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  1. TwoZero is exhibiting at Motorcycle Live The NEC, Birmingham 24 November to 2 December.

    TwoZero will be showcasing its range of safety reflective clothing for the first time since teaming up with UK motorcycle distributor Nevis Marketing.      

    TwoZero's first product on the market, the Verso gilet is a stylish break-away from the norm reflective vest. Available in full florescent yellow, or a black reflective version. The Verso has clever side expanding panels where when fully open a rucksack can be worn underneath, so the reflection and visibility won't be broken. It has a loop where a LED light can be attached and a secure zip fastening. A comfortable fit is ensured with elastic panels and on cold days extra layers can be worn underneath. Available in sizes S/M, L/XL and 2XL, priced at £35.99.      

    BRAND NEW for 2013, is the Verso Cyclone a lightweight waterproof jacket with all the visibility and practical functions as the gilet, including the expandable sides and LED light loops. The Cyclone is also available in full florescent yellow and black. It has two zipped pockets, a mesh lining and has a pouch for storage when not in use. The Cyclone jacket is available in sizes XS - 4XL and priced at £54.99.      

    To accompany the Cyclone jacket, is the Cyclone waterproof over trousers. Black with reflective details, the Cyclone trousers are perfect for a rainy day. Lightweight with an elastic waist so can be worn easily over leathers. As with the jacket, the trousers also have a neat carry pouch so can be taken on rides in case the unpredictable English weather takes it toll. Available in sizes XS to 4XL and priced at £24.99.      

    The X-Belt is a reflective belt that sits on the torso in an 'X' shape for increased visibility. The belt is easy to wear, heavy duty and has easily accessible mesh front and back pockets ideal for keys, wallet etc. The belt is available in full florescent yellow or silver and priced at £24.99.

    Moving away from clothing, TwoZero also has on offer stylish reflective bags and LED lights. The bags TZ-1 and TZ-2 fit closely across a riders body and have a swivel feature to move round without removing the product. It has no metallic parts so will not scratch a motorcycle tank, has reflective detailing on the bag and on the strap. It is shower proof with a practical large zip for easy use with gloves and has a capacity of 2.5 litres. Available in various designs and priced at £39.99 TZ-1 and £33.33 TZ-2.      

    The ultra bright LED is simple, but effective. Attach on a rucksack or to the loop of a Verso gilet or jacket and let the little lights give extra visibility. With 100 hours of battery life, easily replaceable batteries and a silicon loop attaching and wearing is simple and easy. Available in white or red and priced at £9.99.      

    All these products will be on display on the TwoZero stand at Motorcycle Live. For tickets call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

    For more information on TwoZero and to see a preview of the new range, visit www.two-zero.co.uk

  2. Into Africa  

    This is the story of an enlightening, yet daunting (and sometimes downright harrowing) journey across fourteen African countries by motorcycle. Sam, a novice biker, decides to break free from the doldrums of everyday life in search of adventure. He finds it!

    Into Africa is upfront with adventure, mishaps, dust, heat and the thrill of overlanding. The word-pictures that bring a good travel book to life are all here; Sam’s perceptions of people, places and predicaments have real depth and texture, their associated sights, smells and sounds are evoked with a natural ease.

    Whether he’s being shot at, or knocked unconscious in the Namibian desert, this eye-opening tale catapults you into Africa. He lives in a remote village, escapes a bush fire and climbs a mountain. This is a captivating book.

    Into Africa, Sam Manicoms Adventure Motorcycle Travel Booksdescription : Paperback, e-book, enhanced e-book, audio book

    Adventure Motorcycle Travel books

  3. Road safety charity the IAM is offering driving advice in response to the current severe weather warnings for heavy rain and wind.  

    • Before you set off, set your heater controls – rain makes the windows mist up in seconds. You don’t want to be fiddling with controls when you should be concentrating on the road.
    • Slow down. In the rain your stopping distance should be at least doubled. Giving yourself more space helps you to avoid spray, especially when following a large vehicle.
    • Keep your eyes on the road ahead and plan your driving so that you can brake, accelerate and steer smoothly – harsh manoeuvres will unbalance the car.
    • Strong winds can also unsettle your car and even change your direction of travel. Grip your steering wheel firmly and be aware of the effects of the elements on other road users, particularly motorcyclists and flat-sided vehicles.
    • If you have cruise control, avoid using it on wet roads – it may create problems if you start to aquaplane.
    • See and be seen. Put your lights on – as a rule of thumb, whenever you need to use your wipers you should also turn your headlights on, and before overtaking put your wipers on their fastest setting.  

    In cases of severe flooding, you should reconsider making the journey at all. If it is unavoidable, and you have to drive through deep water, the IAM recommends drivers take the following precautions:  
    • Drive on the highest section of the road and don't set off if a vehicle is approaching you
    • Leave time and space to avoid swamping other cars and pedestrians
    • If you can’t see where you are going to come out of the water, such as when approaching flooding on a bend, think twice about starting to drive into it
    • In deep water never take your foot off the accelerator, as this could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe
    • Once you're out of the water, dry the brakes before you need them. The best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds, after checking nothing is following you too closely.  

    Rodger said: "A suddenly very wet road surface increases the chances of slipping when braking or steering, which is a problem not just for motorists, but cyclists and motorcyclists too. When driving in wet conditions remember that stopping distances will increase, and visibility will be reduced. Drop your speed and give yourself more time to slow down."