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Re: [RC] re: drafting/pet peeves - Joe LongOn Thu, 27 Apr 2006 18:52:23 -0500, "April Allison" <aallison1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: ?? So everybody does it and when they are the drafter, they have a good reason and try to be polite. When they are the one being drafted, most of the time they don't like it but are willing to be understanding if the other rider is polite and/or makes it clear they are working a green horse or are working on a problem and are doing their best. I didn't read my mail for a couple of days, then saw all of these ... too many to read them all. But those I did read are somewhat dismaying. I don't like to ride alone, and I rarely start with a "group" of my own, so I always "hook up" with other riders for most of the ride. I never dreamed anyone would be annoyed at this. No one has ever complained or made me feel unwelcome. (Well, almost no one.) I am willing to do my share of leading, although Sanshra is generally happier following. Also, I don't believe that just because you've ridden with people a good part of the way, it's impolite to race near the end. It is a race after all, and I don't begrudge anyone who runs off and leaves me on the last leg, no matter how far we've ridden together earlier. I've waited for other riders after they had a fall or needed to make a tack adjustment; I don't think that obligates them to not race me at the end. There was a ride in Missouri where a young rider fell a couple of miles from the finish, I caught his horse for him, then he beat me at the finish line -- that's OK. When I broke my ankle the two riders I was with waited for me until I got back aboard, nevertheless I still tried to win the ride and finished second. I guess the way I look at it is that we're all out there together enjoying the ride, and helping each other, but for those of us who race none of that obligates us (by rule or etiquette) to hold back and not do our best at the finish. -- Joe Long jlong@xxxxxxxx http://www.rnbw.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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