Hi achternaam,

Geez winter came to Victoria like a drag bike off the line.

We all know that it can be paradise one day, Siberia the next but we'd had such a long Indian Summer that it was a shock when the inevitable arrived. I guess that's what happens when you perch a city on the edge of the Southern Ocean.

With the news that Honda is about to launch the new Fireblade, my first thought was... "Phwoar, wouldn't that be a hoot, I want one. Just one last Sports Bike". The last time I thought that was when I got a ride of the Pinagale 899 and went home wanting one... badly. As the red tinged fog cleared I got to thinking about getting old. Is the sixtieth year over the hill for such hijinxs?

Not being a track junkie I can't see me having the time, reactions and cajones to make use of a street rocket like that. Having said that my Tassie mate Bill has a decade on me and can still mix it with the "names" on the track. Bikes like the Multistrada and S1000XR have all the handling and mumbo to get the Lunatic Gland excreting the Faaaark Hormone. I wouldn't have to stop every half hour to uncoil my spine either.

Only dreaming anyway, I'm loving lightweight Dr Z at the moment and a new bike is definitely off the to do list.

Bloody First World problems!

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Layering for Cold Riding

I was abruptly reminded of the need to think about clothing layers again. Having to wear a beanie, search for heavier socks and struggling to get out of bed in the first place.

The first layers are the most important I reckon. Close fitting and long in the body is mandatory. Natural fibres breathe best and help regulate temperature.

Sweating is always a drama, I'm sure you have all wrapped up like a "Pass the Parcel" and realised your keys are inside the locked shed. And... the keys to the friggin' shed are in the house, the keys to the house are under the brick out the front. By the time you get back to the bike you feel like a soggy sponge. Fk I hate that... and I'm pretty good at it!

That sweat has to escape between the layers otherwise as it cools, the chill starts to eat into yer bones.

Never underestimate the value of the good old Jackie Howe. A cotton singlet against the skin makes a perfect start to clobbering up on a cold day out on the road. I follow it by wool (my Thermalz of course) then cotton followed by wool.

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Helmet Rumour

Always on the lookout for the very best, we have stumbled across news that Shuberth Helmets are making their way to the Land Down Wonder.

While still a couple of months away at the earliest, we are looking forward to getting one of these brilliant brain buckets to put through our exhaustive testing with a view to stocking them. Yeee haa, an excuse for a serious ride… All in the name of science, of course.

The really exciting model is the E1, a modular Adventure Tourer. The only thing is seems to be missing are bells and whistles! It’s a flip front hat with a sunglasses flip down and a three position, removable peak it looks to have everything a helmet needs, to be almost everything to almost every rider.

Expressions of interest and pre ordering? Flick us an email and we’ll keep you in the loop.

Price is TBA, but it won’t be cheap. I’m anticipating three figures but that's what the best costs I guess________________________

Cold Champs

The other gear that is joing the Strapz stable are the Held Cold Champ winter gloves. Our man Tontine trialled a pair through last winter and gives them both thumps up.

As usual these are fabulous quality and a great fit. Featuring GoreTex water proofing, hard knuckle protection, Super Fabric heel of hand pad, Goat leather palm and Thermoplush fabric to the back of hand.

BTW, a free return post sticker comes with all clobber to ensure perfect fit.

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While on the subject of coming.

Did you hear the one about the actress and the priest...

Err sorry, I wandered off again.

The Cloudburst full side zippered rain pants are in Oz now and the full range of sizes is filtering to Strapz HQ. They will likely come in drib and drabs so again if you want to secure a set giz a yell and I'll tuck some away for you.

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Eh Bro

Saw this in a shop window in the famous Road Race town of Paeroa NZ.

Forma ADV Tourer is Here

The grapevine has been dripping with the news of the imminent arrival of Forma's new ADV Tourer.

Basically a high quaility, entry level, leather waterproof touring boot aimed at those riders who don't need their tootsie covers to be so hard-edged.

Like the Adventure Boot the ADV Tourer is made to wear all day and walk about easily.

They have lobbed at Strapz HQ and are ready to go.

As usual we offer one free return for exchange.

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I guess that's about all for now, Geez I need a ride. Mrs Strapz and I head off next week for a few days on a loaned 1000 V Strom to spend quality time with Mr and Mrs Tontine. I just can't wait.

We have an interesting new side pouch add-on for my pannierz to test. I've roughed up(not kidding there) a first concept bag and this is the first test model we made today.

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Copyalater.

Andy