That’s Steve McQueen and his stuntman pal, Bud Ekins during the 1964 International Six Day Trial motorcycle race, held in communist East Germany. Both Ekins and McQueen rode Triumph 650s, but the race ended badly for the actor when a spectator rode into his path causing a crash and wrecking the bike.
An excellent account of the ’64 ISDT can be found in the book Steve McQueen 40 Summers Ago.. . Hollywood Behind the Iron Curtain -by Rin Tanaka and Sean Kelly.
Image source: [Frank Melling via Motorcycle.com]
Last Call- Steve McQueen Was Even Cooler Than the Cold War Edition
By Robert Emslie
May 18, 2010
Jeff Glucker
This is exactly why I want a new Triumph Bonneville. Well, except for the crashing part.
+1 on the Scrambler. One of my favorite new bikes, cuz it looks classic
This isn’t why I have an old Triumph Bonneville.
Especially the crash.
Not to boast or anything, but my last name is Elkins. I have a great uncle who's first name is Bud. Yeah, that explains all my awesome.
Great, my "Epic" trip on a Moped to the IKEA seems a little "less" now that I read this. It did almost rain ya know.
Wow, don’t tell me thats not cool