Tevsweep Help Wanted

[JCMaretti@aol.com]

The Tevsweep organiazation is looking for a few good people.

The Western States Trail Foundation 100 Mile One Day Ride, also called the
Tevis Cup Ride in Auburn, California is one of the best known of all endurance
rides.  The Western States 100 Mile Run is one of the most famous ultra-
marathons in the world. The important job of trail safety for both of these
prestigious events has been taken on and organized by Gold Country Endurance
Rider's Martin Macken.

Tevsweep is a voluntary equestrian group formed to "sweep" the Tevis Trail
after the Tevis Ride and the Western States Run.  The group is made up of 11
exceptional equestrian teams.  Each team is expected to have a ham radio
license, to be an integral part of the communications network, to be
proficient in First Aid and CPR, and to be able to cover a 25 mile stretch at
an endurance pace.  All are prepared to be first response search and rescue
teams if needed.

Prior to being a member, the individual and their horse must pass a qualifying
ride. The rider and horse are judged as a team.  Horses must stand quietly.
 They must be able to sidepass and perform other standard exercises that show
horse and rider are a team.  On the trail one exercise is "leapfrog", where
the lead rider is dropped off and other riders pass at a trot while the
standing rider maintains calm control of their mount.  Other maneuvers include
negotiation of rough terrain and various obstacles, uphill backing out of a
small ravine, trotting and loping in a group, and quietly walking toward a
group.  These qualifying rides are evaluated by the Qualifying Committee, a
select group of equestrians.

Anyone interested in trying out for Tevsweep or serving as a support member
may contact Martin Macken at (530) 268-8611   mmacken@jps.net  

Schedule:
February 23 Tevsweep Meeting: Baker's Square, Auburn 7:00pm, 6:00pm for dinner
June 26 Western States Trail Foundation 100 Mile Run
July 24  Western States Trail Foundation Tevis Cup