>>> Leaving the money issue aside, I've been trying to put some other pieces
of this
intriguing puzzle together and could use some assistance. When Wayne McMinn
decided not to run his Punxatawney PA ride, traditionally on Memorial Day
weekend, Mouse Mountain/Cosequin was able to get the date. The Old Dominion
is usually two weeks after that weekend. Both rides will be taking place in
and around Fort Valley.
In over ten years of crewing for my wife and others at the Old Dominion, I
have
been impressed with the effort of the OD staff to cultivate an excellent
relationship with the Fort Valley community and the Geo.Washington Nat.
Forest Rangers.
From hearing the rangers talk at the OD pre-ride to speaking with many
valley residents
while waiting for a horse, I'm convinced they are succeeding at a difficult
task.
With this in mind, I'm wondering if it is prudent to run two big rides
within two
weeks of each other over the same terrain. Or is it the same terrain?
Here in PA, we have lost the use of some of our game lands because of
overuse
and bad public relations. Has this issue been addressed by Cosequin
Challenge
ride management or the VTC? Are they working with the Old Dominion with
respect to PR and trail preservation in Fort Valley and the Massanuttens?
At the OD, much emphasis is placed on limiting crew vehicles in the valley
to show consideration for local residents. I'm wondering how this will be
addressed.
Pete LaBerge<<
You have a point here, Pete. I really don't know what trails they are
using..maybe Tracy will read this and let us know, but I am assuming (yes,
it's written on the flyer) that Valerie is planning the trail. But, anyone
who has been over much of this terrain should realize that with the rocks
that someone left here by the hundreds of thousands of tons are more of a
threat to our horses than we are to them. I don't think these trails could
EVER be overused.
Teddy