 THIS SECTION WILL BE UPDATED by October 2008
Engine - Brakes - Instruments - Cockpit - chains and gearing - protection - suspension and tyres - extras
Engine
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Brakes
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The stock braking is a little spongy. But add an extra 150kg and you have a problem. We added a specially braided Goodridge brakeline (similar to a CRF450X), which improved the braking power immensely, near-indestructible high-carbon steel Chain Gang brake discs and Silkoline Pro Race 2000 brake fluid.
This combination will provide instant progressive braking on any trail, virtually ruling out the possibility of overheating, which regularly occurred in the Andes, where, on a 320kg-plus bike, the altitude dropped from 5000m to 1000m in four hours. |
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Instruments
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In the middle of Siberia with no one to ask for directions, let alone a road to guide you, you have to make sure you know where you're going. We added a Garmin GPS 76CX, with a removable "Micro SD" card for multiple mapping memory, which acts as an electronic compass and barometric altimeter - this lets you know when to change your jetting. We also replaced the standard dash functions with a Trail Tech endurance speedo, and installed a 12V plug, for charging electronic gear on the fly.
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Cockpit
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The addition of an MSC steering damper, with its eight settings, has made handling on dirt a piece of piss ... well, almost. It reduces fatigue and, in the event of, say, sideswiping something, stabilises control, as well as making for a more comfortable ride. We threw on some Acerbis PHS tapered handlebars, which, I reckon, wouldn't break unless you fell off a cliff, and heated handgrips - cold handles equates to bad handling, plus they're heavenly when your balls are chattering like marbles in -20°C winds. As an absolute necessity, we added an Acerbis 21-litre tank, which will carry you almost 400km. We decided to keep the standard seat, given that my butt is the same shape as it. |
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Chain and Gearing
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We combined laser-cut Chain Gang sprockets with an RK 520 GXW chain and a Scottoiler MK7 universal kit (an automated chain oiler) to create a chain set-up that could potentially last three times longer than a conventional system. We also wrapped a Lube Tube chain-oil reservoir around the top of the fuse/battery box - minimising the need to check or adjust your chain for a few thousand kilometres, as well as providing flawless operation and maximum life expectancy. We have also added a tooth to the rear sprocket, shifting the ratio to 15/46, and will carry a spare 14-tooth front for tighter dirt sections. Staying close to the original gearing set-up helps to maintain the bike's overall economy. |
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Protection
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Suspension and Tyres
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The front-end was pretty soft, so the Teknik guys rebuilt the standard fork and rear shock to near-perfection for the 320kg-plus (no, I'm not that large) payload. These were modified because you'd have bugger-all chance of replacing them in the middle of Africa. The addition of heavy-duty springs - front and rear - and some serious revalving now has the XR handling perfectly down rocky trails without concern. We opted for Metzler Karoo tyres and tubes. The tyres feature a light reinforced carcass structure that wears well on-road, allowing you to grip with ease, on sand or tar. |
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Extras
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We threw on older-style XL600 lenses and inserted a Phillips Xenon/HDL H4 conversion kit, which helped stretch headlight visibility out to around 65m, and a custom extra-high screen. Finally, we added an Acerbis shock flap and fork boots, to protect the suspension, and a Rocstompa fuel cap, to ensure the fuel cap could be removed after a potential tank expansion, or a contraction from an extreme change in temperature. |
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XR650L: real-life problems
Cockpit: To make space and simplify the cockpit, we had to remove the standard dash, leaving five pre-wired bulbs dangling. We used one to hook up a lamp for 24-hour dash visibility. Leaving a perfect place to mount a GPS, and Trailtech Speedo. The high/low heated grip switch was mounted here too. We wrapped the clutch, throttle brake/speedo cable and electrical wires with spiral tape. The last thing you want to do is find out you are 200kms from target with 20kms of fuel left! The nice people from Aqualine Industries who make a variety of tanks for most modern dirt bikes have offered to make a special custom tank for the XR650L to increase fuel range and ensure I don't get stuck in the middle of the Sahara.
Brakes: The XR650L has better brakes than any other production XR. Why? The NX650 255mm front disc is standard - 240mm is stock on every other XR. That said, it's still not up to the task of mountain descents in somewhere like the Andes with 320kg on board. The lack of feel at the lever comes from the rubber brake hose, which we replaced with ADR-compliant braided stainless-steel units from Goodridge. We also fitted long-wearing Chain Gang discs, while retaining stock Honda pads; Silkolene Pro Race 2000 fluid fills both ends. Why didn't we use bigger discs? They're vulnerable to crash damage, and if a disc is bent, it's easier to get your hands on NX650 discs.
Drive: This engine has origins from the mid-'80s, and in that time minimal changes have been made - a testament to its original design. If you had to name one weakness, though, it's in the gearbox. With its tall road gearing, the abundance of torque at low rpm, delivered in pulses from the 100mm piston, and ample traction on tar roads, the gearbox can wear out prematurely. We fitted a rubber cushion drive hub from the NX650 to help remove some of the road shock, and ended up going for 18-inch rims - it's easier to find tyres for 18s than 17s.
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2003 - 2005
PARTNERS & AFFILIATES
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Sydney
Graduate School of Management
One
of the more impressive MBA courses on the planet where Steve
completed his Masters of Business. Special thanks to Professor
David Lamond for believing in our cause and taking a stand to
assist us. One of the most professional organizations we have
had the pleasure of working with.
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University of Western Sydney
Special
thanks to UWS for assisting us with our project. Amanda Whibley
traversed the extra mile to ensure our departure was well documented
and did everything in her power to assist us. |
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Youth InSearch
Thanks to Ron, Judith, Paul and everyone who is a part of Youth Insearch. I am proud to be involved with such an amazing organisation. Just walking in the front door puts a smile on anyones face. |
ADVENTURE
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Snowgum
When we were preparing ourselves to get lost on earth we found
everything we needed at Snowgum. A literal gold mine for all
things traveling and outdoor related. They provided us with
the tools and know-how to survive the cruelest of conditions.
From water filters to make our water clean to comfy clothing
to keep us warm. The outdoor obsessed people at Snowgum left
no stone unturned, ensuring we were fully prepared for our
adventure.
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Icebreaker
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| The most universal clothing we
have ever worn. It has kept our manhood from freezing off in
chilly Ushuaia while minimising sweat and foul funky BO in the
most humid of regions in Brazil. After using this gear for adventure
travel, it has become increasingly difficult to remove them.
Special thanks to the team at Icebreaker for fitting us out
from head to toe, and all the bits in between. |
MSR
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| We are big healthy boys
and we like our food. We have roasted Bogon moths full of protein
and eaten copious amounts of Bogga`s horrible gruel. Our MSR
Whisperlite International and pots have handled these tasty
dishes and many more. When we have been hungry and desperately
in need of a feed, the MSR has been reliable and fast, ensuring
our stomachs are satisfied quick-smart! |
Mountain Hardware
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Our pockets ain´t
bottomless, therefore camping is the preferred option rather
than hotels. We have camped in all kinds of conditions and the
Mountain Hard Wear Hammerhead 2 man tent has kept the rain off
our heads and the hungry animals at bay. A blind barracoot could
put this tent together as the assembly is incredibly simple
and fast. We have been able to fully erect the tent in a cracking
two minutes and ten seconds, now that’s fast! When it
has been raining cats and dogs this feature has been crucial.
Thumbs up all around.
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Katadyn Water Filters
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| In Sydney, tap
water is safe to drink. However, not all countries are lucky
enough to have clean and safe tap water. The majority of the
rest of the world’s tap water is unsafe to drink. An
option to this problem is to boil it. A better and quicker
option is to use a Katadyn water filter. We are using the
Combi filter. It is quick and easy. It can filter up to 50,000
litres without changing a thing! So we are assured clean and
safe water for the duration of our trip.
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One Planet
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-15 in Solar de Uyuni,
Bolivia. +38 in Itacare, Brasil. These temperatures would normally
cause most sleeping bags to fall short of the mark. Our One
Planet sleeping bags have kept us warm in the cold climates
and cool in the hot stinkers. This bag is extremely comfortable
and is the closest thing to the comfort of our own beds back
home. The only drawback is trying to get Steve out of his as
he is a lazy bastard in the mornings. His excuse, "It’s
so nice in here, I don’t want to get up!" Nothing
more said!
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Sea to Summit
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Water tight and convenient, sea to summit bags
saved our gear many a time, what more can we say. We use these
bags everyday to carry all our possessions and protect them
from the elements. Many times our aluminium panniers have become
full with water due to rain. Without Sea to Summit our documents,
clothing, smut magazines and electrical equipment would have
been soaked with water and destroyed. They have many useful
products for every occasion.
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Camelbak
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You can get a real bad thirst
any old time. Matter of fact, I got one right now. Whether we
have been traveling by bike or trekking on foot, our Camelbak
Trans Alp has proved to be the best bag for the job. The greatest
thing about the Camelbak is the ability to keep on moving. We
have been able to quench our thirsts at 100km/h and while on
the run from fierce Onyx in the Pantanal. The ultimate thirst
quencher when you don’t plan on sitting still!
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Thermarest
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Who would of thought that an inch
thick inflatable mattress could make us feel snug as a bug in
a rug? Self inflating, the mattress saves our breath for blowing
other things. Camping in high Bolivian altitudes of the Salar
De Uyuni salt plains has tested our gear and our tolerance for
the cold. Our Thermarest has battled hard and saved our bodies
from freezing and potential frost bite of the ass, a ghastly
torture we would like to avoid. The Thermarest successfully
raises our bodies just enough to keep them out of contact with
the incredibly cold ground in colder climates. If we did not
have this space between our bodies and the cold ground, body
temperatures would drop, and frosty ass would be inevitable.
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Sigg Switzerland
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Tough and durable they kept our
water cool in the hottest of conditions. When we have had to
wait for Bogga to repair yet another puncture Steve and Geoff
have enjoyed playing catch with theirs to help pass the time
away. Butter fingers Steve, aka “Clumsy Crombie”
has dropped his bottle many times and yet the bottle has survived
every downward fall incident.
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| Salomon |
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| Princeton Tec |
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MOTORBIKE
Acerbis
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The Italian motorbike accessory
specialists have come through with all the goods to enable us
to ride 450kms with stopping, flip our bikes with having to
re-bend our handlebars and protect our levers and frail little
hands from the elements. They have made our quest insanely more
comfortable and facilitated a more adventurous journey.
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RK Takasago Chains
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| The best chains on the market.
If we left Oz the way we ride with a standard chain, we would
be would be snapping metal shackles all over the place. This
bad-boy has never missed a beat, continuing to push us on, further
and further. 30 000kms traveled so far and the chain still looks
good as new. |
The Chain
Gang
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Sprockets made to last. These
steel bad-boys are a chains best friend. The sprocket masters
from down under have provided us with Aussie laser cut steel
sprockets which eliminate the effect of sprocket wear on the
chain and maximise it’s life expectancy. We have been
assured our chains will last a phenomenal 100 000kms before
needing to be replaced. This distance covers The Americas, Russia
and Europe and Africa - a whopping big distance for one chain
and sprocket set! Same sprockets are also used for the hardcore
enduro pro’s who tackle the Australian Safari. Sure sign
of serious quality.
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Shoei
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Steve and Mark have chosen the
Shoei Synchrotec as they believe it to be the best helmet on
the market for this type of adventure and to prevent anymore
damage to their already deformed faces. Although Mark has accepted
his lack of grace in the looks department, Steve is still in
denial. Wearing this helmet has certainly avoided ribbing from
locals and offers to join freak shows. The flip top is also
a valuable option, allowing us to communicate easily and eat
on the run without taking the helmet off.
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HJC
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| Geoff proudly wears the HJC Symax
to protect his ugly mug. The helmet has protected his knoggin
on more than one occasion. He seems to enjoy the adrenalin rush
high speed accidents with cars and trucks brings, so therefore,
the Symax has been invaluable. |
Dainese
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| The Dainese gear kept us protected on all fronts, even at 120kms an hour in -20 temperatures. Midflip from the bike you knew upon landing that you weren't going to get injured with Dainese gear on your back. The build in armour stopped Steve from flying home in the cargo hold on many occasions. |
Scottoiler
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The Dainese gear kept us protected on all fronts, even at 120kms an hour. Midflip from the bike you knew upon landing that you weren't going to get injured with Dainese gear on your back. The built in armour stopped Steve from flying home in the cargo hold on many occasions. |
Lubrication is very important.
When it comes to lubricating our chains, the Scottoiler has
been nothing but phenomenal. Prior to installation of the Scottoiler
we were manually lubricating our chains daily. This chore is
now done automatically, saving us time, ensuring maximum chain
life and allowing us to focus our attention on more important
things, like our next female conquest.
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Bernard Tesch
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These luggage friendly boxes are
perfect in size. Offering a huge amount of space (49 litres
each) and enabling us to carry as much gear as we need, like
our lacy G-bangers and felt hot pants. They secure our gear
and provide extra protection when sliding through the Andes
at 100kms per hour. Over 30 000kms traveled and not one successful
break-in. These crowbar unfriendly boxes have intimidated and
foiled the most ambitious of thieves.
Solid workmanship has crafted these boxes of champions. Geoff,
the Lost On leader in the accident department has put the strength
of these boxes to the test on more than one occasion. These
boxes have not only stood up to his high speed blunders, but
also saved his life. Geoff refuses to buy insurance as he reckons
his Tesch boxes are better value for money!
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Online Motorcycles
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Special thanks to Trevor and
Marcus at Online MC for providing us with a Honda Dominator
NX650.
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Peter Stevens Motorcycles
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Special thanks to Peter Stevens
for providing for providing us with a Honda Dominator NX650.
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Whipps Alloy Products
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The bash plate of all bash plates
has protected our bikes on more than one occasion. Big rocks,
sticks and wild animals are no match for this bad-ass plate.
Traversing the Carretera Austral we encountered rocks the size
of soccer balls. Rocks this size would normally destroy the
factory plate and the chassis of any bike. However, they proved
no match for our Whipps plate. The easy to clean surface is
also handy as road kill is always time intensive and stubborn
to remove.
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ProGrip
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Hanging on to our Dommie’s
while traversing a 30 degree downward hill covered in rocks,
ditches and anything else nature can chuck at us is very important.
Our vice-like grips are solid, but these tight holds on the
handlebars mean nothing without durable, lost lasting grips.
Over 30,000kms and ours are still going strong.
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Chivo´s
Reconditioned and replaced our shocks
with bigger springs to handle the additional weight. Bogga was
concerned that he may pack on the kilo’s due to his sedentary
lifestyle on the bike. He stressed the need for reinforced shocks
to assist his bloating midriff.
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Eckert@Rennsport
Eckert is not only a bloody good bloke,
but also a true genius when it comes to working on bikes. Think
of a master sculptor shaping a masterpiece with his bare hands.
Eckert is the first to admit working with clay is not his forte.
Ask him if he can make the best racks for your trusty steed
and his face lights up.
All three of us had racks for our panniers and front crash bars
custom made by the man of steel. The work was perfect. At the
time we were chuffed at how fuctional the bike was with our
new add-ons. Later, after a number of accidents, we would discover
they were not only good-looking but also lifesaving. The racks
and crash bars saved our bikes and potentially saved our lives. |
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WEB/DESIGN
WebCentral
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Webcentral has provided the Lost
On Earth Team with phenomenal web hosting & email services
and seriously superior customer support. Without these guys
we might not have a website.
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Pete
Extra
special thanks to Pete ´Penis´ Bryant who has racked
up an insane amount of time developing our website. Without
him we would be communicationless. Pete is a man with the masterful
design skills. He also has a funky Ute (insert pic). If you
ever want to build an impressive site, email this bad boy and
he will put your mind at rest.
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DBClothing
A great designer. We wanted a great logo for our adventure,
he provided. We wanted a uniquely designed Frisbee, he threw
us a pearler. And if that wasn´t enough this tireless
worker designed and made us 100 finger licking good T-Shirts
for ourselves, our mates and as gifts. Always with a smile on
hand and offering a beer in the other, Dave (DBClothing) has
dressed us to impress and designed to inspire. Worth his weight
in gold we thinks!
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SPORT
Spy Sunglasses
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| When we first
laid our eyes on these sunnies we found it hard to take our
eyes off them. Or them off our eyes. WIth the interchangable
lens, we have kept our eyes safe from harm. Utilising the
dark lens for perving, the orange lens for night riding and
the clear lens in an attempt to look cool and intellectual.
They have managed to keep us out of eye hospitals and focused
on the road ahead. Thankyou to the legendary persons who have
kept our vision clear.
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Discraft
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Some may say Steve is obsessed
with all things frisbee related. We like to think it’s
the inner child inside him which refuses to grow up! Whatever
the label, Steve’s dedication to all things disc make
him a qualified expert on the subject. So, what is the best
disc in the world? That award would have to go to Discraft.
We have been lucky to fly their discs throughout South America
and will continue to do so all around the world. They have proven
to be tough enough to last forever, while flying better than
any other disc on the market. When Steve wants to show off to
some sexy chicks on the beach, he reaches for his Discraft frisbee
and his imagination does the rest!
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MEDICAL
The
Travel Doctor
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Each of us has suffered some extremely
bizarre health complaints. Bogga experienced hamburger ass (hemorrhoids),
Steve had knits and Geoff suffered a mysterious rash dangerously
close to his man-meat.
100 countries, six continents, three years, a shit load of diseases
and nasties to steer clear of. Bogga may not be able to avoid
hamburger ass, but The Travel Doctor helped us to avoid most
of the other bad stuff. We are expecting to come in to contact
with everything and anything. The Travel Doctor supplied us
with all the necessary injections to ensure our long-term health.
Additionally, they provided us with medication to shield even
the most malaria ridden mosquito.
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NAVIGATION
GME
Electrophone
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We are "Lost On Earth".
This status requires the best satellite navigation equipment
to make sure we get to where we are going with minimum wrong
turns and backtracking! The G5 has proved invaluable in remote
country where roadmaps are simply not available, and if they
are, they are usually outdated, better used for starting a good
camp fire. The handy device has offered piece of mind and accurate
directions while navigating in the harshest of terrain.
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FINANCIAL
WHK
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Special thanks to WHK for assisting
us in the acquirement of special equipment on our world adventure.
Without their assistance we may well have been lost on earth.
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