conditioning riders

[Rides 2 Far <rides2far@juno.com>]

I have a question... I want to try a 100.  Is it easier to complete a 100
mile ALONE or 
> in> COMPANY? 

Company! I think that's why 100's have such a different mood.  You
*really* hope everybody stays in it just to be SURE there's somebody to
ride with after dark!  There's a lot more waiting for each other in the
vet checks with the 100's.  My friend Lynda Corry who had done lots of
100's babysat me on my first one.  She really saved me by recognizing the
fact that the trail wasn't very well marked for night riding and we
REALLY needed to get  through all the wooded sections before dark.  The
trail looked easy to follow to me but she was right.  There were others
who were taking it easy who had to pull when they couldn't find their way
in those woods.  We made a good team since Kaboot is just overflowing
with motivation and her horse liked to draft.  She felt terribly rude
since she said any time you pair up on a 100 you should take turns
leading but the horses were happy so Kaboot led.  All I remember is
singing  Cat Stevens' song "I'm being followed by a Moonshadow" as Kaboot
was still jumping the moonshadows at 95 miles. :-)

P.S. Sorry I'm posting so much today. It's work avoidance. I have a paper
to write for my job...still haven't started it...but I got a good ride
in! :-))

Angie