Old Dominion 2014, A 50 Mile Perspective...

Off an on over the years as I've done endurance and competitive trail, I have thought I’d like to try the Old Dominion endurance ride one more time.  The year I first started endurance, is when I decided to tackle that monster...but, I was much younger then and really didn't think of it as a ‘monster’, just a very long ride. I did all of one competitive trail competition as a warm up to the OD in 1975, on a five year old half Arab mare that I bred. Oh my, ignorance is truly bliss. My sister and a neighbor friend went also. My dear Dad was our crew.  It was an adventure in many ways. My sister did get her buckle on an Appaloosa with only minutes to spare. Sister was lame for more than a week. My friend didn't finish and neither did I. Looking back, I probably should have gone on and finished but, caution and ignorance made me pull at around 75 miles.

So, I tried it again on the same mare 1977. Again we failed to finish. This time it was me, unable to control a medical condition that has dictated my life way too often. But, we did make it to around 80+ miles. This time that friend that was with me before got her buckle, and another friend that joined us this time, got hers too... so, at least some of us were successful.

Took a break from distance riding now and then to family commitments, life in general and still that darn little medical condition. Bred and rode a few horses along the way, did some showing with my kids, then back to distance riding, mostly CTRs, with an occasional endurance ride and several LDs when my granddaughter joined me. Amazing how times passes.

Anyway, that Old Dominion was still nagging in the back of my mind. Talked to others that had done it, some loved it some hated it. Always they talked of the ROCKS and hard surface.  My current main ride, Noways (the one who taught me how to fly) is a fast horse who loves to canter, but is also a great mountain horse. He never, ever gives up and has many times kept me going when I’d just a soon slow up. He would be my first choice for the 100, however, like me he has some years on him and I have to pick his races. And I didn't feel he was 100% at this time.
 My newest horse, of four years, Titan who I mostly got for my granddaughter, Paige to ride in order to keep up with Noways, is a more mellow boy and can start feeling sorry for himself when things get tough. But, he is steady and strong with great legs and feet. So, I was strongly considering him as my mount for the third try, 39 years later!

To test myself, I rode back to back 50 milers at Top of The Rock in May. I was exhausted after the second day’s ride and made Titan’s back sore, I’m sure because I was not riding as balanced as I should have been. Granted both horses got 3 rd place, so we were not moseying along.

So, I rethought it all over and over...finally decided the 50 miler at OD was enough challenge for my old body.

We had a Kentucky contingent going, so it was way more fun. Robby and Diane Doll (who was going for her third OD 100 mile finish), Mary Lynn Stockdale and her husband, Greg Jones, Mary Kolb, and myself who were hoping for 50 mile finishes, and Vickie Crance who was going for the 25 miler.

I had only ridden Titan two times since his last race, where Paige had tied for first and BC at the Indy ride four weeks earlier. So I knew he was fit, but well rested, however, I on the other hand need to continue to ride or I get way too tired and sore. But, alas, I was in it, so off we went to Virginia for yet another adventure in the mountains.

We were camped next to a rider from Iowa who was riding Calvary 100. I was up when she was saddling up in the dark. It was so sweet to hear her talk to her horse as she kept putting on all they would need for the days ride...oh my the confidence one must have to tackle that trail as a Calvary rider! (Note: she did finish!)

Had my usual peanut butter and banana ride breakfast..it stays with me great, but oh I have to gag it down.
Pulled Titan out of his pen and he immediately started to shiver all over. It was cool but it was mostly nerves that had him humped up. Poor guy. He is mostly mellow, but internalizes his nerves. His butt muscles were bunched up so bad I was afraid he would tie up, so I saddled him and hand walked him hoping to warm him and settle his nerves some. Hard to do when everyone is doing the same, some walking, some trotting and some cantering...goodness. There were to be 65 of us in the 50. Warm up can be a bit nerve racking.
I checked everything and looked good, so I climbed up. He was still humped up some, but connected right away with Mary’s horse as we warmed up. Got off again to tighten the saddle one last time then made our way to the start.
Mary Lynn and Greg opted to start later in the pack, but we did see them at every VC though out the ride.

When we had less than a minute to start, I realized I had indeed forgotten something! My Renegade that I usually carry in case of a lost shoe...and this ride is one that you really don’t want to do without foot protection. Remember, ROCKS. It was like that moment in the Black Stallion movie when Alec looks down when the race was about to start and he realized The Black was bleeding from a kick to his leg. Alec wanted to stop, but The Black was having none of it, the gates opened and off they went...well, that was what it felt like. Titan was going ~ now! So off we went. I sent up a quick prayer, and told myself that he was just shod this week, and my farrier is one of the best... faith and luck had to be with me this day.

The weather Gods blessed us all day with clear skies and cool breezes and low humidity...a first for the OD in it’s history.  And we got to enjoy it.

Titan can be a bit of a hand full at the beginning but manageable, so we clicked along getting into a good steady pace. It was still a bit muddy in places, but the rocks were the real challenge and started right away. We passed a few and some passed us, still we held steady, our goal being a good thoughtful pace for our horses abilities, and wanting to finish the ‘Beast of the East’ in good form without thoughts of racing.

With lots of twists and turn, ups and downs, for 15.7 miles, we eventually came into the first VC at Bird Haven. Oh my, it was a lovely shady place, but very confusing and congested. All distances come into this check, (I think around 160 horses) so the crews were set up in a close, unorderly fashion. Since none of us (Ducks) had a crew, we had to send our crew bags out with the volunteers. So, we had to do some walking and searching to find them. Then, find the pulse box, then the vets. Mary’s horse, Kracker and Titan pulsed down in the same minute I think about three minutes after arrival, so that was good. Then we had to find the out timer to get our out time. Not fond of this method.

Titan wasn’t interested in food or water, which gave me pause and sent up alarms in my head...he was alert but only nibbling at the hay and food I had to hold for him. We had 45 minutes here, just enough to find the porta potty, down some water, refill our water bottles, and a snack for ourselves before heading out again.

I paid close attention to Titan as we trotted along. He wasn't very enthusiastic so I got more worried, but he was going along steady, and he often settles down after the first loop. So on we went. He perked up then after an half hour or so, thank goodness, and his electrolytes kicked up his thirst so he began to take advantage of the available water. Then we had the big climb ahead.  Holy smoke!  Up, up and more up. Hard pulling climb, add some rocks, big rocks, medium rocks, small rocks, rocks on top of rocks. There were times when I wasn't sure we were on trail and kept looking to see if there was a way around boulders that one had to navigate. Titan is a careful trail horse so we did OK, but still slipped and slid and sent up sparks. Our pace was just beyond a crawl.  All the while I was hoping those shoes stayed on. Saw a few lost shoes here, and an Easy boot too... The farriers would be busy this day. Just please not me! It took us well over an hour to get over that monster mountain. This was the most difficult and the longest loop of the 50 miles.

As hard and challenging as it was, it was also incredibly beautiful...the mountain laurel was in bloom and hung over the trail. The occasional vistas went on for miles over the valleys and the breeze was like cold air conditioning...we are truly blessed.

Titan and myself, Kracker and Mary Kolb...riding partners all day...:) Still haven't learned how to re-size those scanned photos...so sorry I did not purchase the ones Becky had at the ride with the Old Dominion name on them...:(

Titan knew when we made that turn for home and really perked up. Hurrying on down the mountain on a rocky, sort of gravely road/trail.  We took time to pull off trail on some grassy areas and let our ponies graze and let some riders who had followed us over the mountain pass. We continued on into Laurel Run VC. No crewing here, but more than half way through it now!  Lots of great volunteers here to help in any and all ways..held our horses while we took care of ourselves, water, hay, even grain, which Titan thought was a good thing now. Thank goodness.  Again our ponies pulsed and vetted through on the same minute. Mary Lynn and Greg were about 20 minutes behind us, having a good ride. So off we went again. Lots of gravel road this time, and I have to say it was a welcome relief...so we made some time here.  The down hills were getting to my poor feet, and bothering Mary too, so we downed Advil and rode on through it, with occasional walking with our feet out of the stirrups, trying not to grumble too much...:)

Back to Bird Haven for the final check. Both horses ate good here, and we finally figured out how to get our out time so our horses could continue to eat. Still don’t care for this way of doing it. Without a crew member it is a real hassle. Anyway, this one was a short 20 minute hold, but we let the boys eat as much as was available and zipped everything up so the volunteers could pick up our bags to take back to camp. (It turned out that we had to unhitch and go get them ourselves the next morning. Thanks, Mary and Greg!) Then off we were again. Only 6 .5 miles to go! Titan was on a mission for home now and flew down the trail. Thankfully it was the best trail of the whole ride and we made good time. In short order, we were back on the main road to camp. Finished at 4 something...didn’t get my ride card...bummer. We were surprised to find we were 13th and 14th placing.
 Vickie was waiting for us and helped get us get untacked and cooled off. Titan took a bit longer than Kracker, but soon we both went to the vets and got our final check...
Vickie was kind enough to trot Titan out so I could see how he went too. He checked through great, but the Vet did comment that he sure was mellow, was that normal?...ha, ha. He was through with that trailography!

Wa Hoo...finally got a completion at Old Dominion, only a 50 miler, but still a good challenge but doable for us. Even got a buckle...:)

Mary wanted to get on home so got her ride shirt and started home. The rest of us decided to do the awards brunch and enjoy the whole ride to the end, even though we had a long drive in front of us.

It was delightful to watch the 100 mile BC judging and then the short talks from each of the 100 mile top ten. But, the best of all was the winner of that challenging 100 miles...a 14 year old girl, who was more than an hour ahead of the rest of the field...gives the sport hope for the future!

A huge thanks to the many, many helpful volunteers that make this challenging ride so enjoyable and to the management that had to organize it all...THANK YOU!

Noways and Titan Tales of 2014...

Because we (husband, Lee, dog, Lucy, and horses Titan & Noways) did not arrive in Arizona until much later than I had hoped, we missed a couple of rides I had really looked forward to. But, the weather was splendid all winter long and my boys got good regular works, both fast and slow. I am so fortunate to be able to ride right from my house, onto some of the best footing and spectacular scenery in the country, so missing a couple of endurance rides was disappointing, but certainly nothing to complain about.

The little Lucky Duck that guides the way back and forth across the
 country...

Noways, bath time.

It had only rained once since we first arrived, and although there were some cool mornings, the days were sunny and warm...until...you guessed it..rain predicted for the first ride we were finally going to in 2014...oh well, I have yet to melt, but really do not care for cold rains. I was feeling lucky so went ahead and traveled down to Marilyn’s Old Pueblo ride in Sonoita. It is the fourth or so, time for us so I knew the trails well enough and it is a beautiful area. Even get to ride over some of the Arizona Trail, which is really, really beautiful. I so hope this trail will not be lost to mining...

Noways and Titan on their Hi Ties, chowing down before the ride.

I had both boys with me and decided to ride Noways the first day which turned out to be the 55 miler. My plan was to ride Noways the first day, skip a day to get myself rested, then ride Titan the third day. And it looked like the weather would time just about right.

I’m always a bit concerned at the start on Noways because he can sometimes be quite demonstrative about how he dislikes leaving Titan at the trailer. So we walked out with some other riders doing the same until he proved he had it together, then started to trot, passing a few riders as we zipped along through the desert. I love this time of day just before the sun peeps up over the horizon, the horses breaths coming fast, the sound of hooves making haste over the sand, rocks and brush... heaven!

The trails were well marked. Thank you!! And we just proceeded along, first riding with one then the other, some 50 milers, some 30, some old friends, some new. Adjusting Noways race brain along the way. We had a vet check, and hold, then off we went again, then back for a stop and go. Here I let Noways have a snack while I filled my water bottle and off we went again. This loop we were by ourselves and Noways was starting to dodge the rocks...lots of rocks on this loop, so we slowed some and just got along at our own pace which was much slower then earlier. My only complaint at this ride are the gates. The kind that you have to use lots of muscle and a bit of cussing to get to work... Then I get to hunt for something to help me back on my tall horse. This also really upsets the pace. You can be going along at a good speed, then stop, dismount, struggle to open the gate, start to struggle to get it closed, then here comes more riders. Wait and let them through? So now your lead is lost. Or go ahead and shut it so they have to do the same? Seems kinda mean... Not sure what the proper thing to do is. I really wasn’t racing, but it seems unfair either way.  Anyway, one more loop to go, the shortest, so out we went again, alone. Again, Noways was wanting to dog it, and I realized he was holding up, the footing was good, but he was just jogging along like a Quarter Horse. Ah oh, he has done this before, waiting for someone to come along and sure enough, about halfway round, a friend came up while were at the water tank. Suddenly, Noways was feeling just super and wanted to dash on home...What a stinker. He had me fooled again... Rode in with Marcelle and her new horse, who is quite dashing BTW. We ended up third...I had no idea we were in that position, none...Thought we were maybe in the top ten, but, third ! Nice.


Next day the rain and wind moved in...really moved in, as in I could hardly see the neighbor’s trailers it was blowing so hard. First dust, then rain, cold rain. I was really feeling for the riders that had decided to brave the weather. Tough ones for sure. Nasty, nasty...

I was feeling very well after the rest and was looking forward to riding Titan the next day. When there was a bit of a break in the rain, I checked Titan in and then changed their rain sheets for winter blankets. The boys were shivering and scarfing down the hay. Thankfully they were on the side of the trailer that was somewhat protected from the wind, but still they were miserable. When they suffer, I suffer. Stood around and listened to the quick ride meeting and headed back to the trailer to make an early night of it. The weather front was to move out during the night, so I wasn’t that worried.

Ha, no sleep at all... it rained hard, the vent over my bed decided to leak. Wet bed, wet sheets, blankets the whole bit...so I found some plastic and a dry blanket and wrapped myself under that...then it was drip, drip, drip all night long. When I dared to move, the pooled water ran off onto the bed, and slipped right onto my back. Argh...this went on all f’‘’ing night long. About 5 AM, I was frazzled, and decided to wimp out.  So naturally the sun came out and the air was clear and bright by start time. No matter, I was done for, with a headache that gave me a Clint Eastwood squint. So we headed on home to warmer temps and sunshine...

Now of course, I wished I had gone ahead and ridden Titan that day as it turned out to be lovely and all the riders came through just fine.... but then again, who knows.  I try not to worry over my decisions.

It was nice to get back to warm Rio Verde. So easily spoiled I am...

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After some thought and friends talking it up, I decided to go over to California and ride the Bar H ride. It had been scheduled for the same weekend as Old Pueblo, but rescheduled when that cold rainy front was predicted that weekend.  So, three weeks later, off we go again. I was looking forward to a new ride. Packed up husband, dog, and both horses and headed off West. I had never ridden a ‘Duck’ ride so was a bit concerned, but new experiences are refreshing, if I do not get lost...I hate to get off trail. I do not do GPS, and knew they did that a lot, so was a bit worried that the trail may not be marked well. But, it turned out to be marked really well indeed! Whew...

Some of the ‘Zonies’ (AZ endurance riders) put on a potluck/pitch-in which was yummy as only other’s cooking can be...Some really good cooks here...:) Ride meeting was informative, but I was still a bit uneasy with the new procedures. The Vet Checks were very different. No rider numbers, no vet cards...etc.

This time I decided to ride Titan the first day and Noways the next if I felt rested enough. So, if I did not ride the second day, at least Titan would get a ride in. Since I was a bit unsure of the markings, and in unfamiliar territory, I tucked in with ridding buddy Barb Debbi. Her friends call her the trail savant with good cause. So I felt good about it all. Titan is a good boy and rarely gives me cause to growl at him, and he does not wear me out like Noways can. So off we went about mid pack.. The first loop was 25 miles and really beautiful with trees, a few streams, good footing and well marked...whew... We had some entertainment for a few miles with a group dressed up as Kiss...:) Riders had a stop and go on this loop and although it was a congested, confusing mess, (at least to my eyes) we got through well enough and were off and going quickly. I have to mention here how easy it is to pulse down in the low humidity of the West...my boys who are used to breathing and running in pea soup all summer in the SE, fly through the VCs here. No frantic sponging, no buckets or tents set up at the VCs, easy peasy...

First VC, pulse down and Vet said just do a trot out before we leave...OK. Back at the trailer then back for the trot out, then out again with Barb and Suzie. The second loop ( Oh my gosh, what happened to that beautiful trail?) somehow cast us on to a different planet...no trees except in the deep bottoms. Straight up, straight down. Claw up the long climbs, slide down the other side. People target practicing with guns right on our trail! Not a good feeling as we wound our way over, down around those hills. Strange abandoned vehicles on the mountains sides, beautiful homes on the tops of those climbs, and lots and lots of dogs...Must be a lot of pit bull rescue here. They would pack up and wait until the horses were close enough, then shoot out for the most effect. At least they were behind fences. Titan took it all in stride, what a good boy he is. This loop took us 2.5 hours to do 10 miles...whoa. I was glad to see that one over. Then in to the VC,
then out again. We were informed we were 8,9,10th...oh man, sometimes I don’t want to know. :) So off we took hoping to maintain that position.  Well, naturally we took our instructions literally when we actually needed to make a turn right away, so we went out nearly a mile when we decided we had messed up. Back tracked and knew we now had three more riders ahead of us. We eventually catch up and ride along with them...them also being ‘Zonies’. Again not an easy loop with some good climbs and hill top ridges. Finally back to the Nursery (huge) where the Bar H ride camp is. Titan was eager still, so we ended up in a trotting race with Lancette to the finish...what fun! Got 10th, by the skin of our teeth...:) Very proud of Titan, he is such a good ride.

While on the second loop from hell, I decided not to take Noways over those climbs, so we got a good rest then headed home the next morning. But, many did go out again, and most on the same horses. They are tough riders and horses for sure. My hat is off to you.

What a cool top ten award! Nice, Thank You!

I have to mention here, that Barb and her friend Suzie got off and tailed up and slid down a lot of those climbs on foot...good gosh, tough ladies... Titan had to carry me the whole way...thank you Mr. T...:)


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I was really wanting to stay in warm, sunny AZ a little longer, and go to the Mt. Carmel ride up in Utah the end of the month, but home was calling. Kentucky’s winter was not so good to say the least. We had busted water pipes, strange electric problems and on and on with this endless, relentless winter weather waiting for us. So gave the horses a week + to rest then packed up and headed home ward.
Thankfully, both Noways and Titan are good travelers and made the trip well. When I got them unloaded, their heads went down to the grass and I had to drag them to their paddocks...they really miss that green grass! Even, Lucy rolled around in it like a lunatic...

We had one week before going to the Top of the Rock ride in IN. Paige came one evening and we took the horses for a quick spin on the farm. All pistons were firing and they were feeling good and rested. So off I went with both horses, hoping to ride them both myself, as Paige had school duties and it is a Friday, Saturday ride. So again, it was me and the boys. And, again, I was hoping to ride both horses.

It was so good to see my friends again after the long winter. They were all winter weary and glad to be back in the saddle and at a ride, without the cold blasting down... Nice weekend, with just a quick front to move in over night. It actually did exactly as predicted. Light rain though the night with one short heavy rain shower. It quit at 5 AM and I dashed out to feed. Noways was up for the first days ride and again he was a good boy, just on the muscle and ready to go. We hung with some friends for the day, going much faster than I did while in AZ. Noways loves it and is always trying to get to the front. If he sees a horse ahead, or knows one is ahead, he works and works to catch them. This is hard on Janice...
There were five of us running up front and it stayed that way all day. We took turns leading, having fun. It was a bit cool with light misty rain, which the horses did well in. Just had to throw on a cooler at the VCs.  I was in the lead going out on the second loop just going along nicely when I realized I hadn’t seen any orange ribbons for a while. Went along a little while longer then finally gave it up and turned back. Meet Ann the next rider. We discussed it a minute then turned back until we found the last orange ribbon. There it was but no turn, so back up the trail again until finally saw a ribbon on the ground then about a mile more and they picked up again..But, lost my lead...urgh... By the time we made it back to camp, there were five of us again. Noways pulses down quickly, so I still got out first on the final loop, but it turned out to be slick and really boggy mud, so we slowed down. About half way through, the group caught me again and we rode on in. Karen and Ann wanted to race, so Cindy and I held back and let them go at it. I do not like to race much although Noways does...Cindy and I tied for third and were happy with that. As it turned out Noways had lost a shoe near the end, (didn’t know it until I was cleaning him up for the vet check) so it was a good thing we did not make a run for it on that gravel road. He looked really good at the final vet check moving like silk...:) Love that horse...

Had pot-luck at the awards, and we ate as though starved...My back and shoulders were killing me and I was concerned about riding the next day, but I made up my mind I could do it. I usually feel much better after I eat.

Saturday, the sky was clear, but it was a bit windy, so stayed cool most of the day. Titan was not eager to leave his buddy, especially since Noways was yelling his head off... I tucked in with Diane and Robby, as I knew they would ride a solid, steady pace. For the first few miles, Titan slipped on up with the front runners, but they were going at a pace I didn’t like, so when the trail turned off I circled him until Diane and Robby showed up. Much better...:) The only thing I don’t care for on this ride is the amount of black top we have to do...scares me, but my boys seem to get along just fine at a trot. Later in the day, it warmed up and got slick, so had to slow way down on it...My bones would not do well hitting that surface.
Right away, I discovered that my back did not hurt at all, but boy my shoulders, and calves were talking to me...Advil was failing me big time. We got that first long loop done in good time, actually about 10 minutes faster then the day before. The trails had dried up nicely, so guess that is why. We three kept seeing the lead riders ahead of us. There are some out and back trails, so it is easy to know how far ahead they are. Finally made it back, Titan took about four minutes to pulse down, went to the vet, and headed to the trailer. When we were headed out again, Diane said we were now third, fourth and fifth! Gosh, a few in the lead group got pulled after the first loop.. Or was it the second...my memory fails me, especially when I am exhausted...and boy was I exhausted. We zipped around the second loop, again a bit faster than the day before. Again, checked through quickly, and out again. I was third horse out, and watched Jinnifer gallop out in second about a minute ahead of me...she was all smiles! Karen was in the lead at this point and I never saw her again...that girl rides for the win and does not look back! This is when it gets easy to get caught up in the race. Finally we were out and were able to keep Jinnifer in sight along the tornado (two years ago) devastated roads that run along the ridge tops. But then we were in the woods and I lost her. It was fun to see pleasure riders out on the trail. They were really nice and always encouraged us along. Titan wanted to join them in their layed back ways...nope onward we went. Still we slowed a bit and Diane and Robby caught up and onward we went.

Mr T heading to the VC at the first loop. Advil is working here...

When we were headed out again, Diane said we were now third, fourth and fifth! Gosh, a few in the lead group got pulled. Third loop’s mud had dried up remarkably and although I have yet to check, I’m sure we went much faster than I had the day before. However, once again, my pony lost a shoe on this loop. Unlike Noways who will ignore the pain of a lost shoe until it REALLY hurts, Titan let me know right away that he had a flat tire... Hopped off,(well, eased off on wobbly legs), smacked the Renegade on, wondered around until I found a bank high enough to crawl back up on Titan, who stands a good 16 hands, but had somehow grown to 18 hands during the ride...Diane and Robby waited for me here, and I surely do appreciate that, although Titan is pretty good at doing the waiting game at this stage of the race, unlike race brain, Noways. Made our way back up to the gravel road that leads us to the finish, then suddenly, Robby’s horse, Sunshine had a flat tire...oh no, no boot. So he dismounted and lead her the final mile to the finish. Diane and I agreed to tie for third.  So again we were third in a tie...:)

Karen won, and Jinnifer got second and BC!

Exhaustion: ( noun - fatigue), (noun - weakening), (the act of exhausting something entirely)
Oh my, can’t say I have ever been that exhausted... but, at least I proved to myself that I could ride 50 miles two days in a row... I really hoped I could do multi days, but now not so sure of it...maybe if I had a day between rides to recover more fully?

Anyway, a wonderful weekend with great friends! Huge thanks to the Ride Managers that work so hard so we riders can kill ourselves with fun... and to those who stepped up when they saw I was exhausted, and trotted my horses out for me!! Tom Keith, Jinnifer Plumber, and Robert Plumber... :) Mary Lynn suggested we carry $5 bills with us for our trotters... not a bad idea.

VA Highlands Ride 2013

VA HIGHLANDS ENDURANCE RIDE, 2013

 Sunset, Wed. evening, storms moving through the mountains. Taken from the Meuten’s deck. 

Preparing  for a ride takes some thought...and some planning, and some loose arrangements. I have found that the ability to go with the flow has been the way to tamp down the preparation butterflies to a controlled flutter.

There is a group of us that seem to flock together due to location,  for conditioning our horses, food planning, drink planning, support and of course the all important, fun. We have learned that on a two day ride, or more, it is much less stressful when some of us ride one day, and the other half crew, then switch for the following day. Especially if there is one or more away vet checks. Of course there are the toughies that can ride both days, or more, which for us is no problem since we are many...:)

Within our club, The Daniel Boone Distance Riders, we have team competitions. And certainly we do some ‘arranging’ so as to try and get team points, but, when it gets down to it, we DBDRs are of one team pitching in where needed. Heck, we even pitch in to help the other crewless...

The VA Highlands ride is a top notch ride not to be missed! I have had the good fortune to have ridden and finished it all five years. It just gets better and better. It is one of the more ‘challenging’ rides that I do. I would compare it to Leatherwood, another must do ride, that I have had to miss the last couple of years due to the date, which falls on same date of one or our DBDR rides.

The South East has experienced a lot of rain this year...a LOT. And more than one ride has had to make camping or trail last minute decisions. It fell to Don and Nicki Meuten and their fabulous volunteers to that task, since the ride camp borders the New River. Fortunately, the ride was on! But, there was MUD...however, Tom Hagis and his golf cart got us all in there without a hitch. At least not that I ever saw...:) Four wheel drive is a good thing... He even got our little group parked together even though we arrived two different days..Thank you!

Since the first of our group got there on Wed. we were able to stretch out the work. Often times these rides can be a production. Vicki Crance and her horse Banjo hitched a ride with me. Greg Jones and Mary Lynn Stockdale, and Mary Kolb all got ourselves driven and parked within a few, well several hours of driving. Mary had the farthest to go but also managed to hook up with us so as to caravan down. No blown engines, no flat tires...whew! We got set up, horses in their corrals, (a bit on the muddy side), awnings out, etc, etc. I think I mentioned MUD.

Don and Nicki had generously invited we early arrivals to their place (Forever Young) for a cook out. Since this is also where all of the away vet checks would be located both days, we decided to take some of the bigger items on up so as to ‘stake out’ our crewing area. As always, in real estate terms, it is location, location, location...especially if a rider is planning to run up front. Minutes count! 

A short description of Don and Nicki’s place ~ FABULOUS! Not in the $$mansion sort of way, but in the magnificent setting and views...wow, it looks like a scene from a film shot in Montana. Truly an endurance horseman’s paradise! Add to that the friendly atmosphere and good food, spectacular sunset, and well, it was a very nice beginning of a much looked forward to weekend of endurance.

The rest of our group arrived on Thursday, David and Marcy Gagnon, Cindy Young (in her new truck, Elvis), Dee Dee McDonald, and Karen Cummings, Amy & Annie Whelen, Beverly Pack, Jennifer McCreary, Carol Steiner ( also an early bird) Robby and Diane, also early birds and Debra Lacomette made up the DBDR group...what a force!

At the riders meeting, Don and Nicki and volunteers entertained us (kept us all laughing) with tales and jokes until we finally got down to business. We all had maps and directions for the trails, explained the ride markings, for both distances etc. Cindy and David went out to the vet area to set up and had to leave the meeting early. I was a bit worried since she didn’t’ come back until well after dark. Those are some narrow twisty roads, and the Meuten’s driveway can be down right scarey. But, alas, I finally heard her voice since we were parked cheek to jowl...

Noways and Banjo

Friday: Riders for our immediate group this day were, Mary Lynn, Greg, Mary and Karen in the 55 mile ride, and Vicki in the 30 miler. Crew: Cindy, Dee Dee, and myself. We had three tents set up in a very good location, close to the pulse area. We were close enough to the other riders/crews to visit and help out where needed. Crewing is one of those hurry up and wait occupations, which means we do a lot of snacking...nom, nom, nom.. We also do a lot of math. “OK so and so left at such and such time, so at the pace she/he is going they should be in here and such and such time. So, lets go get a snack...

As expected, Karen and Mary came in first along with some other front runners. Around an hour and half for the 15 miles.  50 minute holds with a pulse of 64. No problem. Horses looked great.  Karen and Mary got to take care of themselves  while their crew took care of their good ponies. They were in and out and looking good, as they took off on the second long loop. A 24+ mile loop with a mandatory 15 min hold. No pulse, just a rest with lots of volunteers to spoil us with water, hay, and people snacks. Definitely a frills ride! Next in were Mary Lynn and Greg. Again, no problem, same routine and we had located all those things that sort of get misplaced in all the ‘must haves’ we seem to not be able to get along without. The challenge this day was keeping the blankets and coolers dry enough to wrap ourselves in once the horses were out on the trail again. Yes, it was down right cold up on that mountain with a strong breeze and occasional rain. Trails were getting slick, but doable.  Then Vicki came in and again, no problems, she was in and out and in her case she was headed back the fifteen miles to camp. More snacks for us as we shivered under the now leaky tents...still fun though. We are nuts.

Karen and Mary still together when they arrive for their second VC. And again, they pulsed down within minutes of each other, so they were soon vetted through and out again. We started to get our ‘stuff’ together thinking to bring Cindy’s truck up (as in one way traffic up the mountain,) as soon as Mary Lynn and Greg were out, so as to get back to camp to once again prepare for the finish. Vicki would have to finish by herself, as we wouldn't be back in time to help her. But we had buckets and sponges out near the VC, so she would be covered. Actually, we were doing some loading while Mary Lynn and Greg were still in. But, that made it easier to know what they needed back at camp and what could be left for the next day. Worked great having the VC at the same location!

At this point, I don’t know who placed where, but everyone that rode finished except one..poor Beverly’s horse was lame at the first VC :(.  On a terrific note, our little Annie got her first 1000 miles!!  Yahoo!

So, all loaded up in Elvis, lowered the tents so they wouldn't blow away, and headed back down to ride-camp. Unloaded, Elvis, and prepared to help our finishers. Vicki was in and getting something to eat.  Noways is back in his pen. He had to be moved to a temporary pen so he could be by some of his buddies, since all of his traveling buddies had gone out this day, and he REALLY doesn't do well when his buds leave him. Thank you, Cindy and Dee Dee, for the help with that!!

Karen and Mary came in, in the top ten...can’t remember where. Both horses looked good! Mary Lynn and Greg came in later, and their horses also looked great. Gus ‘the Great’, Mary Lynn’s pony really looked good, dancing along at the trot out. Riders looked a bit tired...it is a tough trail and demands total attention from both rider and horse. Actually, all of us were a bit tired, but now it was time to check in our horses for tomorrow’s ride, and load up Greg’s truck with our gear for tomorrow’s crew at the VC.

Had a fun time at the potluck, and also another entertaining evening with the awards and ride meeting. DBDR’s get a bit carried away with the cheering when one of ours gets their award...:) But, that is what it is all about, right. A challenge met, an accomplishment that most of mankind has no idea of. A well deserved cheer is always welcomed by all. We clap for all finishers, we are all in it together in the end. The one rider who finished with only one minute to spare...louder for her...whew. And one rider was still on the trail, lost? In the dark...yikes...She was found at 1 AM. Her horse didn't like the cows on the range land, and she got stuck there...what an experience for her. I’m sure she got the ‘hard luck’ award.

Saturday: This is totally from my point of view. Others may have and probably did see it differently. 
First, I did not wake until my alarm went off, that never happens, but boy I got a great nights sleep! A good start for me! Put the last minute things in Greg’s truck, tacked up Noways and headed down to the timers to check in. Noways was nice and steady, making me happy. No humping up, no twitchy ears, no evil eye, just very business like. :)) Met up with Karen and Cindy, did some last minute plotting which usually goes out the window once we start, but at least we had something to talk about while trying to settle our nerves and walking the horses to warm up. For me this is the worst part of the whole ride experience...And the count down makes it worse, those are the slowest minutes.

Finally we are off, and we maneuver to a good spot while we traverse the narrow rocky roadway that follows the river for a bit, (picture shear rock cliffs dripping with moss up on one side, the other is a shear drop-off down to the river which was roaring, with occasional dips that have fallen away.) then into the boulder strewn creek (picture ‘Last of the Mohicans’). Fog was lifting and the horses were blowing with anticipation, but still steady. I love my horse. Then up the switchbacks. Very steep and very narrow, no mistakes here.  Nancy Sluys was standing at a spot, with a shovel, on a switch back that had deteriorated during the night. She had given up her ride, to get it fixed so we wouldn't fall off the edge...THANK YOU!

I finally realized I had forgotten to turn on my Endomondo (GPS) so it would be about a mile behind the actual mileage and time. Karen was up ahead with a group of front runners and Cindy and I were just behind them enough that they went out of sight occasionally. Just trying to stay steady. 55 miles is a long way... Noways likes Bandit and is agreeable to using him as brakes to hold down his eagerness. This works well all the way to the first VC. I did have to get off once to adjust my saddle pad. I had forgotten to put the rubber thingy between the saddle and pad. I was beginning to be very aware of a rub on the inside of my left knee, and a very irritating rub on a very private part...good grief, I had forgotten another preparation I usually do to prevent this. Not sure which was getting the most attention. But one learns to block it out and trot on...After all it is endurance.

First VC. Boy is it nice to have a crew, a real treat when we usually manage without. Noways is well into his race mode now, and is anxious to get it done. Off comes the saddle and bridle and boots, on goes the water. I keep the hand held HM on him while my crew sponges. I swear I think they (horses) know what we are looking for. When he is a steady 60-64 we walk to the pulse box. He is still dancing around a bit, but is down immediately. 5 min. from arrival time. Bandit is right behind me, but his pulse is hanging. So we wait so we don’t make it worse for him. As soon as they call out Cindy’s number we head to the vets. Another pulse check, metabolic check and trot out. All A’s Yahoo! Vicki takes over Noways and I grab the Desitin and head for the porta-potti. 50 minutes sounds like a long time, but it fly’s by when one is trying to eat, drink, make tack adjustments, rest and take care of a hungry horse. But, it is so much easier when one has the help we had. I didn't even have to lift that heavy saddle up on tall Noways, thus saving my wreaked shoulder. Thank you, Greg! Squirt in the electrolytes and mount up. The second loop is the long one with the 15 min. hold. We leave a different direction than in years past, and I liked it better too. This is the yellow loop that is to be a bit different than the first day. We were feeling good and so were the horses. Canter and trot, canter and trot. Desitin is failing fast. Ouch again... We are traveling good, and Noways finally says he would prefer to do some walking up a hellishly long hill, so we do. I let him decide what speed he wants to take those long hard pulls. Then he picks up a trot, then we walk a few steps, then he picks up a trot, and so on until we finally get to the top and start down ~ fast...I don’t like to canter down hill and hold him to a trot, but boy he is flying. We had caught the front runners on that uphill, but they hung with us until we got to a water trough. Ride management puts out lots of these along the way and in places that the horses are looking for a good drink. THANK YOU! 

Finally Noways decides to start drinking. With six horse heads in the trough, the water goes down fast... There is a spotter here (I think this is the place) and he says he isn't sure where we go. Cindy sees an AERC arrow and says, “Looks like here.” We had let the four front runners go ahead, so our ponies could relax a bit. I was hoping Noways would settle too. Didn't happen. So after waiting a minute or two we go ahead.  This is where we really messed up!!! I am still confused as to what we did, and have studied the map, and directions and still can’t figure it out... so having the map and with me would not have helped me either. But what I really hate is that rider error, always makes the horse pay the price... we don’t realize we have made a mistake until we ride into the hold area. Where we are met with a very upset volunteer, who says we are running too fast, and racing to pay attention...huh... We were not galloping blindly down the trail at all. I keep my lips sealed, but Cindy lets her’s loose! Ah oh. Whew, along with some other riders vocal disappointment at being told we could only get a completion, the tone was not good... After a bit of milling around, and talking it over...she told us how we could still get a placing. We would have to go out the gravel road maybe a mile? Can’t remember now, turn into a trail that we had missed, go around that loop and back to the hold area, skip the hold and go back the way we had come (that hellish long climb) the correct direction, then continue on. Certainly the wind had been sucked out of our sails, but we all elected to do the extra miles (the correct direction) so as to at least get a placing rather than a completion. Nancy drove up to the trail turn off so we wouldn't miss it this time...THANK YOU! And we crawled up that Iron Mountain trail. Steep, hot, muddy, rocky. Our horses were working. We six were all together at this point (misery loves company). We discussed what had actually happened, trying to figure it out. By the time I listened to all of the discussion, I couldn't say what had happened, except the volunteer (poor guy) had said he had yelled at the first four, but they continued on since they were going so fast. But, I certainly didn't hear anything, and Cindy and I were still at the water tank when they left...When we later arrived at his check point, he apologized, I really felt for him...it happens. Actually, this is the third time a volunteer has steered me wrong...oh well, I often stir myself wrong, what can you do but continue on.
Noways is a good hill horse and was getting unsettled about the slow pace the first horse was going up that hard climb. I say something to Karen and we slowly go around horses until we are now leading the group. Cindy is right behind us and we continue on that technical trail all the while still wondering aloud how we went wrong...Finally we head back down and onto a very narrow trail, covered with Rhododendrons s, and ferns, really, really pretty, (would have been down right beautiful if I had done this right), then finally back onto the gravel road and to the hold area again. Whew...I love my horse.

Well darn, we've made a pilot error!

The volunteer, Gina, has been in contact with the RM and explains again, much calmer, what we had to do, which is what she had said before, so all is now in order. I have to admit that when she said, she had been in contact with RM, I was thinking something had changed again. Geeze... We get the horses a drink and grab some snacks and off we go to repeat the trail again, so as to be going the right direction...Noways didn't hesitate at all and picked up a steady trot going up that hill. I love my horse. At this point Terry and Jesse,  had dropped back to take it easy, and we three girls continue on at a steady pace. We get a little strung out, then, Karen calls out that Cindy isn't with us any more! What! We slow to a walk, no Cindy, we start calling down the mountain, no Cindy. What to do? Called some more. I really didn't want to make even more steps for Noways now, so we continue on thinking that the guys would be with her soon and if she was having trouble, they could help...but, we worried and worried... So now it was Karen and I. We gripe to each other about our misfortune, and joke about it too...until we finally get back to the creek we cross before heading up to the VC again. What a relief to be almost done with that extra long loop. The horses drank and drank and took some time to graze on the grass on the creek bank. Our people water was gone and it was tempting to help ourselves to that beautiful creek. By this time my feet would have enjoyed some cooling off. It was a toss up as to what part of my body hurt the most now.

Back to the VC and everyone jumps in to help us. This is when a crew is pure heaven! Again Noways was in the pulse box in 5 minutes. Mary Lynn agrees to trot Noways for me. THANK YOU!  My feet and legs are done for. All A’s again, with an A- for guts sounds. Back to the tent and he chows down on everything in sight. I head back to the porta-potti with the Desitin.  Now David arrives. He is having a good ride! And still smiling since he did not take the right trail the wrong way...:)
Again we saddle up. Karen is a few minutes behind me, so I wait to go out with her. Riding alone when one is that tired is a trial. I figured we would both benefit with each other’s company. Not to mention the horses would be happier too. So off we go again, but this time we knew the way for sure, and the horses were eager to get home too.
Down the steep hill, through the range lands, cows were on the trail this time, into the woods, along a gravel road, up a long climb on the gravel road, to a water tank. Noways says no to the water this time and dances around wanting to go. More climbing. A very discouraging sign says 9 more miles...moan...on we go, then finally down hill. Noways likes to fly, my feet are screaming. On and on. Cross the highway. 6 more miles, pass the headless horse (stuffed) hanging in the trees. Stop to read the offensive sign.  Actually, it is pretty funny. Trot, trot, trot. My vision is getting blurry...so strange, hum mm. Karen screams out. A bee or some evil bug has stung her on the neck...gosh what do I do if she has a reaction. Am I thinking straight enough to help? Wish I had worn my waist bag with my Benadryl in it...But, on we go and she stays on. Finally, on the switchbacks, a couple catch up to us here. Into the creek, still Noways is in too much of a hurry to drink, and he sure does not want those other horses to pass him now! I don’t give a crap.  Up on the narrow rock road along the river. Trot, canter, trot, feet are demanding I stop! But, on we go and at last, blessedly there is Nancy Gooch and a small cheering crowd. (That little detail was so uplifting.) THANK YOU! Marcy and Dee Dee!


Karen and I join hands and canter/trot over the finish.... We are shocked that we are in 14th position!! I don’t think I can explain the elation of that finish... I am close to tears. All pain vanished, for at least a half second.
We get our cards marked and walk, dismounted to the VC. We have an hour here to get our completion, but within 17 minutes Mary Lynn and Vicki have Noways and Cruiser (Karen’s pony) cleaned up and cooled. I have only been pulled once at the finish, and it really, really sucks. But, Noways looks good and I had no doubt he was fine. And he was.  Again all A’s but for on B on guts. CRI 52/48. I love my horse...:) Terry said we had done 65 miles...I don’t know how far it was, but certainly more than I had expected for the day. We started at 7 Am and finished at 5:57 PM, one long day in the saddle. Karen said we could now do a 100...huh, with a morphine drip, maybe...
Cindy and Bandit made it in with Terry and Jesse, a bit later. She said Bandit quit on her on that climb and it scared her so she got off and waited. By the time the guys caught up to her he picked up and went along with them. He also finished just fine. Smart horse, he had already done his due and didn't want to do it again...:)

Dee Dee finished her 30 miler in the top ten!

At awards, Cindy got a special award for, ah um, shall we say, being the most pissed off...:) Amy and Karen were the toughies that rode both days, on different horses, but boy that is a lot of hard miles. My hat is off to you two.

I ate my dinner in a near comma, while Noways chowed down in his ice boots. Stumbled around walking Noways. Stumbled to awards, got my $90 T shirt, stumbled to bed and collapsed...good god the things we do to have fun...

Felt good the next morning only a bit stiff, feet much better too. Walked the ponies again, went to a fabulous breakfast the Fire Dept. made for us. What can possibly smell better than bacon cooking... We ate like we were starved. Got together to talk over our adventures, got a picture made of our group. Got all our rigs out of the parking area without a single spin, and headed home...Whew what a ride!!!

Not only do I want to thank Don and Niki and all of their dream team, for being just ‘everywhere’,  but a special thanks to Mary Kolb who gave me her full propane tank when I discovered the first night, that both of mine were empty...Hubby mistake...hummm he still swears I had a full tank. His story, and he is sticking to it.  Mary ran out soon after and had to use her cooler for her cold things...bless her. 

So, where to next?

Janice

Catch up!

Must do some catching up! So I'll just do a quick review of our 2012 season so far...

First was the Resolution ride in Rio Verde, Dec. 31, just down the street from us... After my hitting the dirt at the last ride, I was a bit nervous about the start of this one...A friend brought her horse along to try the fun ride, so Noways didn't have his heart throb, Titan with him, but did have a buddy to hang with nonetheless... As it tuned out, he had a calm start, just very forward as usual. In no time we were running with our last trail partner, Tammy...

Noways knew were we were even though we had trailered to the ridecamp. So every time we got to a trail split, he would give a try for home...:-) We led most of the way, but Tammy always caught up to us and wouldn't let us out of her sight. We were way ahead of the next group of horses so I tried to talk Tammy into easing off some, but... Anyway she raced past me at the finish and won the ride...so much for tieing or at least discussing it. My revenge was that Noways got BC!!!  Yea! I was so very pleased with my boy...:-) They had the awards the next morning, so I didn't know this until I was home the next day.

Next in Feb. we went to Sanford for the Springdale Romp. I had both boys and it worked really well this time, as the horses are in stalls, so I didn't have to worry about the horse left behind getting into trouble. This is a three day ride, so I rode Noways the first day on the 50. We were in the lead with another gal, when we took a wrong turn and went way out of our way...about 8 miles total...so by the time we got right (we weren't the only ones, but we went the furthest) we had the option of skipping the little 5 mile loop and just getting a completion, or do another 5 miles and keep in the competition.  We  were so far behind, and I was too disappointed to stay in it..so went for the completion. We were alone most of the final loop into camp and really relaxed and had a nice ride. So just a completion here.

I rested on the second day...preparing for another fresh horse...Titan.

On the third day I took Titan out for his day. He was such a good boy!  He was very much on the muscle for the first several miles, but manageable. We stuck with Bill and his mare Jubilee for the day. Didn't want to get lost again...and Bill and J were on their third day, so thought he would be the perfect pacer.  And he was. Titan tends to lose heart about half way, so having a pace horse really helped him. It was time to step up his pace some and we did.  He takes good care of himself and eats and drinks well...he can even nap while eating...:-) Marcella and Jr. stuck with us, so it was a fun ride all the way through. Titan was very tired at the end of the ride...Bill keeps a steady trot all day. But, after a good nap, he seemed to recover well enough. (Am suspecting ulcers... he grinds his teeth). We all tied for 3rd place!!

Next ride: Old Pueblo down in Sonoita, March also a three day. Mary Lynn flew out for her annual visit and ride. So the plan was I would ride the first day, (while she crewed), rest the second day, and if all was good ride again with ML on the third day.  As it turned out Noways got a good case of scratches so we crewed for ML and Titan on the third day.

Again I took a wrong turn while out on the final loop, in the lead again...oh can not put into words how discouraged and disgusted with myself I was... I actually considered just turning back and giving up the ride, Even Noways was loosing his usual 'zip'.... But, when I finally made my way back to the trail I decided to suck it up and go on. It took Noways a few minutes to get back into the right state of mind, but soon was back in the game. What a horse... Anyway, we actually still managed to finish 7th place. I was pleasantly surprised, as we really backed off the pace. I did get to ride with Earl Baxter most of this loop, so it was a nice ride after all...

We all enjoyed a nice rest on the second day, and took a leisurely trail ride, showing some friends some of the trail.

Third day, Mary Lynn and Titan decided to pace with Bill and Jubilee, so they took off while Marcelle and I did the crew thing. They actually had the prettier trail to ride...I was envious for sure. Other than one episode of bolting, ML and T had a good day, finishing in 4th place!  He looked much better after this ride. I had treated him for ulcers before the ride, so perhaps that helped.

Both horses got some rest while I had company, with just a few gentle rides in the desert. Then we headed back to KY the first of April.

Next ride: April ~ Land Between the Lakes, KY. Noways was elected this time and we did the first day 50 miler. The pace was extremely fast for the terrain, but we still finished in second place. Decided a race off may cost me a finish and even a long lay up, so held back at the end, much to Noways disgust...whirling and throwing his head in protest... I even got off to lead him in after the finish line and he dragged me into the VC...boy he can wear me out... He looked a tiny bit off at the trot out, but we got a finish anyway...whew...

My trusty truck had a major breakdown on the way to camp, and did not have a vehicle back and working for the 6 hr. drive home. Lee had to borrow MLs truck and come and get me...long story...didn't get the truck back for two more weeks!!

Next ride: May ~  Maumee Valley, IN. Vicky graciously offered me a ride, so we packed in with her for this one. It is now Titan's turn, since Noways had a trip to the Vet$$$ for my worry over his windpuffs he had developed over the winter. I am suspecting all that sand riding...but who knows. So, Noways has a mini vacation for about 6 weeks...turned out to be about 9 weeks.
Really a nice campground, and trails here. Titan and I rode with Vickie and Morada for the day.
This is our clubs mandatory ride, so we worked the first day and rode the next. Had a great ride, Titan was willing all day, but had a strange hopping going on occasionally, but could not pin point what he was actually doing or why... Finished in 6th place and he really looked good!

Next: June ~ Top of the Rock, IN. Rode Titan again, giving Noways lots of time off to be sure he is going again when we do go again... Since slow is not anywhere in his gears... I have to be sure he is truly healed up.

Titan is a fun horse to ride, but can be a bit bolty...so we took a pre-ride with Brenda and her new horse Tonka.  He got all of his wanting to bolt, and hitching up done on that. So on ride day he was a good boy again...It rained and rained, the trails were slick, slick, slick. Horrible storms/tornados had damaged much of the trail back in Feb. so it was rerouted some and we had to repeat some trail, but it was still beautiful. Titan won my heart when the saddle slipped while we were negotiating a slick rut, and I came off in the mud. He took off, but when I got to a paved road, there he stood just up maybe a 100 yards with the saddle hanging off his side, waiting for me to rescue him...GOOD BOY! We ended up in 7th place! :-)  And he looked good too...
 
We missed the Scioto ride...Titan came up with a mystery lameness. Paige had other things going on anyway. No rides in July, thank goodness as it was 100 degrees most days...

Next ride: August ~ Ride Between the Rivers, WV. Finally, Paige is able to join me! Since Titan has been off, she has been working with Sully who is finally sound after two years off... So it was Sully fresh from a two year vacation, and Noways after his 9 week vacation... I don't care for the trails here because of all the hard surface...all rocks and more rocks with a bit of deep mud thrown in.  But it looked like the only ride Paige could do before school starts, so off we went. The hospitality here is the BEST, so we had a good time of it for sure. Paige and Sully rode in the 30 miler with ML and Gregg and all finished in good time!  Noways and I did the 50 and finished 5th place, even though 'because of pilot error...what other kind is there', Noways had lost a shoe and I didn't discover it until we were going out for the final loop. When we got to the gravel road, he told me about it. So I got off and walked him back to camp to have another shoe put back on instead of fighting with a boot for 18 miles... That's OK, we had a great last loop all by ourselves...well almost, we had a drafter, but was able to easily leave her after the last river crossing...:-).

Next ride: Aug. ~ VA Highlands, VA. This ride is our prep for the National Championship, so really didn't want to do any racing here if it could be helped...ha, ha...Noways always has a win on his mind... We decided to ride the second day 55 so we could crew for friends who would in turn crew for us the next day.  An away VC can be a hassle without a crew for sure... First day, ML, Gregg and Brenda rode the 30 miler and all finished great. Dee, Dee, rode the fifty and finished well too. Brenda even top tenned. Second day, ML, Brenda rode the 30 (ML ROd though) Brenda again finished in the top ten. Marcy, (DNF) David, Cindy and myself rode the 55. This ride is a real challenge. I have ridden and finished it four times before. Won it last year in a race off... and nearly didn't vet through, so really didn't want to do that again especially right before Nationals. So, Cindy and I decided to pace together and keep our heads...:-) Of course Noways had other ideas about it, but I was able to keep him down to a low roar not letting him do too much galloping, so he locked into a fast trot (14mph down hill) and we still finished 3rd place, tying with Cindy and another gal we rode with most of the day. All of my brake muscles were screaming....We all had a great time, and are looking forward to the National Championship at the Biltmore!

Noways coming into the first VC... at VA Highlands.

Noways finishes his 2011 season with an interesting ride!

NOWAYS gave me a great ride at the Yellowhammer in September, even though we were pulled at the end of the 75 miles…boy did that suck… At least we know we can both stick it out and get 75 miles in. He had an odd lameness, but was quickly and progressively better after the ride. So, I decided to give him some time off, since we had really been going at it all year. Eleven rides for 455 miles.

I only rode him a few times between Yellowhammer and our next ride, the Lead, Follow or get out of my Way… here in Scottsdale AZ.

We arrived here on Monday and the ride was the next Sat., so I was hoping the boys could recover enough from the long haul to master 50 miles.  I would loved to have gone for the 75 they offered, but thought maybe that was asking too much. I had enough time to take each of them out on the trails here to access how they were feeling. Well, both were in excellent spirits and full of themselves. Since I have points on Noways in our region, but just barely hanging on to them, I decided to go ahead and ride Noways. Mainly I just wanted to finish, I get so spooked when I am pulled…

Lead, Follow, or Get Out of My Way, (boy what a long name), is only a 30 minute haul, but I had never gotten over to those trails at McDowell Park, so was looking forward to it. Ride Management really had it together!  I have to admit though that when our trail master said that even if all the ribbons were taken down you could do it by following the instructions on the back of the map… So I was thinking the ribbons might be few and far between… As a precaution, I put my reading glasses in my waist bag so I would be able to read those instructions. Getting old so sucks…  However, the trail was marked incredibly well, with lots of ribbons and directional signs. A new one for me though was that all loops were marked with the same color ribbons…but with the signage, it was no problem at all! GOOD JOB!

I guess the only glitch was that the food did not show up on time, as they seemed to have forgotten us…good thing I had packed some leftovers in the fridge… Not sure if the food ever did show, it was getting cold, and I was too hungry to wait.

Ride morning:

Noways and Titan are attached at the brain which sometimes gives me trouble, and this time proved to be one of those. Noways was anxious at the check in, but behaved. However when I was saddling up, I knew he was going to be a bit of a handful, I could see it in his eye…and was he ever. Ride management was handing out some cool glow sticks to put on us or around our horse’s necks…really cool to see, but Noways was having none of it and I had to do lots of disengagements. He even kicked at another horse, and when I smacked him for it, he kicked up again…he was in a mood… He has humped up with me before, and I can usually get him lined out when we get started, but not this time. Off we went with the other horses and he went maybe a 100 feet when he exploded and bucked me off. OUCH! Not in a nice sandy wash but on the hard packed trail with lots of rocks… Thankfully he did stand still instead of tearing through the cactus never to be seen again…so I lead him back to camp and remounted on a bucket. Everyone was very nice and asked if I was OK to go out. All my limbs were moving, and for sure that boy was going out no matter how much I hurt…and we went. He finally got into a groove and we trotted and trotted, passing all those nice people that saw my ungraceful dismount…

Sometimes I think the reason he does so well and can go so fast is because he has it in his head that the faster he goes the faster he can be back to see him buddy…

He was still in a ‘mood’ and not happy with me, but the feeling was mutual even though I did stroke his neck to try to calm him. We were about five or so miles out ( my GPS, bit the dust in my fall) when a cactus flipped up on his belly or hind leg or whatever, so again he lost his mind and tried to buck. This time though I was able to get his head around so he couldn’t get going, but he got into more cholla and he was not a bit happy. He must have thought it was all my fault, because when I flipped it off with a comb a rider gave me, he cow-kicked and struck my hand. OUCH again… I managed to get the big balls off of him but the rest would have to stay until I could get them with some pliers. Oh and one of the balls of spines stuck into my other hand while doing all this… Needless to say he was on the look out for those deadly teddy bear cactus from then on.

I tucked him behind some riders to hopefully help him get his mind back, and went down a steep, narrow rocky trail to a roadway to a check point. We were meeting riders coming back, since it was an out and back. Saw a big group of 75 milers here. This seemed to really confuse him, but he went on and we cantered some here and he seemed to settle some. We caught up to another 50 miler here and seemed to pace well together. However, she cantered up that narrow trail until we met some other riders coming down…not good. I just hate those types of trails and we had to take the outside. We managed, but there were a couple of junior riders that were having trouble with it. I know that feeling. One was off and trying to get his horse off the trail on the up side, but managed to swing his horses butt across the trail. The next one had turned around, so his horse wanted to go sideways too. That was scary for them for sure. But, Noways did not hesitate to scoot by them, with rocks flying off the edge, and made it rest of the way up… I guess that was the hardest part of the trail. He was definitely rockier than I expected and I was glad for pads on his fronts.

I keep Noways tucked in behind my new trail partner (Tammy) and he seemed to settle some, but I was still on the brakes. I offered to lead for a while, and he was much happier up front with a bit more speed, but, she kept up with us, and we pretty much rode together the rest of the loop. She was also familiar with the trail, so that was nice, and she was a young upbeat gal, so it really helped to keep my mind off of my hurting body…

At the end of each loop (there was only two) was a very long wash that we had to do right before ride-camp and the vet check. When we hit that I let Noways go and he galloped that and made it back to camp in a hurry…boy was I tired and not feeling well at all.  I was told I was in second place. Wow hadn’t realized that at all.

My sweet husband was there, looking a bit bewildered, poor guy is not into this sort of thing…J but he was there to hold my boy (thank you, thank you) while I got him untacked and cooled off after his gallop. Tammy pulsed down before me though. Noways was still looking for his buddy with his head up and acting silly. But we got through the VC and wasn’t lame even though his front legs were bristling with stickers…

Thankfully Lee had some pliers and I set about pulling out all those stickers. It hurt him, but he stood; after all, he was now with his buddy, Titan… argh…

We had an hour hold before going out on the next and final loop.  After downing some water and munching on some left over banana, and a scrap of chicken, we got ourselves ready to do the last loop. Noways was not happy, but in a much better frame of mind. Resigned?

Tammy had gone out ahead of me and the volunteer timer (thanks so much all of you volunteers) got distracted and didn’t realize why I was standing there even though I had just handed her my time paper (another thing we don’t do in the SE or MW) Anyway we were out right behind Earl Baxter. He was leading the 75 milers who had started 30 minutes ahead of us.  I caught up to him and we rode together for some time, actually most of the loop. This is the slowest we went as it was really, really rocky. We actually walked some of it… But it wasn’t long until Noways saw Tammy ahead and again, he was determined to catch her. Again we paced together. She led most of the way, as her horse would get upset when I was in front…of course I had to ride the brake when I was behind her… Her horse had an awesome lope, but it did not work for Noways at all and he would drop into a jarring fast trot that made my body and especially my head feel like it was going to explode… But she really didn’t want to yield the trail, and I just had to settle for the pain.  We did get in front some, so we could go on at our pace, but, well, let’s just say all I wanted to do was get back to camp… Earl always caught up to us at water stops and at the sign in card that was placed in a spot on the trail so as to verify that we were on the correct trail. Thankfully, Tammy got off and signed us all in… I never would have been able to remount at this point. We finally got back to that long wash. They had told us at the meeting that there would be no ties, but they didn’t want us to race in either as the finish was right in camp…hummm.  So I told Tammy she could have second place, it was not a problem with me. I am sure she thought I was a liar and a sneak when I was finally able to get around her and let Noways go on.  But, alas when I got to the end of the wash before going up to the finish I stopped Noways, she caught up and lead us in.

I was too exhausted and too sore to even think of standing for BC. And the winner came in way ahead of us and outweighed us too, so why go to the effort…

So we got another 50 miles in for our final ride of the season, even though our ride was way too eventful… Hopefully that is it for my semiannual hitting the dirt. At least nothing is broken this time, and everything works ~ although slowly.

We left after Noways was rested, since we only had a short ride home and all I could think of was some hot food and a long hot soak in the tub...  So I really don’t know who finished where. Earl and his horse looked good after their second loop, and I saw him go out on his final loop, so I am sure he got it done!

Again, thanks so much for all you ride managers, trail designers; veterinarians and all the many volunteers that really put themselves out to make we riders have so much fun!

VA Highlands 2011

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS CHALLENGE 2011 ~ or the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...

(Photo: by Becky Pearman)

Once again we headed to the ride with excitement, because we do enjoy it so, and I hadn’t missed this ride yet. This would be their fourth year.  Good management, many great volunteers, and beautiful, challenging, well marked trails, great camp site right on the New River; what else could an endurance addict wish for?

Sometimes just getting there can be the most challenging though. A group of us like to travel together so as to make expenses a little easier to take, so first, Brenda was going with me, but had to cancel, then Vickie was going with me, but had to cancel, so that meant going it on my own… However, Mary Lynn and Greg were going, so we caravanned together. I’m always worried about a break-down, alone with the responsibility of the horses to add to the anxiety… But, as it turned out it wasn’t me with the break-down, but Mary Lynn and Greg. Thank goodness for USRider! There was nothing I could do but add to the confusion, so I went on and saved them a spot to park at ridecamp, for when they did arrive. I had spotty phone service but did make out the outcome of the trouble. They would have to stay at an abandoned Humane Society location for the night, (a corral for the horses), but would hopefully arrive the next day when the truck was fixed, ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$) so as to ride on Sat. instead of the planned Fri. ride.

Nikie & Don entertaining us at ride meeting...

Once again, I counted on the generosity of others, and Robby Doll (he is so nice!) agreed to take my crew gear to the away Vet Check, and Amy Whelan’s crew volunteered to help too.  So, after checking in, and getting Noways vetted in, all was set. Since I had an empty space in the trailer, I had decided to take, Paige’s horse, Titan to ride on the second day in the 30 miler. Two horses, one rider = lots of work…

I decided to tie Titan to the trailer for the day since he can be an escape artist in the elec. corral, and my charger didn’t seem to be working well. So he was all set with water and a big bag of hay when I started with the middle group of riders. The boys said good bye to each other, not so calmly, but all looked secure. So off we went.

Noways was a very good boy, just very ‘ready’ as usual. There is a nine mile climb once we cross the creek, but Noways is a good hill horse and we slowly passed some riders after we got passed the narrow switchbacks. Noways is not a patient horse, but he was obeying me nicely and I wasn’t using up too much of my whoa muscles yet. I actually don’t like riding in the front (unlike Noways) since I am so afraid of missing a turn, or taking the wrong one… so naturally there had been trail sabotage  and I did take a wrong turn. I later learned it is called the Snake Pit trail…excellent name… down we went along with another rider, Michelle from N.J.  Rocks on top of rocks and a steep downhill… didn’t remember this trail from the years before, but… finally, we decide we were wrong and turned to climb back out… I so hate to make my horse do extra work because of rider error… He is so willing and works so hard for me. I was feeling bad for him, and beating myself up to have made such an error in judgment already!

But, we do what we have to do and climb back out. We meet other riders coming down and tell them it is wrong, but later learned they went on and went all the way to the bottom before deciding we were right…L I’m guessing we lost a good 20 to 30 minutes here. Argh!

Back on the trail and it is good going, so we go. Got to the water trough, and meet Amy and Jennifer here. Noways is not interested in drinking, way too soon for him, so we go on. Michelle and I rode the first loop together as our horses paced well with each other. We pass a few horses, and then suddenly Noways told me he had pitched a shoe! Good grief, I ALWAYS loose a shoe on this ride. I had an excellent farrier shoe his fronts at the Leatherwood ride, after his win there, so I would be ready for VH. Therefore, expensive pad and handmade shoe was lost. I really, really hate to dismount and put boots on, because Noways hates it even more. Did I mention he is a bit impatient? Fortunately, sweet Michelle waits for me and it makes it slightly easier. As I dismounted, my foot hung in the stirrup, so I landed on my butt… what a pretty picture that was… A couple of riders pass us, so Noways isn’t standing still, but I finally manage it. Thanks so much, Michelle!

Got to the VC, and let the farrier know I’d be needing his services. Find Robby and he has everything set up for me. Gosh that is so nice! Got Noways unsaddled as he takes a good drink, finally, then cooled him, then off to the pulse box. He is good, so off to the Vet., he is good to go…boy it seems nearly every ride wants the trot out on a slight hill side. Trotting down is easy, but making my tired old legs get me back up is HARD! Then to the farrier. Get another shoe and pad on and he spent the rest of the hold eating. Noways is still a bit rived, so he is picky, but he gets some hay down between walking around. Robby holds him so I can get that darn heavy saddle back up on Noways. I notice that the front runners aren’t that far ahead of us, but I don’t see Michelle anywhere. We must have made some time at the pulse box, since we had lost even more time getting that boot on.

We go out alone this time, and I am able to get Noways to walk some of the long two mile climb on the gravel road. Near the top, he is finally listening to me. Whew! My GPS isn’t picking up properly because of the foliage so I spend a lot of time on this loop trying to figure out how far we have come… it seemed like a long loop…I was getting tired I guess. Lots of climbs and it is getting hot. We pass a couple of riders on this loop. Noways is sure he is headed back to camp and his buddy, so has his head up when we finally get back to the VC. The farrier asked if I am still shod. I nod yes, and then look down. NO! The other front shoe is off. He must have just done it, because he was going well, and the foot looked good. Sigh, again, I tell him ‘we would be back’.  Same routine, Noways is getting his appetite back and gets all A’s here. He looks great, and still has his head up, noticing all the bay horses, just in case Titan is one of them…

I had downed a Gu at the first VC and it gave me an awful stomach ache for most of the second loop, so I didn’t eat anything this time. Nina offered me some cold water while I held Noways for his shoe replacement. Boy was that good after drinking luke warm water all morning. She then added some tasteless electrolytes claiming it was the only ones that didn’t make her sick. Not bad and I drink most of it.

Off we go again for the trip home, same trail that we followed for the first loop, only backwards of course.  Again we are alone, and I manage to get Noways to settle down to a nice trot as we head back. Both of us feeling good this time, other than my helmet feels too hot, those electrolytes must be working!  We get to the open ‘rangeland’ and the some riders that had been behind us catch up at a canter, and there goes Noways race brain. I am able to hold him steady as we fall in behind the leader of the group…sigh. Now my tummy is suddenly not happy, not at all…

We go like this for a few miles and come back to the long gravel road that seems to go up and up forever. I usually trot and walk this but, the other horse is pushing it, and I have to use as much of my whoa muscles that I have left to get Noways to be patient… if he can only hold back, we can catch and maybe pass her on the downhill, to the finish. Noways is a good hill horse, but a fast horse on the down hills (if I can hold down my stomach contents)… We finally get to the top and the other two riders have caught us also. Noways sucks up the water, while I sponge. He lifts his head and knows exactly where we are! We still have some climbing to do, but it is on dirt trail, so I let him trot where he wants and walk where I think he needs to breathe. We are both hot, and I am sick. Again the other rider is with me and we pretty much ride together until we get to the downhill. Good gosh, Noways shoots forward and down we go. We pass some 30 milers and keep going, and going, trot, trot, trot, we are flying! His pulse has dropped down from the hard climb, and his ears are pointed to home! We pass a few of the 50 milers. It is hard to tell, since I am focused on keeping us up right and trying not to disturb anyone else’s ride. We get to the switchbacks (one horse trail) and catch up to some 30 milers walking the tricky trail. But, he picks it up and we get to the rocky creek…Noways wants nothing to do with drinking, so on we go and make it to the road back to camp. Some of this is one horse trail also, but some is two horse. The danger is the cliff sides, so we canter along (Noways favorite and most efficient gait), with other fifty milers right behind me. I am thinking we are first here, but really don’t know for sure, as I really don’t know some of the other riders. We finally get to the wider gravel road, and another rider calls out that she is coming up on the left. She does and asks, “Want to tie or run?” I actually don’t understand what she said until later…I’m too sick I guess, and all I can see is all the people standing at the finish. Now I ask Noways for some speed (all it takes is a little squeeze), and he shoots forward, head down and flying. He is an ex-race horse, so he knows how to do this well, even though it pretty much scares me to death. But, I have learned to trust him. All I am thinking at this point is, ‘please don’t let a dog or person step out in front of us’!

I would like to say that crossing the finish line like this is a thrill, but actually I am so tired and sick that I am just glad it is over. 

Noways looks for his buddy, Titan all day. I look for Nancy Gooch all day…J

The two riders’ right behind us are also racing in and appear to be on runaways…calling out to clear the trail. We hustle off to the ditch and they fly by…whew what a ride!

Nancy tells us we need to do a 10 min. CRI. I have already decided not to go for BC. We ran too hard and Noways is hot. I get us back to the trailer. Noways and Titan exchange greetings and I get the saddle off and start sponging. I don’t have my hand held heart monitor so am clueless to how his pulse is coming down. I just keep sponging and sponging. If I had had a crew here, I would have taken the time to put some ice in his sponge water, but I use what I’ve set out the night before and head to the vet check. Still sick… swallow hard. Noways is still breathing pretty good… that ten minutes goes fast when we need to walk back to the trailer, un-tack try to cool then walk to the vet check… The breeze is gone and it has gotten muggy… no help from Mother Nature.

Greg and Mary Lynn have just arrived. Glad to see they made it! But, can’t talk now…

CRI; Noways’ heart rate is still up, and he is a bit off at the trot out. Now I’m worried that we will be pulled at the end… We get back to the trailer and I take the time to put his foot and leg in a bucket of ice water. Discover he has a cut on his fetlock, a rock got us… and all three white legs have a good case of scratches going.  I continue to cool him while he eats some hay. I put an ice boot on and jump in the shower and try to get myself cool.  Still sick – get on dry cloths, and down some water.

Walk Noways, he is looking better. Cool some more. It is still so hot and muggy we are miserable, the breeze we had most of the day is gone now… So we walk then cool, then walk and cool. We trot. He looks sound now. So, more cooling and walking. If I could throw up, I’d feel better I’m sure…yuck, just got too hot I guess. I drink water as we walk hoping that will help. I have to look as good as possible at the trot out, so Noways will look his best. Still no heart monitor, I take his pulse under his jaw, seems to be around 60. Close, too close…

We head to the vet check for our final, I am worried. We trot and he is looking OK, but when he steps on a rock he takes a couple of bad steps. Oh no.  Then his CRI is 64/64… yuck, rode too fast for the conditions for sure. But we do get our completion and 1^st place… barely. However, on retrospect I’m not sure I would have done anything differently. I felt that I rode to his condition and training. He pulsed down in six minutes at both away VCs. His working heart rate was normal all day. A little less heat and mugginess in camp would have helped, and some cooler water on him (and shade) would have been much better than the luke warm water I had. I should have taken the time to put some ice in his cooling water. Aggressive crewing would have helped also, but it was only my single slow efforts ~ it was just the best I could do with what brain cells that were left in my head at the time. (not many)

Dr. Dwayne Burnett gave the top 15 finishers a dressing down at the awards meeting, so we were properly reprimanded…not a good feeling. Several were pulled…even the BC winner had a really low score…bummer all around. I didn’t see the other horses vet through, so have no comment. The lady that raced in with me said she didn’t walk her horse, just cooled, so he stiffened up and was pulled… that is the only one I talked to. The gal I rode with on the first loop finished 10^th, and I know she was riding within her horse’s condition. He looked good, then at least.

I have to say though; a friend that rode in the 30 miler was pulled at the end for a high hanging heart rate. Her horse is in excellent condition. She never races, and takes great care of her horse, so I’m thinking (guessing) that the combination of a really tough trail and the humidity in camp was the kicker for most of us…

I was very proud of Noways. He is a wonderful horse. I continued to cool him back to normal, and iced his leg for the rest of the day, not sure if it was his leg or foot, but worrisome for sure. He was eating and drinking well, and happy to be back with his buddy. He trotted out sound that evening before bed, so I put some Green Gel on his legs and turned him back in his pen, and began to get ready for the next day’s ride on Titan.

I have ridden Titan on conditioning rides, but this would be the first competition for me on him. My granddaughter rides him most times on training and competitions. They get along great together, and I think he is a fun ride. However, he was a brat at his check-in, gosh; he has never acted so badly. Then I realized he was not happy because Noways was yelling his head off back at the trailer, and Paige and I usually checked in together, so this was a first for Titan…argh… I apologized, then took him back to the trailer for some ‘get real’ training… it didn’t take very long before he realized I was on the end of the lunge line…but it sure was hard on my sore ‘whoa’ muscles…ouch. After that he was an angel…J

Next morning, I felt pretty good. Just sore arms and shoulders, but good to go. Looked forward to a good ride on Titan. Noways was all set up tied to the trailer as he gets really upset when his buddy leaves. That is putting it mildly…

Titan is a good boy to mount and walk around to loosen up. We finally take off and right away I notice he isn’t going right. He is so different than Noways way of going, that at first I think I am just comparing the two. But, no when we hit rocks, he is off on the right front…oh no.  Mary Lynn and Greg are riding along with me and the horses are fresh to say the least. ML advises to wait and see if he warms out of it, so we continue on and he does get better when the ground softens up, but still gives occasionally on the rocks. We go up the switchback and he is gearing up. Still, I am questioning his soundness. I finally decide to pull up and go back, I didn’t want to risk an injury if something was seriously wrong. The trail was a bit wider here, so I wait until most of the riders were past me before leading him down again. He didn’t like the situation, but behaved as best he could. When I thought all the riders had passed us and Titan had settled down, I found a high spot to climb back on him. Titan is even taller than Noways, so getting on these two can be a struggle when they are being antsy… We did meet a couple more riders who were having boot troubles already…’been there’. I offer my roll of vet wrap to help fit the boot tighter. She takes it, but I can see it is going to be a long day for them…bummer. (They eventually give up and ride back to camp.) We only had a couple of training sessions going back because of his calling out for Noways…I hate that… He finally got so he would swell up to call out, flip back his ear to me, then think better of it and let out his breath..it was funny to see his mind work.

I had plenty to do in camp, so got busy and moved the horses to fresh grass, cleaned up all the horse’s pens, poulticed both of boys and generally cleaned up the trailer, and ate and ate…I am famished after a ride for at least two days… Then the wind picked up and I let down the awnings…where was this nice wind yesterday???

Amy and Jennifer were crewing for us today, so when they came back in I got our gear back to the general right location and got ready to crew for ML when she came in. Greg had gotten pulled at the VC, so he was being hauled back. Bad luck got him too; with a wound on Buzz’s fetlock…it is a tough trail… However, ML had left the VC in second place! Boy did she move up! Since LD has to be down to 60 bpm for a finish time, we got prepared for some serious crewing, knowing seconds count… In the mean time we enjoyed some wine that Amy had won for top tenning at the Biltmore 100 miler…nice!

A rider comes in for a solid first, then we wait and wait…did she keep up the pace? Did she back off? Are they OK? Then more riders come in, stopping at the water tank, then walking in, then finally, there is ML cantering in nice and relaxed…we motion for her to come on in to the water tank closer to our trailers and the VC. She does, we quickly get her off and strip the tack while Wiley drinks and drinks…we sponge all the while…then we slowly walk him to the VC with the heart monitor to his side. Sponging, sponging, heart rate going down, down. A bit more cooling and into the pulse box. Other horses are being checked too…  Wa Hoo he hits 60 and he is done!  Third place for Mary Lynn and her boy, Wiley!! She is very pleased, but tired to the bone…smiling though! Greg takes Wiley for his completion vet check, and he passes with only a bit of soreness on one loin. Well done!

The Virginia Highlands Challenge is a well run, big, frills ride. I love it! But, it certainly has its challenges and will grab you when you aren’t paying enough attention…

A big THANK YOU to all who make it so much fun for us riders. The list is huge!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!