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i have done perhaps 20-25 50s, one 75, and one 100 so far. the
last two rides were the 75/100.
also in answer to the question on 75s not being popular - we have
a few here in texas. some regions seem to have more. one thing
that people that ride for points may consider is that the points
for 100s get a 1.5 multiplier. therefore first in a 11 rider 100
is worth 450 points. first in a 50 is worth 150. rides that
are 100 miles or more get the 1.5x. it would be 300 for first
in the 100 if not for the bonus. 75 miles does not get a bonus.
for those that ride for the fun of it - don't know why 75s are
not more popular.
now for the part where i will likely get "dumped" on. i go to
rides not only for the competition but for the chance to talk to
the other people there - to talk to friends - to meet new ones.
to see other people horses - to applaud others at the awards.
its partly a social thing for me. i want to have some "fun"
associated with this as well as the achievement.
doing a 50 - i get a chance to do this. i usually finish the 50s
in the 4 to 5:30 range. there is lots of time to wander around with
my horse and see people after we finish. this is true even if you
do a 10 hour 50.
on the other hand - 100s generally have to go to bed early friday eve -
2:30 am comes fast when i get up to feed my horse and get ready to
leave by 4 am. i ride all day and a good part of the night.
when i finish - only the 100s are left - and they are just as tired as
i am. no socialization in this.
and in our region - ct - we may have between 2 and 4 people doing
a hundred at many rides. my first 100 had 6 entries - with only
one finisher. i like to have people to ride with during the ride.
that too is part of what i want to get out of a ride.
this is not intended to be a whine session on why one does not
want to do 100s. 100s are essential to our sport if we are to
have an excellent international team. 100s represent the true
challenge for you and your horse. finishing one with a fit
to continue horse is the true test of what the sport is all about.
i will continue to do 100s as a part of my competition. but
i really like the 50s more. not evey one will see it this way -
and of course this is just my opinion. the aerc statistics show
that only 10 % of the years entries are 100s. i am glad there is
the opportunity for all of us to reach this level. but the
rides that pay the bills for the ride managers are the 25s and 50s.
mike
mmaul@micro.ti.com
houston, tx
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