In 1964, Steve McQueen was not just a Hollywood star; he was also an avid motorcyclist with a deep love for racing. That year, he represented the United States at the International Six Days Trial (ISDT), one of the most gruelling motorcycle events in the world. This was a race not just of speed but of endurance, testing both man and machine across treacherous terrains.
International driver's license ready
The ISDT, held that year in East Germany, was an event steeped in history and prestige. Riders from around the world would gather, each team representing their country, to push their skills to the limit over six days of challenging off-road riding. McQueen, known for his role in movies like The Great Escape (which featured a rather well known motorcycle chase) had long admired the event and was eager to prove himself on this international stage.
Time to head back to Germany
McQueen was part of a team that included several other top American riders, including Bud Ekins - the stunt rider who had actually performed the jump over the barbed wire fence in The Great Escape. The other members were Bud's brother Dave Ekins, Cliff Coleman, and John Steen. Bud, a Triumph dealer and longtime stalwart of the brand, elected to run in the 500cc class with T100SCs for himself, Dave, and Steen, while a pair of TR6SCs were destined for Coleman and McQueen to run in the 750cc class.
McQueen in London after collecting his motorcycle for the race
As the event began, the pressure was immense. The East German landscape was unforgiving, with rocky trails, deep mud, and steep hills that tested every rider’s endurance and skill. McQueen, despite being a celebrity, was just another competitor here. The days were long, starting early in the morning and often ending with little time to rest before the next day's trials.
McQueen had the honour of carrying the Stars & Stripes for the opening
McQueen faced several challenges during the race. On the third day, he had a significant crash. His bike skidded out from under him on a particularly slippery section, sending him tumbling into the mud. He was bruised and battered, but McQueen was nothing if not resilient. With the help of his team, he got the bike back up, repaired it as best as they could, and continued the race. For McQueen, quitting was not an option.
Quitting was not an option
The event was also a mental battle. The weather was unpredictable, with rain turning trails into quagmires and making navigation even more difficult. Riders had to maintain focus for hours on end, with little room for error. A wrong turn or a mechanical failure could mean the end of the competition. Despite these obstacles, McQueen pressed on, driven by a desire to prove himself not just as an actor who could ride, but as a serious competitor.
A serious competitor
By the end of the six days, McQueen and the American team had not won, but they had earned the respect of their fellow competitors. McQueen's performance at the 1964 ISDT became part of his legend, further cementing his reputation as the "King of Cool." It was a demonstration of his tenacity, passion, and skill—qualities that made him not just a Hollywood icon, but also a revered figure in the world of motorcycling.
