Bad conditions are what separate the men from the boys. Josh is proving he's a man. Awesome stuff! That is the truest thing you can say. He's going to get home and be pretty depressed, not having that big challenge in front of him, and he'll want to look back and know he grabbed the moment and enjoyed it, because they don't come around real often!
I have heard that Sarah Whitmore retired after test 2 due to her hand injury on day one and mandi houred out also according to the day 4 results... I'll bet that Jeff Ferdette will say its a hard ISDE also.. he would know! New course tomorrow and then just the short ride to the MX track and Josh will be done!
Josh youre doing good and making us all very proud. Mike thanks for all the great reporting and pics.
Incredible, wow ... What an experience for you and your son. That looks like some nasty stuff to have to ride a long day on, and then have to get up tomorrow and ride more. I considered it an accomplishment to finish both days of the Idaho qualifier, but that pales in comparison to the ISDE.
Great to see Josh is still going hard during day four! I am so excited to read these reports Mike, you are doing a nice job keeping us informed on the days events. It seems apparent that Josh has been so level headed these past four days, to push yourself to the limit each day but never so much that you make any costly mistakes? Smart mature riding Josh, you are doing great! Know that there are many people here at home inquiring about you every day, and are cheering you on! Ride hard team U S A ! Happy Birthday Mike, and tell Jennie Happy Belated Birthday! Scott & Georgia
September 27, 2012 (coming a day late due to Internet connectivity issues). We started the day at the first check point to assist with an oil change, and then on to the grass track special test. There are so many dedicated volunteers that really make this a huge team effort. Cant thank them all enough. When we got to the grass track, it was a muddy mess. It is a big field on a hillside and all the turns were off-camber. They had ridden it the day before so it had nice berms, but we had a lot of rain in the morning, so the first riders were at a real disadvantage. Look at the mud flying off their bikes. Charlie Mullins (Later in the day, as Im sure most of you have read, Charlie hurt his shoulder. They thought it was broken, but I believe concluded it was dislocated. He was back about 42 minutes on time, but finished the day strong). That same night, he took the time to ask my kids how their Six Days was going, despite being in pain himself. Seems like a great guy. Thad Duvall Kurt Caselli Taylor Robert was right on Casellis heels in the test. A few corners later, Caselli went down right in front of me. He highsided on an off-camber right hander trying to take the inside and stay on the grass. He did not get up too quick, and was really favoring his right arm/shoulder. I was convinced I had just witnessed him being done with his Six Days right in front of me, but somehow he got on and pressed forward and finished the day. Here is a sequence of photos showing him getting up and then continuing on .elbows down, favoring his right side. Destry Abbott Andrew Delong Mike Brown Jesse Groemm has had a VERY solid Six Days and has been an asset to the Junior Trophy team. He was eating serious roost at this moment. Not an American, but I liked the photo. Travis Coy from the Junior Trophy team. We had rain in the morning, but the day turned out to be beautiful. I liked this photo ..my kids enjoying a Bratwurst in the parking area of the special test with a German castle sitting on top of the hill behind them, with the sounds of bikes racing around the hillside, and Airhorns and cowbells galore. It was great. I love seeing these little German cars. My girls hiking back up the hill to cheer on the rest of the US riders. They know every single one by name and race around to every corner to cheer them on. Jordan Brandt Fred Hoess Devan Bolin Zach Klamfoth Reid Brown Reid went down in the same corner as Caselli. Brian Storrie Josh Josh had to do some passing in the grass track. Mandi Mastin. The women had a rough day but she rode hard. I love this picture .Josh doing his best to maintain traction on a slippery off-camber with his Mom, sister, and two brothers cheering him on in the background. Michael Jolly Rachel Gutish. She injured her leg the day before, hourd out, but had the opportunity to re-impound and ride for the team. Most men would say no way, she got up and gave it all she had. Tough girl! Unfortunately her day didnt end well again, but it was definitely not for a lack of trying. Chris Storrie. How cool would it be to ride the Six Days with your Dad. Chris had some bad luck early in the week that set him back, but he continued riding. We then went to try and catch Josh and the other riders at one more check. When we showed up, the Purple Helmets were there. A bunch of Crazy guys that ride total rat bikes, and do all sorts of crazy things. There was a small Endurocross section just before the check. Reid Brown Johnny Barber Jeff Fredette. I still cant say enough good things about Jeff and what an accomplishment it is for a 54 year old to be competing in his 32nd ISDE. He is the ISDE. Derek Steahly Josh Wonderful support help again! Typical German countryside on the way back to the paddock. I know Ive said, but this place is amazingly beautiful. The weather has been next to perfect. Riders at final pre-check. They took advantage of this time to scrape mud off bikes, and prepare for their 15 minute work period. Josh had another solid tire change. Reid Brown has been like a big brother to my kids. He asked Benji (my youngest son) to help him with his tire change. Class act Reid Brown. Even my daughter Kaytee got in on the action to help around the pits. Josh and Reid with a smile on their faces after finishing Day 4.
I cannot praise these updates enough... You sir are a natural at this... Hope today went as well as day 4, tomorrow should be a breeze. Stoked for you & the whole clan, and a big thanks for taking us along
We like it too. The whole family has the body english going. Turn that thing and get the gas! Priceless...
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9T8ievL7Mzw" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe> Nice to hear you´re still going strong!
Pass the salt. Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. I know it has to be a ton of work posting all those awesome photos.
That is the best photo I have seen of the entire 2012 ISDE BRING IT HOME JOSH, YOUR FANS ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!
September 28, 2012 Day 5 is complete. Its hard to believe this week is almost over. 6 Days of racing is a lot of racing! Josh is worn out, but has been in great spirits the past few days. Yesterday was brutal, but the mood this morning was much lighter. Everyone was excited for an easier day and the prospect of being near the end of completing the ISDE. Today was another 200+ mile day, but the transfer sections were easier, and the main focus was on the all new special tests for the day. We had the opportunity of visiting a few of the tests. One of them was a big grass track. This one had more big sweeper turns and was really fast. We watched Charlie Mullins run it and it was amazing. Due to losing time yesterday he was further back in the pack, but it served him well as some berms started to form. He took advantage of it, and took the win in this test for the day with Kurt Caselli half a second behind him. We cheered on Josh and all the other U.S . riders. I love looking for the distinctive skunk helmet. Morning work area. Josh makes the long push with his bike. A few last minute tweaks in the morning. On the starting line with Derek Steahly. Charlie Mullins in the grass track amazing to watch! Grass track scene. Reid Brown Jeff Fredette Josh at the start of the test. Josh in grass track. Chris Storrie with the thumbs up. Kurt Caselli at the next special test which included an MX track, woods section, and grass track. Caselli Destry Abbott Mike Brown Josh will probably never see his name listed on a motorcycle program next to David Knight again. Kaytee checks out the list of riders .almost 500 of them. I love people watching. Nice mullet! Even better shorts. Zach Klamfoth from US Club Team. Josh Josh End of day .some final prep for tomorrows final moto/supermoto. The bartering has already begun for used tires and other items. Looking forward to tomorrow!!
