Ridecamp: [RC] Malibu Ride

Tatum Reiner TatumCR@xxxxxxx
I have been reading the various comments posted on ridecamp about the Malibu Ride.  I am profoundly disturbed by the viciuos verbal assaults directed at the Malibu Lake Riders. Mary Ben Stover's comments attacking the integrity of Laura Toston, as well as, her young riders is appalling. Ms. Ben Stover's apparent need to disparage these young girls and tarnish their victory is really sad.
There was an e-mail from a gentleman named Thomas claiming that no one, other than, the girls parents clapped at their victory.  First of all, the only attendants there were a handful of weary riders and, I suppose, a couple of malcontents like himself.His recollection is incorrect and seems to be marred by his own bitterness and shortcomings.  How pathetic and sad....once again.

This woman Sandy Adams seems to be particularly vindictive towards the Malibu Lake Riders.  Her supposed encounters with Laura and her riders seem to be wildly exaggerated.  She seems to have an extremely vivid imagination.  Did anyone actually see these alleged incidents? Ms. Adams' reference to Laura's young riders as "misfits" is highly derogatory and insulting.  It appears that Ms. Adams and her daughter lack the skill and the nerve to participate in an endurance ride in the first place.  The second hand allegations of cheating is particularly upsetting.  The Malibu Lake Riders were so far ahead of everyone else...what would be the incentive?  Where are the supposed witnesses to these incidents?  I find these allegations to be not only egregious but libelous as well.

In conclusion....I believe adults should set an example for the youngsters.  Obviously, the above participants and others, sadly, seem to have no understanding of good sportsmanship and are unable to accept defeat graciously.  I realize that the Endurance ride is a ride and not a race but placement was awarded... therefore it is a competition. The Malibu Lake Riders trained hard and deserved their victory.


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-