August West

Say hello to a mat named August West. This is the second Grateful Dead themed mat I've built. People really are into that band aren't they?!

I'm not able to say who this mat is for right now and can't even say why I can't say, so how's that for a bunch of intrigue?

Annoying, eh?

I will update this post down the line when I'm allowed.

I can talk a bit about the mat though. August West is a first mat (or first modern mat at least) so we have gone for a 200/70 Ute, set up with free elastic rocker. The mat is a restricted breather too, so well set for a steady and dependable ride to cover almost all conditions.

I'm pretty pleased with the stencil too. It's always a moment of anticipatory anxiety when you come to peel it off. Has it worked? Has it bled? Can I fix it if it has?! Stressful business but worth it! Gives a clean and subtle pop of colour. (Perhaps I should avoid the word pop!)

Anyway, I'd love to say more but can't so I'll sign off for now.

Cheers

G

Stealie

Here's a mat for Jim Freeman.

As you may have guessed, Jim is something of a Grateful Dead fan and he came with a pretty clear idea of what he wanted. An RB-JMC Super-free-breather with negative elastic rocker and a bungee. He also had some pretty intricate acid dye work in mind.

You might remember I recently posted a mat called Pinliner trying out a new method of creating boundaries with sealants? Well now you know why I tried that out.

Preparation is everything.

I asked Jim a bit about his matsurfing journey and he said:

“I started “lying down on the job” around 60 after breaking a hip. Have a wonderful mat guru in Steiny who showed me the ropes. Got hooked. Been lusting after RB-JMC after the viral Andrew Buck video. I love the Grateful Dead and put “Stealie’s” (Steal your Face) logos on my boards so when G was up to that challenge….”

— Jim Freeman

We're both pretty pleased with how Stealie has come out. I was a little anxious about using the Grateful Dead artwork but a quick Google showed that they are pretty casual on that. Nonetheless I felt uncomfortable taking money for their design so did the Stealie logo gratis.

Despite his Instagram handle @jimmy_cant_surf Jim is a decent matsurfer and I can't wait to hear how he goes with Stealie.

Have fun Jim!

Cheers

G