 |
[RC] This makes me sad! - Sabrina LiskaReading all the posts back & forth regarding barefoot vs. shoes, drag riders, rm, glowsticks... etc, is becoming disturbing. (Oh man am I going to ruffle feathers). First of all, I am a rookie, I have done a few rides only, but am really getting the hang of things. I am a watcher, listener, if you will, trying to keep my mouth shut & my mind open, but feel the need to speak here. The barefoot thing. Guys, its not "us" vs "you". I like barefoot, like to ride barefoot, but my riding partner is shoes all the way. Guess what? We love riding & have many miles together.Yay for all of us. I dont go around preaching about barefoot, in fact most people dont even notice. I also wont ever slam anyone for metal shoes. Whatever works for you, works! You dont want to change, dont! We are a group of people who love to ride, so let's come together so endurance riding does not fall apart. Now the other
subject. I have not come across a ride yet that has drag riders. Nor have I done a night ride. I think the point here is to pay attention to who you come across, pass or talk to. Case in point, My very first ride was Man v. Horse in AZ. My riding partner and I were so excited, didnt know what to expect blah, blah, blah. About 7 miles in, we knew we were about last, but didnt care, we just wanted to do it. Now there were many checkpoints with volunteers/deputys checking off your numbers as you went thru. We felt very confident! Well, these 2 riders (brother/sister duo) come trotting up behind us and asked us if we saw the huge snake back there. Well, no but we all chatted for a few moments and then they went on. From mile 9 to mile 16, which is where the vet check was, was a huge altitude climb and no water, and no checkpoints. We finally got to the vc and everything was gone except for 2 people. We were told someone dropped the ball, mistakenly checked us thru and
when the brother/sister team went thru, they packed up to leave. These 2 "saviors" if you will, insisted there were 2 female riders still coming in and made them stay! The vet and volunteer were floored when we finally came in. We finished and were so thankful that someone paid attention! Only after we finished, did we realize the prediament we could have been in. To this day, we are very good friends with this duo and probably will be forever. Lets just look out for each other. There are alot of ppl I "know who they are" but they have no idea who I am, because I pay attention. I am very lucky, I have met so many wonderful riders on these rides and havent had a bad encounter yet. I am sure I will someday as I dont plan on ever stopping this sport, but I hate to even think about anything "bad", as we all have that horse addict thing goin on. I have so much more to say, but I think the point is made. Please....lets just ride. Sabrina
SW region (that girl who rides a barefoot mustang and STILL doesnt mind coming in last, as long as she finishes!) __________________________________________________
|