Bags

Bulldust and Other Outback Hazards

 

My friend Luke has a cattle ranch in Queensland’s northern gulf country. We first visited him about thirty years ago and made the trip in the family station wagon. It goes without saying that cars were different in those days.

As a young guy, I owned a BSA 350 motor cycle. When my financial situation improved I bought my first car, a Hillman Minx, built to wartime specification. It was a robust vehicle that could be got going with a hand crank when the battery lacked power to turn the starter motor.

I could get the station wagon going by jacking up the front wheels and turning them by hand. If the battery was totally flat and the generator was no longer operating, I could substitute flashlight batteries, linking them in series to achieve 12 volts. They could provide a good enough spark to keep the cylinders firing for a few hours.

I was recently on a bush walk with friends and we came upon a family whose vehicle had broken down. We offered to give them a push and were told that the car was an “automatic”. There was no way to engage gears and get the engine to turn over.

The model is being promoted on TV. You’ve probably seen the adverts. Proud father is out in his new off-road vehicle with his adoring family. He splashes through rivers and climbs impossible mountains. Everyone is delighted and no one gives thought to what would happen if anything went wrong. The guy we met had a flat battery. His problem wasn’t serious but he had no way of getting started. In a remote situation that could be catastrophic.

Modern cars are more fuel-efficient than their predecessors and have many other advantages. The improvement has been achieved through enormous technical sophistication. There was a time when mechanics did running repairs on the side of the road. Automobile associations employed people who went around in vans. Quite often they could get a vehicle going again. Now, if you need more than a jump-start or a new fan belt, you’ll probably be told to wait for a tow truck.

Our station wagon was very different from the car I drive today. It had front-wheel-drive and low clearance. When I opened the bonnet, I saw things I recognised from my motorcycle days. The engine was uncluttered and it was easy to understand how it worked. When it didn’t, it was not difficult to figure out what was wrong. Most of the time, I could do something to get the vehicle going again. That was important because the drive to Luke’s place took us through some very difficult country. I’ll tell you about the trip because we had a few problems. If you’re going bush they could happen to you.

The five of us left Townsville on the first day of the school holidays and drove 900 km (550 miles) to the mining city of Mount Isa, where we camped for the night. Burketown on the eastern side of the Gulf of Carpentaria was our next stop. Up to that point we had been driving on bitumen (tarmac).

There weren’t many bitumen-sealed roads in the outback and there aren’t many now. While you are on them you are fairly safe. Most are transcontinental highways and carry a continuous stream of long-distance traffic. If you break down you probably won’t have to wait long before someone arrives. On a dirt road you can wait weeks.

We left the bitumen at Burketown and took the dirt road to Doomadgee, which is a small Aboriginal township at the edge of an extensive reserve of land belonging to them as traditional owners. We filled the car with petrol and pressed on westwards. At first the road ran over hard ground. Then it descended into a flat plain and everything suddenly changed. The trees were smaller and the ground beneath our tyres was no longer brown. A vast expanse of light coloured soil lay before us, churned up by the wheels of passing vehicles.

“BULLDUST!”

I’d been warned about it. The stuff gets into everything. The grains have the same feel as talcum powder and are of similar composition. In the wet it turns to slush. In the dry it beaks up and blows everywhere. The road had disappeared and a fan of trails spread out. As one route became impassible, drivers made another. Judging from the ruts, most of the vehicles were far larger than ours. I stopped the car and got out.

I wasn’t going anywhere unless I was sure I could get through. That meant finding a route where the ground was sufficiently firm to support the car. After half-an-hour of bush bashing I marked out a track. We drove along it and rejoined the road on higher ground.

The going was easy for a while. Then we met another patch of bulldust and got bogged down. The kids knew the routine. They gathered brushwood while my wife and I jacked up one of the front wheels. The brushwood was forced under it and more laid out to form a track. It was now the turn of the other wheel. I reached for my spanner.

“Where the hell had it gone?”

Luke had warned me about bulldust. It swallows things up. He said that when his kids were small he used to tie them to a tree in a situation like this. I thought he was joking. Now I realised he was serious. A toddler could vanish in seconds. I looked around and decided my children were safe. The youngest was ten and too big to be at risk.

We found the spanner and soon had the other wheel raised. Brushwood was placed beneath it and we drove off. The road was firm for a while then we hit sand. I was used to that. It’s important to keep up momentum. Get up speed on the firm bits and coast along on the soft. Avoid breaking sharply. Don’t oversteer. Let the vehicle find its natural path.

We were going along nicely when a cloud of dust told me another vehicle was coming along behind. It was much bigger than ours and travelling fast. The light was failing and so was my judgement. I moved to the side to let it pass and got stuck. To my relief they stopped to pull us out. We said we were going to stay with Luke and they said they were going to see him too.

We reached Luke’s place and our new friends were invited to stay the night. Their original plan had been to drive on – but they had a problem. Earlier in the day they had picked up a hitchhiker and he was giving them bad vibes. Luke checked the guy out and decided they weren’t imagining things. There was something sinister about the pale-faced man in badly fitting clothes and I’ll tell you about him in another story.

I gave the car a thorough check before we left Luke’s place. Bulldust can give endless trouble. Imagine tipping a bag of talc on your engine. Think of all the places it might end up. I cleaned filters and blew down every accessible orifice with a pressure hose. Everything had to be got right. The next part of our journey would take us to the far side of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The route was sparsely inhabited and we’d be travelling for two days.

We filled our spare fuel tanks. In those days, there weren’t many petrol stations in the outback (same as now) and you could not make our sort of journey, in our sort of vehicle, unless you had friends who would top up your tanks. Luke’s petrol was delivered in forty-four gallon drums and we tapped into them.

We said goodbye and headed westward. The road was in poor shape but adequate — at least, where it wasn’t cut by flooding. Heavy rains had fallen the previous night and once-dry creek beds were raging torrents.  We camped beside one and waited for the waters to subside.

The next day, I reconnoitred a route and fixed a spare   radiator hose to the exhaust pipe, securing the open end well above any water level that we might encounter. That is important because water can be sucked into cylinders.

I put the car into low gear and drove slowly across, keeping the revs up and taking care not to stall. Going slow is important. Taking it at a rush can throw water up over the engine and short out the ignition.

Our next problem was bulldust.  Despite my efforts, small amounts remained. Minute particles had penetrated the vitals of my engine. I could wax lyrically on their malign character. Sufficient to say that they’d stuffed my alternator. They had incapacitated the generator that charged the battery that started the engine and sparked the plugs.

I realised something was wrong when the warning light came on.  We drove for several hours and the engine    began to misfire. I stopped at the top of a hill figuring the battery would regain some of its strength if we let it rest. That worked the first time but not the second and I had to resort to my flashlight batteries, combining them in series to provide 12 volts. Mercifully, the kids had brought along a radio. It had a 9-volt battery and I used that when the first batteries were exhausted.

We limped into Borroloola and went straight to the filling station. A mechanic was on duty and he stripped down the alternator. To my dismay the bearings were crammed full of bulldust and totally wrecked.

“Can a replacement be fitted?”

“It’ll take a week to get one sent up from Sydney,”  he   replied. “Your best bet is to go out into the yard and see if you can find one there.”

A hundred or so wrecked vehicles littered the dusty space outside. I went from one to the next. The bonnets were open and the engines stripped.  There wasn’t a single    alternator that would fit my car. I gave up and was making my way back to the workshop, feeling despondent, when an image flashed before my eyes. For a moment, I though I was imagining things. An alternator, just like mine, was poking out of the soil in a chicken pen. I went inside and dug it up. Most was missing but the bit with the bearings was still intact.

It was an amazing piece of luck. The casing was corroded and had to be cracked open before we could get to the bearings. They were taken out, soaked in kerosene and packed with grease. I installed them and they performed flawlessly on the 2000 kilometre drive back to Townsville. Later, when replacing them, in the comfort of my home, I broke one of the brushes that transmit current to the commutator. My car was out of action and I had to ask friends to give me a lift to work.

In retrospect, I feel foolish for taking children on such a trip. My bush skills got us out of a lot of trouble — but things could have worked out differently.

The photo (above) gives an idea of the sort of terrain you can encounter. In the dry season it blows around in the wind. In the wet is turns to slush.

For more stories: http://mikestales.wordpress.com

About the Author

 

I either started off on the wrong foot or I’m the legendry rolling stone. Normally, a degree in astrophysics does not lead to a stint in Parliament House, public relations, backpacker resorts and the diving industry.  But that’s what happened to me.  I’m now retired in the sense that I no longer need to work for a living and that gives me a lot of time for travelling and writing.

My web pages:

http://shadymike.wordpress.com

http://mikestales.wordpress.com

 

 

Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 Carry On Suitcase – Review

Eagle Creek 2011 Tarmac 25 Wheeled Luggage Honored by Money Magazine as the 2011 Field Test Winner, the Tarmac 25 upright, wheeled bag from Eagle Creek introduces carefree yet seriously functional convenience for your next business or travel adventure. Integrating exterior form with interior function, the Tarmac 25 offers great looks and exceptional organization for longer and multi-destination trips. The bag expands when necessary from it…

Eagle Creek 2011 Tarmac 22 Wheeled Luggage The Tarmac 22 upright, wheeled bag from Eagle Creek introduces carefree yet seriously functional carry-on convenience for your next business or travel adventure. Integrating exterior form with interior function, the Tarmac 22 offers great looks with exceptional organization. Interior details include the built-in Pack-It System Shoe Box to isolate footwear and the Stash Cache for optimal use of spa…

Eagle Creek 2011 Tarmac 20 Wide Body Wheeled Luggage A wide-bodied carry-on for the traveler who wants maximum packing space….

Eagle Creek ES2 Tarmac 22 Upright, Black $195.00 …

Eagle Creek ES2 Tarmac 25 Upright, Black $219.95 …

Eagle Creek 2011 Tarmac 28 Wheeled Luggage Perfect for longer trips, far-reaching destinations, and international travel, the Tarmac 28 upright, wheeled bag from Eagle Creek introduces carefree yet seriously functional convenience for your next adventure. Integrating exterior form with interior function, the Tarmac 28 offers great looks and exceptional organization with a 92-liter capacity that expands when needed to 106.5 liters for 15 pe…

Flashpoint Tarmac 25 $300 The Eagle Creek Flashpoint Tarmac 25: Lightweight wheeled luggage with internal organization.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 – 22 Rolling Upright – Black $213 Eagle Creek-Completely redesigned, the Tarmac is spacious, lighter weight and durable for seriously big adventures.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 22 – 22 Rolling Upright – Cypress $213 Eagle Creek-Completely redesigned, the Tarmac is spacious, lighter weight and durable for seriously big adventures.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 25 – 25 Rolling Upright – Cypress $231.75 Eagle Creek-Completely redesigned, the Tarmac is spacious, lighter weight and durable for seriously big adventures.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 25 – 25 Rolling Upright – Black $231.75 Eagle Creek-Completely redesigned, the Tarmac is spacious, lighter weight and durable for seriously big adventures.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 28 – 28 Rolling Upright – Black $254.25 Eagle Creek-Completely redesigned, the Tarmac is spacious, lighter weight and durable for seriously big adventures.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 28 – 28 Rolling Upright – Cypress $254.25 Eagle Creek-Completely redesigned, the Tarmac is spacious, lighter weight and durable for seriously big adventures.

Flashpoint Tarmac 20 Wide Body $260 The Eagle Creek Flashpoint Tarmac 20 Wide Body: Made from Bi-Tech fabric for ultimate weather resistance and durability.

Eagle Creek Flashpoint Tarmac 25 – Black $281.25 Eagle Creek-The most functional and durable bag on the planet. Made from 100% recycled Bi-Tech -e fabric for ultimate weather resistance.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Flashpoint Tarmac 25 Black $375 The Exploration System 3 Flashpoint Tarmac 25 from Eagle Creek is made for seriously big adventures with ultimate packing organization. Bi-Tech material provides extreme durability and weather-resistance. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, a large door panel pocket, and compression wings. Main compartment expands for 15% more packing space. Exterior features a quick stash pocket and a large zippered pocket. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 22 Red Clay $285 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 22 is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, one large interior door panel pocket, and compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag features beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 25 Black $310 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 25 is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, one large interior door panel pocket, and compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag features beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 28 Black $340 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 28 is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, one large door panel pocket, and compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag features beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 20 Wide Body Black $275 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 20 Wide Body is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Bag features a padded front pocket, two interior zippered mesh pockets, one large interior door panel pocket, and interior compression straps. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag has beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 22 Black $285 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 22 is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, one large interior door panel pocket, and compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag features beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Flashpoint Tarmac 20 Wide Black $375 The Exploration System 3 Flashpoint Tarmac 20″ Wide from Eagle Creek fits perfectly in most overhead bins with maximum packing space. This lightweight carry on is made from Bi-Tech material that provides extreme durability and weather-resistance. Exterior features a padded front pocket, quick stash pocket, and a large zippered pocket. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, a large door panel pocket, and compression wings. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 28 Red Clay $340 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 28 is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, one large door panel pocket, and compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag features beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 28 Cypress Green $340 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 28 is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Interior features two zippered mesh pockets, one large door panel pocket, and compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag features beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 – 20 Wide Rolling Upright $205.5 Eagle Creek-A wide-bodied carry-on for the traveler who wants maximum packing space.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 20 – 20 Wide Rolling Upright – Red $205.5 Eagle Creek-A wide-bodied carry-on for the traveler who wants maximum packing space.

Eagle Creek Tarmac Wheeled 22” Upright Luggage $285 Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag and color contrast helps identify your bag. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility. Multiple grab handes. Organize this bag with the Pack-It System. Meets most airline carry-on requirements.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 22” Wheeled Upright Luggage $285 Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag and color contrast helps identify your bag. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility. Multiple grab handes. Organize this bag with the Pack-It System. Meets most airline carry-on requirements.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 28” Wheeled Upright Luggage $340 Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag and color contrast helps identify your bag. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility. Multiple grab handles. Organize this bag with the Pack-It System.

Eagle Creek Tarmac 25” Wheeled Upright Luggage $310 Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. Expandable main compartment adds 15% more packing space. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag and color contrast helps identify your bag. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility. Multiple grab handles. Organize this bag with the Pack-It System.

Eagle Creek Flashpoint Tarmac 20” Wide Body $325 Lightweight carry on for traveling convenience. Bi-Tech material provides extreme durability and weather-resistance. Padded front pocket. Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. Lockable, self-repairing, weather-resistant zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Reflective accents for dusk and nighttime visibility. Integrates with the Pack-It System, suggestions included. No Matter What Warranty.

Eagle Creek 25” Flashpoint Tarmac Carry On Bag $375 Lightweight wheeled luggage with internal organization. Bi-Tech material provides extreme durability and weather-resistance. Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Expandable main compartment for 15% more packing space. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. Lockable, self-repairing, weather-resistant zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Reflective accents for dusk and nighttime visibility. Integrates with the Pack-It System, suggestions included. No Matter What Warranty.

Eagle Creek Flashpoint Tarmac 20 Wide Body – Black $243.75 Eagle Creek-Made from 100% recycled Bi-Tec -e fabric for ultimate weather resistance and durability. Fits perfectly in most overhead bins without compromising packing space.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 20 Wide Body Red Clay $275 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 20 Wide Body is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Bag features a padded front pocket, two interior zippered mesh pockets, one large interior door panel pocket, and interior compression straps. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag has beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 20 Wide Body Cypress Green $275 Eagle Creek’s Exploration Systems 3 Tarmac 20 Wide Body is made of 100% recycled materials, conserving the Earth’s resources. Bag features a padded front pocket, two interior zippered mesh pockets, one large interior door panel pocket, and interior compression straps. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket provide additional storage. ES Wheel and Handle System is made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Bag has beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls.

Eagle Creek 20” ES3 Tarmac Wide Body Wheeled Luggage $275 Padded front pocket. Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag and color contrast helps identify your bag. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Organize this bag with the Pack-It System. Meets most airline carry-on requirements.

Eagle Creek ES3 Tarmac 20” Wide Body Wheeled Luggage $275 Padded front pocket. Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket. Interior compression wings. Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket. ES Wheel and Handle System made to withstand the most rigorous of journeys while providing a comfortable carry. Beefy, lockable self-repairing coil zippers and finger friendly zipper pulls. Slip-away luggage tag and color contrast helps identify your bag. 4-Point Protection for critical wear points. Organize this bag with the Pack-It System. Meets most airline carry-on requirements.

Tarmac Pants $449.99 REV’IT! Tarmac Pants Rev’It! Tarmac Pants are designed to match the Tarmac jacket in both styling elements and safety features. With knee sliders, safety stitching, and CE approved armor, the Tarmac Pants are the perfect solution for the serious track addicts. PROTECTION: OUTERSHELL: Monaco Performance cowhide, PWR/shell 500D stretch, Lorica? PROTECTION: Dual-comp knee slider type A, ProLife? CE protection at knees, perforated EVA at hips, safety stitching, double leather seat ERGONOMIC: FIT: race fit, regular ADJUSTABILITY: adjustment straps at waist VENTILATION: ventilation panels at upper legs and calf FEATURES: stretch lips at back and knees, short and long connection zipper, elastic at waistband POCKETS: slit pocket Currently Rev’It products can only be shipped to U.S. customers

Tarmac Gloves $199.99 REV’IT! Tarmac Gloves Serious riding requires serious demands from your hands. The REV’IT! Tarmac Motorcycle Gloves feature a pre-shaped race-fit designed to reduce fatigue. When combined with an outer shell constructed out of cowhide and goatskin, dual-comp palm sliders and knuckle protectors, the Tarmac glove is ready for the fastest lap time you can muster. PROTECTION: OUTERSHELL: cowhide, goatskin LINING: aramide and tri-fleece liner PROTECTION: TPU hard-shell finger knuckles, Dual-comp protector at knuckle, TPU hard-shell little finger protector, Dual-comp palm slider, EVA foam at index finger, thumb and wrist, schoeller?-keprotec? at palm, PWR/yarn ERGONOMIC: FIT: race fit ADJUSTABILITY: adjustment strap at wrist, double adjustment tab at cuff VENTILATION: ventilation panels at fingers and cuff FEATURES: stretch lips at fingers, thumb and wrist, elastic at wrist, double cuff closure, regular cuff Currently, REV’IT! products can only be shipped to U.S. customers

The Meagre Tarmac $9.99 Longlisted for the Frank O’Connor Short Story Award"Clark Blaise’s brilliantly imagined The Meagre Tarmac is a novel in short-story form, warmly intimate, startling in its quick jumps and revelations, a portrait of individuals for whom we come to care deeply – and a portrait of an Indo-American way of life that shimmers before our eyes with the rich and compelling detail for which Clark Blaise’s fiction is renowned .Â… The Meagre Tarmac is a remarkable accomplishment." -Joyce Carol OatesAn Indo-American Canterbury Tales, The Meagre Tarmac explores the places where tradition, innovation, culture, and power meet with explosive force. It begins with Vivek Waldekar, who refused to attend his father’s funeral because he was “trying to please an American girl who thought starting a fire in his father’s body too gross a sacrilege to contemplate." It ends with Pranab Dasgupta, the Rockefeller of India, who can only describe himself as “‘a very lonely, very rich, very guilty immigrant.’" And in between is a cluster of remarkable characters, incensed by the conflict between personal desire and responsibility, who exhaust themselves in pursuit of the miraculous. Fearless and ferociously intelligent, these stories are vintage Blaise, whose outsider’s view of the changing heart of America has always been ruthless and moving and tender.

Tarmac 22 $228 Perfect for a busy week of business meetings or amusement parks, the Tarmac 22 from Eagle Creek® is just the right size to fit everything you need and avoid the checked baggage station. Multiple grab handles make it easy to load on the plane or in the car, while the inside of the bag can be easily organized. Need extra space? Simple pull a zipper and expand the bag to get another 260 cubic inches of space!

Tarmac 25 $248 The Tarmac 25 from Eagle Creek® comes to the rescue when the carry-on just won’t cut it for that longer trip. Use the built-in mesh pockets and panel pocket with Eagle Creek®’s famous Pack-Itâ„¢ System to stay organized. When you need even more space for the way home, simply unzip the expander and get a whopping 15% more packing space!

Tarmac Ventilated Boots $125 Icon Tarmac Ventilated Boots Sometimes a name says it all-’Ventilated Riding Shoe’. Built on an ultra comfortable athletic bottom unit, the Tarmac is up to the challenge of the mean summertime streets. Internally the Tarmac is heaven, built around a wicked outsole for a cushioned ride but reinforced with an axial metric steel shank. But externally is where the Tarmac really shines. The chassis is built from a street-proof combination of action leather and ultra-durable vented Rocpro mesh. Heel, toe, and ankle plastic plates combine to serve and protect. The hidden constant tension lacing system provides killer fit while keeping the eyestay area snag free. If you’ve ever hooked your shoe laces in your shifter than you know all about the necessity of this feature. Finally, forefoot and ankle straps keep the whole shoe on lockdown should the unfortunate occur. Features: Lightweight leather/nylon construction Quick-fit elastic foot retention system Plastic toe and heel guards Full length steel shank Footpeg interface arch Floating ankle armor Breathable textile panels Anti-slip rubber compound Cushioned eva midsole Padded high-top pattern Imported View the MotorcycleUSA.com review of the Icon Tarmac Ventilated Boots here: Icon Tarmac Ventilated Boots Review **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Flashpoint Tarmac 20 $260 Eagle Creek’s Flashpoint Tarmac is made from 100% recycled Bi-Tech™ -e fabric for the ultimate weather resistance and durability. Fits perfectly in most overhead bins without compromising packing space.

Tarmac 20 Wide Body $220 The Tarmac 20 Wide Body from Eagle Creek® offers just a little bit more capacity than the regular Tarmac 20 so you can squeeze in that extra pair of shoes or awesome souvenir. With 4-Point Protection and beefy self-repairing zippers, this bag will take whatever abuse the serious traveler can throw at it–and then some!

Tarmac Air Jacket $219.99 REV’IT! Tarmac Air Jacket REV’IT! TARMAC AIR Jacket was designed for sport bike riders who are not scared of high temperatures. Sometimes it’s simply too hot for leather though. When the temperature rises, TARMAC AIR offers sport bike riders the styling they want, with the comfort they need. TARMAC AIR will keep you safe with Engineered Skin design, CE-approved armor, and abrasion resistant fabric in the impact zones. Compared to REV’IT! TORNADO Jacket the TARMAC AIR is cut a little more aggressive and the styling is not as subtle. With the strategic use of well flowing mesh, you’ll be cool in the hottest weather. Outer shell: polyester 600D , PWR shell mesh , Monaco Performance cowhide Protection: perforated EVA foam , Knox? CE protection Waterproofing: None Breathability: Mesh panels Fit: race fit, regular Adjustability: flexisnap , adjustment strap , adjustment tab Ventilation: mesh ventilation panels at chest, back and arms Features: jeans loop , short connection zipper Pockets: inner pockets, slit pockets Currently Rev’It products can only be shipped to U.S. customers

ICON TARMAC VENTILATED SHOES $125 Sometimes a name says it all – ‘Ventilated Riding Shoe’. Built on an ultra comfortable athletic bottom unit, the Tarmac is up to the challenge of the mean summertime streets. Internally the Tarmac is heaven, built around a wicked outsole for a cushioned ride but reinforced with an Axialmetric steel shank. But externally is where the Tarmac really shines. The chassis is built from a street-proof combination of action leather and ultra-durable vented Rocpro mesh. Heel, toe, and ankle plastic plates combine to serve and protect. The hidden constant tension lacing system provides killer fit while keeping the eyestay area snag free. If you’ve ever hooked your shoe laces in your shifter than you know all about the necessity of this feature. Finally, forefoot and ankle straps keep the whole shoe on lockdown should the unfortunate occur. Tarmac Boot Specifications Lightweight leather/nylon construction. Quick-fit elastic foot retention system. Plastic toe and heel guards. Full-length steel shank. Footpeg interface arch. Floating ankle armor. Breathable textile panels. Anti-slip rubber compound. Cushioned EVA midsole. Padded high-top pattern.

Eagle Creek ES3 Flashpoint Tarmac 20 2Wheeled Wide Body $243.75 The Fashpoint Tarmac 20 Wide Body is made from recycled BiTeche fabric for ultimate weather resistance and durability This carry on luggage fits perfectly in most overhead bins with maximum packing space

Eagle Creek ES3 Flashpoint Tarmac 25 2Wheeled Wide Body $281.25 The most functional and durable bag on the planet The Flashpoint Tarmac 25 Wide Body wheeled bag is made for seriously big adventures with the packing organization youve come to expect from Eagle Creek Lightweight luggage made from recycled BiTeche fabric provides ultimate weather resistance for any adventure

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 20 Wide (Black) $206.25 UX1960: Features: -Wide-bodied carry-on for the traveler who wants maximum packing space.-Padded front pocket.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Lockable YKK self-repairing coil zippers.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 9” H x 15.5” W x 20” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 20 Wide (Cypress Green) $206.25 UX1960: Features: -Wide-bodied carry-on for the traveler who wants maximum packing space.-Padded front pocket.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Lockable YKK self-repairing coil zippers.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 9” H x 15.5” W x 20” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 20 Wide (Red Clay) $206.25 UX1960: Features: -Wide-bodied carry-on for the traveler who wants maximum packing space.-Padded front pocket.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Lockable YKK self-repairing coil zippers.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 9” H x 15.5” W x 20” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 22 (Black) $213.75 UX1961: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 9” H x 14” W x 22” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 22 (Cypress Green) $284 UX1961: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 9” H x 14” W x 22” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 22 (Red Clay) $213.75 UX1961: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 9” H x 14” W x 22” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 25 (Black) $232.5 UX1962: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 11.8” H x 16.9” W x 25” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 25 (Cypress Green) $232.5 UX1962: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 11.8” H x 16.9” W x 25” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 25 (Red Clay) $232.5 UX1962: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 11.8” H x 16.9” W x 25” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 28 (Black) $255 UX1963: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 13” H x 18” W x 28” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 28 (Cypress Green) $255 UX1963: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 13” H x 18” W x 28” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration System 3 Tarmac 28 (Red Clay) $255 UX1963: Features: -Completely re-designed, spacious, lighter weight, durable for seriously big adventures.-Two interior zippered mesh pockets and large interior door panel pocket.-Expandable main compartment for 15pct more packing space.-Exterior quick stash pocket and large zippered pocket.-Slip-away luggage tag helps identify your bag.-ES wheel and handle system.-Four point protection for critical wear points.-Detachable piggyback clip offers add-a-bag versatility.-Integrates with pack-it system. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 13” H x 18” W x 28” D.

Eagle Creek Exploration Systems 19 Tarmac Plus One $183.75 Eagle Creeks 19 Tarmac Plus one is a lightweight hybrid carry-on that is a unique companion for the multi-activity traveler. Fast, concise transport solution for business organization and basic travel needs.