RE: The Way We Win: Change the "Pay Scale" for Endurance?

["Bob Morris" <bobmorris@rmci.net>]

Bobbie:

let us take this a bit further and apply the concept to some rides that have
been done in the past. i.e. records of time available. Gold time is 7.5 mph
or about 6 hours and 40 minutes to complete a fifty mile ride. Silver is
about 7 hours and 45 minutes and bronze is 8 hours and 20 minutes. Using the
1999 year book, the latest I have, let's select a few rides to check:

Montell Cliff Hanger 29 finishers 16 did it in gold time 4 more in silver
and five in bronze with 3 getting completion

Indian Springs 10 finishers 5 gold 5 silver

Gambler's Special 30 finishers 13 gold 6 silver six bronze five completion

Home on the Range 62 finishing 46 gold 11 silver and 5 completions

Biltmore 50 75 finishing 29 gold 20 silver 11 bronze and the rest completion

OK that is five rides with a total of 206 riders. these rides were chosen
randomly. We have 53% of the riders riding gold time and 28% riding silver
time. This indicates to me that either the category ranges are not
competitive or the rides are to easy. When over 50% of the riders are in the
top category it is not rewarding competition for those doing very well. Gold
would be simple to attain, much easier than just top ten (24%).

I am afraid some other grading system would be called for.

Your comments would be appreciated.

Bob Morris


-----Original Message-----
From: Roberta Jo Lieberman [mailto:woik@home.com]
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2001 5:10 PM
To: Bob Morris; ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject: Re: The Way We Win: Change the "Pay Scale" for Endurance?


Thanks for your thoughtful response, Bob. Your comments are well taken.
With this system, I believe that the cream will still rise to the top,
but without the need to risk it all in that sprint to the finish line.
Basically, your top ten and maybe your top 15 to 20 will end up being in
the "Gold" medal group. The Silver and Bronze groups would see greater
acknowledgement for their efforts, thereby spreading the riches around
without diminishing the accomplishments of the elite performers.
Recently, an endurance rider friend who often finishes top ten finished
something like 27th -- and she apologized to me for her performance! In
truth, she rode smart, knowing her horse wasn't quite up to his usual
level of fitness. Her finish was nothing to be ashamed of -- she would
have earned a solid Silver to add to her string of Gold finishes.
Another friend, whose horse has finished top ten (Gold) something like
12 times out of his last 15 rides, told me that she wasn't willing to
ask her horse for more than he was willing to give in order to be first
across the line. A system such as this would encourage others to also
put the horse first...with no loss of glory and ultimately, perhaps even
greater rewards.
Thanks for your offer to continue the dialogue.
Regards,
Bobbie

Bob Morris wrote:
>
> Bobbie:
>
> I think Matthew's concept is good. He can live with it and so could I but
> there is another element in this game. Those who have not had their "place
> in the sun".
>
> Please read the attached file, it is Matthew's concept with parts in BOLD
> with my following comments in italics. I would be very willing to continue
> this dialogue to explore the concept further if you so desire.
>
> Bob Morris
> Morris endurance Enterprises
> Boise, ID
>
> i