Chuck & Lillian wrote:

> Years ago we could get air without tokens and without purchasing any fuel,
> whenever we needed it.  What are the bicyclists - who use no gas - to do?
> As I understand it, the compressor that provides pressure for the gasoline
> to come out was the same source for the air hose air, so the additional
> costs of supplying it were negligible.  It's just another example of how we
> get nickeled and dimed to death.

Well... not really.  Gasoline is 'pumped' using electric pumps.  The air is
supplied (was supplied in my case) by a 10hp two stage air compressor.  Said
air compressor was also used to run the bay lifts.  Negligible?  Not really.
Compressor cost about $2500 and the electricity to run it increased in cost
during the summer when the "users" (rarely customers) used it to blow up their
float tubes, attempted to 'do-it-yourself' tyre repair (rather than pay me
$7.50) and the like.  The cost of operation also includes replacing the $15
hose every month or so when some vandal cut it to steal the $2.00 air chuck.

If you really want 'free' air, go buy yourself a 12v cigar lighter powered
compressor from your local Costco or the like.  Cost you about $25 and you'll
always have 'free' air.

Jim Arnott
WetWesties (and former Texaco retailer)
Union, OR