But the ride's sure not going to be a cruise down the freeway! Last year we
had "easied" it up by taking out a few big climbs and shortening it from
52.4 miles to 48.6 miles. The first to finish time was under 3 hours, 45
min. That'll never happen again! My personal preference for this ride is
always for a 5 hour win, all horses through in 9.5-10 hours, although I'm
bowing to popular demand that more and more folks like rides a bit faster
than that. This year, we plan for a 4.5-5.0 hour first to finish, with
nearly all riders in under 9 hours.
We have a fantastic band, Frannie and the Mendonesians, lined up to
entertain us after the awards banquet on Saturday. Friday night will be a
real treat, as Bill Blum recites his stirring narrative poem, "My First
Fifty". If you've never had the pleasure of hearing Bill perform live, come
see him even if you don't ride the race!
Speaking of not riding the race, since all of our few local endurance riders
are entered, we are, as usual, short on volunteers for race day. Helpers
get all meals, plus all that terrific entertainment.
We have an error on our entry form....we mistakingly charge 25 miles a
non-AERC member fee... when only 50 milers should be docked. Refund checks
will be handed out at the ride entry table when you get your rider packet.
BTW, don't mail requests or entries to my Mendocino address; that mailbox
is being vandalized, and since it's 1/4 mile from my house, I've given up on
it. Send all mail to my ranch address, as noted below.
Come ride under the redwoods June 8th!
Lari
Lari Shea http://www.horse-vacation.com
Ricochet Ridge Ranch Riding Vacations on the Mendocino Coast with
24201 North Highway One Lodging at Unique B&B Inns; International Riding
Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Akhal Teke and Russian Orlov/cross horses
707-964-7669ph/ 707-964-9669 fax At stud: RRR Stolichnaya & RRR Russia