I was raised to always give credit where it is due,
and must thank some folks for their help getting me through my first 50.
Biltmore was a real challenge this
weekend--almost continuous rain, mud and the intense climbs/descents made the
trails a difficult to negotiate. I have never ridden such a tough course
and wasn't sure Molly and I could do it because we're used to South Carolina
sand. I took it really easy with Molly and am in awe of the folks at the
front of the pack who completed this ride with a sound horse in minimal
time. I think winning time was under 5 hours for 50 miles...
amazing.
Special thanks to Barbara Marcius, whom I met
shortly after arrival and who not only rode virtually the entire course with me
(waited for me to catch up--I started late to avoid the starting line fray) but
helped me make sure Molly was properly cared for after the ride.
Importantly, Barbara tolerated all of my complaints about "going so
slow" and concerns about making time--really helped my confidence in the
horse and our ability to "do this." That white loop was deceptively
long. Barbara, although you're coming from a long way away, I hope we'll
cross paths again at future rides.
Special thanks, too, to Julie Holland for helping
me obtain a pair of real muck boots on Friday! :-) I never
owned a pair these handy things before this weekend... it was so nice to have
dry feet before starting the ride on Saturday and while loading up the trailer
on Sunday!
Thanks to Cheryl, Stagg, Genie, Michael, the
vendors, the volunteers, vets, and everyone else for their advice/help and
for organizing, holding, and supporting this ride. Even though
it was wet, Molly and I had a great time and I have no complaints with
any aspect of the event. I truly think Molly enjoyed the ride... not once
did I have to push her forward or pull her back... she just gave straightforward
and pleasant behavior. I think my old gelding, Nafal, was
historically harder to ride than she was this weekend. Surprisingly, Molly
moved nicely today and didn't seem to be sore. I'm not sure I'd have felt
so well if I'd run 50 miles on those trails with a 30 pound rucksack on my
back!
Finally I have to give thanks to my (6+ months
pregnant) wife Elizabeth for watching the kids all weekend and for "holding down
the fort" while Molly and I were off having fun, and to the good Lord for
keeping us safe on the road and at the ride.
The friendliness/helpfulness of most of the people in this sport really
make it a pleasant experience.
