Trail Rider Magazine

14 Trail Rider ISDT Berkshire 1973 Six Days OK, here we are back at the Berkshire in Massachu- se s for the 1973 Interna onal Six Day Trials. What an experience! I recall my Dad Mel, Bevy—my best friend and wife, and George Wolf and I all traveling north to Massachuse s for this final world com- pe on. It was amazing. Schools were released to a end the event; spectators lined the course three to five rows deep, and the crowd was so loud that you could barely hear your motorcycle, while motorcycle enthusiasts came from all over the Unit- ed States. It was like Woodstock reunited. I'm part of what we now know as the first United States team to win the Silver Vase — Malcolm Smith, Ed Schmidt, Dick Burleson and Ron Bohn all riding Husqvarnas through the grueling terrain in New England. The start of the event was cold and damp. All are nervous and there is a silence in the air. The first day I collected my bike out of the compound and the day is here. The minute hand passes, GO! And my bike won't start. Kick! Kick! Kick! NO! Too late and I'm penalized right off the bat. I must push start my bike. I found out later that the coil couldn't han- dle the moisture. I started down the trail late need- ing to make up for all lost me. Talking to myself, I must put this behind me and get on with the race. A er all, we had five more days to go strong. I knew I could make this up for I would be faster in the special tests. This was about our team, our country. I've always been good at pu ng misfortune behind me and ge ng on with the work at hand. All went well and I did end up turning in some good scores. The first day ended up being to our advantage. The Europeans had difficulty reading log jumps. They were a bit out of their element. The fallen trees were quickly picked up for firewood in Europe. Here in the United States, we incorporate them into the race itself. But make no mistake, the Czechs soon caught on. Day 2 warmed up and the fog burnt off early on. One of the many long uphill power lines was lined with spectators waving the U.S. flag and scream- ing so loud you couldn't hear your engine. That's a thrill that you carry forever. It was wicked gnarly. Imagine this, having to trust your ins ncts com- pletely. The uphill climb le you jumping the other side blindly. The tree line guided your take off and you launched your bike into the unknown. Day 4 Team manager Jack Lehto stopped each one of us during the event. He shared that the other teams had faltered and we were now in conten on for the overall. Jack knew we had a shot to win the Silver Vase, just con nue to ride smart and hard. We did entertain the crowd a li le with some fun wheelies. The crowd mo vated us. I'd look into the eyes of the spectators; their energy pushed us to actually go faster. What an adrenaline high. Day 5 The Swedish team was loving us. A er all, we were riding their country's motorcycles — Husqvarnas. At several of the transfer sec ons, the Swedish girls, dressed in their blue and yellow coveralls and bright yellow clogs, waited to serve us fresh-picked, hot berry juice. You've got to love it! Not bad at all. Day 6 Ins nct prevails. Closing the distance on a rider in front of me, pulling to the side so that I can see beyond him, in the distance am I looking at a rock or solid soil? I'm thro ling through the move; I pass him. The next and final event ended with a special test on a grass track. I remember ge ng frowns from some of the guys on my technique. I chose to square some of the corners and it worked for me. The Ceremonial Party We have chased and won the Silver Vase! I remem- ber how the five of us held the Silver Vase over- head while our Na onal Anthem playing. To this day, when I stand for the Na onal Anthem at my grandkids' games, my eyes s ll tear for I remember that day like it was yesterday and am thankful for such an opportunity.

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