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36 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com 2014 Little Raccoon ISDE Qualifier -- June 14 & 15 For some of us trail riders the dream of participating in an International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) will always remain just that; a dream. But there are those that have the skill and determination to move beyond dreaming about rac- ing their dirt bike on the world stage. The "six days", as it's referred to, is not just about who can ride their dirt bike the fastest over a 100+ mile course every day for 5 days (followed by a Day 6 moto). Riders also have to per- sonally do all repair and maintenance work on their bikes over that period. Any help from outside individual's re- sults in immediate disqualification. So this really is a test of a man and his machine. For the global enduro commu- nity, the ISDE is considered the most grueling and techni- cal race in the world. This years ISDE will be held in Argentina on November 3-8, 2014. The American Motorcyclist Association is the or- ganizing body for our country. Each year the AMA sanc- tions two "qualifying" events from which most of Team USA is selected. This year rider's from across the country traveled to Idaho and Ohio to take their shot at being se- lected for one of the "club" teams that will compete at the ISDE. If you want to learn more about the ISDE go to the www.ama-cycle.org and www.fimisde2014.com for more information. On June 14 & 15 three off road racers from Connecticut took their first step towards making their dream a reality. Ben Kelley, John Kelley and Josh Toth traveled to Ohio to compete in the 2014 AMA 2 day ISDE qualifier. The race was hosted by the Appalachian Dirt Riders club in con- junction with the Appalachian Championship Enduro Se- ries (ACES) event held in Wellston, Ohio. The course covered over 120 ground miles with 6 (or more) special tests each day. The trio of Ben, John and Josh started their careers racing NETRA Pee Wee and Mini Hare Scrambles and the Junior Enduro series. Many of us have watched them grow as racers and in- dividuals. Over the years they progressed from Big Wheel to full size bikes. From Novice to Amateur to Expert to today where they are in the AA/Pro class. Ben Kelley is NETRA #3 Hare Scram- bler. John Kelley holds both the HS #6 plate and the enduro #4 plate. And Josh made AA this year for the LITTLE RACCOON ISDE QUALIFIER Chasing the Six Days Dream Story and Photos by Ross Mauri ben Kelley