 |
[RC] LD - Bruce WearySome bullet point observations about LD:1) I assert that "LD bashers" don't really exist. If they do exist, I challenge them all to post here on Ridecamp, identify themselves as such, and clearly delineate their agenda. The deafening silence that follows my challenge should show that such a creature doesn't exist. To feign insult by this mythical creature as a way of advancing an agenda of increased recognition is, in my opinion, illigitimate. 2) The term "endurance ride" has two meanings. It has a specific use in defining a distance ride of 50 miles or more, as mutually agreed upon by our governing body and its constitiuents. It is also used casually to describe our sport generally in conversation. While this is an unfortunate turn of events, it is not intended by any significant faction of our membership to be exclusive or demeaning to anyone, including LD riders. Get over it. I believe much of the disgruntlement I read over the current level of recognition as it relates to whether one can assign oneself the title"endurance rider" has as it's origin concern over who will be impressed at the water cooler on Monday morning. I presume we participate in this sport for the challenge and PERSONAL satisfaction it affords us, not for whom we can impress with our awards or titles. If you can't honestly admit to yourself that you can participate in this sport and enjoy it without drawing significant outside recognition of your participation and accomplishments, hey, there's always the show ring. 3) For those of you who feel that LD participation is so closely similar to endurance riding that it mandates a call for more equal recognition, I have good news for you. The next time you find yourself in search of employment, you can confidently leave your college diploma at home in the drawer, and show up at the job interview with only your high school diploma in hand. They're pretty much the same, aren't they? Bruce Weary =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|