drivetofive

Odometer:  499,507

The Drive to Five would in no way be complete if I didn’t dedicate a post to some of the incredible individuals who I’ve met because of my Acura.

The Acura Legend “family” in particular has inspired me and encouraged me throughout my travels.  It is incredible to have friends across the country – and even across the world – who share this common interest.  With each of my travel adventures I’ve taken the time to visit some of these people.  On a cross-country trip this July, for example, I had lunch with a friend in Oklahoma named Grant who I first met in 2006 at a Legend enthusiast meet.  Grant sold his Acura long ago, but we’ve kept in touch regardless.  These are great people who I maintain friendships with long after the Acura connection is gone.

I’ll never forget the time in New Jersey a few months ago when I invited my friend Ken to take the driver’s seat and turn over 484,000 miles in my Legend.  The event was captured on video.  I was all grins.  Truly – this is what it’s all about.  There is so much more to my story than just a guy who takes care of his car and drives way too much.  For me it’s been about building friendships that will endure even longer than my seemingly immortal Legend coupe.  In this video you’ll see Ken at the wheel, and my friends Tom and Nick in the back seat.  The enthusiasm among these guys is unmatched and I was happy to share the milestone with them.  Check out the video:

Even in light of the fact that the Legend as we know it in the U.S. was discontinued over 15 years ago, the vehicle truly lives on among a very passionate group of individuals like myself who truly appreciate the Acura brand’s impact in the luxury import automotive world.

Each year since 2005, the National Acura Legend Meet (NALM) has served as a venue for coming together to collaborate, talk, race, detail, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.  Here are a few memories from over the years.  My 1994 Legend coupe has attended each of the 7 NALMs.

NALM 2005:  Dallas, Texas

NALM 2006:  Tulsa, Oklahoma

NALM 2007:  Las Vegas, Nevada

NALM 2008:  Chattanooga, Tennessee

NALM 2009:  Branson, Missouri

NALM 2010:  Salt Lake City, Utah

NALM 2011:  Morristown, New Jersey

I look forward to what 2012 will bring.

So, off to California tomorrow evening and then landing at Honda’s office in Torrance on Friday morning.  Here’s to hoping that the stars are in alignment as I attempt to bring together the perfect timing, mileage, and location on the big day. Fewer than 48 hours until this old Legend is ready to start its next half million.  Thanks to all the guys and gals at acuralegend.org and acurazine.com who have been with me throughout the journey.

😉

This entry was posted on November 3, 2011 at 12:37 am and is filed under Legend, NALM. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.