Actually, the only major problem I have with NCR is the FEI
sanctioning. IMHO, I think the qualifications could use some
“tweaking” in the “race” category, but the “horse
and rider 1000 miles together, lifetime qualified” was a great idea. I
attended the two here in the SE and thoroughly enjoyed them both. The course
was tough, well marked, the amenities were great, and the completion awards
were nice. One of the nicest things about it was that most of the riders
were experienced, knew what they were doing, and there was a very relaxed
camaraderie out there on the trail…and in camp. Got to ride with and hang
out with some really good riders I had only heard about. The atmosphere
was “different”. I will never forget all those juniors
holding hands as they crossed the finish line. As with all rides, there were
“racers” and “riders”. I didn’t finish high,
either in my weight division or overall, nor did I try to. As soon as
Magic gets another couple of hundred miles, I will be proud to say I both of my
guys are lifetime AERC National Championship qualified. No, it’s
quite the same as “ROC qualified”, but I don’t think we can
go back to “the way it was”.
Perhaps the goal of AERC should be to figure out a way to have a
“virtual” ROC within the NCR. Think of it as a ROC with a
bunch of us regional “riders” in the region where it’s being
held going along to help pay for it. J Those riders who want to
“run it off” for an overall “National Champion” can do
so. The “one horse, many miles” folks still get to play, which I
think is a good thing. I would support dropping the weight division awards in
the NCR….I have no problem with them BEING there, but I think just an
overall “Top Ten” would be sufficient. Perhaps the weight division
awards “dilute” the “winner” too much…too many
winners, maybe? Since multi-day formats seem to be popular, perhaps a
multi-day ride with an overall champion would make it “tough”
enough for riders and racers.
Jim, Sun of Dimanche+, and Mahada Magic
From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Enduroride@xxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2005
12:52 AM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] AERCNC
format
…with their horses and riding a well marked trail but we are ALL
endurance riders, thus endurance has
many faces, not just the one we like to
do. AERC has been getting behind the NC
with funding the vetting crews for the
last two rides, they are not just giving lip service,
$7,500 is more than just lip service to
me. Some want us to make the qualifications
tougher, but it can be hard to persuade a
ride manager to put on a quality ride with a
handful of riders because of tough
qualifications. I am not saying the NC ride is perfect,
far from it, but you can help give us
some guidance without always being so negative
toward the AERC BOD and we will
listen. (We are your representatives.) You can write
me anytime with your suggestions or
thoughts, we are listening.
