Urs Pedraitas Victory Grizzly circumnavigating the world

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Victory Grizzly by Urs Pedraita

INTERMOT countdown part 1

Urs "grizzly" Pedraita has circled the earth with the Victory Grizzly, crossing all continents on its longest axis. As part of the INTERMOT Coundtown, we will introduce you to his crazy machine.

Four months to go around the world? Other motorcyclists have already done this faster, skeptics may point out. Right, and the fastest of them was none other than Urs Pedraita himself: in August 2014, the Swiss cycled 24,741 kilometers, also on one Victory Cross Country, in 16 days, twelve hours and 19 minutes. Makes an average of 62.47 kilometers per hour – over two weeks, day and night.

Video of the Victory Grizzly

But on his next venture, Grizzly didn’t "easy" circles the globe, but crosses all five continents on their longest axis: Africa from Cape Town to Cairo, Europe from Gibraltar to the North Cape, Asia from St. Petersburg to Seoul, Australia from Sydney to Perth and America from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego . Then there is the route from Bangkok to Singapore, which Pedraita couldn’t miss. "And on the last leg from Toronto to Florida I made a detour to the US west coast", the Swiss remarked in all modesty.

72 days and 13 hours in the saddle of the Victory Grizzly

Urs Pedreita was on the road with his Victory Grizzly for 119 days and 21 hours – including several flights and ship passages. For 72 days and 13 hours of that, Pedraita sat in the saddle of his Victory, with which he covered around 78,000 kilometers, but of course also allowed himself a nap every now and then and sometimes just waited – at border crossings, in traffic jams or other adversities.

The passionate long-distance rider swears by Victory motorcycles for his ventures. More than once, the bikes from Spirit Lake, Iowa have proven themselves in its rigors. For his most recent record run "grizzly" Have your Victory Cross Country groomed by Motostyling Switzerland. The fairing, tank and seat were adapted to the particular challenges, but the frame, engine and drive train were largely left as standard.

"This record is the best proof of the reliability and resilience of our motorcycles", Victory Marketing Manager Nate Secor is therefore delighted. "The Victory drivers really appreciate that – I think they are all cut out of a similar cloth as ‘Grizzly’." www.grizzlyraceteam.ch

Crazy bikes at INTERMOT 2018

The Koelnmesse INTERMOT 2018 and MOTORRAD are presenting ten daring conversions and self-builds as a ten-part series. The highlight: All of these crazy machines will be present live in Cologne. Editors and builders will be available to answer questions during the trade fair. Such an opportunity won’t come back anytime soon. Now the Victory Daytona One was a "travel motorcycle". Everything about touring can be found in the special area in the exhibition boulevard and for active testing in the driving course. More information and photo shows at www.intermot.de.

INTERMOT will take place from October 3rd to 7th, 2018 in Cologne. The special exhibition "Totally crazy" can be found on the exhibition boulevard in the aisle between exhibition halls 6 and 9 and at the MOTORRAD stand in hall 9, stand A 41.

Interview with Urs Pedraita

MOTORCYCLE: Why does a person do this to himself?

Urs Pedraita: Maybe because I come from a small country and this record-breaking trip leads across all continents, through many large countries. But to be completely honest: The idea came about in a biker bar at over one per mille. I have already circumnavigated the earth as quickly as possible. Now it’s about a very long trip across all continents.

Blacksmith

It took Urs 16 days, twelve hours and 19 minutes to circumnavigate the world in 2014.

MOTORCYCLE: But why do you drive on time?

Urs Pedraita: This kind of motorcycle travel is my gateway to another kind of world. Total exhaustion breaks a barrier to a new reality. This is my kind of meditation, comparable to Asian martial arts. I hope to reach this other level several times on the 100-day ride. Sometimes it hurts, a permanent pain of tiredness. Then I also yell at myself: “Stay awake!” When I travel many kilometers in a trance, I become one with everything. This is my real goal!

MOTORCYCLE: Why do you drive a 380 kilo cruiser, not a light enduro?

Urs Pedraita: Out of spite, I don’t want a travel enduro – everyone does that. Nick Sanders, who is my role model and motivation, rode a super sports bike, at Yamaha YZF-R1. I like cruisers, the comfortable sitting on them. My rides show that they are not only good for shows. For the next trip, the top mechanics from www.motostyling.ch have specially adapted my third Victory Cross Country to my needs, lightening it by 60 kilograms. With the first two victories, I easily drove 20,000 kilometers on snow and ice. You develop a feeling for the reactions of the motorcycle.

MOTORCYCLE: Is your “Grizzly Race Team” more about travel or racing??

Urs Pedraita: It’s a race, a mission, a long-distance duel with the great Nick Sanders. That’s why I want to drive as many kilometers as he does – in less time. When the starting shot is fired, I’ll be fighting with myself. Because I want to go back home, no matter what gets in my way. This is my driving force. Difficulties will come, of course. But you don’t know which ones, when and where. A constant speed is important – a maximum of 140. Driving faster is too strenuous. On my first record trip around the world, it rained from Novosibirsk to Colorado, in Siberia and all of Alaska, for over 9,000 kilometers. That takes even more strength and concentration than usual.

MOTORCYCLE: Giving up was never an option?

Urs Pedraita: No never. I knew the ferry in Vladivostok only goes to South Korea on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. I had to get it, otherwise everything would have been in vain. There is so much logistics behind the trips, these trips have now dominated my whole life, I base everything on them. Lots of people help me, friends, helpers and employees to prepare everything over months: exact routing, which roads take, apply for visas at embassies and plan specific border crossings. This results in a list, a route, a schedule. I have to adhere to it meticulously, otherwise everything will be completely mixed up.

Blacksmith

At that time the Swiss left a total of 24,741 kilometers behind him. The average speed was 62.4 km / h – around the clock for over two weeks!

MOTORCYCLE: Isn’t it bitter that we hardly have time for beautiful places??

Urs Pedraita: But I learn where real beauty waits. Even while driving, I sort out, keep unusual places, see how the vegetation changes due to climate change. After the tour I know where I want to go again, so I’ll do it again in peace. Even under time pressure, there are always great, pleasant encounters, for example when other motorcyclists approach you at the gas station and give me tips. I take my time there.

MOTORCYCLE: What are the key data of the world record attempt?

Urs Pedraita: 102,000 kilometers that I want to drive in 100 days. I’m even aiming for 90 days, then there is still a reserve for the unforeseen, service and repairs. I try to achieve predetermined end-of-day goals. Every continent is a stage. There will be 50 to 70 countries. I make a stop in Switzerland, six to eight hours. During this time the motorcycle will be checked, I can swim, change my suits. Spare tires are waiting in Valparaíso / Chile and Cape Town / South Africa.

MOTORCYCLE: Aren’t these lonely days?

Urs Pedraita: No support vehicle follows me on the record drives. Driving alone means constant tension. You don’t know what nature will bring next. I could imagine driving as a couple. Experiences in untouched landscapes are indescribably beautiful, nobody takes that away from you. In Siberia, wolves once accompanied me for around 30 kilometers. Whenever I stopped, they came closer.

MOTORCYCLE: Are you never afraid on the go?

Urs Pedraita: Death is an issue, but I’m not afraid of it. My brother died in a motorcycle accident, my sister of cancer. That was in 2012, when my father died too. Then I knew: now I have to live what I really want! But I do not want to commit suicide, do not take incalculable risks, seek protection and help in good time, and allow myself to be guided by premonitions and intuition. Ultimately, the world is small and vulnerable, I notice that on my journeys.

MOTORCYCLE: What do you have the greatest respect for??

Urs Pedraita: Clearly before Africa! To a large extent this is completely unknown territory to me. They say about Sudan: You need time, money and water. And in North Africa you have to bypass the IS areas. I also have respect for Australia and South America, especially animals on the street at night. That’s why my new motorcycle has even better light, super-bright LED main and auxiliary headlights. Only good light keeps me alive! To enter Australia, the motorcycle has to be super clean, otherwise it will be quarantined for two weeks. So I still have to clean it thoroughly in Chile.

MOTORCYCLE: How do you sleep on the tour?

Urs Pedraita: Never in hotels, they cost too much time. Rarely in motels – for showering, but only when I have a good time or can combine it with something else. But I must never take my eyes off the motorcycle! I usually sleep on or next to the machine, always wearing a helmet. If I fear predators or armed people, I stay on the motorcycle, put the helmet on the tank – its interior is specially padded for me – and even let the engine run. Turning off the engine in winter hurts him. Only when I feel completely safe do I just lie down next to the machine with my helmet on.

Thomas schmieder

Front and rear cameras take photos of evidence every ten minutes.

MOTORCYCLE: There isn’t much time for power napping on your stages!?

Urs Pedraita: The most important thing is sleep management! I can drive for 18 hours straight if I’m in a good mood. A month before the start, I wake me up once every hour. On the tour, I never sleep more than 50 to 70 minutes at a time. Then I let five alarm clocks wake me up – and it goes on. Once you’re in deep sleep, you’ve lost. Researchers have already reported that they want to record my sleep ECG. On the flights between the continents, when the machine is loaded, I fly business class. Then I can stretch out and sleep in – including restful deep sleep phases.

MOTORCYCLE: How do you eat and drink, how do you get through the long days?

Urs Pedraita: Not in the restaurant! Mostly while driving, which saves time and keeps you busy on boring stages. There are cup holders in the panel. I have a lot of protein-rich Bundnerfleisch with me, cured beef in handy cubes. I stock up on local food when I refuel. An iPad sits in the front panel. If it goes straight ahead, I can watch TV, Skype, check weather forecasts and navigation data. I have a lot of time, and I practice hands-free riding for around two to three hours a day.

MOTORCYCLE: What must your clothing be able to do??

Urs Pedraita: Be variable! When the temperature is below zero, “onion technology” counts, many layers, as air is the best insulation. In Patagonia I expect -10 ° C for a long time. When it gets warmer, I take something off gradually. I used to wear a jet helmet, cut sunglasses and snowboard goggles as UV protection so that my eyes don’t get tired. I have to be able to stand behind the products, sponsors or not. That’s why I’m now wearing clothes by Dane and John Doe that have been specially modified for me, and helmets by HJC. Functional underwear with a high silver content to prevent odor formation in sweat is very expensive.

MOTORCYCLE: Why are you driving Victory?

Urs Pedraita: I am enthusiastic about your great reliability. The V2 is stable, in principle built like a car engine, even if Victory doesn’t like to hear that. A trip around the world is a test for material quality and construction, for durability and stability. Thanks to the low center of gravity, the Victory is surprisingly easy to direct even on gravel, and it even needs some speed. At a slow pace you can feel the mass. We seal the easy-care toothed belt against penetrating stones, the fork against dirt.

MOTORCYCLE: Do you take a lot of spare parts with you?

Urs Pedraita: No, only clutch discs, Simmerrings and replacement hoses. Plus the most necessary tools. On the first circumnavigation of the world, I hit a very deep pothole in Alaska – the fork was crooked and oil was losing. In addition, the front brake failed. Nevertheless, the motorcycle dragged itself another 2000 kilometers to the next open workshop.

MOTORCYCLE: How do you prepare the new Cross Country for the violence tour?

Urs Pedraita: The most important thing is the anatomically shaped, breathable leather seat: a master upholsterer (www.hof-sattlerei.ch) adapted it perfectly to my body with its towering backrest. The seat and backrest can be heated in two stages. Wonderful! Because if you freeze in fatigue, you have lost, then you have to sleep six hours. Special running boards and handlebars allow me to sit in an individual position. I also have to be able to ride standing up in pauses. Hooks on the crash bars are practical to lash the motorcycle down or to pull it out in the event of a breakdown. The first aid kit including the emergency pharmacy is accessible from above so that you can still get it after a fall. The case and top case have been removed and replaced with a separate transport rack. This saves weight and width / length. So the motorcycle fits in flight transport boxes.

Blacksmith

At that time, the Swiss left a total of 24,741 kilometers behind him. The average speed was 62.4 km / h – around the clock for over two weeks!

MOTORCYCLE: What else?

Urs Pedraita: Unimportant things are removed, important things added and adjusted: the loudspeakers flew out and became illuminated storage compartments. All plug connections were additionally sheathed and better protected against water and heat, reinforced brake lines from the motocross were installed. The V2 and the frame remained completely standard. At the front there is a spoked wheel with a Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra, which is great in the rain. The modified front fender with slots and the aluminum cover from the engine offer good self-cleaning in the mud. A lot of subtlety is in the details. At the back I needed a cast rim in 17 instead of 16 inches. There are more replacement tires for that. After many tests in Mongolia, we decided on the Heidenau K 60 studded tire in 170/60. It lasts a long time, runs quietly and stably, offers a lot of grip.

MOTORCYCLE: What prepares you for endless expanses?

Urs Pedraita: The tank retains its series form, but has been expanded to a volume of 34 liters. With cruise control at 110 km / h that is enough for an average of five liters for around 600 kilometers. I don’t take spare canisters with me, I will buy one in Africa and give it away afterwards. The short exhausts are raised like a scrambler to make it easier to remove the wheel and gain more ground clearance. They are supposed to withstand floods of up to 40 centimeters and, like James Bond, can briefly spit fire using an adjustable flap. There are even more “survival disruptive maneuvers”: for example, the powerful LED headlights to the rear – like flashing lights, it should irritate attackers or wild animals and give me a head start.

MOTORCYCLE: Have you never had an accident?

Urs Pedraita: I never fell in the race, only in training: A fall in Siberia smashed my wrist and my spoke was broken twice. So far, I’ve always been able to avoid animals. Nevertheless: At night I can switch on a jammer that is inaudible to humans and that drives game off the street. There is also an ultra-loud additional horn, a camouflaged high-performance teaser and a flare gun on board.

MOTORCYCLE: How do you prove the record run?

Urs Pedraita: Every 15 minutes, a signal about the current position is sent to an external server in Zurich via GPS tracking, including weather data. In order to prove that I drive myself, that I am not being transported, the front and rear cameras take photos with the engine running every ten minutes with a time stamp. A separate black box stores all important engine data.

MOTORCYCLE: How do you train physically for the race?

Urs Pedraita: With martial arts and strength training in the gym. One hour in the morning for the back, core muscles and neck. I steer the motorcycle with my hip a lot. Everything is easier when you are fitter: keeping your balance, advancing, self-defense. Since the summer I have lost many pounds, converted fat into muscle. Correct breathing technique is very important for concentration and regeneration, it helps against cramping.

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