The person that beat her clearly has some mental issues that should be dealt with. This person should not be allowed to handle animals until he/she has addressed her obvious lack of self control. I think this person should be banned from the organization till he/she proves there has been some serious work done to address the problem. Violence should not be tolerated in this or any sport IMHO.
What I am curious about is why they escorted Paula? Are parts of this story missing? If the other person was beating Paula, then the police would have excorted that person. This doesnt make sense.
Yes the ride was very well managed and the trails were challenging, though a little long so we may get credit for 55. The down side was the physical attack on rider Paula Blair by another rider. She was punched and has a broken nose, swollen lip and a large clump of hair was pulled from her head. The sherriff had to be called and escort Paula from the ride. The incident was due to the attacker having turned on her generator at 2am, when the ride brochure specifically said no generators between 10pm and 5am.. She would not comply and when addressed about the situation obviously became violent and beat poor Paula who was then unable to finish her ride.
Several of the South East riders wanted Paula to file charges or at least file a Protest with AERC but she is too traumatized and just wants to forget it. Also she has withdrawn her membership in AERC. It is a shame that we have to deal with such unethical and violent, selfish people in our sport.
