Darren's Rides

Tara Michelle Shermerhorn

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Memorial

Crown King Arizona

What began as a missing-persons report Thursday afternoon ended as an apparent murder-suicide Friday morning that shocked residents in the southwest Valley.

Thomas Watson, 47, and Tara Shermerhorn, 31, both of Goodyear, were found dead inside a truck near the Horse Thief Basin Recreation Area, north of the Valley.

It appears that Watson shot Shermerhorn and then himself, said Cmdr. Ralph McLaughlin with the Goodyear Police Department.

The pair had broken up in December after dating about a year, acco

rding to authorities and friends.

Shermerhorn was well-known in the community, having worked for a foundation supporting area charities and as a volunteer for Luke Air Force Base.

Litchfield Park Councilman Peter Mahoney, who owns the Old Pueblo Cafe and Pub in Litchfield Park where Shermerhorn was a longtime regular, said her death "was like a punch in the stomach."

Her family had reported her missing Thursday afternoon.

Watson left a note that morning saying he was despondent, with instructions on how to dispose of his property, McLaughlin said.

The pair had e-mailed one another on Wednesday and agreed to meet, McLaughlin said.

Authorities looked for the pair near Crown King after tracking her cellphone to the area.

Deputies with the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office found the bodies Friday shortly after 10 a.m. inside Watson's Ford F-150 pickup. They believe the pair died that morning.

Goodyear and Yavapai County authorities continue to investigate.

Those who knew the couple are struggling to cope.

"She didn't deserve what she got," said Peter Katsars, owner of Dino's Greek and Italian Bar and Grill in Goodyear, where Shermerhorn worked as a bartender.

Friends described her as "classy, sophisticated and beautiful."

Luke officials had met Shermerhorn at community events when she oversaw the House of Elliott foundation, the charitable arm of a local publishing group. A couple of years ago, they invited her to be part of an honorary squadron-commander program.

She embraced it with gusto, said Steve Yamamori, the former director of Fighter Country Partnership, which supports Luke.

"She was so excited to be part of the program," he said. "She lived life to the fullest. She was very active in the community, and it's a huge loss for us in the West Valley."

A friend, Sara Nicholas, described her as always smiling.

Birth:

Dec. 10, 1979

Sydney Nova Scotia, Canada

Death:

Feb. 3, 2011

Yavapai County Arizona, USA

SeaSuckers

2012-01-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

SeaSuckers

Are vacuum cups, not suction cups. There's a big difference between the two. Our vacuum cups are bigger, which means they're stronger, so you can always count on them to keep your bike safely mounted. The 6" SeaSucker will pull over 200lbs! That amazing strength is combined with an incredible safety feature not found on suction cups. When a SeaSucker starts to lose vacuum (and it will lose some vacuum over time - it's not a permanent mount), it will let you know. The SeaSucker's built-in finger pump will reverse itself as it loses vacuum, exposing an orange band. When you see orange, you don't have to take it off and lick it - just give it a couple of pumps, and then you're back to full strength.

Seasuckers Bike Racks

Talon

Single-bike fork-mount rack designed to attach to your roof, trunk or hatchback. Plastic body allows it to flex and conform to the contours of your car.

Three 6” SeaSucker vacuum mounts in a triangular pattern give it tremendous holding power and stability. Includes 6” Rear Wheel Strap. ½” black HDPE body for strength and durability. 15”x13” footprint. 4.2 lbs

Falcon

Two-bike fork-mount rack designed to attach to your car’s roof or trunk, or your SUV’s back glass. Can be configured to hold one bike and a front wheel, or three bikes

Two 6” SeaSucker vacuum mounts lock this rack into place. ½” black HDPE body for strength and durability. 13”x6” footprint. 2.75 lbs.

Mini Bomber

Two-bike fork-mount rack designed to attach to your car’s roof or trunk, or your SUV’s back glass. Can be configured to hold one bike and a front wheel, or three bikes

Bomber

Three-bike fork-mount rack designed to attach to your roof or trunk, or your SUV’s back glass. Can be configured to hold five bikes

Cable Anchor

Cup Holder

Where You Can Buy Yours

WHITE TANK WHIRLWIND MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

2012-01-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

RACE # 2

Mountain Bike Association of Arizona

Saturday, January 28, 2012

At 8:00 Am

XC Racing

Presented By

DNA CYCLES

Scottsdale

7077 E. Mayo Blvd.
suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-515-BIKE

Two Othe Valley Locations

START TIMES

Lap Description Map

Black Outer (6.93 miles)

Blue Inner (4.84 miles)

Red Junior (2.58 miles)

Lap Counts

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road
Waddell, AZ 85355
Ph: 623-935-2505 Fax: 623-535-4291
whitetankpark@mail.maricopa.gov

INNO Roof Racks

2012-01-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

INNO ADVANCED CAR RACKS

Stands for more than 30 years of designing and manufacturing the most innovative and technologically advanced car racks for active sports enthusiasts.

Premium quality car rack and cargo systems is the result of decades of industry experience within the automotive accessory and rack business.

Inno Advanced Car Racks (formerly RV-Inno) is a division of Car Mate USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Car Mate Mfg. Co.

Founded in 1966 by Takaaki Murata, the inventor of the car seat headrest, Car Mate is today the largest manufacturer of automotive accessories in Japan. The company's car rack division was launched in 1976. Today INNO has almost a 60% share of the Japanese car rack market, with our own manufacturing facilities in Japan, China and facilities in the USA to keep up with the growing demand

Inno car racks first appeared on the U.S. market in 2003

No other company tests its racks as thoroughly or as vigorously to make sure that they protect the cargo and the vehicle in what can often be harsh conditions. From our testing labs with UV-ray and salt spray testing booths to the race track designed for automotive manufacturers that we have used for real-world high speed testing

For roof rack

- Universal Mounting System: mounts to square, round, and most factory crossbars
- Compact storage
- Shade fabric of a hydrostatic head rate (water penetration rate): 1200 mm Water Resistant Fabric)
- Side shades include hook and loop fasteners
- Length-adjustable poles
- Ropes, pegs, hammer and storage bag included

Inno Cargo Boxes

Fishing Pole Rack

Boat Rack

contact

REACTIVE LIGHTING

2012-01-24T02:49:00.002-07:00

Beyond Power & Intelligence

Nao headlamp from Petzl

Using an integrated light sensor technology, the headlamp beam instantly adapts to the changing conditions around you, giving you ideal lighting at all times with little manual intervention.

Called Reactive Lighting, the new Petzl headlamp technology features an integrated light sensor that can automatically asses your proximity to an object, your current level of activity, and your desire to see in the distance, adjusting both the beam pattern and light output accordingly.

The light sensor sits at the top of the Nao headlamp, facing the same direction as the beam. The sensor first measures and analyzes the amount of reflected light, then instantly and automatically adjust the beam to either a wide, focused, or dual pattern output, as well as adjusting the level of light intensity.

Two high powered LEDs work together to give you a minimum of 7 lumens to a maximum of 355 lumens of light.

When you are trying to tie a knot, cook dinner, or read a map, the Nao headlamp will project a wide beam with a lower power level appropriate to the distance of the object in front of you. When you are hiking along a trail, the beam will again be wide but with a medium strength light level. When looking off into the distance, the beam will become focused and more intense to help you locate objects far away.

With minimal manual intervention, Reactive Lighting technology increases the burn time of the Nao headlamp by over 3 hours, optimizing the use of the Li-Ion rechargeable battery. An integrated USB connector enables you to use your computer or any standard USB charger to refuel. An optional belt kit lets you move the battery pack from your head to your hip, useful for winter or high activity adventures.

Lighting performance for the NAO headlamp

The OS by Petzl software allows the user to maximize the NAO's potential. Thanks to customized performance, the headlamp's lighting power, burn time and distance can be adjusted. The user may choose from a range of pre-configured activity profiles (trail running, mountaineering, etc.)

For more versatility, personal profiles may also be created according to the user's specific needs. Once the profiles are loaded into the NAO, they are easily accessed at any time.

Optional belt kit for NAO

Allows the rechargeable battery to be moved to the belt to reduce the weight worn on the head, or to keep it warm in winter.

Lithium Ion battery

Recharges easily with the integrated USB connection

Proximity Lighting

When looking at an object at close range, for example when reading a map, tying a knot or setting up a tent, the beam is very wide and less powerful.

Lighting adjusts automatically to the distance of the object

Mobility

When walking, running, etc., the beam is wide and has medium strength in order to illuminate obstacles in the path

Distance Vision

When raising the head to see into the distance, looking for a trail marker or an anchor on a climb, for example, the light output increases and becomes more focused.

Contact

Petzl dealers

REACTIVE LIGHTING

Beyond power & Intelligence.
Discover the NAO Headlamp

Available July 2012.

Fat-Tire Bike's

2012-01-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

Surly Trail Bike's

Moonlander

Fork measures 447mm axle-to-crown...same as the Pug, so all of our fat forks are interchangeable between the two models. The disc mount allows you to use a front disc brake caliper with a 135mm O.L.D. rear hub…or with a 135mm-spaced Surly front hub. Mid-blade thru-eyelets and lower rack barrels are included for installing fenders and racks. We offer the Moonlander as a frameset and as a complete bike. The complete bike components were chosen for their durability and their suitability to the task at hand. We chose thumbshifters because they allow you to shift even when wearing mittens. To accommodate the Clown Shoe rim/Big Fat Larry tire spec, the frame design pushes the chainline even farther outboard than that of the Pugsley. So we spec’d Moonlander with our new MWOD crank system. The MWOD (Mr. Whirly Offset Double) ditches the big ring and moves the middle and granny ring outboard. The 2 x 9 drive train offers the gear ratios most applicable to a bike of this type while avoiding chain/tire interference.

Neck Romancer Pugsley

The stealth bomber in our fleet. The frame and fork are black with subtle black and gray decals. The rims are black. The spokes are black. Almost everything is black. But this bike isn't just an alternate color version of the standard Pugsley. Where the standard Pugsley sports 65mm-wide Large Marge double-wall rims, the Neck Romancer utilizes our 82mm-wide single-wall Rolling Darryl rims to expand its tire footprint, increasing its traction and all-terrain floatation. The increase in rim width puts the tire closer to the chain, so to avoid chain rub we spec’d this bike with our MWOD rings on a Mr. Whirly crankset. This provides all the chain/tire clearance necessary while retaining low- and mid-range gearing for crawling through the sticky and flying under the radar. The Neck Romancer Pug is available as a complete bike (with a Moonlander fork) and as a frame, no fork.

Pugsley

Has 135mm-spaced horizontal rear-loading dropouts with a derailleur hanger. This means you can set it up with a derailleured drivetrain or an internally-geared hub. Run it with a singlespeed freewheel or a fixed cog. You have lots of drivetrain choices.

The stock fork accepts a 135mm rear mountain hub, just like the frame. This makes it easier to install and remove the wheel (a big tire on a big rim benefits from a wide opening), and it allows front and rear wheel interchangeability. This means you can have the ability to carry another full gear cluster, a singlespeed freewheel, or a fixed cog on the front wheel. And should something go wrong with your primary drivetrain, you have the option of swapping wheels and continuing on your journey or retreating to a place where you can make necessary repairs.

Distributors

Contact Surly

6400 W. 105th St.
Bloomington, MN 55438
Phone: 877.743.3191
E-mail

GPS Photo Tracker

2012-01-24T00:57:00.001-07:00

Push Button and Go!

AMOD AGL3080

AGL 3080 photo tracker is a GPS-based data logger designed to provide location information for digitalphotos (in EXIF 2.0 or later format) from all DSCs and camera phones. It can help making photo-taking more fun – show not just the great picture but also where it is taken! It is extremely easy to use – just take it along and turn it on with your photo-taking trip.

When uploading the pictures to the PC, the accompanying software will do the tagging and saving of GPS location information. After that all you need to do is to click at the GPS-tagged picture and it will show its location on Google Map or other internet maps – let AGL 3080 tag your picture so you can enjoy more!

Unique Features

GPS – based on SiRF Star III chipset

Log GPS output in NMEA0183 format at one record per second rate – full rate logging for best
time resolution and flexible to use

Standard USB 2.0 interface / Double up as an USB Flash Disk

Works with Windows, Mac, or Linux -based machines

GPS logs can be accessed directly by application software as files, no more awkward COM port
set-up procedures

Long operating time – over 15 hours with three standard AAA batteries

Large log capacity – store over 1,040,000 data records, equivalent to 2,880 hours of continuously
logged GPS data

User-friendly PC-based software is provided for photo tagging (EXIF 2.0 and later format) and
sharing

Tagged photos can be viewed on Google Map and other internet maps

Works with many on-line tools such as JetPhoto, GPSVisualizer, etc.

US $79.99

Contact
8F., No. 46, Lane 10, Jihu Road, Neihu
Taipei 11492, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Phone 886-2-8751-6263
Fax 86-2-8751-6755
E-mail

Bicycle Cellar

2012-01-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

Tempe Az

The Bicycle Cellar

Is a state of the art membership facility where bicycle commuters can gain peace of mind knowing that their investment is secure. Key card access is granted to members 20 hours a day 7 days a week for use of showers, lockers and the luxury of towel service. Membership also includes access to a basic self-service bike repair area for after hours use. In addition, the facility provides 24-hour video surveillance and is monitored by security guards. The Bicycle Cellar also offers bike service, bike related retail and bike rentals. View our rates and options on

The Bicycle Cellar exists to assist and encourage individuals who commute by bike or have the desire to do so. Bike commuting can change many things about ones life.

From the health benefits to the environmental contribution, bike commuting will change the outlook of the commuter on many levels… Bike theft across the nation has skyrocketed and the Bicycle Cellar would like to be a part of the solution by providing secure bike parking to those that use their bike to commute to school or work.

Membership

Rental Bikes

Bike Service Technicians

The Bicycle Cellar is located at 200 E Fifth St. Suite 105, Tempe, AZ 85281. We’re in the Tempe Transportation Building (TTC) on the Veteran’s Way/College Ave light rail stop. The facility can be accessed by light rail, city bus and/or by the Orbitz transit system in Tempe

MAP

Contact Us

Contact Them

200 E Fifth St. Suite 105, Tempe, AZ 85281

Phone: 480-219-7225
Fax: 480-219-7591

Or There's This

2012 Avondale Criterium

2012-01-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Presented by:

Procon Cycling

Carlos O'Brien's Tribe Multisport

2012 Avondale Criterium #1

Sunday, January 22, 2012

730Am

Start Times

Ride Distance

Confirmed Participants

Event Location

S. Avondale Blvd. and W. Coldwater Springs Blvd.,

Avondale, Az., 85323.

Avondale Arizona

Darren's Rides Criterium Photos

Mike Hites Photography

Avondale Criterium Photos

McDowell Meltdown

2012-01-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

RACE #1
Saturday, January 14, 2012

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Race starts at 830Am

START TIMES/LAP COUNT DETAILS

COURSE MAPS

MARATHON

SPORT/TECH/LONG

Sport to Tech to Long via connectors (10 miles)

SPORT

3 miles

Marathon Results

Results

Meltdown Photo's

Meltdown Photo's

See You All At The Next Race

Celebrity Baseball Game

2012-01-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Arizona Baseball Charities

Sunday January 29 2012

Presented by:

The Arizona Diamondbacks

Celebrity Charity Baseball Game

Scottsdale Stadium

7408 East Osborn Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

(480) 312-2580 () ‎

To raise money for kids that

cannot afford baseball gear

Celebrity Guests

Free Admission to:

Children 16 & Under, Military Personnel, Seniors 65 & Over

See You At The Game!!

Loaded

2012-01-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Precision Components

Loaded Precision

In early 2006 a group of legendary industry designers gathered together as a coalition with the sole purpose of designing and developing beautiful, durable and high-performing bicycle components. Their aim was to create a product line of "price purposeful" cross-country, downhill, freeride and all-mountain offerings that reduced weight, increased strength and enhanced component-specific performance. Through the latest in cutting-edge technologies, Loaded Precision Products was born, offering riders everywhere the ability to customize and enhance their particular bikes with exceptionally designed and trail-proven performance components.

Check out the Loaded TV

Loaded X-lite stems

US $79.99

AmXC Headset

US $109.99

AmX DH Stem

US $69.99

Loaded's Signature AmXc wheelset

AmX HANDLEBARS

US $89.99

AmX Signature Pedals

US $139.99 and $269.99

AmXC QR

US $ 27.99

Skewers

US $27.99

Xlite Seatpost

US $79.99

Disc Front Hub

US $129.99

Trail Work Day

2012-01-15T14:13:00.003-07:00

Mescal Trail day

January 21

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Please take a look if you are interested in participating…and RSVP to the evite so we know how many small work groups to prepare for.

We will have an initial field orientation about the "character" of the trail so everyone is on the same page as far as tread and brushing width, and other specifications for keeping this a high challenge trail.

If we get a lot of folks, we may split and some folks can finish off some things on Chuckwagon.

Mescal Trail

The east shoulder on Long Canyon Road 0.1 mile north of Boyton Pass Road
West Sedona, AZ 86336

What to bring:

Be sure to bring:

Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes

Long Pants

Work Gloves

Glasses or Sunglasses

H2O

Great Attitude!!!

Optional gear to bring:

Shovel

Rake

Lopping Pruners

Pruning Saw

MT BIKE!!!!!

Lunches and beverages will be supplied by

Over The Edge bike shop.

Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District

GoPro

2012-01-12T21:20:00.001-07:00

Capturing The World Image

Think it. See it. Do it.

GoPro’s dream they have passionate ideas about what’s possible in this world. Their passions lead them to create experiences and realities that expand their world and inspire those around them.

GoPro helps people capture and share their lives’ most meaningful experiences with others to celebrate them together. Like how a day on the mountain with friends is more meaningful than one spent alone, the sharing of our collective experiences makes their lives more fun.

The world’s most versatile cameras are what we make.

Enabling you to share your life through incredible photos and video is what we do.

GoPro produces arguably the most versatile cameras in the world, the famous HD HERO line of wearable and gear-mountable cameras and accessories.

GoPro’s products are sold through leading specialty retailers in more than 50 countries

3D Hero expansion

US Price $99

HD HERO2

US$ 299.99

Underwater flat lens housing is suitable for GoPro HD only

US $95

GoPro mini

LCD BacPac

US$ 79.99

GoPro BacPac Detachable Rugged LCD Display For Camera

WiFi transmitter

Bike Mounts

Chest Mount Harness

US$ 39.99

Auto Charger

US$ 29.99

Vented Helmet Strap Mount

US$ 14.99

Suction Cup Mount

US$ 29.99

Head Strap Mount

HD HERO Wrist Housing

US$ 39.99

Battery BacPac

US$ 49.99

Go Pro HD Hero with mountings and accessories

GoPro HD Hero Helmet Camera

Vented Helmet Strap Mount

US$ 14.99

Handlebar Seatpost Mount

US$ 19.99

Roll Bar Mount

US$ 29.99

CineSkates system

GoPro Xsories Mini Solar Charger

US$ $15.00

Tripod Mount US $ 7.99

Surf HERO Expansion

US$ 19.99

Floaty Backdoor

US$ 14.99

This is your life…GoPro

Trip To Yuma

2012-01-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

Arizona

A Old Tow Truck

The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is located northeast of Yuma, Arizona, southeast of Quartzsite, Arizona, in the southwestern United States. The refuge, established in 1939 to protect Desert Bighorn Sheep, encompasses over 665,400 acres (2,693 km²) of the Yuma Desert region of the Sonoran Desert. Broad, gently sloping foothills as well as the sharp, needlepoint peaks of the Kofa Mountains are found in the rugged refuge. The small, widely scattered waterholes attract a surprising number of water birds for a desert area. A wide variety of plant life is also found throughout the refuge.

Map

Scarecrow

Metal Flower Mailbox

U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Arizona

The U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground is one of the largest military installations in the world. Situated in southwestern La Paz County and western Yuma County in southwestern Arizona, U.S., approximately 30 miles (48 km) north-east of the city of Yuma, the proving ground is used for testing military equipment and encompasses 1,307.8 square miles (3,387.2 km²) in the northwestern Sonoran Desert.

The proving ground conducts tests on nearly every weapon system in the ground combat arsenal. Munitions and artillery systems are tested here in an area almost completely removed from urban encroachment and noise concerns. Restricted airspace controlled by the test center amounts to over 2,000 square miles (5,000 km²). Over 3000 people, mostly civilian, work at the proving ground. It is a major economic player in Yuma County, with an economic impact of over $430 million annually. Yuma Proving Ground is the largest single employer of civilians in the county.

In a typical year, over 500,000 artillery, mortar and missile rounds are fired, 36,000 parachute drops take place, 200,000 miles (320,000 km) are driven on military vehicles, and over 4000 air sorties are flown from the proving ground’s Laguna Army Airfield. Though about 90 percent of the proving ground's workload is devoted to the test and evaluation of weapon systems and munitions, training activities are important. Dozens of units visit the proving ground each year for realistic desert training, especially before deploying overseas.

Yuma Proving Ground features the longest overland artillery range (40 miles / 64 kilometres) in the nation, the most highly instrumented helicopter armament test range in the Department of Defense, over 200 miles (300 km) of improved road courses for testing tracked and wheeled military vehicles, over 600 miles (1,000 km) of fiber-optic cable linking test locations, and the most modern mine and demolitions test facility in the western hemisphere. Realistic villages and road networks representing urban areas in Southwest Asia have been constructed and are used for testing counter-measures to the threat of roadside bombs. Many lives have been saved and injuries prevented due to thorough and realistic testing.

Bombs Away

Mind Reading Bike

2012-01-05T22:41:00.003-07:00

The Toyota Prius X Parlee Concept Bike

Then

Now

Just like riding a bike but with a whole new meaning with a concept bike from Toyota and Parlee Cycles. This bike isn't like all your other bikes this one possesses the power to read your mind that’s right it’s not a joke.

The bike looks completely normal the headgear is a dead giveaway. Like something out of a sci-fi movie the neurohelmet comes equipped with plastic tentacles and metal sensors pressed against the cyclist's scalp.

With minimal training and perhaps a little sweet talking a cyclist can shift the gears on the bike with just one thought. Type of brain wave instructs the bike to shift downward, while another type causes it to shift upward. It definitely takes some practice. So until your mental powers are refined prepare to be tossed over the handlebars.

For this specific project a lightweight laptop was slipped inside the back of the cyclist's jersey so that it could talk to the neuroheadset with a smart phone app and the wiring inside the bike.

With a built-in failsafe if the brain waves are ever misinterpreted the cyclist can switch a setting on the smart phone app to manually control the shifting of the bike.

The PXP design will not be sold on the market including future bikes gadgets and even prosthetics will likely become more commonplace. Fact is Parlee plans to release a new road bike in 2012 or 2013 inspired by the PXP design.

Prius X Parlee Video

What's Next

The Wothahellizat

2011-12-31T18:48:00.001-07:00

A Go Anywhere

6X6 Luxury Motor Home

Wothahellizat Mk 1

Wothahellizat built by Australian photographer Rob Gray. Being a nature photographer, Gray and his wife, Chris, often spend long stretches of time out in the Australian wilderness and needed a vehicle that would be part condo, part off-road with no compromises. The couple is able to spend months at a time out in the field with the 6x6 Wothahellizat thanks to a list of features that's too long to list.

Some of the highlights include an over-cab bedroom with hydraulically operated roof, a self-supporting deck that folds into the back, a "garage" large enough for two mountain bikes, eight roof-mounted solar panels, a real toilet, and anything else you would expect in a regular motor costing somewhere in the six-figure range. If you're in the market, Gray is willing to part with the Wothahellizat for around USD $250,000, which isn't unreasonable.

For more information on the Wothahellizat visit its website, and check out a full gallery of pics and a complete spec list after the jump courtesy of Rob Gray.

Power.

The 3300-watt inverter will drive just about anything, I even do light welding jobs from it. If there's sun you won't ever need to plug in. If not there's a small Honda 1kva generator to top things up.

Self sufficiency.

You can live anywhere, once you turn off the motor you're home. There's enough storage to shop for three months or longer, and water for well over a month.

You don't need awnings to sit outside, the lounge room is so open it's as good as being outside, without the dust.

Security.

Partly because we're well off the ground, and partly just because of the look of the vehicle, You never have any worries camping anywhere. There is literally no need to get out of the truck, everything you need is inside.

It's not fast, we potter along at 65-70kph.

The deck

Sit on the deck with a beer and watch a sunset is priceless.

Inventory/features

Truck

Recon Perkins 6354 turbo diesel motor installed about 20,000 miles ago.
Solenoid shut off for motor.
Recon Eaton 5sp synchro gear box.
Original drive trail from g/box back, only 35,000 miles on clock.
Shock absorbers added to rear axles (not standard on 6x6 but fixed bad tyre wear) 20,000lb PTO winch fully operational.
Engine never even looks like overheating, even on long uphill hauls in high temps.
All oils serviced every 5000k.
Exhaust brake.
All new instruments except speedometer.
Old handbrake replaced with air operated spring brake chamber.

Cab

Two comfortable bucket seats
Overhead consol with AM and UHF CBs and reversing monitor
Hanging space at rear for jackets etc
Space for a 3rd (or even 4th) seat
Windscreen open outwards
Access to house through rear
Powder fire extinguisher

Fuel

2 x 300ltr diesel tanks
Filter/water separator
90 ltr diesel tank with electric pump to fill bike and generator

Kitchen

42ltr convection microwave
Three-burner cooktop with large wok burner
Greens mixer tap
Drinking water
Two large granite sinks
Three very large drawers for pans, crockery etc
Cutlery draw
Under sink storage for vacuum cleaner, buckets etc
Full-hieght slide-out pantry, accessible from both sides
Coffee making nook under microwave
Bread maker sits in nook, slides out when making bread
240 litre Fisher & Paykel fridge, 1/2 fridge, 1/2 freezer, freezer at bottom, 24v
Slide out rubbish and laundry bin
Huge full height cupboard with fold away door, currently used for computers, printers etc

Lounge room

Two Jason recliners
Two overhead fans
Bookshelves for about 80 paperbacks
Entry hatch converts to visitor settee
Full height door gives access to deck
Sliding glass windows at rear
Water storage under floor
General storage under floor, currently used for 3-months supply of home brew
Huge shutters allow an outside feel, shutters can be locked at 4 different open positions
Small tables for laptop, coffee etc

Shower

3/4 sized bath as base
Greens mixer tap and shower head on flexible hose
Skylight
Entire thing folds away to become part of the kitchen bench
Bath can be used for storage when not in use

Toilet

Proper flushing toilet with 80ltr holding tank
Overhead fan
Heaps of storage for loo rolls, cleaning products etc
Slide out door to provide privacy

Vanity

Located on rear of toilet door
Occupies void area above toilet when door closed
Faces into hallway when door open
Sink with Greens mixer tap
Under sink storage

Hallway

Air conditioner under floor
Inverter under floor
Storage under floor
Bookshelves for over 100 paperback and/or large books
Rinai gas heater in storage compartment
Bookcase opens for access into garage
Two cupboards each with four wire basket drawers
Huge slide out storage compartment
More storage behind cupboards
Storage could easily be converted into a bunk
Powder fire extinguisher

Bedroom

Two single beds, can be moved to form a double
Storage under beds
Two fans with remote switches at bed head
Individual reading lights
Large shutters at bed level for breeze
Half-height wardrobe holds more than enough clothes
Hydraulically operated roof, raises about 1m to provide full standing height, put up/down in a couple of minutes
Solid walls all around when raised
Roof plenty high enough to use the bedroom without raising the roof
With roof down, easy access to the truck roof through a hatch
With roof up, easy access to the truck roof through two rear facing doors

Garage

One Honda SL230 motorbike
One spare truck tire
Electric winch for tire and bike
Plenty of space for tools
Foldout workbench
Garage door provides shelter while working at bench

Deck

Fully self supporting, no need for legs
Approx 6.5 ft clearance underneath, can be placed over bushes, fences etc
Makes a useful shelter for the motorbike
Walk straight out from the lounge room
Can easily hold four people, probably more
Raised by electric winch
Roof can be locked in a half open position to provide temporary shelter for the entrance
Solidly locked in place, will not move even in high winds
Put up/down in a couple of minutes

Power

8 x 220 AH Trojan batteries, mounted in two rubber isolated cradles between the chassis rails, wired as two 24v banks
Each bank separately protected by circuit breakers
2x 12v batteries for stair and deck winches, charged from the main 24v system
8 x 64W Unisolar panels mounted flush with the tropical roof
BP Solar FBR 2/40 regulator
Comprehensive control panel with gauges for everything
Honda eu10 1kva generator in separate compartment under body, can be used while driving
240v circuits protected with RCDs and breakers
Trace 3300w full sine wave inverter/charger

Water

Two bladders stored under the lounge room floor
Can be filled/drained individually
Total storage approx 700ltr
Drinking water and fresh water pass through different systems
Drinking water is doubly filtered with 20um sediment filter then <1um silver impregnated carbon filter. Nothing but water gets through that sucker
Separate pumps for drinking and fresh water, systems can be connected if one fails
Fleetwood 23ltr hot water system, piezo ignition controllable from inside

Gas

Two 19.8lbs bottles connected to system with changeover valve
Another two bottles stored behind
Connected bottles swing out for easy maintenance
Can change over valve without opening compartment

Outside storage/access

One large storage compartment, currently used for tools, hoses, welder etc. Also provides access to the hot water system and most of the plumbing.
Another large compartment houses the black water wheelie bin, engine oils, chemicals etc
Another large compartment currently houses two folding mountain bikes, more tools, and provides access to the working parts of the fridge and hydraulic power pack
Yet another large compartment accessible from outside and inside.
Three compartments at rear of body, one houses assorted wooden leveling blocks, a powder fire extinguisher and a rechargeable water fire extinguisher.
Spare wheel/tire with hand winch at rear
16ft ladder stored under body
Storage for assorted oil trays, funnels etc
Provision to bolt vice on bumper bar or work bench

General

Power points everywhere
All under floor storage compartments can have the bottom removed to provide full access to the drive train
All wiring and plumbing is accessible
Tropical roof (what's not solar panels)
Easily walk around most of the roof
Very secure vehicle, your wife will be happy alone for days she doesn't have to go outside at all
Security camera system, you can see out even when all shutters are closed

How do you go finding campsites

No problems, any few square meters of reasonably flat ground will do. Because you don't normally sit outside it doesn't matter if your in the mud, long grass, dust or whatever.

What's it like off-road

You will have no trouble with ground clearance issues, and it handles sand like it's not there. Low trees and tight corners can give you some trouble.

Wothahellizat Mk 2

Off-Road Trucks that have been converted to motorhomes

Tour De Scottsdale

2011-12-31T01:22:00.000-07:00

2011

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Tour de Scottsdale is a cycling event dedicated to the environment. Not only is the event a family-friendly race and festival, but it benefits the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy (MSC), an organization that champions the need for, establishment of, and safe public access to Arizona's McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The Conservancy works with the City of Scottsdale to: ensure completion, management and public appreciation of the Preserve; and to educate residents and visitors about the Preserve's environmental and archaeological significance.

Challenging. The 70 and 30-mile Tour de Scottsdale routes circumnavigate the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, providing spectacular views of Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Fountain Hills and challenging climbs with exhilarating descents. When completed, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve - located east of DC Ranch - will be the nation's largest urban land preserve.

Impact the Preserve. The Tour de Scottsdale offers cyclists the opportunity to support MSC. Maintaining the Preserve as a large, open natural space helps keep the temperature cooler, provides scenic trails for mountain biking and hiking, and creates a home for diverse desert wildlife

Scottsdale Police Escort

Sabrina Forbes

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

Additional Tour Photo’s

LeMond Revolution

2011-12-30T23:35:00.002-07:00

LeMond Fitness

LeMond Revolution,

A direct-drive indoor bike trainer that integrates directly with your bike’s drive train. By simply removing your rear wheel and slipping the trainer into your dropouts, it replaces the need for mushy, slippery tire-to-roller connections, while eliminating wheel and tire wear and tear.

The Revolution bike trainer features High-Inertia Technology (HIT), designed with a large, weighted fly wheel that mimics the inertia of a rolling bicycle. The Revolution spins freely when the pedals aren’t engaged, and delivers progressive wind resistance similar to real-world conditions.

The Revolution indoor bike trainer fits all road bikes and works seamlessly with your mountain bike or winter-specific cross bike. Simply remove the back wheel, attach the rear dropouts to the spindle and go. No more tire slippage and wear, front wheel blocks or unstable platforms.

Price US $579.00

LeMond Revolution is the official bike trainer of

Team Garmin-Cervélo.

Tested by riders like Dave Zabriskie, Christian Vande Velde and Tyler Farrar in the harshest and most competitive cycling environment.

Power Pilot

Is a power meter that works with the LeMond Fitness Revolution bike trainer, enabling users to measure cadence, heart rate, watts, calories, speed and distance during their workouts.

Workout data is saved to a date/time-stamped .CSV file and can be downloaded to a computer via USB or to ANT+-enabled watches wirelessly.

Price US $439.00

The LeMond Revolution

Can be ordered direct from LeMond Fitness.

Sold with or without a SRAM / SHIMANO compatible cassette.

Product Specifications

Length: 20"

Height: 18"

Width: 24"

Weight: 32 lbs

Maximum User Weight: 250 pounds

LeMond Fitness Inc.

15540 Woodinville-Remond Rd NE

Bldg A-800

Woodinville, WA 98072

Phone: (425) 482-6773

Fax: (425) 482-6724

E-mail:

Purist Hydroflo

2011-12-29T20:08:00.001-07:00

Specialized Water Bottles

The next generation of hydration the most flexible, easy to squeeze bottle ever.

Delivering the highest rate of flow with Purist technology for clean, pure water taste.

Purist inner surface uses a flexible glass infusion to keep your water pure and your bottle clean.

Proprietary engineered resin delivers the most flexible bottle ever designed.

Ergonomic three-sided design makes it easy to grip and is form-fitting to the hand.

Simple hands-free open and close Watergate valve with Heart Valve eliminates the water hammer spill, even when the cap is open.

O-ring sealed, leak-proof cap locks down for transport or mixing powdered drinks.

BPA-free plastic made of 100% FDA food grade materials and printed with non-solvent base (UV cured) CPSC-approved ink.

Rubber over-molded cap for easy grip.

23 OZ PURIST HYDROFLO

Price US $15.00

Try one: You'll never think about your bottle again

Mountain Shoe

2011-12-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

I’m always looking for a good mountain bike shoe something that has good traction for when I’m hike-a-biking.

Salomon Lab is a process of making dedicated products to meet the individual fit and performance needs of our international team. Athletes and designers work together, through every step of the process, because a millimeter or a gram is ultimately the difference between gold and silver.

Fellcross

Is a low, light, monster grip and won't soak up water, designed by racers for racers.

Price US .$128.00

XT WINGS

Racing version trail running shoe designed with direct input from the world’s best athletes. Light weight welded upper and aggressive outsole tread racing off road in wet, muddy conditions.

Price US $160.00

Gaiters

Designed with a non-abrasive connection system.

A unique gaiter to protect your footwear from external fragment intrusion.

Price US .$28.00

Backcountry Boiler

2011-12-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Backcountry Boiler

Is an esoteric stove-type product called “the world’s first ultra light chimney kettle.” The stove is marketed to ultra-light backpackers and other wilderness types in need of hot water in the Backcountry with little fuss.

Just add some kindling under the Backcountry Boiler, strike a match, and wait for the water inside to bubble and steam. Within a few minutes in little as five minutes for a couple cups of water goes from cold to bubbling hot A batch of boiling liquid ready to make tea or rehydrate a backpacking meal.

What makes this product so popular is its simplicity. The unit combines the function of a stove and a cooking pot all in one. It also eliminates the dependency on gas or other liquid fuel. Dry grass, pine needles, sticks, and tree bark are among the items found in the forest that can power this stove.

Its unique design makes water boil fast. Place your kindling under the Backcountry Boiler’s main body and light. Fire devourers dry wood or other natural “fuel” inside the unit’s chamber, which is a cone-shape open area that forces flames and heat to roar out through the top.

All around the fire inside is metal surface area with water on the other side of a thin wall.

Heat transfer through the aluminum easily converts the water from lukewarm to extra hot.

The product is fairly small and light — a little bigger than a 1-liter water bottle, and about 8 ounces in weight.

The body is a hard anodized aluminum, and the stove comes with a silicone cork to seal the water hole shut when needed. A neoprene sleeve serves as a heat guard, letting you handle the boiler even as the water bubbles inside

The Backcountry Boiler costs $100

Contact

No business address or phone yet…

But I love email! Hit me up

devin@theboilerwerks.com.