| October 31, 2023
In 2016, the FIM added a Vintage event category to the ISDE. It was established so seasoned veterans could compete in an ISDE-style event, but on the vintage bikes (1983 or older) they have come to know and love. The likes of Enrico Tortoli, Giorgio Grasso, Tullio Pellegrinelli are still very competitive and want to continue to represent their counties in a world-class event.
Story by Suzy Moody | Photos by Moody and FCM Photo Gallery
The rules are much like the ISDE with Trophy and Silver Vase Teams, along with individuals and club teams. Instead of riding six days, they ride four days, and to compete on a Trophy Team, you must be 50 years old or older. To make it even more interesting, each team must be represented by at least one bike 1975 or older, and the teams consist of only three riders. Keep in mind these are all twin shock, air-cooled bikes with drum brakes.
Fred Hoess, a 28-time ISDE veteran with 21 gold medals, had been involved with the U.S. AHRMA Vintage Series for some time and thought it would be a great segue into a different type of competition. As the lone U.S. rider, he overalled this event in 2016 and 2022.
In 2023, the first U.S. Team competed. Mike Sheetz from Oregon stepped up to ride the “A” category bike sporting a 1975 Can Am 250 TNT. Lendon Smith from Idaho and co-owner of Seat Concepts rode a 1982 Husqvarna WR430, and Hoess rode a 1983 Husqvarna WR250.
Neither Mike nor Lendon had ever ridden an ISDE. Mike shipped his bike, Lendon bought one from HVA owner Andy Elliot, and Fred’s bike from last year was being kept at the MZ Museum in Germany and was transported to Spain.
The U.S. Team and their support crew, consisting of wives, girlfriends and family members, did a stellar job of learning the area, navigating to the tests and timed controls in rented cars, and working out of trunks with tools and gear in boxes.
When all was said and done, the U.S. Trophy Team took fourth place, and Hoess, again, overalled the event with the lowest times over the four days and 10 separate timed tests. Sheetz placed 10th in the challenging A3 class, and Smith placed 11th in the very competitive C3 class.