Re: AERC completion time rule - feedback wanted

["Linda Van Ceylon" <equine_athletes@hotmail.com>]

Hi Steph,

I think Ramey's argument is sound.  We already have a rule to deal with 
the overtime situation.  It sounds as though Bob would disagree, but, to 
me, it seems clear.  

The problem I have with the overtime situation is the diversity of 
courses we have.  And, it seems in some cases, there is a great 
variation of the number of feet in a mile.  Here in our area, there are 
5,280 ft. per mile.  That is why a winning time for a flat 50 is over 4 
hours and a tougher 50 takes over 7 hour to win.  Granted, sometimes 
there are new courses or courses change and the mileages are 
miscalculated.  But, for the most part, we try to keep our mileage 
accurate.

On a really tough course, with two vet holds, it is really easy to be 
pushing the 12 hour envelope.  The suggestions of other ride managers, 
and many riders, seems to be "just make the course shorter, no one will 
ever complain about a course that is too short".  Well, I just don't 
think this is right.

In my mind, the best way to handle the situation would be to change the 
rule to *exclude* the hold times and count the riding time only.  Then 
if you have a tough 50, with two holds, or the weather gets really bad, 
etc...., you have more time to finish without an *exception* to the 
rule.

We have particular problems with LD rides.  Because, when you include 
the hold times in the total 6 hours they get, this magnifies the speed 
they are actually doing on the course compared to the longer distances.  
Let's say you have 2 vc's in your 25-miler and your 50-miler.  At 1.5 
hours total hold time, the 50's must average 4.76 mph but, the 25's must 
average 5.55 mph. while they are on the trail.  The 25's have to "go 
like h..." to meet the cut-off.  This is not in keeping with my 
philosophy of the purpose of LD.

I think something needs to change & I'm open to lots more discussion.

Lindavan, Buhni, Sunny, Fiddler, Rabbit & Rain Maker
Equine Athletes <equine_athletes@hotmail.com>
2921 Moore Lane, Fort Collins, CO  80526
970-226-1099


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