I'm exactly the same, but I am gaining some confidence
these days. The bridges, unless there is something new since about 1986,
weren't particularly threatening to me, but those narrow trails on steep
drop-offs would set off a panic attack in me. "It's not reality, it's
perception." That's my assessment of my fear. If the trail has a
wall of brush or trees, I could still fall off, but the wall makes me feel
as if I couldn't fall.
Even if I ever worked my way up to 100 milers, Tevis would not
be a ride I would be tempted to go on. After hearing about horses and
riders falling off the trail (on multiple years), not to mention those
scary-looking bridges ... nope, not me. I don't like heights, and
hate narrow drop-off types of trails. I've been on a few, had a wreck on
one, and got scared to death on some others. 'nuff for me.
On Aug 7, 2007, at 11:38 AM, Barbara McCrary wrote:
From the looks of the photos, it could be
done. My brother-in-law has built trail through solid rock walls,
without blasting. He has a trail machine and he used the backhoe
portion, I think. He has built trails around here with it.
Someone with a trail machine could do it, I'm sure. Some of that
terrain in the photos looks like it could be widened with a Pulaski,
McLeod, and/or a pick. Lots of distance, I agree, but I understand the
California Loop was created with a trail machine, so where is it now when it
is needed?
One of these days, someone is going to be killed,
and I think the trail should be widened before that
happens.
I know I would be terrified to even ride it at
all, but then I'm very frightened of drop-offs.
