Sidecar Adventure Riding: Helga Pedersen's Global Journey

Helge Pedersen, an adventure tourer, shares his passion for sidecar riding, emphasizing stability and unique challenges over traditional motorcycle travel.

### Helge Pedersen: A Life of Adventure Riding with Big Red, a Sidecar Rig
* 🏍 Helge Pedersen has been adventure touring since 1982, riding extensively through **over 100 countries**.
* 🌎 In 1988, he traveled from Colombia to Panama through the **infamous Darien Gap**.
* 📚 Helge has written a book, speaks **four languages**, and spends **5-6 months a year riding the world**.
* 🛵 He runs a company called Globe Riders, **organizing tours worldwide**.
* 🔴 Helge's sidecar rig, Big Red, is a BMW with **125 horsepower** and **various custom features**.
* 🔧 The sidecar was designed by DMC Sidecars, with unique features like an **electric trim system** and **interchangeable wheels**.
* 🛣 ️ Helge explains the differences in riding a sidecar compared to a solo motorcycle, emphasizing the **need for weight balance in turns**.
* 🌍 Despite the challenges, Helge finds riding with a sidecar to be a **unique and stable adventure experience**.

Adventure Sidecar Tips from Helge Pedersen

MOTOTREK

Helge Pedersen: The Sidecar Adventure Rider

Helge Pedersen has been adventure touring for almost 40 years and has traveled through over a hundred countries.

He is the owner of Globe Riders and has a deep passion for sidecar adventure riding, which allows him to connect with people all over the world.

His love for sidecars was sparked when he saw one during the Crystall Rally in Norway, and he has since been riding his sidecar, Big Red, for the past year.

Comparison of Boxer BMW and Ural Motorcycles with Sidecars

The Boxer BMW is preferred over the Ural due to its higher speed, lower mechanical problems, and better clutch system.

The narrator has a personal rule of owning only two bikes, one of which is now a sidecar bike.

The sidecar bike is equipped with an electric trim that adjusts the sidecar suspension for varying load and road conditions, making it easier to maintain a straight line.

Customizing Motorcycle Wheels for Sidecar Use

Customizing a motorcycle wheel for sidecar use involves building a custom hub, adding spacers, brake rotors, an adapter, and an ABS tone ring, as well as using a longer axle.

This customization allows for the use of an automotive wheel on the back and the sidecar, providing the convenience of a single spare for all three positions.

Riding a sidecar bike requires a different skill set from riding a solo bike, as it relies on steering input from the arms and upper body, similar to a car, rather than body weight shifts.

Riding a sidecar motorcycle requires leaning to the opposite side to compensate for centrifugal force.

Insufficient weight on the sidecar can lead to flipping over, making right turns the most challenging.

Left turns are easier due to the support of the sidecar wheel.

Mastering sidecar riding requires physical effort and is a rewarding experience for long-distance travel through various terrains and weather conditions.

Embracing New Adventures with Sidecar Motorcycle Riding

Riding a sidecar motorcycle offers stability and unique opportunities for adventure, such as capturing moments and facing challenging terrains.

While initially nervous, the experience ultimately brings a lot of fun and personal growth.

Despite being a big commitment, the adventure and fun it brings make it worthwhile.