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IMG_1688IMG_1684Kitfox Aircraft flight instruments- radios were put into the aircraft to give it the ultimate use potential. Many of you have asked what was built into the Kitfox as far as radios and panel instruments.  During the 10 years to build the aircraft, i decided to make it a fully capable night flight, and instrument flight rated craft (IFR).  So an instrumented rated pilot can fly the Kitfox in weather and clouds just like the big guys in the airlines.

King radios were chosen for capability and reliability and an auto pilot increases ease of long fight fatigue.  The “T” scan arrangement was utilized as thats how I was trained.  This allows scans which one has imbedded in their training and come naturally as flights are flown.  The auto pilot reduces single pilot work load when your in the clouds.

Full instrumented panel. GPS, auto pilot, intsrumented flight certifiied
Full instrumented panel. GPS, auto pilot, intsrument flight certifiied

IMG_1687

Its not about the journey, but the destination.

For our extended fishing trips we finally broke the code on the best car top tent out there. We found a great supplier in Seattle WA.( https://adventure-ready.com/product-category/rooftop-tents/) for the Kane Klassics car top tent.  Tom, the owner is very knowledgeable in all awnings, tents and other gear, all top quality. We selected the Nomad 160 by James Baroud Company. Tom’s a distributor for the west coast. We Drove over 800 miles at highway 65 to 75 mph in solid rain and snow and no leaks under the cover!

The Rino Rack awning over the drive side
The Rino Rack awning over the drive side
Maker Doug Kulick in Seattle with the newly installed Nomad 160
Maker Doug Kulick in Seattle with the newly installed Nomad 160

The Nomad is the easiest deploying and folding tent system with the added advantage of being able to bring in side the ladder for added security.

We have done some mods that are low cost and unique for gear stowage.

cargo net in the entry way for shoes and wet jackets
cargo net in the entry way for shoes and wet jackets

inside stowage net held in with velcro straps

 

The first mods were net stowage system.  The one over the tents inside is for clothing, junk, snacks etc that would other wise clutter out the tent.  The net over the ladder entrance are for your shoes, wet rain jacket etc keeping the inside dry and clean.  The other user issue is when your camped on a hard surface.  As you enter the tent when your weight is off the ladder it will sometimes slide in under the tent.  So for road trips I found a shop rubber rug matt keeps that ladder extended.  You can find the nets at Walmart for $9.00 and secure with

rubber shop rug which keeps your ladder in place on hard surfaces
rubber shop rug which keeps your ladder in place on hard surfaces

 

with any number of hooks and climbing hooks all from, again Walmart!  Any questions contact Tom or Kane Klassics.

Good old Walmart item for $9.00!!!

the water proof proven tent travel cover
the water proof proven tent travel cover

 

After a recon flight of Pyramid Lake NV. the Kitfox awaits return to the hanger.
After a recon flight of Pyramid Lake NV. the Kitfox awaits return to the hanger.

The Kitfox has a gross aircraft weight of 700 lbs.  With the tundra tires and rear tundra tail wheel its a hump to push the plane up hill into the hanger.  We cane up with a $35.oo Harbor Freight special!

We used a solid tire furniture mover with a tail wheel adaptor we made and  welded on.  Great for pushing and turning the plane with all those sticky tires on the tarmack.

We reconned the lake shore for a trip up coming next week for drop offs and trails into the lake.

The terrain out to Pyramid Lake
The terrain out to Pyramid Lake

Back to our aircraft dolly.  We used a low cost dolly with solid tires.  Remember the sticky tundra tires making the plane impossible to push by the aircraft holds.  We welded on a tail wheel holder and instant success! Outstanding in use Kane Klassics Ktifox Aircraft dolly.

 

The low cost homemade tail wheel dolly works outstandingly!
The low cost homemade tail wheel dolly works outstandingly!
Once the welding was finished a can of red spray paint touched it all up.
Once the welding was finished a can of red spray paint touched it all up.

Look for more uses of the airplane as we go into winter.  In a high desert like the Reno area the best flying is in the winter.  Cold stable air, unless a storm is upon us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have owned three Prius cars over the last four years.  Two are the normal size and the newest Kane Klassics command car is the Prius C.  This car is pushing 60 MPG at 65 MPH with the air on!!  Some ask is that why his license is “ON FUMES” !

At 60 plus MPG I think "ON FUMES" tells it all.
At 60 plus MPG I think “ON FUMES” tells it all.

So with that in mind, draw a circle on the map 4 Hrs drive from the shop in Reno and you are looking at hundreds of fly fishing destinations.  The first destination and trial run was a meager 650 mile round trip to southern Oregon.

60.1 MPG  "on fumes" at 65 MPH with air!!
60.1 MPG “on fumes” at 65 MPH with air!!
A proud owner having his picture taken by the AM-PM ladies!
A proud owner having his picture taken by the AM-PM ladies!

So we loaded up the little Prius C with all our gear including a four man Zodiac rubber boat complete with a 2.5 HP out board, all camping gear, fishing gear, food and even our Micro Bike!

The evidence of all that gear before loading!
The evidence of all that gear before loading!
Could not forget the Micro Bike!
Could not forget the Micro Bike!
Birds eye view.
Birds eye view.

That poor “C” was filled to the Gills and I had not enough room for a slupie! I traveled at highway legal speeds and averaged 53.1 MPG for a total fuel cost of $45.00.

 

 

 

So after the 2 1/2 day fishing trip, 28 4-5 lb trout caught and released, 3 wicked thunder storms and then repacking the gear,  I cant wait for the next ROD TEST!!!

Out of the "C" and into the lake.
Out of the “C” and into the lake.
I hate to be cramped in a tent... 8 man Coleman!
I hate to be cramped in a tent… 8 man Coleman!
Proof of success and many thanks to Toyota.  DON'T CHANGE IT guys
Proof of success and many thanks to Toyota. DON’T CHANGE IT guys

This YouTube film shows you how to pack-in and out a natural lightweight anchor system for your float boat into the back country. KANE KLASSICS Back Pack Lightweight Float Boat Anchor System allows you to use shore rocks at the lake for weight and dump them out for a no weight pack out.

Its not about the journey, but the destination.

We have offered Bicycle Cargo Trailer Mods and accessories that that are mountable within the frame of our bicycle trailers but we are happy to provide the information for our customers to make their own. If your not into crafts then by all means call us for us to make these for you and we would be happy to work with you.

Optional rod racks and float boat loaded on to the open slat trailer bed.
Optional rod racks and float boat loaded on to the open slat trailer bed.
Bicycle trailer fishing rod option
Bicycle cargo trailer fishing rod option

In construction of any side rails or stowage racks, we use simple ABS pipe available at all hardware and building stores.  Below see the parts list for you to do your own.  The cargo trailer has four corner round holes with lock set screws to secure the piping.

Bicycle trailer rack mounting holes located at the trailers four corners
Bicycle cargo trailer rack mounting holes located at the trailers four corners

See the picture of the hole at the four corners of the trailer bed.

You can see the pipe above and the mounting hole on the trailers corner.  Your imagination is your best source for making your own stowage and containment racks.  One fly fisherman has made a tent system on the 6′ trailer.

MATERIAL LIST AND SIZES:

Frame work pipe   1 1/2 inch

Coupling 1 inch with inside ridge ground off

White Pipe 1 inch inside diameter

Wooden reinforcement dowel 1 inch

outside black pipe is 1 1/2 inch. inner color is a 1 inch coupling. with a 1 inch dowel insert.
Outside black pipe is 1 1/2 inch.the inner pipe  is a 1 inch coupling. with a 1 inch dowel insert.
IMG_0726
The 1 inch ID pipe inserted into the coupling

 

You can all ways take the cargo trailer to the hardware store and mix and match components for your needs. Bicycle Cargo Trailer Mods are easy to upgrade your trailer to your own needs.  Call and we can help if you have questions.  800-337-5200

Its not about the journey, but the destination.

We have always lead the fly rod industry in Bamboo pack & Graphite pack fly rods that travel. Sporting magazines and books have given us many kind accolade over the last

Kauai Hawaiian sun set
Kauai Hawaiian sun set
kane klassics graphite, five piece graphite pack rod awaiting to go fishing on a Kauai , Hawaiian flat.
kane klassics graphite, five piece graphite pack rod awaiting to go fishing on a Kauai , Hawaiian flat.

26 years for our pack rods that cast equal or better then standard rods. The pack rods allow you to travel to normal destinations and still have a fly rod available for

Now thats a prime flat with a five piece graphite fly rod awaiting a passing bone fish.
Now thats a prime flat with a five piece graphite fly rod awaiting a passing bone fish.

a quick afternoon or week of fishing. We recently traveled to Kauai, Hawaii and fished for some fantastic fish from the north island flats to inter island sugar cane lakes.

6 lb. prime Hawaiian Bone Fish and a Kane Klassics 5 pc 9' fly rod.
6 lb. prime Hawaiian Bone Fish and a Kane Klassics 5 pc 9′ fly rod.

Hawaiian waters have a good population of saltwater Bone Fish in the 4 to 20 lb. size ranges.  The sugar cane lakes have small and large mouth Bass, Talapia and Peacock Bass. While the family does the beach gig, you can be fishing some impressive and unique fisheries.

Pack rods are easily carried aboard airlines today as well.  Just dont have knives and pliers in with your rods.

Our guide, Nigel did a fine job sighting and showing us the best flats for the Bone Fish.  Contact him at 1-808-652-9038, or at  flyfishkauai@hotmail.com.

Sugar cane Large Mouth Bass on Kauai
Sugar cane Large Mouth Bass on Kauai

He can take you fly fishing all over Kauai including trout fishing.  Kauai is a little known great fishing destination which lets the family do their thing while you do yours! See the web site for more details on the varied and highly capable pack rods both in Bamboo pack & Graphite pack fly rods that travel.   www.kaneklassics.com

Sugar cane Peacock Bass in Kauai with a Kane Klassics 9' 5 pc fly rod
Sugar cane Peacock Bass in Kauai with a Kane Klassics 9′ 5 pc fly rod

 

 

 

 

Its not about the journey, but the destination.

Our Folding bike, micro bike 20 inch mountain bike tire upgrade has been tested and improves the usage of the micro bike to the level of normal size mountain bikes with 26 inch tires.

A outstanding option: Mtn. BIke, Wire Bead Bicycle Tire, Blackwall, 20-Inch x 2.125-Inch same as the 26 inch tire on a full size bike.
A outstanding option: Mtn. BIke, Wire Bead Bicycle Tire, Blackwall, 20-Inch x 2.125-Inch same as the 26 inch tire on a full size bike.

Our experience with off airport landings and remote landing strips has shown us the need for a mountain bike tire to ride on dirt and gravel back country roads that your micro bike will encounter.  This option allows

The micro awaiting folding before boarding the Kitfox aircraft.
The micro awaiting folding before boarding the Kitfox aircraft.

the ride comfort and control of a normal sized mountain bike 26 inch or larger tire gives you.

Kit Fox Airplane
Aviation design flows to all Kane Klassics products. NOTE the tundra tires for landing off airport and on gravel strips.

In the picture comparing the 20 inch to the 26 inch tire you can see the 2.125 inch width of both tires is the same.  You get the comfort of a full size bike with the smaller micro bike size which fits more compactly into the aircraft , RV or auto.

You can see the web site for more details and ordering.  https://kaneklassics.com/montague-bikes/folding-bike-micro-bike-fits-airplane-rv-car/

 

Its not about the journey, but the destination.

When you have your Electric bike, how to use the Bionx Pedal Assist to level your ride effort becomes second nature as you ride. You refer to your control panel and set either

The Bionx cockpit controller allowing you to input your level of assist and regeneration to the battery.
The Bionx cockpit controller allowing you to input your level of assist and regeneration to the battery.

positive clicks for more and higher pedal assist levels or minus clicks to get to regenerate levels which ad recharging to your battery and at the same time creates drag or braking.

 

The ability to input your level of assist to make a hill climb and then to regenerate on the down hill nicely levels out your exercise.  NO MORE heart stopping hill climbs followed by down hill over speeding or melting your brakes.

The light weight and highly capable Bionx Motor
The light weight and highly capable Bionx Motor

The chart below can be clicked on for a full size page.  You see on this diagram the levels as examples and the speeds are not valid. The purpose of this chart is to explain that on the level just pedal or any level of positive assist you desire: on the uphill again any level of positive assist to make it up the hill: on the down hill click negative clicks to set different levels to suit you as you recharge the battery and hold you back on the down hill.  Your owners manual will get you up to speed in more detail which will make this chart make perfect sense.

How to lever your ride, see text for full explanation
How to lever your ride, see text for full explanation

Once you combine the use of this chart and your Bionx users manual you will be leveling out your bike ride exercise to enjoy miles of touring and fun.

Many  combinations of assist and recharge are yours to play with and refine. Electric Bike, How to use the Bionx Pedal Assist to level your ride effort will become second nature.

How to care for Bamboo fly rod is very easy and is no more consuming then the care you would give to a fine Graphite rod.  Ill take you through the steps:

Female Ferrule care:

Use a clear Q-tip, I recommend the wooden stick ones as they are much stronger then the fiber stick.  Use a minor amount of Paint Thinner.  If you ooze out excess thinner it wont mare the bamboo coating in back of the ferrule or up on the ferrule.  This will remove dirt and grease making your male ferrule insert and tighten into the female correctly.  Once clear and clean the female is renewed and no more effort is needed:

Cleaning a bamboo fly rods female ferrule with a wooden stick Q-Tip and light amount of paint thinner.
Cleaning a bamboo fly rods female ferrule with a wooden stick Q-Tip and light amount of paint thinner.

Male Ferrule:

The male ferrule needs a light polishing with #0000 steel wool once or twice a year. this polishes any burrs and cleans the male.

Using #0000 steel wool to polish a male ferrule.
Using #0000 steel wool to polish a male ferrule.

Once clean use canning clear wax you would use in canning fruit to lightly lube the male.  NEVER USE NOSE OIL.  The use of the old fisherman tail of lubing ferrules with your nose oil will corrode and collect dirt in the female ferrule.  In How to care for your bamboo fly rods, this alone will save you untold ferrule sticking and damage. By sliding the male ferrule over the wax coats and lubes it correctly. Any excess will be pushed aside as you insert it into the female.

Lubing the clean male ferrule with canning wax.
Lubing the clean male ferrule with canning wax.

 

 

Bamboo fly rod Field sense:

When you break for lunch never lean your bamboo fly rods or graphite fly rods with the tip leaning against a barn, RV or tree in the sun.  Over your lunch break, either material can set up with a bend. Always assure you rest the rod with no load on it. you can set against an upright object, just dont induce a load bending the rod. The best method is to lay atop bushes or trees out of the sun with, again no load on the rod.  This also keeps the rod elevated for others not step on your bamboo fly rod or graphite rod.

Dont let your rod rest against a tree or RV in the sun over lunch, you could put a set in the rod
Dont let your rod rest against a tree or RV in the sun over lunch, you could put a set in the rod

Bamboo Fly Rods and Graphite Rods, a caring return:

Once home simple wipe down drying the rods sections, you can use some furniture wax on an old clean t-shirt to shine and protect the rods coatings.  Then leave the rod case open on the dinning room diner table for 24 hours.  This is usually a wide open and safe area to let the rod and case return to a dry condition to store the rod .  Doing this allows you the time

Fly rod and case left upon for 24 hours to dry following your retrun, safe on the dinning room table!
Fly rod and case left upon for 24 hours to dry following your retrun, safe on the dinning room table!

after a trip to inspect each section assuring the guides and ferrules as well as the reel seat are all in serviceable condition.  Fail to do this and ill be hearing from you for a repair or premature restoration.  So now you know how to care for bamboo fly rods and the same care is fine for graphite rods. See my link below for help if your rod needs it.

https://kaneklassics.com/custom-bamboo-fly-rods/

 

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