Ridecamp: [RC] King of What???

> Last check I had of International members was 329. One must
> realize that only a portion of these contributors actually
> ride FEI rides. To be very generous I would state that there
> are 80 actual international riders in the AERC. 

I doubt very seriously the "they" in this post are going to try to
separate themselves from AERC.  Because I believe "they" NEED AERC's
numbers to justify their importance.  Last year we sent some of my
articles to publishers to see about putting together a book.  The first
level guy liked it, passed it up to his boss, who said it was good...so
then it went to marketing.  Their first request was for NUMBERS.  How
many people participate in distance riding?  So I was scraping for higher
numbers.  Lets add up AERC, NATRC, orienteering, ride & tie, anything I
could get to pad the numbers.  My guess is that anyone whose goal is to
get Olympic recognition wants those numbers up there too.

I'd say among the people who have done an international ride there are
quite a few like me. I did *one*.  I checked it out, had a blast but
don't really think it's my cup of tea and now I'm looking around for
other challenges.  I've noticed some who suddenly took a big trip out
west to do a multi-day almost as a "reaction" to having done
International.  Steph seems to ride that fence very well.  I don't think
that everyone who suddenly becomes an "International Rider" turns their
back on AERC backyard competitions.  Most do both, some take a whole new
track in totally different directions. I think Endurance Riders in
general are sort of like that song, "Girls just wanna have fun".  (guys
too).  We do whatever gives us a buzz and rationality (like making money)
doesn't hold a whole lot of sway for us.

Angie

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