The 2011 FIM International Six Day Enduro starts on Monday 8th August in Finland and here is a short update from Trevor Wood who is currently out in Finland with the teams.
Sunday Update
Sunday was a real chill out day late breakfast and a leisurely day so had a drive round to the special tests for the first and second days to find out where to go, most of the boys were having a relax and sorting out kit and goggles, some went off swimming and a few were having a walk at a couple of the tests. More Coffee, Tea brought at 5pm and it was time for Dusty’s final briefing for all the Riders and Support crew, Justin Wilson the Official Outrider gave the team riders a good briefing of the course and the strict laws in Finland regarding speed and lights, and to be aware of the huge moose in the forest. The Team will be looking to have a great weeks riding when Paul Edmondson sets off first as the opening rider at 8.09am on Monday morning.
Saturday Update
Saturday morning ,well it was nearly lunch time when most of the seniors arrived down from an early morning retreat from the night club based at the foot of the hotel, “Ladies” night seemed to go off without any serious casualties, it was well supported from a lot of the competing countries so a great atmosphere and music . It was great to see Arron Pulman arrive to support all the lads, saddled with crutches. So Saturday coffee afternoon was welcomed by one and all down at the Parc Ferme where a lazy afternoon with a couple of briefings from Dusty and Dave May was had by all. The evening came round fast and it was time to scrub up for the Opening ceremony held at a magnificent location in Hamina about 20KM from Kotka, the venue was a huge tent the largest in Europe. A seated stadium welcomed 27 different competing countries with around 350 riders in a “Snake” like parade to the tune’s from the local orchestra and local performers. Bed time came round and we all retreated to the hotel after a long day.
Friday Update
Friday has come round so fast. Today is the final day to do any bike prep as all the machine must be put in the parc ferme by this evening, the day started as usual with Dusty leading all the Trophy Team and all the Junior Team around some more sections at a 7:30am. It is still very hot here and the sun is still shining, blue skies are the order of the day. Around the paddock the job of bike prep is still going on with lots of busy mechanics fettling, Bikes stickered up, last minute bolt to bolt checks, It was quite a relief coming down to the Parc Ferme this morning knowing that this would be the last time we would have to get around 25 bikes out of the trucks, with all the bikes out we were able to have a good sort out and all the riders equipment into some sort of order. All the boys returned from there morning section walk and hit McDonald’s for Enduro Racer’s diet of Double big Mac chip meal, McFlurry and coke. All returned fully fed and watered to get over to the office to sign on, no dramas signing on and next in line was scrutineering were machines all went through with flying colour’s so a Photo shoot was in order. The final thing for the day was to tidy up the camp and Kitchen where all the girls have kept us all hydrated and fed, good on you girls.