Re: [RC] Tailing rubbing - sherman

Well our ride started when we left the pan handle of Flordia heading towards 
Virgina. Just as I hit the Atlanta GA area, about 7 hours into the trip, I 
looked out my window to see smoke coming from my trailer tires. Oh of course 
I need to mention that I do grease my tire bearing every 6 months, but I had 
driven from Aburn area of Ca with three horses: a trip of 3,000 miles to our 
new home in Flordia. About a month later I drove back to Oklahoma to do a 
ride, then back to Fl then out to Agusta Ga to do a ride then back home and 
then started the trip to Virgina with out regreasing my hubs on the trailer.
Not a good idea :-)
Any way I limped off the busy freeway and found a food store as I was 
hungry.There I found two horse trailers in the parking lot. So I had one 
group taking off the tire and shaking their heads and another lady calling 
for help with new bearings and a place for me to over night. Well I had 
GREAT luck; the Chateu Elan is a olympic stable right across the street from 
my break down so we stabled there. And Cleon Atkins the x prez of the South 
East has a mobile trailer repair right near my break down. Cleon was there 
early the next morning and fixed that tire and greased all my others.What a 
great person.  I really feel lucky I met him. Thank you Cleon!! Off to 
Virgina I drove ( took two more days ). Upon arrival I set up camp near 
other Flordia riders doing the 50 and a very nice family from South 
Carolina.
It rained and rained and was a muddy mess. I was slightly depressed about 
the possibility of doing a 100 in the rain, but was happy for the cool temps 
it brought.
My mare was fit and more then ready for this ride, I felt pretty sure if 
luck was with us we would complete. The trail is the most lovely trail I 
have EVER ridden. Much prettier then Tevis I think and that doesn't mean 
Tevis is not pretty, it is, this is just much more lush. I rode with two 
great ladies Kathryn Downs and her fantastic mount moon a 7 yr old wonder. 
And Joanie ( can not remember her last name ) She too has a great horse and 
we rode well together.
In my humble opinion I think Tevis is a more challenging ride; the terrain 
is more difficult and the elavations are much higher you have a lot more 
horses and riders to deal with and lots of awful dust. BUT that being said; 
OD is not an easy ride and IF there had been the humidity it would be FAR 
more challenging.
My favorite part is the section they call Shermans gap, it reminded me of 
Calif and Nevada, ie  lots of good rock and some nice good climbs up hills. 
My next favorite part was the dark when all the fire flys were out..That is 
a new experience for me coming from CA. Fire flys are simply magical.
We agreed to tie for third place as we rode into the 2nd to last vet check. 
But bad luck got to Joanie; her horse was off and she was pulled. It broke 
my heart. I felt so bad for her and her lovely horse. Kathryn and I finished 
the ride on two very stong and eager horses. We were less then 5 mins behind 
Sue and Stagg. Even though we wanted to tie they would not allow this and I 
guess my mare was in front of hers in the picture. So I got 3rd place. 
Kathryn desevedly won the old dominion award the following day. I have a 
shinny belt buckle with top ten on it! And I have one fantastic mare who is 
now home resting up for more fun at some later undetermined date.I want to 
thank the mangement and volunteers for a great ride. I also want to thank 
Joanie and Kathryn for making my 1st OD so enjoyable. I will hold it in my 
heart for all times.
Happy Trails to all of you
Mary Anne Maynard and
MP Zafina  ( Sophie )

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I don't think you have to join a gym or buy frilly outfits to get some
fitness.  A decent set of shoes and a 15 minute dismount here and there
will help. 
~  Jon K. Linderman, Ph.D., FACSM, Assistant Professor of Health and Sport Science, University of Dayton

ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/

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