hen Team USA left for Brazil in early November to compete in the 78th International Six Days Enduro, they were expected to do well. After all, the United States had put together a team that included six-time AMA National Enduro Series Champion Mike Lafferty, 2003 WORCS Series Grand Champion Ty Davis, 2002 GNCC Champion Rodney Smith, as well as such esteemed racers as Mike Kiedrowski, Jason Raines and Barry Hawk. Plus, they were exceptionally prepared. Unfortunately, things can go wrong, and in this case they did. On the first day, Barry Hawk’s YZ250 melted a piston, taking him out of contention. That same day, Rodney Smith got lost getting to a checkpoint, which docked the team 14 route points. By the time Day Two rolled around, the U.S. team was in 12th place. But, the team didn’t quit. Even when faced with the flu (Ty Davis) everyone kicked it into high gear to do their best for the team.

When the sand had settled, Finland took the World Trophy and the U.S. team had to settle for seventh. However, thanks to their dogged determination, a number of U.S. riders earned gold medals for their individual finishes, including Moose riders Ty Davis, David Pearson and Mike Lafferty. They are: Kurt Caselli, Mike Kiedrowski, Jason Raines, and Randy Hawkins. Silver medalists included Moose riders Jeff Fredette and Rodney Smith as well as: Eric Bailey, Eric Bee, Doug Blackwell, Russell Bobbitt, Alan Deyo, Greg Gillian, Robbie Jenks, Rod Kreiss, Aaron Kopp, Mike Monroe, Paul Neff, Bryce Olson, Bryan Penney, Ron Schmelzle, Jonathan Seehorn, Mike Sigety, Mark Thompson, Lars Valin, Jason Webb, Aaron Wilson and Rob Zimmerman,. Bronze medalists included: Pat Flynn, Steven Kreis, Shawn Mason and John Wells.
The 2004 ISDE will be held Sept. 13-19 in Poland.

2003 ISDE gold medalist, Ty Davis

2003 ISDE silver medalist, Rodney Smith

2003 ISDE gold medalist David Pearson

2003 ISDE silver medalist Jeff Fredette

2003 ISDE silver medalist Doug Blackwell