!

Published by Motorbooks, CVO is presented in a lavish coffee table format, but don’t worry… you don’t have to own a lavish coffee table to enjoy it. And while the edit is almost advertorial in its tonality, it is still a beautifully produced tribute to the visual that is Harley-Davidson. These are beautiful motorcycles that can easily be confused with works of art. And since we’re fairly sure we’ll never actually own a Harley, Ms. Stemp’s book would serve as a fully acceptable substitute. The window sticker is $50, and more info is available at www.quartoknows.com.

SHINOLA WATCH

SHINOLA WATCHES. Based in Detroit, and with their many offerings spec’d and assembled there, Shinola is a compelling mix of manufacturing and – of course – marketing. We like most of what they offer, but think watches like the Canfield are especially compelling. According to Shinola, the Canfield is built “using a top loaded case construction, a technique which provides a sophisticated open dial viewing area showcasing a refined minute track and slim, diamond-cut hands.” These are details you won’t find on any of Shinola’s other watches, but even if you could, we like the black face and $650 price point. More info – make that ‘much more info’ – at www.Shinola.com.

SHIMANO URBAN DAYPACK

SHIMANO URBAN DAYPACK. Although not sure we ever plan on actual going somewhere on a bicycle, but we might get there with a motor. And if we’re doing a short tour we’d be tempted to grab Shimano’s Urban Daypack. Its 23 liters of capacity will hold a day’s worth of clothing, including – we think – a rain jacket, tooth brush and change of underwear. What else do you need? Oh, the laptop. And it will hold the laptop, also. While we’re not sure of the price, any good bike shop can tell you, as can – of course – the folks at Amazon.

CAR PUB SUBSCRIPTION. At this point it’s certainly not news: enthusiast publications have been victimized by both online advertising and the economic downturn. Thankfully, many are still around, and at least a few continue to offer compelling editorial. We enjoy Automobile, Car and Driver and Road &Track on a monthly basis, and will dive into Motor Trend four to six times a year. Annual subscriptions can be had for under $10, and that has to be a hellaciously good deal for anyone with an affection for cars…and a pulse.