Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128223
AMA ISDE Qualifier Series Round :2: RRMC Two-Day Qualifier n and wet trails in New York what winner Steve Hatch missed at last Year's ISDE extra mile with all its support Jr., winning one test and staying people to make this look and feel as much like the six days as possible," he added. For the Eastern racers, this whole season has been nothing but mud and rain. While many complained about having ridden so much in such conditions, they clearly came prepared for another nasty race. The terrain tests held up as well as could be expected, but the first grass track, which was to be run four times, deteriorated quickly. As it had considerable amount of standing water even before the first rider got to it, the ruts came quickly. The first riders through had a definite advantage. This test was deemed too bad to run again in the afternoon. Only 20 seconds off of Hatch's pace for the day was AM Pro Yamaha/MSR/Bridgestone's Barry Hawk close all day on his YZ250. "The bike worked awesome; the Factory Connection suspension, everything felt good; I felt good," Hawk said. Following in close order for the day came Chuck Woodford, Rodney Smith and Fred Hoess to round out the top five for the day. Hoess won one test and tied Hatch in another. For the top GNCC riders, this race fell right between two rounds of their series. With the trophy team already selected, this race was for little more than bragging rights. Some, like KTM's Mike Lafferty, admitted to taking it easy, no sense taking too many risks as the battle for the GNCC championship heats up. Not withstanding, it was a boost to everyone to see so many top names in attendance. It is unfortunate that a similar effort could not be made for the Idaho City qualifier. Other notables for the day included Kevin Hines in 11 th place and Alan Randt, who conceded that while a By Drew. Many of the smallest details, including beginning-and-ending tech inspections, time-cards, FIM course markers and layout of the tests, all mimicked those of the ISDE. Yet no matter how much effort is put in, it is very difficult to achieve the actual atmosphere and feel of the Six Days. Here is where Mother Nature stepped in. Twenty-four hours of rain preceding day one was exactly the last ingredient needed. For both riders and course workers alike, it would make for a very challenging weekend, just like the ISDE itself. Hatch started strong right out of the gate. With the first three tests coming just a couple of miles into the day, Hatch won the first two and went on to win four more of the eight total for the day. "I just tried to ride consistent, tried not to fall down and ride about 90 percent," Hatch said. "I just kind of had fun and tried not to push the issue too much. "You can tell the club went the CHILLY WHITE PHOTOS BY SCOTT Cox HANCOCK, NY, JUNE 21-22 eam FMF/Suzuki/MSR/Dunlop RM250 rider Steve Hatch blazed his way through day one of the Blue Stone 300 ISDE qualifier and then backed it up with a conservative, yet consistent, day two to come away with the overall win in the muddy Northeastern conditions, which reminded many of last year's IS DE in The Czech Republic. The Ridge Riders M.C.'s Drew Smith, Chris Smith and numerous volunteers worked overtime to put this unique event together. Held in conjunction with a dual sport ride, the course was laid out entirely on private land with a tremendous amount of support from the local community and landowners. Drew Smith's goal was to make the experience as close to that of the actual Six Days as possible. With over 20 years experience as both rider and team manager, few would have more experience with this than 40 JULY 16, 2003' cue I e n B vv S Rodney Smith, who will represent the USA on the Trophy team, was the top rider on Sunday and finished second overall.