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[RC] Turkey trot tale, part 2 of 2 - NancyBack out on the trail, it was still cool and windy. We had a problem finding the beginning of the trail back to base camp. Jazzi was reluctant to move out and I was starting to get upset with worry as she had not drank any water the entire ride. But, my mental gymnastics were unnecessary as Jazzi was fine; she just did not want to leave the vet check and all the food. The trail home got pretty spectacular with a huge downhill down the face a mountain on new single track. The GPS data is some 600 feet straight down in 1 mile. Tara, Craig and Danielle G all dismounted and walked most of this. Danielle W. and I rode it down without incident. The rest of the ride was relatively flat when compared to the earlier hills. We made excellent time and took turns leading and in the line up. Lyric got to really trot out and my GPS clocked her at 14 MPH on the flat about 4 miles from the finish. Danielle G. was glowing as her little horse out trotted everyone. We made the finish at about 1pm and all five horses easily pulsed down. Danielle W. came in ahead of Danielle G. by about 3 minutes. The volunteer? s attempted to put Danielle G in ahead of Danielle W., but Danielle G. quickly corrected them. I was proud to be her mom and see her true sportsmanship shine. After a warm sponge bath, all the horses vetted out without issues. Jazzi had finally drank at the finish and while being cleaned. Lyric?s back was in wonderful shape from the SR Enduro saddle. Beer and chips, showers and a bit of a nap for us humans followed. The dinner was the best I have ever had at a ride; pans and pans of wonderful, spicy Mexican food. So much food, in fact, volunteers were handing out quesadillas and taquitos to the hungry people waiting in line. They served meat and cheese enchiladas, guacamole, carnitas, chili rellenos, chips, salza, beans, rice and more. No one went away hungry! Here is what I recall of our group?s standings, Danielle W. came in first junior and 15th overall followed by Tara, Craig, Danielle G. (second junior) and myself. This is not official and just my recollection after a few beer? s. We made the ride in 4 hours, well under the allotted time (ride time only, not including holds). Our horses had lots of gas at the end. Lyric found a saddle that fit (what a relief) and I did was able to keep up with the pace. Much of this was due to the cool weather. I still have a drinking issue with Jazzi. Jazzi also has developed a habit of loosing momentum after the vet check. I am not sure how to deal with this. Jazzi has also become much more sure-footed and self-assured on the trails. Lyric and Danielle G. are really blossoming and coming into their own as a team. Danielle W. and Bella are also becoming a team in spite of the short time they have had each other. Tara and Craig are so seasoned and so knowledgeable. They make it look so easy. I am so grateful they let us tag along. Maybe Danielle, Lyric, Jazzi and I really can do this. Maybe we can become real endurance riders after all. What a wonderful ride. I cannot thank everyone enough for this wonderful experience! Nancy Reed Lazy J Ranch Elfin Forest, CA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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