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Re: [RC] What is Real Endurance!! - RDCARRIE

In a message dated 11/2/2003 12:08:50 PM Central Standard Time, Lyoness@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Endurance was not just a distance, it was also a trail!  Have you heard of the number of ride managers who have cut out a difficult part of the 50 mile course because 50 milers were "whining" about it and would not come back if that part of the course was in the ride.


Beautifully said!!!  This is exactly what killed my favorite ride in Texas - Montell Cliff Hanger.  It was rugged, challenging, tough, and beautiful.  And the people used to winning or completing 50s in around 4-5 hours in Texas (yes, we have fair number of rides that are mostly flat racing) complained each year till trail sections were dropped, etc.  They just couldn't handle having to slow down and work with their horse to negotiate tough, tricky trails sections and complete in 7+ hours. (gasp!)   I personally see nothing wrong with dismounting and leading one's horse up a 150 yard long steep slope full of loose rocks...or slowing down to pick one's way over sheets of flat slick rock.  That's endurance riding.  Participation was low the last year of the ride (which I attended as crew, since I was 10 days post-surgery for rotator cuff repair).  Now the ride is gone.  Don't get me wrong, we have some really fun rides in Texas, but I loved Montell for its technical trail and beauty.

Dawn in East Texas...I'll stop *my* whining now.  ;)