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[RC] Tevis - Robie Park - spectating - Lucy Chaplin TrumbullStacy: > Can spectators camp close to the start of the Tevis? Kinda. You can't really camp near the actual start, but spectators can camp anywhere at Robie Park. The ride starts half a mile or so out of Robie Park on the dirt road leading out of camp. There's nothing to stop you walking down towards the start although it's really not recommended - once you get to where the horses are lining up, it's really narrow with a steep bank on one side and a drop off on the other so there isn't really anywhere to stand safely without being trampled (think 200+ amped up horses in a tight space). Plus I don't think there will be a moon out at 4-5 am (it sets at ~1 am) so you won't be able to see much. Last year, we walked out about half way and stood on the bank above the road and watched the horses go by. There was a bright moon which helped, but we did mildly spook a couple of horses (make sure you talk, so they know you're there) which made us feel bad. And alternative that can be fun is to watch the horses going out towards the start without actually seeing the start. You can go and stand at the exit to Robie Park where the number-takers are and watch the horses go by. At least there's a little bit of ambient light from nearby rigs and flashlights. Another option that is better because there's a lot more light, is driving out to the crossing at hw-89. Here you can see the horses coming along the trail, down some switchbacks to where they cross under the road, and then go alongside the road for 20 yrds or so before climbing a steep bank and travelling along a tiny ledge of a trail about 30' above you. It's really quite something to see that many horses go by like that - a long procession that goes on and on. The main trouble is organizing yourself to get there in time. hw-89 is only a few miles from the start by horse but to get there driving, you have to go around the long way. RM don't allow vehicles to be driven in Robie Park any time first thing in the morning (they don't want people spooking horses or ruining their night vision), so you'd have to leave late the night before. One option would be to camp in the parking lot at Squaw Valley overnight and then it's just a short drive south on hw-89 to where the horses go by. Definitely worth it. Hope this helps. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Lucy Chaplin Trumbull elsietee AT foothill DOT net Repotted english person in the Sierra foothills, California * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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