Cindy Posted: >>>Those narrow trails and crowds
to the first vet check make passing tough, too, and it's easy to end up walking
way too much in those packs.<<<
Boy, so true Cindy! The high country, and the slow going
over the boulders, through the trees etc. can get one into some pretty slow
packs of riders. If you can find a spot to trot, even if it is just for 10 feet,
you need to hustle, as the footing really slows one down. We got caught in
a group last year, that was not moving out when they could, and we could not get
around. They would come to complete stops way too often. We finally yelled at
them that they need to keep moving, or let us around. (I can holler pretty loud
;-) ) They did pull over,and let us pass. One must be
assertive enough to speak up and not get sucked in to a pace that is too slow.
That includes the trails after dark. Many riders panic, or are too tired to
realize they need to move along on those dark trails. When one is riding in that
"finish only" time frame, and are not one of the riders who is lucky
enough to actually finish at a reasonable hour, you can not have someone
slow you down, possibly having you run over time. Do not have your mind
veg out and get sucked into that tag along mind set, unless you know that is the
correct pace for you. When you see a place to pass, do it. What is funny
is, I took the competitive mid set of when I did "race" many years ago, always
alert to the trail, the other horses, and when to make moves etc., but I was
doing it at a MUCH slower pace. You can find that pocket to ride in, away
from the bigger groups. In 2004, I rode most of the high country alone. 2005
made up for it, as I was at the end of the line in our group, and the dirt and
dust on my face showed it at the first vet check. LOL
Have I mentioned what a beautiful ride Tevis is?
LOL
