Maudes Trophy Challenge
Rob Portman
Zero Motorcycles UK Marketing Specialist
January 15, 2024
Zero Motorcycles Earns the Prestigious Maudes Trophy in a Historic Win
Friday, December 1st, 2023, etched another remarkable chapter in the annals of Zero Motorcycles and the broader electric vehicle (EV) story. Zero Motorcycles defied expectations and imprinted its name in history by becoming the first electric motorcycle to conquer the daunting Maudes Trophy challenge.
At Zero, we thrive on shattering stereotypes, especially those surrounding EV motorcycles. The skeptics claim limitations: insufficient range, lengthy charging times, unsuitability for long distances, and struggles in low temperatures. But we make it our mission to dispel these myths, diving headfirst into challenges to lead the way forward. Covering over 1,000 miles in freezing temperatures, battling through snow, blistering rain, and fierce winds on electric motorcycles—many would doubt its feasibility. Yet, here we stand, having defied the disbelievers.
The team at Zero UK embraced the gauntlet thrown down by the Maudes Trophy—a prestigious test established in 1923 by George Pettyt. With seven capable riders, the team embarked on one of the company's most formidable challenges to date. Over 1100 miles (1900km) in under three days, man and machine faced not just the challenge of the road but also the test of their mental fortitude, willpower, and team spirit, while also testing the UK's charging infrastructure.
With two DSR/X models and a team of seven riders, the plan seemed straightforward: ride for an hour, charge for 45 minutes, and repeat. Yet, the journey held unforeseen trials.
Setting off from Lands End on December 29th, 2023, the team initially enjoyed a smooth journey but soon faced harsh winter conditions as they headed towards Edinburgh. The challenge escalated nearly 800 miles in, on the A1 highway, where icy, snow-covered roads led to both riders crashing at low speeds. Local police advised halting travel due to the severe weather, pushing the team to a critical decision point. With Zero and EV’s reputation hanging in the balance, they loaded the motorcycles into a van.
Remarkably, with only minor injuries and damage sustained, the team regrouped in Preston. There, the ream unanimously resolved to continue, undeterred by fatigue, injuries, and the cold. Their resilience shone through, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to completing the challenge.
"The journey wasn't just about winning an award; it was a testament to the endurance of man and machine."
Despite adverse conditions and warnings to turn back, the team pressed on. They completed their epic journey on Friday, December 1st, 2023, navigating through Cumbria and into North Wales, finally arriving at the final checkpoint in Holyhead by mid-afternoon. From there, battle-scarred yet unbroken, both bikes and riders pushed through an additional 100 miles to Liverpool.
Here, in recognition of their indomitable spirit, the team was awarded the ACU’s prestigious Maudes Trophy, just before the FIM Awards ceremony at the city’s convention center. After a grueling 60 hours and 1,102 miles, the team not only silenced the doubters but also secured a legendary place in history for Zero and electric vehicles.
The Maudes Trophy, awarded a century ago to Norton Motorcycles, now finds its home with Zero—a milestone not just for the company but for the entire EV community. As Dale Robinson (Country Manager for the UK) reflected, the journey wasn't just about winning an award; it was a testament to the endurance of man and machine.
In the face of extreme cold, teamwork proved instrumental in their success. Each team member played a pivotal role, navigating through the grueling conditions. Craig Carey-Clinch, one of the riders and co-captain, attested to the DSR/X's overall performance and ruggedness, dispelling doubts about electric motorcycles' long-distance capabilities.
As the dust settled, Zero stood triumphant, demonstrating that electric motorcycles aren't merely a future vision but a practical reality of today. This landmark achievement propels Zero Motorcycles and the entire EV industry into a new era where "impossible" is not in our vocabulary. As Dale Robinson puts it, "Electric motorcycles have transitioned from a future concept to a viable option for riders today." The journey may have been arduous, but it paved the way for a brighter, electrified future.
Zero Conquers the Black Hills BDR-X
