When I was putting on rides elevators were more common. I
offered elevators several years, no difference in sanctioning, but never had a
taker.
There are always the logistics of the trail, how to plot it so
those who choose to elevate ride the same route as the rest.
In the interests of safety, planning for vet check flow, etc, the
lower distances usually start at a different time. If they choose to
elevate then, by the rules, they have to "eat" that time difference. In
other words they still must finish within the same clock time as the
"regular" starters.
And also, by the rules, no matter how well they do, they can be
counted for "completion only" once they elevate. And no matter where
you "finished" in the distance you started, you will not be credited with those
miles if you elevate and do not complete the longer distance.
When I asked why no one would elevate when it was offered the response
was;
My horse was fine, I could have gone on, but I was top ten and didn't want
to go on just for a completion.
Or: Those riding slower felt the time penalty was going to catch up
with them.
Or; The chance of getting pulled and losing miles already done was a
big consideration.
I've always liked the idea of elevators, particularly from 30/35 to
50. Don't know if there is way to make it more practical.
And of course there is the extra bookkeeping for RM
Interesting question......we tried this many
years ago. I can't remember just how it worked out for the ride
management. Maybe.....maybe it's more complicated in bookkeeping and
timing than ride managers want to deal with. I'd like to hear from other
ride managers on their thoughts as to why there are not more elevator
rides.
Barbara McCrary, ride mgr. Swanton Pacific
75/100 "The most beautiful trail in the world"
What happened to more elevator
rides?? I'm sure there are a lot of people who would do the 50s if they
could finish the 25 and then elevator up and do another 25 that day. That sure
would be a great way to get more people who are "thinking" about doing a
50 to actually try it. And it would help more 50s elevator up and do the 75s
and 100s.
