2^nd - MARC MARQUEZ #93
“This is a podium that means a lot, especially as it wasn’t an easy one. The first race was very challenging: I wasn’t feeling comfortable on the bike, and it was difficult. I made a couple of important mistakes, but then I was able to keep Acosta and Martin behind and I also found a good rhythm – and from there I improved. I was feeling a lot better in the second part of the race and now we need to keep working in order to be competitive also tomorrow. I would sign for a third place, as there are so many fast riders.”
 
14^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“A coming together with another rider at turn two has made things even more complicated, after a Q2 that already wasn’t very fortunate. It was hard to turn things around from there. Now heads down and work hard, we have a long race tomorrow and we have the pace to play our part.”

Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert is the 2018, first offering of an eight-part series of travel books by Duncan Gough covering everything Iberian Peninsula. As with all other books by Gough, it doesn’t disappoint. Packed with useful information and interesting travel anecdotes Gough completes Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert with beautifully detailed hand-illustrated maps, scenes, and inspiring photographs.   

Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert is a wonderful way to start exploring Spain and Portugal, Gough’s knowledge of the region often surpasses that of even the locals and he’s extremely glad to be able to share this beautiful region of Europe. Through Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert, Gough shows the ‘real’ Spain through his personal knowledge and thoroughly researched information, it provides a genuinely intimate look at the region.

If you’re thinking of travelling the Iberian Peninsula make sure you grab a copy of Back Roads To The Catalan Pyrenees: Biscay Ports To El Pont De Suert and all other books by Gough. They’re a must for any traveller.

Article TRAVERSE MAGAZINE REVIEW ISSUE 29

Traverse (traverse-magazine.com)

A factory special Vincent Black Shadow race bike from 1951 is one of more than 100 classic bikes that will be showcased at this year’s Stafford Bike Show.

Considered by many to be the world’s first superbike, the Vincent Black Shadow was built with the same labour-intensive hand-fitting of bearings and major engine parts that Vincent had used prior to the war, with a top speed in excess of 130mph. One of these exceptional bikes will be on the private entries stand at The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash.

The show which takes place from April 20-21, 2024 at the Stafford County Showground plays host to tons of carefully restored and preserved machines exhibited in their best possible condition for the award judges and thousands of visitors. This year, visitors can also see an Aston Martin Brough 001 that’s one of only 100 ever built, with this being number 35 off the production line.

Rare finds from other British manufacturers like Cotton, Norton, Sunbeam, BSA and Triumph will feature heavily in the show. International manufacturers are also represented as entries from manufactures such as Suzuki, Laverda and Harley-Davidson will be highlighted. Alongside the machines on the show’s club stands, the private entries will compete for a host of awards including the coveted Best in Show.

This year’s special guests at Stafford are celebrated TT icon Phillip McCallen on Saturday and renowned motorcycle racer and TV presenter Guy Martin on Sunday. Both guests will participate in live interviews on their respective days.

Keep up to date on the show by visiting www.classicbikeshows.com 

Ace Cafe London and Carl Fogarty are supporting Childline on Sunday 21st April as part of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ Ride It & Drive It Day 2024.  
 
Carl said "In the first year people from the Motorbike community came together and helped raise over £40,000 for the NSPCC’s Childline Service by taking part in the annual Drive It Day. Last year was the first time ever we had our very own Ride It Day and the total has now risen to a huge £139,000 raised!  This April, you can buy a Ride It Day Rally Plate for just £12.50 and ride out with friends, or join an organised event, and once again help support vulnerable children and young people across the UK.”
 
With motorcyclists from across the UK this year again invited to join the thousands of other vehicle owners in fundraising for Childline by taking a ride (or drive) to show their support, we can make a difference that counts!
 
Every 25 seconds a call is made to Childline - we can help them answer those calls by the following:
 

Buy a motorbike/car rally plate with 100% of the profit going directly to support local children:
Make a donation here to support Childline.

 Post a photograph of your bike/car, displaying your rally plate, to Facebook and Instagram using #Acecafechildline and we’ll pick a worthy winner who will receive a special gift from the Ace!
Ace Cafe London invites all riders and drivers to support the NSPCC’s Childline, so let’s show that we care and do what we can to support Childline.
    
Listen, revel and be immersed in a mix of the best rock and roll and rockabilly, blended with the London sub-culture sounds, broadcasting 24/7 on online radio and social media.
 
See you at the Ace!

With increasing popularity in recent years, e-bikes have dominated all kinds of urban commuting, recreational cycling, and even professional sports. The mixture of environmental consciousness, technological growth, and health benefits has somehow helped maneuver these electric-powered bicycles toward betterment. But with so many options available, it is imperative to look for a suitable e-bike that best suits individual specifications. Considerations of location, utilization, motor strength, and battery capacity, coupled with preferences regarding appearance, all play a pivotal role in ensuring an optimal riding experience. This enhances comfort and performance, which together maximize the enjoyment and utility of this transformative mode of transportation.

Understanding E-Bikes   

An e-bike is a kind of bicycle with an electric motor that does propulsion along with human power. Depending on the model and the user's settings, e-bikes can provide varying levels of pedal assistance or even fully electric propulsion, in contrast to conventional bicycles that are entirely human-powered. They usually have a rechargeable battery powering the motor, which is controlled through a handlebar-mounted display or control panel. E-bikes come in different varieties designed for different functions and terrains, such as commuter e-bikes purposely suited for city touring, mountain e-bikes built for off-road adventures, and so on. Each type is constructed with specific elements and features to cater to the needs and likes of various riders in diverse cycling environments.

Purpose

When it comes to assessing your needs for an e-bike, one should identify the primary purpose of the bicycle—be it commuting, leisure rides, fitness, or any other reason. Considerations should encompass the distance one usually covers and the terrain he or she would be traversing regularly, the desired speed, and the required carrying capacity for any baggage or passengers. For commuting, things like reliability, comfort, and storage options could be deemed important, while leisure riders may find comfort, maneuverability, and battery life more important for longer trips. For fitness, higher levels of pedal assist may be a priority, as well as a more lightweight design for improved performance.

Budget

While figuring out a budget for purchasing an e-bike, try to balance affordability with quality. Find out what usage you intend for and what investment in an e-bike that satisfies your needs and preferences would cost you. E-bike prices can be quite variable, from the expensive to the inexpensive. Basically, the lower-priced e-bikes, due to using materials of lower quality, can sometimes cut down on advanced functionalities, leading to underperformance, lifespan, and comfort. On the other hand, pricier e-bikes generally entail better construction, powerful motors, longer battery life, better suspension, and additional features such as built-in lights, mounting points, or digital displays. While opting for the cheapest option may be tempting, a higher-quality e-bike investment could yield reliability, performance, and satisfaction in the long run. Ultimately, carrying out research, test-riding different models, and placing essential features within your budget will work out best for e-bike purchases.

Brands and Models

Several reputable manufacturers, as well as offering reliable systems and high-performance electric motors, partner in some form or another with other companies to create e-bikes that are popular for their ability to withstand the challenges of tough terrain and be powerful. A strong brand in the industry is GRUNDIG, well recognized for its advanced technological innovation and designs, providing one of the best e-bikes for street cruisers. This company is one of the best e-bike manufacturers out there, and the GRUNDIG GCB-1 E-Bike is currently one of their best products and is a good choice for you when you want to roam the busy streets of a city.

Considering various factors, such as motor strength, battery capacity, range of rides, overall quality, comfort features, and reviews from other customers, when seeking popular e-bike models within your budget can guide your selection process. When seeking the ideal e-bike for your cycling pursuits, it is advisable to delve deeper into the different brands and models, taking into account your preferences and requirements.

Maintenance and Support

You should also consider evaluating the manufacturer or retailer's after-sales support, warranties covering all incidents, and whether it is possible to purchase parts when needed. The e-bike needs to be washed, oiled, and checked frequently for it to perform well and last a long time. Other techniques to promote a longer battery life include proper battery care and maintenance. Although an e-bike may need more maintenance than a traditional bike, planning for those expenditures can assure consistent pleasure and dependability over time, maximizing the value of your investment.

Conclusion

Summing it all up, the right e-bike for an individual may vary and will depend on his or her experience with it. Selecting the right e-bike is based on the intended purpose, terrain, specific features, and budget. Whatever your reason for riding, whether it's commuting, leisure, or fitness, investing in a good e-bike fitted for your lifestyle is sure to make you feel comfortable, perform better, and feel satisfied. So, for those thinking of commencing their e-bike journey, go ahead and do so with confidence, for it will take only the right e-bike that will give a satisfying experience.

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