Re: [RC] 100 mile rides--Why don't you? - Barbara McCrary
I think the "mentor" idea is the greatest
idea to come along in a coon's age. I wish I had had a mentor for my first
50 miler in 1971. Barbara White mentored me from Michigan Bluff to the
finish line on Tevis the first year I finished. At 3:00 AM she told me we
had "better hustle along", or we were not going to finish. We did hustle
and we did finish.
I will be doing 100's someday, my criteria for
starting my first one is simple 1. My horse has to be capable and willing 2. I
have to lose weight and get into better shape so I can make it through the
ride without killing my horse and 3. I want a "mentor" for the first ride,
somebody to stick by me, kick my butt when I'm tired and ready to give up,
help me get my guy through it in the best and healthiest shape I can. As soon
as I can meet those 3 requirements I'll be entered. On that note a list
(perhaps on the aerc site?) of people willing to babysit riders through the
various distances might be helpful. By babysit I mean stick with them even if
they're riding dead last, encourage them, hold their hand if needed, just get
them through it so they have the confidence needed to get through the next one
on their own.
Jess Spoone-Raines
<< I think it would be more productive to list the factors that
one must address in order to facilitate participation in a 100
miler. >>
