Goethe is my first love. The first ride I did, 3 years ago today, in west central Florida, out in the middle of nowhere, riding a horse in a new sport where I had no clue as to what to do or how to do it. That first ride, for me, was a form of long distance horse polo without a mallet or ball. People and horses were slamming into each other, riders were falling off, and I thought this was how the sport was done. Kind of like ice hockey on horseback, hold the ice.
Since then, I've learned that it's not politically correct to knock your fellow competitor off his/her steed while competing. In fact, I've learned that it's not even supposed to be a race, they call it a run, even though I do think it's a race. Except for the 100 milers. They are a class unto themselves. And the eight of them that started the 100 made the story of this Goethe ride. A new group of Florida females have entered the 100 mile building and they owned the house on that particular day.
I won't write too much about this one, mainly since Steph seems to have limited the number of characters (bits) allowed, per post, on her site lately. So, I'll keep it brief. I have to mention a few folks. Nina B., formerly Nina G., got my kid and Jerry's kid in so they both completed 50 miles, first ride of the 2002 season. Nina was feeling the warm Florida weather, and since she's sort of a mountain girl, she was puking by the second or third loop. I was surprised to see this since I know Nina has done more 100 milers than anybody else I know, except maybe for Val, but I don't really know Val, I just know who she is. Nina's just like her Mom; damn tough, and has a good heart.
I got pulled. Damn early, even for me, and on War Cry, my Arab. That's what I get for not bringing Dance Line to Goethe, a ride he's attended here every time I have except for this year. And it was at Goethe, last year, where Dance completed his first 50. What the heck was I thinking? Sorry Dance.
The hundred milers were the ones who impressed me the most. Debbi Foti, her first hundred. She not only completed but won the darn thing. Darlen Krell, her first in quite awhile, completed. So impressive. Adelle Denard (sp) completed her first hundred. And I don't think she's going to do another one anytime soon. I saw her at the 80 mile mark, at the vet in, made the mistake of asking her how she felt, and the look she gave me said it all. She felt just awful. And she wasn't about to waste any valuable energy answering silly questions from the likes of me.
Jennifer and I rode past my gal Val on the first loop. This was a first time experience for both my daughter and me. Val was riding the 50, on a very young and new (my guess) horse. While passing her, we were riding with a few others and one lady, who obviously did not know Mrs. K., asked Val if she needed any help since she seemed to be having difficulty with her very active young Arab. Val just gave her a look, and said NOOOOOOOOOOO. Like what the heck could this woman do to help Val anyway? Like Val needs help. My goodness. I think Val was having fun training, and the training session just happened to be at an endurance ride.
Anyway, when Jen and I rode by, I said, loud enough for my gal, Val, to hear me, "Jen, it's 8:13AM on December the 15th, we're on the yellow trail, about 8 miles from the start, and we just passed Valerie Kanavey. We must put it on our calendar on the refrigerator and record this date for all posterity. I declare this a National Holiday in the Bramhall house." haha. Val heard some of it. No comment. She still doesn't know who I am and remarks like that, from me, will probably keep it that way. lol.
(outta room; Steph, I need more space, you're killing me)