The Big Horn discussion got me thinking. Frank made a comment that the
solution to a lot of the problems is permanent markers - to which
Cindy said the FS has problems with that.
On the other the AERC have spent tons on money at Ft. Stanton matched
10 to 1 by the BLM. Some AERC BOD members have justified this (at least
partially) claiming how this has generated a working relationship with
the BLM that will help us with all US Government agencies. It may be
time to test that claim.
The Big Horn to my understanding is the oldest continuously sanctioned
AERC ride. The Big Horn is historically significant to the AERC and all
endurance riders. The Big Horn is worth perserving as an endurance ride
all can look forward to doing - not just those that can afford the
latest version of a GPS that can download waypoints from someone's
laptop.
Any organization worth it's salt perserves it's history. The AERC needs
to perserve it's history. We are losing 100's at an alarming rate - do
we want to lose the longest continously sanctioned AERC 100? I don't -
how about you?
I would suggest that the AERC figure out how to call in a chit get the
FS to work with the BH folks to get the critical portions of the trail
marked with permanent markers. If the AERC really has a chit it is time
to use it. I would suggest that the AERC fund this project with a
trails grain.
I would also suggest that the BH folks try to figure out how to make
their ride a little more "desirable." When the OD figured out how to
make the 50 a loop instead of point to point - the number of riders in
the 50 skyrocketed as did the revenues from the 50. It's a two way
street. If the AERC is going to invest good-will in the Big Horn and
invest trails money, the BH should work to make the ride - at least the
50 more accessible to the riders that don't have the support staff to
do a point to point but would like to ride do the ride. It has worked
for the OD - it can work for the Big Horn.
Truman
-- "It is necessary to be noble, and yet take humility as a basis
"It
is necessary to be noble, and yet
take humility as a basis.
It is necessary
to be exalted, and yet take modesty as a foundation."
