Andy Strapz… Ever had one of those days when an occy strap suddenly springs back at you and clobbers you one in the head, or worse, possibly knock out an eye. Well it has for me. In fact now they even make them with big plastic clips which are even more deadly! They truly should be banned. A true hardcore bike adventurer, Andy from Andy Strapz decided to do something about it - and started producing the Andy Strapz range.  What is so good about his products are that they have been field tested time and time again, modified where necessary until he has got it just right. These straps are adjustable, available in varying lengths and can be adapted for a wide range of uses. In fact we have ordered extras for the support vehicle for tying down everything from fuel tanks to the recovery tracks. Andy also offers a host of other items which are essential for the traveller borne from his experience on the road.

Knuckle Savers (Barkbusters…) When we bought the bikes the first thing we ordered were Barkbusters, not only to protect our hands but also the clutch and brake levers which can easily be knocked off in any fall. Well after seeing the state of ours after our training, Barkbusters quickly offered to replace them with a better model which not only gives more space between the levers, they also provide better protection for the hands. Strong and durable, this product is essential kit for any bike rider, either just cruising the streets or bashing the trails...and a absolute must for the adventurer!

Hey Mum...can you come and get me? Well it is something that we don't want to use in an emergency but it is a relief to have all the same. Along with our EPIRBS, the AcrossOz team will be equipped with the latest Satellite phone in the event of an emergency - an absolute necessity in consideration of some of the remote areas we will be covering. The lads at RealTime Platform have come to the rescue with the latest technology in Sat phones for our use and security. Carried in the support vehicle, it will be also used by our families and the media when trying to contact us during the course of the trip. Likewise if we get into serious trouble we will have a better chance of contacting authorities or medical assistance if needed. It is probably stating the obvious, but you simply cannot travel remote Australia without this equipment. RealTime Platform offer rentals on their Sat phones which can be a real $$ saver as well.

Desert + remote areas + limited mobile coverage + security + peace of mind = Sat Phone!

Calling All Stations...  It's a simple fact that crossing Australia including four deserts and some very remote areas has a certain 'hazard' element about it. In conjunction with our Satellite phone, we decided that it would be prudent to carry a GPS EPIRB on the bikes and another in the support vehicle in the event of a serious accident which required immediate help. Kindly supplied by GME, activating the EPIRB will immediately set about a chain of events which hopefully mean rescue and help in a very short time. GME's ACCUSAT Pocket Pro is a very neat unit with accuracy less than 100 metres and a first fix within 35 seconds! Fully waterproof, it is also compact, robust and perfect for Oz conditions. It also has a high visibilty strobe light and a battery life of 7 years. GME offer a wide variety of EPIRBS depending on indvidual requirements. Don't leave home without one!

Kelly Enduro... Remember that TV ad where the guy said the product was so good, he bought the company? Well Phil Eldridge did just that! After using a Kelly Enduro bag, he went and bought the company. Kelly Enduro produce a range of fender and bum bags which are perfect for spare tubes and tools and designed for the adventure and trail bike rider. One thing we have quickly learnt is just how much gear we have to carry on the bikes especially with the support car already full with spares, tyres, eskys, fuel and camera equipment. The fender bags are the perfect complement making great use of space which would normally be unusable.

Hand made, the fender bags are an excellent option for carrying our spare tubes and select tools for the trip.

Touratech... Inevitably adventure bike riders will always argue over the choice between soft and hard panniers. Each have their advantages and disadvantages but we decided without hesitation on probably the world's best pannier systems offered by Touratech. With great capacity, very durable, contents protection, lockable and easily removed for security, the Zega cases were everything we needed for our trip. And they don't catch fire! Before the trip became somewhat bigger than orginally envisaged, we were going to convert one of the panniers to an esky such is their versatilty (however we still plan to do so for AcrossTheTop in June 2011). Handles on the top offer good tie down spots and extra carrying options. On my bike, a fold down shovel will be on one side and tripod on the other. Awesome product.

Touratech offer a huge range of pannier systems to virtually suit any bike. Even for the commuter who needs a spot for the lappie, you will find something to suit.