Just one good night’s sleep remains before the 81st Maxxis International Six Days Enduro begins tomorrow morning in Taupo, New Zealand, and the 40-rider-strong U.S. team seems ready to hit the trail.The past few days have seen them complete the usual rider registration, technical inspection and impounding of bikes and then attending last night’s opening ceremonies.So far, things have gone smoothly–at least for the Americans. One Czech rider, Vaclav Danek, discovered thieves took his machine one night, but KTM New Zealand arranged for him to borrow a used Husaberg, which officials presented to him this morning.Amanda Mastin of the all-female Dirt Diggers Club team had to sweat out some tense moments after ISDE officials pulled her YZ125 out of impound, as its aftermarket tank began leaking. After getting that problem fixed, she was allowed to put the machine back in without penalty.Most talk centers on the weather and how over 600 riders are going to make this course very rough. So far, rain has fallen every day except today which dawned with only partly cloudy skies and gave way to a beautiful, warm day for a change. The forecast for the six days of racing, however, includes a couple days of small showers.While the New Zealand Six Days has its motocross grass tracks, of course, the enduro tests are, for a change, genuine enduro tests through pine forests that most Americans will find familiar. The soil in the forests tends to be very soft and almost spongy, guaranteeing that only the first few of the over 600 riders will enjoy relatively smooth sailing.Besides the usual working on bikes, getting gear ready and walking tests, Taupo has provided the competitors with much to see and do. A surprising number have accepted the challenge of bungee jumping off a 150-foot-tall bridge while others have booked rides in a jet boat up the Huka River that thrills its clients with 360-degree spins as the driver floors the V-8.Last night’s opening ceremonies saw the traditional parade of nations through Taupo followed by a brief presentation complete with a traditional Maori ceremony, marking the final official pre-race activity.After that, many hit the local eateries and bars. While doing so, Sugar Mama Racing Club team member Dylan Debel met a cousin for the first time: Glen Debel from Australia, who is also a Club team rider and, of course, representing Australia as a member of the Gum Valley Motorcycle Club.The first row of three riders leaves each morning at 7:00; they’ll spend about seven hours a day on the bike, and the last riders are scheduled to finish shortly after 6:00 in the evening.
