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Re: [RC] 100's - elevators/de-elevators - Diane TrefethenOne of the objections to this concept was that it could do serious damage to the mindset required to complete a 100. I agree with the criticism that the dedication necessary to do a 100 is incompatible with knowing you have an out at 50 or 75 miles. Numerous individuals who posted to this topic on the AERC list commented that the personal highs they had on 100's invariably occurred in the last 15 or so miles. In other words, to get to the really good part, you have to slog through the most depressing part. If one knew one could quit and keep the mileage accrued to that point, I truly believe a lot of riders would do that, especially at the 75 mile VC.The only way I can see around this problem is to NOT let the rider decide to pull. That way the rider must maintain focus on the original goal. If you want to do a "de-elevator" ride, then the decision to pull should be the vet's. The way it could work would be that a horse that was fit to continue at 50 miles but was pulled by the vets at 75 miles could get MILEAGE credit only for doing 50 miles. Fit at 75 miles but not at the final VC before the end of the race could get credit for the 75 miles. However, even here there would be an element of unfairness to all the horses and riders who have entered 100's in the past but not been allowed to keep mileage successfully completed. Allowing a rider to wuss out at 50 or whatever and still get credit for mileage ridden would be rewarding a LACK of endurance. Further, it would set a terrible precedent. If allowing a 100 miler to quit at 50 is ok, why not allow a 50 miler to quit at 25 miles and add that to his/her LD stats? Part of endurance IS the uncertainty. Luck plays a role, whether you did enough conditioning plays a role, the quality of YOU plays a role. To allow a rider to easily sidestep these essential elements of the contest would, in my opinion, be a huge mistake, totally dummying down the challenge embodied in a 100 mile ride. The mental part of doing Endurance ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE EASY. It is SUPPOSED to be a challenge. Steph Teeter wrote: As far as nurturing 100's and encouraging new 100 mile riders... maybe, just maybe, a little creativity is in order. Tom Dean (new NW director) recently posted an idea to the AERC list which was shot down really fast, but I think it's worth taking a little closer look at, at least having a civil discussion over. ... Tom suggested that we might consider a 100/50 'de-elevator' ride. Sign up for the 100 (e.g.) and if you finish, great, full points. However if at 50 miles (e.g.) you or your horse have had enough, you have the option (once) of stopping and keeping miles/completion only for a 50 mile ride. Honestly I think this idea is worth considering. It doesn't take any of the glory and satisfaction out of finishing a 100 (no more than if other riders were DQ'd at 50), it gives a little safety net for those that would like to try a 100, but are nervous for whatever reason.
Part of Tom Dean's post: From: "cutting_horse_rider" <enduriders@...> Date: Mon Jan 9, 2006 7:49 am Subject: 100 milers/Reverse Elevator/Awards A suggestion I read on this forum a while ago struck me as an excellent idea to try to make that bridge, Reverse Elevator 100s. It would take some of the risk away for the newer rider. This way they might be emboldened to try, and be given a safety net for the rider and the horse if they have bitten off more than they can chew. Let riders enter a Reverse Elevator 100, give the rider an option to complete (for completion miles, only) at a pre-described lesser distance.
I have always thought the elevator rides were kind of backwards. If you could enter the longer ride and stop at the shorter distance if you felt you should. Or enter the shorter distance and then if you elevate and don't make it you would get your short distance completion only, I would think it would be more popular. If you elevate now, even if you complete, you only get a completion and I always thought that was somehow not fair. I certainly would not do an elevator ride. If everything goes fine, it works but otherwise, it is a lose, lose situation...mb =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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