Pedal to the Metal, Red Bull Style
In the world of professional content creation, some jobs are just cooler than others. This week, I traded the newsroom for the handlebar of a 2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, heading to the sun-drenched streets of Santa Monica and Malibu for a high-stakes commercial shoot. The mission? Serve as the precision moto-pilot for a Red Bull photographer while navigating a massive peloton of world-class cyclists.
The Ultimate Camera Platform: Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+
When you’re tasked with hauling a photographer through a sea of carbon fiber and elite athletes, you need more than just speed—you need stability and surgical precision. The GSX-S1000GT+ proved to be the perfect tool for the job. Its smooth power delivery and nimble handling allowed us to weave through the pack, capturing the raw intensity of Red Bull athletes like Wout van Aert and Justin Williams as they tore up Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
From Garage 93 to the Santa Monica Pier
The journey began at “Garage 93,” a gearhead’s paradise filled with more Snap-On tools than a Midwest hardware store. After a quick prep session, it was a scenic burn up to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier and into the lush hills of Malibu. The views were spectacular, but the real action started at Will Rogers State Park, where we joined the Red Bull “roll out.”
Precision Riding in the Peloton
Operating a 1000cc sport-tourer inches away from a hundred cyclists requires a “don’t blink” level of commitment. With a professional photographer on the back wielding a telephoto lens, every movement had to be calculated. From maintaining steady lines on the PCH to ensuring the camera crew got those “money shots” of the pro cyclists stretching their legs against the Pacific backdrop, it was a masterclass in low-speed control and high-speed coordination.
The Verdict: All Bikes Are Cool
While the cyclists were grinding out Watts on their $15,000 rigs, I couldn’t help but smile at the roar of the Suzuki. There’s a mutual respect between two wheels, whether they’re powered by pedals or pistons. It was a successful mission: great images captured, no carbon fiber harmed, and another day living the dream in Southern California.
