 |
[RC] Biltmore Post Review - Roger RittenhouseI called Ann Ayala to discuss the ride. I had a very good review and discussion of issues and situations I experienced with the ride. I think Ann agreed with me there were some problems that surely can be resolved and improved for next year. One major issue was the crew area layout. We discussed the options for next year to provide for separate and larger crewing areas. We discussed separate crew areas for the FEI riders from the open. Another option was to separate the 50 milers from the 100 milers. Both options would alleviate most of the crew area problems. The subject of FEI 'over management' of open riders by a few over zealous FEI officials can be resolved by moving the open riders to a separate crew area and clarifying the authority. Better layout control of the crew area with access lanes for entry and exit, to provide safer entry/exit in the crew zone to the VC . The logistics of the in timer to out timer location will be resolved. I suggested two separate ride venues, that is a separate area for the open riders with our own crew/pulse and vet area. That requires a splitting of the vet staff and pulse crews. The concept is possible and may be considered. The option of holding the 100 miler on a different day from the 50 was discussed. This may occur, since next year will be the AHA 100/50 Mile National Ride, along with the FEI ride. The AHA NC must be a 2 day event to allow for cross entries of the same rider. We discussed other less tangible issues that the RM cannot really manage nor resolve, but 'situations' that added to the perceived problems I and many other riders experienced. To conclude, the ride was well managed by Ann and her staff. We had ample vets (10), all very professional and from my perspective very fair There were ample pulse takers- fast efficient and accurate. The trails were marked perfect no one got lost, mileage dead accurate. (yes I used the GPS until it died at 48 miles). There were no major horse health issues. While there were a high number of treatments, none were critical and none were shipped to a clinic. ( as far as I know at this time) The 50 milers had a 84% completion rate. That was the best ever - I think. While I would prefer to not ride a AERC/FEI ride under the same conditions, I would suggest the improvements under discussion and evaluation for next may alter my decision to attend. If you really want to ride the Biltmore, but not deal with the large field of riders and the hi profile FEI in MAY, the FALL ride offers an AERC 50/LD ride in Sept. I plan on being there. Pictures are up at the Imageevent photo site Roger Rittenhouse 8263 SE www.vmaxept.com 800 655 8629 pictures http://community.webshots.com/user/psdendurance pictures (new) at http://ImageEvent.com/vmaxept ============================================================ I drink a 50/50 mix of rootbeer and soymilk at the vetchecks. ~ Libby Llop ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
|