LAUNCHED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, THE “BACK TO AFRICA” PROJECT IS ALREADY A REALITY: APRILIA IS ONCE AGAIN PROTAGONIST IN THE BIG RALLY RAIDS

THE TWO TUAREG MACHINES, DEVELOPED BY APRILIA RACING IN COLLABORATION WITH GCORSE, WILL TACKLE THE AFRICAN DESERT IN THE ABLE HANDS OF JACOPO CERUTTI AND FRANCESCO MONTANARI

AFTER THE EXTRAORDINARY TRIUMPH IN ITS DÉBUT IN THE ITALIAN MOTORALLY AND THE PODIUM IN THE TRANSANATOLIA RALLY, THE GOAL IS NOW THE LEGENDARY LAC ROSE OF DAKAR

THE OFFICIAL START IS FROM MONACO, FIRST LEG IN MOROCCO ON 2 JANUARY

Noale, 30 December 2023 - For Aprilia, it’s finally “Back to Africa”: the project announced less than a year ago to take the Aprilia brand back to the big African raids now comes to fruition with the participation of two Aprilia Tuareg machines in the 2024 edition of the Africa Eco Race, which will start officially today, 30 December, from Monaco.

For the entire Aprilia Racing department, which developed the competition version of the Tuareg in close collaboration with GCorse of the Guareschi brothers, this is a return to the first love, those off-road disciplines which were the Italian brand’s début in the world of competitions.
In addition, by taking part in the Africa Eco Race, Aprilia will once again be travelling through legendary places and routes, those of the historic African Dakar, thereby bringing to mind the successful experience of Aprilia’s last participation (the last Italian bike to win at the Dakar) in the most famous rally raid in the world, in the period from 2010 to 2012.

In the able hands of factory riders Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, the Aprilia Tuareg developed for rally raids is built on the excellent technical base of the bike which, closely derived from the factory model, triumphed in its début in the Italian Motorally G-1000 class championship, with Jacopo Cerutti skilfully dominating in six of the eight trials held and taking a brilliant absolute victory against the lighter, specialised enduro single-cylinders in the Rally of Sardinia. An overwhelming year where Francesco Montanari also ended up on the final podium of the Italian championship, ranking third in the general standings.

Thanks to the experience gained in the Italian Motorally and the participation in September in the first international race, the Transanatolia Rally, with Cerutti winning one leg and finishing third overall, the development of the Aprilia Tuareg for the Africa Eco Race progressed quickly - proof of the outstanding off-road capabilities of the standard factory Tuareg.
In an initial stage, the focus was on the chassis architecture and then on finding the best possible engine performance in the prohibitive racing conditions anticipated. Last, but not least, the adoption of a supplementary fuel tank increased range, necessary for covering the long rally raid distances.
The Aprilia Tuareg competition version is fitted with Öhlins by Andreani suspension, a complete SC Project exhaust in titanium, and a specific Sprint Filter air filter.

After the official start in Monaco, bikes and equipment will ship out to Morocco where they’ll get down to business on 2 January, with the first of the 12 legs scheduled. The goal is to reach the legendary finish at Lac Rose, in Dakar, on 14 January.

JACOPO CERUTTI
“For me, it is fantastic to be able to bring a brand like Aprilia back to the desert. The Africa Eco Race will be a great adventure and a huge challenge for everyone. This will be true for me, as a rider, but also for the entire Aprilia Racing department and for the GCorse team. Over the past few months, we have all done an insane amount of work developing the bike, which is already extremely good in its base configuration. We feel like we are ready. We demonstrated a good pace in the tests we did in the desert, so we will certainly be able to hold our own. The first part of the race, in Morocco on harder terrain, could prove to be a bit more complicated, but I’m optimistic for the second week in the sand. I won’t hide the fact that I’d like to win some legs and stay ahead of some of our more favoured rivals, but beyond that, such a long race is so unpredictable that it’s hard to make any predictions in terms of the general standings. We will certainly be giving it our all!”

FRANCESCO MONTANARI
“Even though I am trying to stay calm, I’m sure that once I'm on the starting grid of the first trial, I’ll be overcome by a special emotion. This will be my first experience in such a long and demanding race and I wish to thank Aprilia for the huge opportunity they are giving me, as well as the Guareschi brothers for their continuous support. These have been extremely intense months, full of testing, races, and training to prepare for this event. As I said, this is my first time in such a long rally, so my absolute top priority is to finish the race, trying to ride my best but without overdoing it. It won’t be simple, because I’ll be trying giving to give it my all constantly in the race, but it will be important to ration my strength and not make any mistakes. I want to arrive at the finish line in Dakar at all costs and then, once there, we’ll take stock of how it went.” 

Thrill is a second nature of motorbike fans. If you want to try something new and even earn some money, you should try sports betting. Predict the results of your favorite motorcycle sports, Formula 1, and other races. Relax and win real cash at the same time.

According to the statistics, the betting market will grow by 10.3% by 2030. Far from the last place is the market of motorcycle betting. 

For those who don’t have spare money, credit card betting is a solution. Most betting sites allow customers to place bets with their credit cards. See how it works, and whether placing bets on credit card online sportsbooks is a good idea. Using credit cards for sports betting requires some prerequisites like responsible gambling and good budget management.

Exploring the Thrill of Credit Card Betting 

What is social about betting with credit cards? You don’t need to have spare money. Depositing at casinos with credit money is as easy and quick. After winning the bet, you would not only return the loan but earn much more. 

Benefits of Using Credit Cards for Betting

Up to 5% of payments at online casinos are made via credit cards. It offers several advantages:

1. Wide acceptance. Most casinos allow credit card usage along with the debit card. Despite some bonuses may be lower, all other deposit rules and fees are the same.

2. Quick process. While bank transfers may take up to several hours or even days, small loans are given quickly. 

3. Spendings management. Using a loan, you usually treat the expenses more responsibly.

Finally, credit cards are always available, and you don’t need to wait for your salary.

Ensuring Secure Transactions

If credit cards are secure? Absolutely. The loans are regulated by your bank, and all transactions are completely secured.

As for casinos, they always explain the fees and deposit regulations in the Terms of Use. The process is clear, just read the rules and spend money responsibly. 

Combining Passion and Strategy

If motorcycles are your hobby, you already have a high chance of winning. Bet you already track events like MotoGP, DAYTONA 200, etc. Use your knowledge and analytical thinking to predict the results.

Track the previous events, decide which participants are the most promising this time, and make your bet consciously. Do not let your knowledge remain just a hobby. With credit card betting, you can bet on almost any event worldwide and hit the jackpot.

Exploring Motorbike-Related Betting Opportunities

All of the popular motorcycle events are available at the sports betting sites. It includes:

• Dakar Rally  

• Motocross World Championship

• Ama Supercross

• Worcs

• Arenacross

• Desert Racing

• Grand Prix National Championship, Etc. 

The bet types include race winner, podium finish, fastest lap, and so on. This way you can predict the aspect of the race you feel the most confident about. 

Betting sites inform the bettors about upcoming events. You can also find the odds, the statistics of previous events, and even a betting calculator. Such events are a perfect way to add extra excitement to your hobby. In addition to just watching the race, you experience even more emotions.

Apart from motorcycle events, there are connected sports as well. Try betting on car racing like Formula 1, aircraft and bicycle racing, and plenty of other sports.

Leveraging Credit Card Rewards for Motorbike Adventures 

The usage of credit cards is often rewarded by your bank, and there is another reason to utilize them. What are the perks for motorcycle fans?

First, credit card usage is often rewarded with travel vouchers. You get discounts for transportation or hotel booking. It is a good opportunity to ride in new places.

 Another feature is cashback which can be used on any expenses. Discounts at the partnering shops are also a good opportunity to save money in the future. 

Conclusion: Credit Card Betting for Motorcycles

Dedication to sports is a good opportunity to earn some money with sports betting. It includes motorcycling too – betting on the moto tournaments is beneficial. 

For those who need some cash for stakes, credit card betting is an option. Most casinos allow customers to bet using small loans. Such transactions are sometimes even faster than usual ones. They are completely safe and legal.

Using credit cards for motorcycle betting, you also receive perks from the banks. It can be travel rewards, Cashback, or discounts.

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Cycling can be an amazing way to stay active, reduce carbon emissions and explore the world around us. Thanks to e-bikes, it has never been simpler or safer to reap the rewards of cycling, whether commuting to work or embarking on an outdoor adventure. However, safety should always remain top of mind while on the road or trail; in this comprehensive guide, we'll outline seven vital steps that will help prevent cycling accidents, with special attention paid towards e bike safety tips.

1.     Choose the Right Bike

Step one to preventing cycling or ebike accidents is selecting the ideal bike. Maxfoot E-Bikes offer a selection of models designed to meet different preferences and needs; whether you prefer city commuter or mountain trail enthusiast riding experiences, Maxfoot has something perfect. Selecting your ideal ride will lead to an enjoyable and safe ride experience.

2.     Regularly Inspect Your Bike

Before every ride, take the time to inspect your ebike and inspect its brakes, tires and lights for any potential issues. Maxfoot E-Bikes feature high-quality brakes and reliable tires to provide extra peace of mind on the road.

3.     Master Your Bike Handling Skills

Rebuilding confidence when riding an ebike is key to avoiding accidents. Practice manoeuvring, braking and turning in a safe environment before familiarizing yourself with its electric assist system to effectively manage speed control. Maxfoot E-Bikes provide a smooth riding experience, making them easier to handle than others.

4.     Obey Traffic Laws and Signals

Bicycles or e-bikes are vehicles. Motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists share similar rights and responsibilities; both must follow traffic laws while remaining aware of their surroundings and vigilant about possible dangers, such as potholes and road hazards. Traffic laws will differ depending on your city, county, and state, but some general principles could include the following:

• When riding in traffic, try not to go against oncoming traffic and drive against them.
• When possible, stay within the marked bike lanes.
• Unless a designated bicycle lane is present, make every effort to maintain a close proximity to the right side of the road.
• Be mindful of traffic signs and lights. 
• Follow traffic directional arrows when crossing roads.

Avoid expressways, highways and interstate routes as possible, since these rules help preserve ebike safety and order.

5. Wear a Helmet: Your Ultimate Protection Solution

Helmets are your first line of defence against head injuries. While laws regarding helmet use vary depending on where you reside, wearing one is always wise, no matter your age.
Maxfoot E-Bikes encourage riders to protect themselves with quality helmets - it could reduce risk by 50%!

6. Avoid Distractions

One of the best ways to avoid bicycle or ebike accidents is to remain aware and vigilant of your surroundings. Be mindful always to maintain situational awareness. There were 3,522 people killed in traffic accidents in 2021 alone due to distracted driving, which is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. Below are many prevalent distractions that need your attention while riding a bicycle or ebike.

· Avoid Your Cell Phone: Instead of looking at your phone while driving an ebike, find a safe spot where you can stop and use it safely.

· Avoid Listening to Music: While music may tempt you while riding, it would be wiser not to. Music can significantly limit hearing capacity and prevent you from hearing warning signals such as car horns, bicycle bells and people calling out.

· Be Aware of Potential Hazards: Make sure you are aware of possible dangers such as the condition of the roads, construction activities, and car doors. Car doors pose a significant danger for cyclists.

As you get closer to parked vehicles, adjust your speed accordingly, and keep an eye out for indicators that a door could soon open, such as the brake lights.

7. Understand Your E-Bike's Features

E-bikes from Maxfoot come equipped with features designed to enhance both your riding experience and safety. Get acquainted with your bike's electric-assist settings, such as pedal-assist and throttle modes; familiarize yourself with effective braking to increase control while prolonging battery life.

E-Bike Benefits: Maxfoot's Commitment to Safety

Now let's shift our attention to the advantages of electric bikes like Maxfoot:

Reduce Effort, Enhance Fun

E-bikes from Maxfoot provide electric assistance that makes pedalling easier, making long-distance cycling and conquering challenging terrain with minimal effort more achievable than ever before. E-bikes have proven invaluable to riders of all levels - they reduce fatigue while making cycling an enjoyable experience!

Eco-Friendly Commuting

In addition to reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion, electric bicycles provide an environmentally responsible option for everyday commutes, which is beneficial to both you and the earth in equal proportion.

Speed and Efficiency

E-bikes from Maxfoot provide increased speed and efficiency in situations when it is most necessary, such as while navigating steep slopes or when it is necessary to accelerate fast. The electric assist system that they have has a performance that is quick and allows for safe navigation in traffic.

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Saturday 6th January
21.00 - 01.00
Entry £12
Sorry no under 18’s

Ace Cafe London’s annual Elvis “Jailhouse Rock” birthday party night features the exceptional singer, songwriter and performer, Paul Ansell. Frontman and “voice” of the rock n’ roll band “No.9” – Paul has worked with many of the rock n’ roll greats, including Elvis’ Sun guitarist, the legendary Scotty Moore.

With DJ Bill Guntrip on the decks, let’s rock the Ace with the “King”.

Win a range of prizes including pairs of tickets to attend the cafe’s annual Gene Vincent Tribute Night on Saturday 10th February, meal vouchers for two, and a selection of Ace goodies! To be in with a chance of winning, just retain your door entry raffle ticket. Draw will be held on the evening.

See you at the Ace !

When it comes to the safety and performance of vehicles, brake discs play a pivotal role. Understanding the nuances of brake discs for motorcycles and cars is crucial, particularly for those passionate about their vehicles. This article delves into the differences in size, thickness, design, and materials of brake discs, offering insights for both motorcycle and car enthusiasts.

Size Matters

One of the most noticeable differences between motorcycle and car brake discs is their size. Generally, car brake discs are larger due to the heavier weight and higher speeds cars typically handle. A larger disc provides a greater surface area for heat dissipation, which is vital for maintaining braking efficiency. In contrast, brake discs for motorcycles are smaller, as motorcycles are lighter and require less force to slow down. However, their size is still significant enough to ensure effective braking.

Thickness and Design

Thickness and design of brake discs vary significantly between motorcycles and cars. Car brake discs are usually thicker, designed to withstand the higher levels of heat and wear generated by the heavier vehicle mass. They often feature vented designs, with channels or holes to improve heat dissipation. Motorcycle brake discs, while thinner, are designed for agility and responsive braking. They may have a floating design, where the disc is not rigidly fixed to the hub, allowing for thermal expansion without warping.

Material Differences

The materials used in brake discs are crucial for their performance and longevity. Common materials include cast iron, which is widely used for its durability and heat absorption capabilities. High-performance cars and motorcycles may use carbon-ceramic discs, offering superior heat resistance and lighter weight but at a higher cost. For those interested in upgrading or replacing their motorcycle's brake discs, exploring options like brake discs for motorcycles can provide a range of materials suited to different riding styles and requirements. 

Among the array of brake discs available, the brake disc Brembo Oro Fixed Disc 68B407C0 stands out with its specific design catering to rear-fitting positions in motorcycles. Boasting a diameter of 265mm, a thickness of 5mm, and an inner diameter of 136.5mm, this disc provides a balanced combination of size and agility. Featuring a 5-bolt mounting system with a 160mm mounting points diameter and a bore Ø of 10.5mm, the Oro Fixed Disc by BREMBO ensures efficient braking performance. Its construction aligns with the needs of motorcycles, offering responsive braking while managing heat dissipation effectively. Designed specifically for rear positions, its characteristics cater to the nuanced requirements of motorcycles, ensuring a responsive and dependable braking system for riders seeking enhanced performance and reliability. 

Current Trends and Expert Opinions

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in the automotive industry, including the manufacturing of brake discs. Experts suggest that future developments in brake disc technology may focus on reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.

In the UK, with its diverse climate and road conditions, the choice of brake disc material and design is particularly important. British riders and drivers need to consider factors like wet weather performance and corrosion resistance when selecting brake discs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both motorcycle and car brake discs serve the same fundamental purpose of ensuring safe braking, their differences in size, thickness, design, and materials reflect the unique demands of each vehicle. Understanding these differences is key for enthusiasts and professionals alike, ensuring optimal choice and maintenance of these crucial components. Whether cruising on Britain's historic roads or navigating its bustling cities, the right brake discs contribute significantly to a safe and enjoyable journey.  

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