Ho Chi Mission Complete

After 3000 km, three countries and a significant amount of mechanics, Ants has finally completed her Ho Chi Mission, riding 'The Pink Panther' along the legendary trail. Here's her report;

"The Pink Panther and I set sail from Hanoi seven weeks ago and clunked south over the Annamite Mountains into Laos, Cambodia and finally, Saigon. Despite my efforts, it turns out that 25 year old Honda C90 mopeds really aren’t built for mud, deep sand, rocks, mountains, rivers and jungle. In the space of three weeks, the poor bike had to have three engine rebuilds, and took to chewing through cam chains like candyfloss.

In Cambodia, on what’s affectionately known as the ‘Mondulkiri Death Highway’, both the Panther and I nearly met our makers. To read the full story you’ll have to buy the book when it comes out next year....

Aside from mechanical issues, it was an an amazing journey and even more than before I was astounded by the amount of UXO people have to live with all along the former Trail. During a fantastic day spent in the field with MAG (read about it  here) I met a mother whose son had been killed by a cluster bomb only months before. And whilst walking on a path through the jungle in Laos, with two former US pilots, we nearly stood on a cluster bomb ourselves. The tennis-ball sized explosive was lying a foot off the path: small and innocuous, yet able to kill anything within a 15 metre radius.

I penned a few blogs whilst on the road. If you’re interested in seeing them then head for www.theitinerant.co.uk. And if you want to look at a few photos, there are some here.

I’m still raising money for the excellent MAG, thank you to all those who have so kindly sponsored me already. If you fancy sponsoring me then all you have to do is head to my Virgin Money Giving Page and click a few buttons.

Finally, a massive thank you to all my brilliant sponsors: Explore Indochina, Weise Motorcycle Clothing, The Adventurists, The Visa Machine, Stanfords, Puncturesafe, Boxer Gin and Snugpak without whom I would have been Panther-less, gear-less, gin-less and generally clueless".

NEW Motorbike range from WD-40

WD-40, whose Multi-Use Product has been used to maintain and repair motorcycles for generations, has developed a motorbike-specific range of high performance solutions under the WD-40 Specialist brand for those more demanding jobs around the motorcycle where there is a  specific requirement.  The new range covers all the most important areas of motorcycle maintenance from cleaning and lubricating through to protecting the motorcycle.

•     WD40 Chain Lube - quick-drying with outstanding anti-fling properties and compatible with O, X and Z ring chains.
•     WD40 Chain Wax - provides lasting lubrication and protection and is O, X and Z ring compatible. Its exceptional long-lasting action makes it particularly suitable for dry conditions.
•     WD40 Chain Cleaner - compatible with O, X and Z ring chains the formula blasts off contaminants and dries in minutes.
•     WD40 Wax & Polish - contains Carnauba Wax, one of the hardest naturally occurring waxes, which provides a wet-look finish and long lasting shine.
•     WD40 Silicone Shine - designed to give an all over great shine to your bike with no need to buff.
•     WD40 Brake Cleaner - removes brake dust, dirt, oil, and brake fluid from brake and clutch systems, dries in minutes and leaves no residue.
•     WD40 Total Wash - an all-purpose cleaner that cuts through traffic film and road grime. Safe to use on paintwork, plastic, rubber, aluminium, chrome, carbon fibre and disc pads – basically all over the bike!

The new WD-40 Motorbike range is available exclusively from The Key Collection, telephone 0117 971 9200 or visit www.thekeycollection.co.uk.

NEW WEISE Thruxton leather jacket has style and substance

The new Thruxton leather jacket from WEISE® offers all the features riders expect from a high performance 'modern' riding jacket, combined with a subtle vintage styling.

Made from 1.2mm cowhide (the same thickness required by the ACU for racing leathers) and with CE approved armour at the elbows, shoulders and back, the Thruxton offers high levels of protection, but creates a vintage look with its distressed finish and padded and ribbed detailing on the shoulders together with brass zippers.

A removable 100-gram thermal quilted lining means that the Thruxton can be worn in chilly conditions and a leather strip under the main zipper helps to keep out the breeze.

Four external pockets with zipper closure and one internal pocket for valuables add a dash of practicality. Reliable YKK zippers are used throughout.

Available in chest sizes 40"-50" the Thruxton Jacket retails for £259.99. Like the complete WEISE collection it's covered by a two-year, no-quibble warranty for complete peace of mind. For details call 0117 971 9200, or visit www.weise-clothing.co.uk

Tickets for Day of Champions 2013 are now on sale from www.silverstone.co.uk. One of the best days out in British motorsport, this year it takes place on Thursday 29th August, before the British MotoG at Silverstone. There are only a limited number of paddock and pit-lane tickets, so make sure you don't miss out by ordering yours today. 

Ticket prices start at just £15 – the same price as in previous years – and with children 15 and under going free, it is a great day out for the whole family. For more information about Day of Champions or Riders for Health visit www.riders.org.

K-Shield – a glove for all reasons

The new K-Shield gloves from Weise® bring together a range of innovative technologies,  combining the strength of Kevlar and modern construction techniques with the traditional values of leather.

Manufactured from an outer layer of Keshield®, a hybrid fabric mixed with Dupont Kevlar to offer exceptional resistance to abrasion, puncture and tearing, combined with a double layered leather palm, the K-Shield provides the rider with a light but protective glove that is soft to the touch.

Utilising the mcFit© system, a patented process that assembles the 120 gram Thinsulate© lining, a waterproof membrane and the outer shell in one smooth stitch-free process, the K-Shields are not only comfortable but the lining won't twist or detach either.

With the addition of a TPU shell over the knuckles and fingers, the K-Shield provides not only impact, abrasion and tearing protection, but is also waterproof thanks to its mcTex© waterproof, windproof and breathable lining.

The K-Shield is also fitted with an elasticated wrist feature plus a Velcro strap for a snug and secure fit.  Available in  black in sizes: small to 3XL the K-Shield retails for £79.99 including VAT.