Mr. Ivers/mottos

[kbeason@cland.net]

Open message to Mr. Ivers
Re:  To Finish Is To Win
Motto:  a word, phrase, or sentence chosen as expressive of the 
goals or ideals of a nation, group, etc; a maxim adopted as a 
principle of behavior.

Dear Mr. Ivers:

Usually, I am a lurker on ride camp.  It has been my experience 
that while the giving and receiving of information is a useful method 
of exploring topics, when it comes down to beliefs, it is difficult to 
change minds regardless of the amount of rhetoric thrown about.  I 
also realize that from what I have been able to glean reading 
messages on ride camp, you derive much pleasure from being a 
"devil's advocate" and from "stirring the pot" so to speak.  Please 
understand that this message is not a personal attack on you or 
your lack of understanding of the sport of endurance riding.  I do 
not know you, and even if we were friends, it would be improper of 
me to do so.  However, when you pronounce "to finish is to win" 
lame, and make derogatory remarks about that motto, I feel I need 
to reply.  Whenever I am competing in a difficult ride, and I know 
the front runners are hours ahead of me, I do not quit and go to the 
trailer because I am not out in front.  That is not the goal I have set 
for my participation in this sport.  The wonderful thing about 
endurance riding is that every rider can have individual goals that 
can and do span the entire spectrum of competition. Several years 
ago, as I waited at the finish line of a difficult 50 for a dear friend to 
get in, I was joined by every rider in attendance.  "Those riders had 
requessted ride management hold the awards for the real "winner" 
who took five and a half more hours to complete the ride than the 
lst to finish horse/rider team.  This "loser" was ill with terminal 
cancer, and this would be the last endurance ride she would 
compete in.  I defy you to say that "to finish is to win" was a 
"lame" motto for her.  I am positive there are other stories that also 
reflect the appropriateness of AERC's current motto.  It is indeed 
fortunate for me that my feelings of accomplishment for my 
participation in endurance riding do not depend on your definition of 
a winner, and neither did Jo Tate's.  Rah Rah for the lst to finish, 
the sport needs the light from the glory of their accomplishments.  
God Bless the finishers, they are the backbone of our sport.  
Perhaps the area of carbo's rather than the area of mottos should 
remain your area of expertise.  If the Motto of AERC needs to be 
changed, leave that process to those that understand, respect, and 
participate in the sport.

Sincerely,



Karren Beason
Karren Beason
kbeason@cland.net


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