RE: [RC] Disappearing 100's & Race of Champions - Nancy Mitts
A big part of the Classic "disaster" was because Susan changed her mind and did the ROC again that year after all. AERC sanctioned the ROC, too. Only 4 weeks apart, I think. Maybe 6. It took sponsors, riders, and prestige away from the Classic. I think AERC probably lost $$$ doing it. Despite everyone's the fond memories, the ROC was far from smooth sailing organization-wise. Everyone forgets the bad stuff because the good parts were so good. All that said, I agree there is not a "ride management" position/function within AERC's management structure and I don't think there should be. I also agree that getting qualified for the ROC drove a lot of people to try 100's.
I guess I'm one of the few people who liked the 3 ride series National Championship. It limited the "trailer race" aspect to 3 rides. Anyone deciding they had a horse ready to make a run for the title could budget the cost (and time off work) of getting to the 3 particular rides, yet it demonstrated some longevity over a 1 race wonder.
Perhaps if some future board shift changes the National Championship back to a series or entire year points the current "National Championship Ride" format can be kept as a revived "Classic" or some other name. 100 mile only, and several 100's required to qualify. It can change locations from year to year and be put on by an individual or group that bids to do so like the NC is now.
Nancy Mitts
"How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail
a leg? Four. Calling a tail a
leg doesn't make it a leg."
-- Abraham
Lincoln
> In reality I think the ROC was what it was because the AERC had > absolutely nothing to do with it. It was a one man or I should say woman > ;-) show and she did a great job. I remember one year where Susan > decided she had enough and the AERC did put on a similar ride, "AERC > Classic" I think it was called and I believe it was in the mid 90's. It > was from all accounts a disaster. > > The AERC has shown the inability to establish something and then leave > it alone. The NC is an event run by committee - where the desires and > personalities of those on the committee are continuously modulating the > event. The AERC just can't stand not to tinker. I have to quote Harry > Truman here, "A horse is the most beautiful and graceful animal God > blessed us by putting on this earth. On the other hand a camel is a > horse designed by committee." > > Truman > >
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