A limited distance ride in the PNW certainly is not like that.  Sure, it is
suppose to introduce riders to the sport and maybe it SHOULD be at a slower
pace; i.e. 4 1/6 mph, but it is more of a RACE than a ride.  The 25-milers
around here are usually run anywhere from 2-3 hours, although they are 
allowed 6 hours to finish. The last 25-miler I rode in was one at 1 hr 45 min
(approx).  I finished it in 2 hrs 42 mins (and I was 21st).  It was at that 
ride that I have decided to jump up to 50-milers - where it is more of an 
endurance ride and not such a race. 
  
                           ,--, |  Intel Corporation        
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   Linda Harbin  ,;`( )__, )  ~ |  503-264-2261             
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                '   \     |     |  linda@linda.jf.intel.com 
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                Horse lovers are stable people