International Six Day Trials - 1964

In September of 1964 Steve was chosen as a member of the US team for the 'International Six Day Trials', the most challenging motorcycle event in the world. Each member of the team would ride 200 miles per day, competing in a range of endurance and skill based events, through mountains, forests and rocky trails against the best riders the world had to offer. 1964's event was held behind what was then the Iron Curtain of communism in East Germany. Steve on his 650 Triumph at the ISDT Several days into the event disaster struck for Steve when, hurtling along a narrow ravine at high speed on his 650 Triumph, a spectator suddenly rode his motorbike out onto the track. Sideswiped by the intruder, Steve was sent airborn. Landing brutally, his face was smashed against a rock, and the skin was torn from his kneecaps. He was lucky to survive though, as his bike flew off into the ravine. The race was over for Steve McQueen. Overall, however, the US team did well, with Dave Ekins and Cliff Coleman winning gold medals, and John Steen winning Silver.