Kit Palmer | September 13, 2004
Before the riders left the start area earlier this morning, the International Six Day Enduro in Poland held its traditional opening ceremonies (right) on Saturday night and, according to our man on the scene, Steve Berkner, everything went off without a hitch.
“The ceremonies took place in a natural amphitheater located in downtown Kielce,” Berkner said. “The setting was quit unique, as it had seating for approximately 4000 people and was located at the end of a deep ravine. Hearing the U.S. rider’s names read over the PA system as they entered the amphitheater was emotional for some, as it was hard not to reflect on the coincidence of being an American and competing in sporting event in a foreign country, on September 11th.
“Sunday’s activities seemed to be laid back for most of the riders, as many of them spent the morning sleeping in,” Berkner added. “A few riders spent part of the day walking special tests before attending the ceremonial start at four o’clock.
“By five o’clock a light rain had started to fall just as the last American riders where impounding their bikes back at the parc ferme in Miedziana. Rain is still desperately needed in the region, as trail and special test conditions are extremely dry. The light rain that fell was not expected to last very long with the next good chance of moisture being on Wednesday (day three).”
Kit Palmer | Off-Road Editor
Kit Palmer started his career at Cycle News in 1984 and he’s been testing dirt and streetbikes every since – plus covering any event that uses some form of a knobby tire. He’s also our resident motorcycle mileage man with a commute of 120 miles a day.
