A crossing of the Strait of Messina with a motocross bike

The Milanese centaur Luca Colombo attempts the crossing of the Strait of Messina riding one motocross. A new goal to reach, gliding on the water as done in 2017 on Lake Como or as on the occasion of the world speed record on water, obtained on 6 July 2019, reaching 104 km/h riding a dirt bike cross adapted. According to information, the favorable weather window for making the crossing is expected between 17 and 23st May.

Information

A difficult crossing due to the strong currents that affect the stretch, with an intensity of over 20 km/h, in addition to the winds that can create whirlpools. Another aspect to consider is the traffic of commercial ships and ferries, without forgetting any situations of mist or fog.
The selected stroke connects Lighthouse tower (Messina) and location Cannitello (Villa San Giovanni), covering 3,2 km. Considering the wind and sea conditions already mentioned, as mentioned, the favorable weather window is between 17 and 23 May.

Speaking of safety, the centaur chose to wear Kingii Wearable on his wrist, a small personal flotation device; while any recovery of the motorbike is entrusted to a self-inflating device which will activate in the event of a loss of power, thus preventing the motorbike from sinking. Luca Colombo will be joined in the crossing by Team K38 of Fabio Annigoni, national jet ski champion and instructor of jet ski rescue techniques (Aquabike), as reported.
The bike is one Honda CRF450R provided by Red Moto of Desio, already a protagonist previously and now with a renewed livery. An example prepared by Giorgio Lumini, engine technician of numerous world champions and by Angelo Pezzano, increasing displacement and power to face the challenge.
Nautical skates are attached to the motorbike and special paddles are attached to the rear wheel to give hydrodynamic thrust, making the over 205 kg weight glide on the water at full load, as indicated. The centaur will have to complete the journey without ever dropping below the critical speed of 30 knots (55,6 km/h), a decisive aspect for sliding on the surface of the water, according to information.

Photo: Hydro MX