Ridecamp: [RC] ntNewsGroup: Jerez WEG Endurance Postride Report

> So - do we need to place blame? Whose fault is it really? 

I'm trying to think of a constructive direction to take with this.  I am
all for international competition.  I am a member of AERC-International.
I subscribe to Endurance World. I read up on the competition. I checked
ridecamp every few minutes the day of the competition and appreciated
your great coverage.  

I'm trying to think of a constructive direction for the discussion.  I
wasn't there.  I don't know as much as people who have been to a lot of
the *big*ones.  I've been to two.  Dane's post at first made me feel sort
of vindicated for my pre-ride concerns for only 4 vet checks, but I'm not
sure I'm smart enough to be worried for any of the right reasons.  I'm a
babe in the woods at that level.

Still, I can't help but try to figure out what I think is wrong with
their system.  I think maybe the difference is that these rides are the
only ones I can think of where the VETS aren't *the* top dog, top
decision maker.  I can't think of a ride where the head vet is not able
to act on his own instincts, to set criteria, holds, etc. and to adapt to
the situation.  Sure, the weather took a horrid turn for the worse at the
last moment, but doesn't that describe about 80% of our rides?  

Managers may contribute input on trail conditions, etc. but the vets are
pretty much the final word everywhere *but* at these really big rides. 
Could that be the difference in staying on the right side of that ragged
edge? I hate to put the whole monkey on their backs, but they're used to
the weight.

I noticed Dane said he hadn't vetted a 4 check 100 since the 1980s. 
Endurance has made huge advances in the last 20 years.  It would have
been disastrous if we had been plunged into the limelight back in the
days of 72 pulse, straight holds.  I'm wondering if the wheels of
progress are getting ahead of themselves pushing us up to prime-time when
we need a tad more time to figure these animals out before we need to be
considered for the Olympics. My guess is it'll be a one time bid for
recognition.  If they blow it the first time by rushing in, they may not
get another chance.  May have blown it already.

Angie (a not ready for prime time rider)

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