Aras Gibieza: Third Time Lucky

14:47

•

Motorbike Stuntriding

From Salman Khan riding bike to Aras stunting in 43°C, the Gixxer Day tour was an eventful one

Aras Gibieza with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan (Image credit: Neville Sukhia)

Aras Gibieza is no stranger to the Indian soil. He toured India twice in 2015 entertaining audiences in nearly a dozen cities; owing to the affection and the fandom that he received during those trips, the Lithuanian returned once again in 2016. But this trip would be unlike anything he’s experience ever before. Firstly, Aras Gibieza shared the arena with one of India’s biggest superstar – Salman Khan. While the Dabangg Khan didn’t pull off any wheelies, that didn’t stop the Mumbai crowd from cheering their lungs out. Secondly, according to the meteorological department, April 2016 had been the hottest month in the recorded human existence. At Aras’ hometown Vilnius, the mercury peaks out in summer months at a scorching 17°C. When Aras landed in Delhi for his first show of the Suzuki Gixxer Day Tour, the temperature was hovering around a lukewarm 43°C. As we walked into the air conditioned tent next to the stunt arena minutes before his show, the bike mechanic was seen holding Aras’ helmet against the air conditioner. As a stream of water dripped out of his helmet’s air vents, Aras exclaims, “Hey, look, my helmet’s sweating too!” While the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 is liquid cooled, in India, Aras had to be ice-cooled to keep him from overheating. The helmet was packed with ice till seconds before every stunt show to keep him cool and focused enough to pull off those physics-defying stunts.

As the helmet’s air vents acted as water outlets, we sat down with the two-time European stunt biking champion to ask him a few geeky questions and understand the sport better:  

So, which was the toughest city to ride in?
Weather-wise, it was hot everywhere. But from riding point of view, Shillong had the toughest tarmac. It was dusty with lot of bumps and the tarmac kept scraping away. My training of riding on ice helped me there.

Do you specifically train for ice and snow?
I don’t specifically train for ice and snow but where I live, we have ice 3 months in a year and during that period I can’t skip my training. So, in 2009, I built my tyre for ice riding and tried it for the first time. Realized it was fun and so I continue doing this every winter. 

Aras performing on Shillong's bumpy tarmac (Image credit: Ayan Sil / Red Bull Content Pool)

 
Do you think the same tyres would’ve helped you Shillong’s bumpy surface?
Those tyres have spikes on them. It wouldn’t have helped me there; on the contrary, it would’ve made it even worse. It would’ve scrapped out even more of the loose gravel. Grip would’ve been an issue. With spikes, you can only ride on ice.
 
You tweak tyre pressure before every show. How does that help? 
That helps a lot. If it’s a bigger place, like at Mumbai’s Inorbit Mall, I need more pressure in the tyres for the circles to go wider. But for a place like Shillong where the width of the arena is less, I need to keep the circles smaller. For such places, I need to reduce the tyre pressure.
 
You change the pressure due to the surface or also due to the temperature?
No, for the temperature fluctuations, we don’t need to change the tyre pressure. To deal with temperature changes, we only need to change tyre compound. Here, because the surface was soft, for better traction, we used soft compound.

You’re used to doing stunts on your Ninja 636. How was it doing the same stunts on the Suzuki GSX-S 1000?
Suzuki is more powerful and weighs more. I’m really enjoying riding this bike. Even the engine is different and works differently. Both bikes are nice. After riding this bike only 4-5 times, I was able to do most of my tricks which I’m used to doing on the Kawasaki Ninja. So, yes, Suzuki GSX-S 1000 is also a good bike for stunting. But you need to know what you’re doing because this bike is very powerful and hence it’s difficult to control. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a very good bike to do stunts.

1000 horsepower at play (Image credit: Neville Sukhia / Red Bull Content Pool)

You ride a Kawasaki but here you had to ride a Suzuki. What modifications did you ask them to make to the GSX-S 1000 while they were prepping it up for you? 
I sent photos of my bike and told them about the modifications that needs to be done. They crash cage, hole in the seat, bigger sprocket, hand brake are some of the things. Idle screw to pick up the idle RPM also had to be set right.  

You managed to shred 3-4 set of tyres in first two shows and one training session. How did you manage that?  
It’s easy. When you have 1000cc at your disposal, it’s really easy to shred tyres.

Disclaimer: This article was first published on RedBull.com by the author

READ MORE

Aras Gibieza’s Indian Summer

17:30

•

Motorbike Stuntriding

European stunt biking champion Aras Gibieza’s love affair with India continues

Aras Gibieza India Tour 2015 (Image credit: Neville Sukhia / Red Bull Content Pool)

When you think of a fast bowler, you imagine him to be tall, athletic and fiery eyes. When you think of a Rugby player, you imagine him to big, burly and rough around the edges. But it’s difficult to fit a stunt biker into a mould. Maybe, given the unique nature of this sport, you can’t really outline this individuality into a blue print. Who knows? But one thing is for certain, blueprint or not, Aras Gibieza is the yardstick all stunt bikers are compared against.

When we say, stunt biking, we don’t mean the ‘accelerate-hard-in-a-residential-area-and-attract-attention’ kind of stunts most of us are familiar with. Gibieza’s stunts requires special skill and a thorough knowledge of the physics. Every time he lifts his wheel off the ground or props his leg around, he’s playing with the laws of physics.

Aras Gibieza recently went on a three-city India Tour after wowing the audience at Hyderabad during the Red Bull F1 Showrun. Prior to that, he did an eight-city tour while performing for IBW on Tour. Suffice to say, the young Lithuanian has been to more Indian cities (current count is 12) in last 4 months than most of us visit in a year.

When the dust settled and Gibieza got off his saddle, we caught up with him to know why he does what he does; and more importantly, how he does it. Here’s what he had to say:

How was your experience of the three-city India Tour?

It was really great to ride there. The three cities – Kolkata, Guwahati and Shillong – are completely different. At first, I didn’t think that they would be so different because all three cities are pretty close distance-wise. But, while travelling, after every 5 km. the scenery would change. All of a sudden you start feeling cold, the hill climbs are sudden, people’s facial features changes and everything is totally different from place to place. Kolkata is also a nice place. It’s a bit of old school. It’s still stuck in the fifties, it seems. But it’s cool.

It was nice to see the local guys performing. BMX riders, B-boyers. It was a great event, overall.

Shillong also was great. B boys and local guys performed. We had a really great place and beautiful weather. So it was nice.

Popping a wheeling in front of the Shillong crowd (Image credit: Neville Sukhia / Red Bull Content Pool)

What do you think about the level of stunt biking in India?

Some of them are really good riders. Some were beginners while others looked like they might have been riding since years.

Biggest problem [in India] is underpowered bikes. It’s completely different. Things like drifts and burnouts can’t be done with these bikes. Unless you have bike bikes, stunt biking will be stuck at the same level.

How did you started riding?

I started riding when I was 10 years old on scooters. I started doing wheelies just one week after I started riding. I used to do wheelies all over my locality.

Which scooter was it?

It was Suzuki FZ50. It’s a small scooter.

In 2006, I got my first bike. But it was for racing. I used to make fast stoppies and fast wheelies.

In 2008, I got my first stunt bike. I started preparing for stunt biking competitions. I used to do slow wheelies and big angle stoppies, 180 stoppies, tank stands, etc. All these are beginner’s tricks.

In 2009, I won Baltic States Competition in my country.

In 2010, I won in Russia.

In 2011, I won Eastern European Championship.

In 2012, I won the European Stuntriding competition and every other competition I participated in.

Which was your first bike?

Suzuki GSXR 600.

Which is your current bike?

Kawasaki Ninja 636.

Aras Gibieza and his customized Kawasaki Ninja 636 (Image credit: Neville Sukhia / Red Bull Content Pool)

How different it is from a road bike?

It’s completely different. If you compare the same model of Ninja, the only common stock parts I have are the engine, wheels, swingarm and radiator. But even that [the radiator] has two fans for cooling now. I have changed a lot of parts on my bike, like handlebars and triple tree. I got bigger sprocket and bigger disc brakes in the front and rear. I’ve even customized the frame to take the loads, all the foot rests are customized and even the tank is customized to allow tank stand and other stunts. You need to do these modifications to prepare the bike for stunting.

Which bike would you suggest to a beginner who wants to try his hand at stunt biking?

Ninja 636. Kawasaki has made this really nice bike for stunt riding.

But we have a problem. Original parts are not too strong for stunt riding so you have to change some parts.

How was your experience riding in Hyderabad opening for the F1 car?

It was amazing! It’s something out of this world. It saw an F1 car so close for the very first time. Great place, beautiful weather, so many people, 650 mt. straight line – it was just great. I was going full throttle in 6^th gear on the straight. Even got an opportunity to meet David Coulthard and chat with him. It was amazing. One of the best memories of my life!

At the Red Bull F1 Showrun, Hyderabad (Image credit: Pedrag Vuckovic / Red Bull Content Pool)

What did you discuss with David Coulthard?

We discussed about our countries, culture, my sport, his sports, other sports, etc.

Is it correct that you saw so many people for the first time at one of your events?

Yes, it was the biggest crowd I ever performed in front of. 650 meters and people on both sides, packed to the rafters. It was great. You look around and everywhere it’s full of people.

They scream a lot. THE BEST CROWD EVER!

How different was IBW on Tour compared to North East Tour?

At IBW we had competitions all the time with local teams performing. Weather was too distinct from city to city.

I enjoyed both the tours.

But definitely, Showrun was my favourite.

Favourite trick?

I have few ones. There is one trick I call unicycle.

Guys from flatland call it time machine. It’s more or less similar.

True or fake??? Streetbike unicycle no hand ;D

A photo posted by Aras Freestyle Stunt rider (@aras_freestyle) on Mar 16, 2015 at 8:14am PDT

After this trick I created another trick – Supertower.

You make wheelie circles and you’re sitting on the handle bar and your leg is on the front fender.

Also, 360 kangaroo stop is my favouite.

Is the Supertower similar to Watchtower?

A bit. In Watchtower, you’re standing while here you’re sitting. And also, it’s one-handed.

SuperTower !!!!

A photo posted by Aras Freestyle Stunt rider (@aras_freestyle) on Mar 19, 2015 at 12:02am PDT

Which has been the most difficult trick to learn or to execute?

360 is the most difficult, according to me. Also, switchback wheelie.

Today, not many guys can do these tricks. 360, nobody is doing. Even supertower, nobody is doing. Another trick, unicycle. All these are really tough. It also depends on which one you’re practicing. If you’re practicing switchback wheelie every single day then suddenly you’ll start finding that one easy. If you train for another trick, then that becomes easy for you.

What are you training for right now?

Right now, I am training for 360 and those new tricks.

First trick you learnt?

Wheelie. Fast wheelie is the easiest one.

When are you planning to come back to India next?

As soon as possible!

At Guwahati during the India Tour 2015 (Image credit: Neville Sukhia / Red Bull Content Pool)

Who’s your experience been overall?

Beautiful. All cities are so different. Different culture and different people. I’m really happy to have got this opportunity twice to visit so many different cities in India.

India is a multifaceted nation. And it’s easy for an outsider to get overawed by its complexity. But Gibieza is not one of them. He loves the cultural diversity and throughout his Indian trip, he was ever ready to try out new experiences. Never once losing that amusing smile. That’s Aras for you: Agile, 100-watt smile, calm demeanor and the ability to activate his inner Ninja once he gets on that Kawasaki of his. And perhaps, that’s the mould for stunt bikers. That of a ninja! 

Disclaimer: This article first appeared on RedBull.com

READ MORE

Girl Power comes to Stunt Biking

18:05

•

Motorbike Stuntriding

In conversation with India's Youngest Female Stunt Biker - Anam Hashmi

Anam Hashmi (Image credit: Team Anam Stunts)

They say, never judge a book by its cover. The same holds true for Anam Hashmi. The pretty girl-next-door is just another bubbly college girl in her normal attire, but give her a motorbike and she’ll give any guy a run for his money when it comes to stunt biking. At 18, Anam is India’s youngest female stunt biker and her admirers include none other than India’s Cricket captain MS Dhoni.

We caught up with young lady to know more about her stunt biking exploits.

Anam, what’s your stunt biking avatar called?

My full name is Anam Hashmi but in the biking circle they call me Anam Stunts.

What’s your current ride?

I’m currently riding an Apache RTR 180.

Tell us something about your group.

I’m a part of this group called RSA aka Rubber Smoking Angels. It’s a Pune-based group. There are three of us in the group right now, but I’m the only girl.

Which is your favourite bike for doing stunts?

My current bike – Apache 180 is just perfect for me right. Having said that, I’d love to own a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (636) someday and do stunts on it.

What will we find in your dream garage?

Honda Fireblade

Yamaha R6

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (636)

Which has been the most difficult stunt to attempt for you?

In the beginning, doing the highchair wheelie was really difficult for me since your hands are in front and your weight is also in the front, and you're also trying to lift the front part. It took a while for me before I could perfect it; but now, I’m pretty comfortable doing it.

Is there anything different women bikers need to keep in mind while doing stunts or are they all the same?

Being girls, our hands are much softer.  Hence, when you do wheelies 2-3 times back-to-back, you get blisters on your hand. Even when we fall, due to the lack of muscles, we get hurt a lot more easily. We’re a lot more prone to cuts and bruises than guys are.

How difficult it is for someone like yourself who's not too muscular or huge, to handle the bike?

Only time when my size pose an issue is when I fall. Like I said before, in case of a crash, being a thin person, I get injured a lot more easily.

Now that I’m 18, I’m soon planning to join the gym to gain muscles and upper body strength. Earlier, the gyms didn’t accept me since I was a minor, now that I’m 18, I can work out in the gyms with trainers. But for now, besides the usual stretches, I run a lot in order to increase my stamina.

Any do's & don'ts for a thin person for stunt riding?

Nothing like that. Just go ahead and go for it. If you have it in you, irrespective of whether you're fat or thin, you'll still be able to perform the stunts equally well.

What's the best compliment that you've received till date?

Just two days ago when I was at an event with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, he complimented me saying that the stunts that I do, even he can’t do. That’s probably the best compliment I’ve received till date.

What's the worst criticism that you've ever heard?

I’m my own biggest critic. Most of the people in the industry as well as the fans, no one really criticizes; they all appreciate me. But I set high standards for myself and hence, when I see more experienced stunt bikers, I start critiquing myself for not knowing these stunts despite being totally aware of the fact that I’m a lot less experienced.

Do you face issues while finding the right gear of your size?

Leah Peterson has always been my idol. I would always try to colour my helmet and style myself like her. For this very reason I contacted people at Icon Motorcycle Gear and asked them when they’d be available in India. They had already heard of me and asked me to give them a list of things that I required. I did that and they sent everything without charging a penny. And since then they’ve been sponsoring me and supporting me with regards to all my riding gear. I’m very fortunate to have them as my sponsor.

Having said that, yes, before I got associated with Icon, it was pretty difficult for me to find riding gear of my size. I couldn’t even find the right fit for something as simple as riding gloves.

What does being India's Youngest Female Stunt Biker mean to you?

It feels amazing. Whenever someone addresses me as ‘India’s Youngest Female Stunt Biker’, at an event or anywhere, I feel really happy.

Are you planning to start a professional course for female riders?

I wouldn’t mind but most girls whom I meet are not committed enough. Very often, many girls ask me to teach them, I ask them to join me at my daily practice, they come there for a couple of days and then they'll run away. Nobody is willing to do the hard work for longer duration. If I find any girl who’s dedicated and passionate enough, I’d love to teach her.

If someone has to start stunt biking, how do they go about it?

Safety is the most important thing. You need to ensure that you have the right protective gear.

Also, one need to make sure that they have a safe place to practice the stunts. It’s not advisable to do the stunts on the open roads. Find an empty parking lot or a dead-end road with zero traffic to do the stunts.

Make sure your bike is protected too. Even before you do your first stunt, install the crash guard on your bike. It’s not a question of “if” but “when” you’ll crash.

What's the first stunt that a newbie should learn?

I don’t really know. It varies from person to person. If you’re muscular, you might be more comfortable starting out with a ‘Stoppie’ but in case you’re thin like me, you might want to try your hand at a ‘Wheelie’ or a ‘Christ.’

Like, when I first started, I did a Christ on my Activa.

Care to share any funny/weird/unusual experiences you've had while doing stunts?

Once, I was doing a circular wheelie and my hand slipped, my collar bone hit the key and broke it; hence, the bike kept going because there was no way to turn it off. The bike took two full circles before crashing down. That was one of the funniest and weirdest things I had ever experienced.

What are you future plans?

If XDL comes to India this year then I’d practice for that. I’d even like to participate in XDL international, someday. If not, there are many other events in which I’d like to participate in future like the stunt biking events in Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia.

Disclaimer: The article was first published on RedBull.com

READ MORE