As Ford and Toyota announced factory closings and other reduced production, it became public knowledge that most wiring harnesses come out of Ukraine. Ford Explorers will not be equipped with air conditioning among other comforts until components become available.

We’re lucky to have no need for a/c with our open air rides; however we will be experiencing the loss of some options and accessories for a while.  Production dates will identify what options will be factory installed or possibly retrofittable at a future date.

It’s a whole new world out there; allocation and production have been cut because of chips, wiring harnesses, trucking, distribution, etc worldwide…and now Eastern Europe.

Thought I’d change up the tenor by including a copy of our FIRST Newsletter dated April 1977.  Laurie would type one up, send it out to be copied, fold, stop, stamp and originally hand address envelopes.  How time has changed. Reading it takes us back to simpler times before chips, internet and “computers on wheels” we enjoy today.

How to tell the age of a tire:

Stamped along the sidewall you will find a series of numbers; while most are control numbers, there are 4 to look for. After the DOT number on any DOT approved tire will be 4 numbers slightly separated from the others.  A stamping of “2019” means the tire was manufactured the 20th week of 2019.  Most manufacturers consider a tire as “ brand new” if less than 3 years old and “new” if less than 5 years old.  Because of the shortage of tires, we have found customers bringing in tires for mounting that are over 10 years old.  Buyer beware.

We received information about a new product called “Brake Free” – www.brakefreetech.com .This ingenious wireless light attaches to the back of your helmet and pulses as the bike slows to a solid when stopped. It appears to fit most helmets and can be easily swapped between helmets.Offers 8-10 hours run time and is rechargeable; their biggest national exposure was SharkTank.

Like we always say…lights and visibility are what keep us safe. Take a few minutes to check out the video.  If enough interest is shown; we’ll take BrakeFreeTech on as a vendor and carry stock.

Newsletters are supposed to contain “news” so we’ll just keep trying to be newsworthy.

Enjoy the longer days, decent weather, check your tires, and ENJOY THE RIDE

the West Valley Cycle Gang including Buddy and Ben!