The second part! Enjoy. Again, if the
first part was detailed enough, just delete this one. ;-)
Finally, we were at Red Star, and all went well
there, got all the blood washed off Storm. Back out on the trail, still not
realizing we should be going a bit faster, the next stop was Robinson Flat and
we got there just under the cut-off. My crew was great, but Storm was still
missing Shadow & was not very interested in eating. We left there about 5
minutes late. I caught up to another experienced Tevis rider, Tonja, and I
followed her for quite a while. Storm was happy then and moving out easily now.
He started eating at the stops now. I now realized that I had to move a bit
faster, and left Last Chance, alone again, heading down to Swinging Bridge.
Trina Romo and her TWH showed up & passed, then they slowed down & we
passed. Near the bottom, there was a nice watering hole, that was the last time
we saw anyone until we reached the top of the canyon. Alone again, Storm
lost his drive, so I got off & tailed about half-way from the bottom. I
nearly fell into Devils' Thumb, I was so tired and still having sciatic
problems.
At the top, the volunteers helped me to cool &
water myself & Storm, even offered to help me get back on. I guess I looked
as exhausted as I felt. After getting both of us hydrated, we skuttled off to
make the 5PM cut-off at Deadwood. I didn't have to stay there as long as I did,
but Storm really wanted to eat now. So I let him....he ate about 3 pans of mash,
plenty of hay and drank lots. I was proud of him. We stayed about 15 minutes
longer than we should have, but I'd ridden the canyons a couple of weeks before,
and thought we'd do okay. He really was refreshed now and familiar territory
made him forget about missing Shadow. We were alone all the way down the next
canyon, and then passed a few riders up the other side. Some of the switchbacks
weren't too steep and Storm was willing to trot them, so we made good time and
got to Michigan Bluff in 1.5 hours, and if we'd have been 1.5 minutes earlier,
we just might have made it home.
We spent the next hour or so waiting for a trailer
ride out of Michigan Bluff. My friend, Karlon Oliver, brought hay to all the
horses waiting for a ride out, handed me a Pepsi, got someone to carry my saddle
for me, then arranged to have it taken to Foresthill to my crew. She was so
thoughtful. It was great having help at Michigan Bluff, even though we
weren't continuing on. This is a place that I'd like to volunteer at whenever
I'm not riding. I guess I was in good company up there & didn't even
know it. Bruce Weary, D.C. was there (did you have the straw hat on?).
Wish I'd known. I'd have paid big bucks for an adjustment on my back
at that time! And Tara Rothwell, who'd helped tape up Jan's wrist. Gina
Hall.....can't remember who else was there.
Then we trailered to Foresthill,
where my family & our crew were waiting. They admitted they never
thought I'd make it to Michigan Bluff because most of the other riders they'd
watched were taking 2 hours or more to get there (not the early riders, they
were faster). Then they heard we were pulled, but didn't know why. They all
hugged me and told me they were all ready to do it again next year! I'm kind'a
glad I didn't complete without Tara. Maybe next year we'll get the whole trail
ridden together and in time.
I finally realize where Cougar Rock was. I remember
seeing lots of volunteers on this big rock formation shortly after I'd left
Tara at Lyon Ridge. One of the first volunteers asked how my ride was going
and tears filled my eyes and I could hardly answer 'cause I felt so sad about
having to go on with Tara. Storm just kept on going down the trail and I never
even noticed that it was Cougar Rock. The footing on the bypass was fine though,
and after having an injury this year to my daughter's horse, I think we'll take
the bypass next time, too.
I was really impressed with and thankful for all
the wonderful volunteers on this ride. Ride management made sure the horses and
riders were well cared for. Plenty of water for sponging and drinking. Plenty of
hay & mash, snacks & drinks for the riders. It was great and so
appreciated. I'm glad I didn't wait 'til next year to give Tevis a try.
Hopefully, I learned enough this time to get a completion next year.
I also wouldn't be afraid to try another 100 miler
and I'd encourage others to take the leap and try one after 2 or 3 years
of 50s.
