Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

    The whole 100 mile ride issue is multi-faceted, and I won't attempt to
address all the issues involved here. However, there are many reasons (not
all bad ) that we have been seeing a downward trend in 100 miler participation.
I sense an underlying sentiment amongst our membership that most riders hate
to see this trend, even though they themselves may feel uninterested or unable
to compete in one themselves. Sort of like lamenting the gradual disappearance
of drive-in movie theatres across the country. We feel a sense of loss, and
though we may not ever go to one again, the finality of total elimination
isn't one that most people probably relish.
  The evolution of the multi-day ride has had a huge impact on the participation
in 100 mile rides, for obvious reasons. One can get more miles at a multiday
ride, with an overnight rest every 50 miles. No sleep deprivation, decreased
crewing needs, and less fuel costs per outing, among other things. 
   We can always list the reasons why we wouldn't do a 100 miler.
Some folks (and their horses) are probably eliminated at the outset by physical
limitations, as well as the other factors that might interfere with any
 recreational activity--money, time, opportunity and committment. I think
it would be more productive to list the factors that one must address in
order to facilitate participation in a 100 miler. Adequate training
time, effective conditioning program ( that isn't interrupted by the distractions
of daily life), proper feeding, well-fitting tack, personal conditioning,
night riding, planning, experience, and a horse that has decent genetic potential,
and the mental toughness to take on a 100. If these and other factors I've
neglected to mention are adequately in place, then your chances of considering
and completing a 100 mile ride go up exponentially. Talking with people who
have done 100's and had a positive experience can help. And, finally, I would
have to say that riding with a partner makes the whole experience more safe,
doable and enjoyable for horse and rider alike. Good luck to all aspiring
100 milers. It's a riding experience like no other.   Bruce Weary