Rain, mud, leaf litter and happy cockies

Just when we thought that we were ready for the road again, the rug got pulled. Luckily, me and a mate found a small window to sneak up over the Big White Bumps into New South Wheals and back again before the Army set up checkpoints.

You can read more about the trip in the latest (July 30th) edition of AMCN.

Somehow we managed to miss most of the large swathes of rain that seem to douse the lower latitudes of 'Oztrayleah' every second day. Man, this winter may not be racking up the most rain in total volume but it seems to be consistently wet down our way. We didn't avoid crud on the road though, the occasional heart in mouth mud patch on the Barry Way (those of you who have had the pleasure after rain will know what I mean), leaf litter, that scary green growth and snow.

Much of the country we passed through was stunningly green, such an uplifting picture from previous visits. Reminders of the bushfire devastation wreaked on the Murray River area were a stark contrast to the verdant surroundings. Without passing through that country, it's hard to get a handle on the scale of the fires. The sheer acreage of charred bush was gob-smacking. It must have been very scary to live through!

During the first lock-down, I was able to do some basic bike control training in my back yard but the last couple of weeks have seen it turn into a quagmire. Ripping it up with a Landscape Designer wife ... observing... from the back deck is never gonna win too many domestic popularity contests.

The Bumblewee had a holiday at Phil Tainton's dyno and tuning shop this month. I was looking to ensure we were 'optimizing' the potential of the venerable 650 V Twin donk. Interestingly, we found that there was little to gain without spending big bucks. Even an ECU upgrade was only gonna be pullin' in a couple of ponies at best. I'm not sure whether I should be happy or disappointed. On the one hand, it shows what a cracker power plant it is, but hey, more is always more...right!

We made it back in time for another lockdown.

The Choob

During the MBV we've been told to become 'agile and pivot' to survive.

I pivoted and did me back...

(Just kidding) Then decided to make the Choob. Initially, the aim was to satisfy the government regulations for face coverings during the outbreak we are dealing with down in Vict-bloody-toria. Two layers of our superfine Merino not only makes a comfortable and easily accessible face mask but will make a nice neck warmer when we wheel-stand out the other end.

Grab one or three now

Servos, Helmets and the MBV

Here's a thought; I don't expect to be asked to take off my helmet in a servo down here in the deep south for a while.

If some control freak does give it a try, I'll say it's my face shield!

It's the Law!

Still here.

Mexican Beer Virus (MBV) restrictions aren't going to slow us up. As long as there's life in the team we'll crack on making the best gear we can. Why we are so busy at present has got me jiggered, it seems to make little sense but, nor do I much of the time so we'll just flow with it and see where it leads us.

I'm very protective of the amazing crew here at Strapz HQ so those who come to visit are expected to make sure they 'play ball' and keep them safe and well. In our 23rd year, we just have to be patient (I'm not too good at that part) and play the 'long game'. We've been in the position of holding our nerve and undies a few times in the past, this too will pass.

In the meantime we'll continue to construct the best Aussie made gear we can and keep up with outsourced goodies the best we can. It goes without saying that there are few obstacles in our way at present and there are delays in sending gear out.

I'm so proud of my team, they are doing an amazing job making our gear under pretty trying circumstances. I am greatly in their debt.

Scumbaggery

Is it illegal to post a dog turd?

If so, surely there are mitigating circumstances in which it can be sanctioned at the highest levels of society. You...

The card fraudsters have been at it again and they deserve to reap what they sow! In the last month we've been taken for a few Helinox chairs but very legit looking orders only to have the bank rake it back off us a couple off weeks later.

It's bad enough to be taken by scammers but the banks rub salt into the wound by just deducting the cash out of our account with a letter that follows a week later that basically says "Firm Biscuits".

So I reckon a parcel full of prawn heads or a nice ripe dog turd would do them nicely!"

T Shirt of the Month

T-Shirt of the Month is just a bit of fun. Not on sale unless we have a big demand.

Product of the Month

It's hard not to sound like a zealot or dodgy used car salesman when I start banging on about the Helix Mid Layer jacket. I can honestly put my hand on my heart and say it's the best bit of clothing (other than our Thermalz) I've worn in many a year.

Made of wadded Merino in the main chest, back and arm panels, it features stretch under the arms, well shaped hand pockets and comfy collar. The main panels are virtually impervious to the wind, the outer covering is a slippery nylon so it moves inside my jacket smoothly and my bike jacket goes on really slick with the help of thumb loops (which I get out of the moment I have it on).

The downside is that it's a eye waveringly expensive at $330 (our price is $295) but wear it for a week and it seems cheap. It's got to the stage where it's embarrassing to wear it in the company of my mates as they all wear one. We look like a chorus line.

Click here for the webpage

Reviewz

As you know, the interweb is driven by the review process. Search engines look for 'trusted' sites and one of the criteria is the number and positivity of those reviews.

We get lots of nice things said to us over the telling bone and my web guy has encouraged me to try to translate that into formal reviews on the web site. He tells me that it will help us stand out in the international arena.

Getting the word out to rest of the world has always been a bit of a challenge for us and the MBV is highlighting the opportunity to show the world what us Aussies can do like never before.

Please take a few moments to knock out a review or two next time you wander about andystrapz.com, we could use the help.

Thank you very nice.

Frame Help

This is a call out to any Victorian Tiger owner who would be willing to loan the bike for a few hours one day then return for fitting and photos about a week later.

The constant dilemma we chase is access to bikes to design new frame sets. I've had a quick look at the new 900 tigers and can't see that our existing pannier frames will fit.

We have years of experience with this process and return it in the same condition we get it in or course.

Naturally you can slink off with the Bumblewee while we have your pride'n'joy and get a free set of frames for the trouble.

Store open for phone calls and orders on the first Saturday of the month as well as normal business hours, although we take POETS day where we can.

What happens next with COVID lockdowns is unknown but I expect that the store front will be close for visitors this week.

Click here for the website