hundreds with no pit crew

[DebiG54@aol.com]

In a message dated 07/22/2000 1:43:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
robandcarla@hotmail.com writes:

<< Is it possible to do a 100 with no crew except to solely rely on 
volunteers 
 and pray like hell your stuff shows up at VCs??? >>

Carla:

Not only is it possible to do a crewless 100, it's possible to win a crewless 
100.  I've done it many times as have a fairly limited number of other 
riders.  Some rides have a special award for riders who complete the 100 mile 
ride with no pit crew and no outside help of any kind.  The Old Dominion has 
the Cavalry Award just for this purpose.  And a few winners of the Cavalry 
Award have also won the Old Dominion--John Crandell and Terri Cochran come to 
mind.  

The big advantage you have competing with no pit crew is that you stay 
completely tuned in to your horse.  Many horses prefer a quiet rest period at 
the vet checks, so the scurrying around of a frantic pit crew can make some 
horses nervous.  Some of my favorite races, favorite finishes, and favorite 
victories have been those that were quietly shared by my equine partner and 
me alone.  Try it, you might like it.

Debi Gordon