If you met Harley, she made an impression. Actually, on many of you she made scars. Not that she was mean spirited, but she did have a problem differentiating fingers from sticks. The list of people that she bit over the years reads like the cast from a bike video. Harley not only shredded lines like skinny logs and gnarly rock faces, she also rode bikes and loved helicopters.

There are dogs and there are dogs, but Harley was a true one of a kind. Deaf from birth, and full of excess amounts of energy, she was more work to have around than any other dog I’ve had, but it was all worth it. She always was good for another lap, sang for you when she was happy, and never forgot someone that she had a good ride with. Oh, and she tortured Richie Schley endlessly by herding him into corners.

I’ve said for years that if you live a good life, you get to come back as our dog. All dogs go to heaven, but Harley made it here on earth.

More pics are over in Harley’s Gallery.

By Matthew Cole of Bike Radar

Mobi have released a new version of their portable pressure washer, called the V-17.

Improving on their previous V-15 model, this new incarnation isn’t restricted to being powered by a car’s 12v output or from a 240v mains socket – the V-17 has its own rechargeable battery, allowing for absolute portability.

One charge will apparently power the washer for around seven tanks or one hour of continuous cleaning. The new model also has a larger (17 litre) water tank which can be detached from the main unit to be refilled.

With an RRP of £149.99, the new washer – which can spray water at up to 130 psi – will be on sale in August, and we’ll have a review of it soon.

Mobi have added another product to their range too, which is likely to appeal to outdoorsy types – the £29.99 Mobi Power-Pack. It’s an LED torch with an in-built 12v power supply (like the one you’ll find in your car).

The tank can be detached from the main unit for refilling on the Mobi V-17 (Mobi)

Nearly fifteen years later, both Palmer and Intense remain household names in mountain biking. And with Palmer’s return to downhilling, Intense Cycles President, designer and founder, Jeff Steber looks forward to collaborating with the rider who helped refine the M1 and redefine the sport.

“Something that not many people know about Shaun is that he is really technically savvy,” says Steber. “He understands what works and can give specific feedback on how to improve the bike’s performance. He is a great R&D guy and I’m really excited about working w/ him again.”

A great R&D guy and not a bad racer, either. After a decades absence from the sport, Palm finished 2nd last weekend at the California Golden State Championships in Fontana. He is planning to use mountain bike racing as training for his attempt later this year at a spot on the US Olympic bordercross team.

“I have always done better in my sports when I stayed involved in two or three at a time. The worst thing for me is for my bad brains to sit around idle. I have to stay busy and the panic of racing downhill will keep me sharp and help me to achieve my Olympic dreams”, says Palmer. ” Of course, I miss being at the races and I miss the fans but mostly I miss hanging out with my friends, especially Peaty.”

Palmer could have had any bike but he says he chose Intense because of his relationship with the brand and Steber’s ability to build anything Palmer wants in a bike, anytime. “Plus, I’m 40 now and I want to be involved with a brand that will allow me to use my design abilities now and in the long run.” Palmer says.

If you think that sounds like a hint that there will be future collaborations between Palmer and Intense in the years to come, you might be right. But for now, as Palmer simply puts it “let’s just haul ass this season w/o me smashing my nuts. See ya’ll at the races!”

“We make what we race”