That just about
says it all. It also reveals why some riders begin with the tough
100s....not because of the status, but because they are such a
challenge. (:>) Kathy
Bruce wrote:
In all my years
of endurance riding, as I compare the challenges thrown at me by the trail
versus other riders, the trail wins, hands down. The trail has lain in wait for
me, with heat, humidity, rocks that aim to lame my horse, darkness, holes to
step in, and very few places to pee in privacy. The trail has thrown mountains,
valleys and rivers in my path. It has offered up exhaustion, dehydration,
nausea, hallucinations, a dislocated shoulder, broken ribs (okay, it was a
training ride), and various rashes I'd rather not talk about. Meanwhile, my
opponents, the other riders on the trail, have merely passed me with a fresher
horse, let me taste their dust, and offered help whenever I had a problem on the
trail. I have always tried to do the same for them.
Dabney
wrote: Neither. They enter these rides for Status. I've noticed
over the years mentions in RC posts like: "My horse is not ready (or whatever)
for a 100, but one day I'd like to do Tevis."
100 milers (like Angie)
have responded, "why not take your horse for his first 100 on an easier ride,
and then try Tevis?"
I'm betting that for many riders, that advice fell
on deaf ears. I guess the mentality is "I may only be able to do it once,
so why waste time on one that won't even give me the "Big
Buckle?"
