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Being one of the old (67) and infirm (many fractures , other injuries, osteoarthritis and a titanium hip) I hope to complete at least one more 50 to officially get 8,000 miles.  I would also like to do more 100's (Tevis not being one of them).  I have always considered 100's generally easier than 50's.  Don't laugh, I didn't believe it years ago either when Becky Hart told me that but it is true.  I rode one and she crewed for me.  I rode the last 45 miles alone and in the dark and had a great time. 

 

I would hate for this sport to change its name to Distance Riding.  If you want to do distance riding there is always NATRC and CTR.  While I have not done CTR, I have done NATRC.  There is a place for everyone.  Everything in life seems to be getting made easier so people's feelings don't get hurt.  Too bad.  Life is not fair.  We need to stop dumbing down everything in life from kid's sports, school grades, etc.  If I can't do endurance again, too bad for me.  I don't expect the entire sport to change because I whine that I can't do it the way it is.  Come on now, I actually rode around for about 5 minutes a few months ago on a lead line because Ildi was afraid I would get hurt and would not let go of the lead line.  I fell off the horse trailer getting on and she was freaked.  But that is another story.

 

Bruce is right, however, in saying it will likely take another generation.  The old timers will never allow the sport to change to "distance riding." 

 

My goal is to ride the Big Horn 100.  I don't know if I ever will but I don't expect them to make it shorter or easier in any way just because it would be hard for me.  However, I do expect Tom Noll to sponsor me.....................mb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce Weary DC" <bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "RideCamp" <Ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 11:43:51 AM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: [RC] Running and Riding

  I agree with Bob on this. We should probably be proactive and rename
our sport "Distance Riding" to distinguish it from
the distances that the casual trail rider typically travels. Then, under
that banner, we would have Limited Distance, and the various
Endurance distances. Then, when a Distance Rider, does a Limited
Distance ride, he/she won't complain or wonder why the
moniker of Endurance Rider isn't assigned to them, any more than a 5K or
10K runner would wonder why they aren't called marathoners.
They are simply happy to be a member of the "running world."
  This will take time, and perhaps a new generation of riders before
such a transition can be completed, but it addresses the inclusionary
issues that
Steph mentioned, honors riders at every distance, and maintains a tiered
honor system for those who indeed do ride the longer distances.

 If we all get quiet for a moment, and ponder what thrills us
more--reflecting on, telling stories about and reliving our own
accomplishments, or those of others,
 I think I know what most people's answer will be. And since we all tend
to be more "me" oriented, we can continue to expect ongoing efforts on
behalf of some,
 who would like the finish line, and it's awards, recognition, titles
and bragging rights moved ever closer.  It's an extension of the
"Pain-Pleasure" principle. We tend to be more attracted to good feelings
that  more are easily earned, than we are to uncomfortable acts of
self-discipline and extending ourselves to levels we never thought
possible to acheive those good feelings.  The latter is what the
endurance distances offer many of our members.
   I stay in endurance riding, not because it's easy, or that I want it
to become easier, but because it isn't. And I would hate for future
generations to miss out on the great sense of satisfaction obtained by
riding the longer distances, simply because they were given the
impression that the rides are pretty much all the same. They are not.  
Even among the same distances, there are significant differences. I have
completed ten 100's, but after six attempts, I have failed in completing
the Tevis. I would feel silly wearing a Tevis buckle, that I had not
earned, simply because I have  ridden other 100's.  Those who have
earned that buckle would also look at me funny, and rightfully so.
   Some argue that incapacity or infirmity on behalf of the rider should
allow for greater recognition at the shorter distances, since they are
unwilling or unable to
endure the greater physical hardship of the longer distances. I don't
know how to solve this one so that others don't choose to be offended by
the difference in rewards
being proportional to the effort given, or distance ridden.  I can say
that life isn't always equitable. That doesn't mean it isn't fair.  
Bruce Weary

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