If you've ever tried loading and unloading sporting equipment onto the roof of your car, you know that it can be a real pain in the neck - literally. Well, hauling your bikes, boats, and utility boxes doesn't have to be such a chore, thanks to the Rack and Roll Personal Gear Trailer. It's a super-cool, lightweight, ultra-durable roof rack on wheels that's revolutionizing the way people enjoy the great outdoors.

The Rack and Roll was designed by former SLO resident John Coch, who used his background in structural engineering to create a sleek, stylish alternative to the clunky utility trailer. Its 148-pound, all-aluminum frame easily hitches to the back of any car or motorcycle and the 16-inch alloys wheels guarantee a smooth, aerodynamic ride. It's strong enough to hold up to 250 pounds of gear, but light enough to roll around by hand when fully loaded, plus it's easy to disassemble for fast, convenient storage. It's totally compatible with both Thule and Yakima roof rack systems, so there's no need to replace existing storage equipment. And, of course, it's approved for highway use by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Not only is it functional, but it's good-looking, too; the perfect accessory to your luxury vehicle or sports car.

The business end of Rack and Roll is run by Patrice, who in addition to having only one name to her name, can regularly be spotted zipping around town in her blue-green Camry, Rack and Roll in tow. She proudly sports the trailer, which has gained international attention for its style and convenience, and has even helped to open her up to lots of different outdoor activities.

"I can't say enough great things about this trailer," she said, nonetheless adding, "it's light, it's gorgeous, it's the only one of its kind out there." And it's here, on the Central Coast, another example of the area's booming entrepreneurial industry.

The Rack and Roll is all about style and performance, perfect for anyone looking to load up their rack without breaking their back. And it looks great, too. For more info, call 441-9300 or go to www.RackandRoll.com.

FAST FACTS

Nominate someone you know for the Downtown SLO Association's 2006 Beautification Award. Anyone who has made structural or maintenance improvements, remodeled, or made changes to their marketing or merchandising plan to a business within the Downtown Association boundaries is eligible to win. Nominations are due Dec. 22. For more info, call 541-0286. ...

... Six hands are better than two. That's what the owners of the Central Coast Body Therapy Center think. These three women have extensive backgrounds in spa therapy, Myofascial Release, movement therapy, and orthopedic and deep-tissue massage, and their new center in Los Osos is equipped with private treatment rooms and an exercise area for yoga and movement instruction. Got a bad back? Need to relax? Call them. They can't wait to get their hands on you. . ...

... Need help getting your new business off the ground? Trying to revamp your existing one? Cisneros and Associates Consulting Services is offering "Adventures in Business," a six-month program especially designed with the small business owner in mind. You'll get one-on-one consultation, business workshops, and the opportunity to attend round-table meetings with other business owners. It could be just what you need to make your business boom. For more info, call 541-3451. ...

... SLO County will once again be hosting the Outdoor Writers Association of California Spring 2006 Conference. The SLO County Visitors and Conference Bureau hosted the conference back in '97, with tremendous success for area business. The prestigious writers' group will bring over 100 professional journalists, editors, and photographers to the area, and the Visitors and Conference Bureau views this as another perfect opportunity to showcase the Central Coast's natural and cultural amenities. Way to go, SLO!

New Times Contributor Alice Moss compiled this week's Strokes and Plugs. What's new with you? E-mail her at [email protected].