 |
Re: [RC] What's in a name? - Heidi SmithARRGGHH!!!!! This fallacy keeps coming up over and over in these perennial discussions. Look, FIVE miles can be a serious challenge for some riders and horses! But we don't define an athletic challenge like an endurance ride (or a Marathon) by the lowest common denominator. For example, there is the Olympics, and there is the Special Olympics. Those folks competing in the Special Olympics are facing challenges just as tough, *for them*, as those in the regular Olympics. But no one says the two are equal. Joe, you took the words right off of my keyboard. David, you are somewhat contradictory here--at one point you state that LDs are challenging for many (and I agree), but you end up by saying that 50s are no big deal. All I can do is reiterate what Joe has said--one can't define the sport (ANY sport) by what those with limitations can or can't do. One has to draw the line at some sort of performance level. That level will be easy for some, difficult for others, and unobtainable to some. Heck, maybe if they lowered the baskets a whole bunch and didn't allow other players within 10 feet of me, I could play in the NBA, too! I was struck by the contrast at the 5-day between Day 2 when 3 of us slowed way down and walked the last 20 miles, and I watched two far more athletic ladies than myself actually walk on the ground much of the time at the same pace that our horses were walking, and Day 4 (I think it was?) when I was working instead of riding, and had to walk down to the vet check in Sinker Canyon due to the road washout, and the horses at a walk were zinging past me as if I were standing still. Although I have clawed my way back to doing 50s, I still do not find them "easy" (although I certainly used to!) and that difference in physical capability certainly underscores why. There is no need to CALL the LD rides "endurance" in order to appreciate the efforts of those for whom they are a challenge, or for riders to enjoy the camaraderie of the sport, or to appreciate their value as a stepping stone for people who are capable of going and do choose to go further. They are what they are, and they are a valuable adjunct to the sport of endurance. What is wrong with that? Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|