Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

John Teeter wrote:

> The average speed of the top 10 at the President's Cup was a range of (13.7mph - 11.72mph) - with the speed on the last 16km loop being 17mph for the winner. That's a long ways from the averages you mentioned. factor of 2.5 or so. And this was a 99df day on sand (albeit well maintained sand). It was not a flat course either. 
>
> I'm thinking there might be more tuit than speed (and age). The training (both body and head) to do that kind of speed etc. I generally ride at the back (near the 5mph range:) and consider the turtle an award to be contested, but I do find that longer time in the saddle (on the back) can also cause problems - that it's harder on the horse to go 5mph at times than it is 7mph (over a 50). 
>
> jt.
>
>  
I will have to attest to John's competitive nature when it comes to the 
turtle award. I've actually seen him hide behind trees to throw the 
competition off tract. At Ft. Howes some years ago I firmly believe he 
pulled that stunt on me - although he will deny it to this day ;-) .

However, I do not believe you can set a hard fast rule. There is 
definitely  a trade off between speed and saddle time. You should also 
mix up the pace some to keep from hammering the same muscle mile after 
mile. I firmly believe in riding what the and climate conditions will 
give you. Cool mornings on the flat - time to make time. Long climbs in 
the heat of the day - time to conserve.

Truman

--

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm 
not sure about the former."  - Albert Einstein


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