 |
[RC] 100 Mile Thoughts - tom nollGreetings: The recent discussions of the 100-mile rides all seem to point to the same question, "Why would anyone ride a 100?" The answers are all different but I believe that many who ride 100s share some common traits. I cannot tell you why others ride 100s, but I can relate some of my experiences and why 100s have a different character than all other rides sanctioned by the AERC. It is sounds quaint but it is true, you will be a different person after riding that first tough 100. Many endurance riders can do a 100, but few actually do. Likewise, after riding a 100 your assessment of endurance horses may change. You will look at your partner with a new level of respect. Your partner will be an honest 100-mile horse which puts your horse in rarefied company. Like the endurance riders, it is true that many endurance horses can do a 100, and it is true that few actually do. Hundreds are not so difficult for many riders, but the 100-mile horses are true athletes. When you now look at other horses somewhere in your mind you will be asking and assessing, "Is this a 100-mile horse?" because 100-mile horses have achieved something that few other horses accomplish. One-hundred-mile horses come from many breeds and backgrounds, but all share a certain character. The friends that share the nighttime trails with you are different than your other riding buddies. There is something special about someone who stays with you throughout the night sharing the darkness, the moon, the trails, and the finish. Not every rider will stay with you all through the night, but those who do are in a singular class. When you meet those friends on future trials there will be that bond that can only be formed in the darkness and waning miles along the 100-mile trial. The riders who come back to ride other 100s with other horses and other friends may ride for many reasons. Sure, some ride for points and some ride to share the history of horses and trails with their forbearers, but many of those who come back to ride multiple 100s recognize that the trail has its own rewards and recognize that finishing another 100 is bittersweet because another adventure has come to an end. Best Regards, Tom Noll SW Idaho =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|