Re: [RC] changing membership - shifting attitudes? - Susan Young CaseyGranted, membership is growing. However, there are still more "experienced" members than new. WHY should we change the sport? AERC has a mission statement. We as riders are responsible to see what AERC and the sport of endurance riding is all about and govern our actions accordingly. They haven't shortened the length of a marathon race and still call it a marathon, have they? I don't think...or at least have severe reservations...that making LD a "race" will enhance our sport. We've been here before and it was ugly. Let's learn from our past and move forward. Newbies, start with the LD if you wish. That is a good place to start and learn. But, you won't experience an endurance ride until you actually ride one. There is NO shame in riding LD. However, after just completing a tough 55 mile ride, I'd have been rather bitter had the 25-mile completers been given the same points or recognition that I received. I do recognize that a team completing the tought 25-mile trail has every right to feel the same level of accomplishment that I did on the 55-mile trail. I'm happy and proud for everyone that finish the course...even the "fun" riders (all 36 of them!). However, the sport of endurance is 50 miles or longer. Recognize that and we'll all get along just fine. No bashing is EVER necessary! ===== Susan Young Casey, Princess of Pink; secretary, RRRSA Semper Obliquo (Always aside) Glenndale Grace Farm, Ft Gibson, Oklahoma U.S.A. "Ride on! Rough-shod if need be, smooth-shod if that will do, but ride on! Ride on over all obstacles, and win the race!" - Charles Dickens (1812-1870) __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= http://www.endurance.net/ads/seabiscuit.html Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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