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I agree with Steph that descriptions from a variety of people is good, and
personally would like to know specifically (but briefly) what the contributors
perspective is. I would like a description from the ride management, but I would
also like "green horse" "25 mi." "+50 mi" "party animal" "new rider" perspectives.
The concerns and perceptions of a 1st time rider on a green horse vs those of a
ROC qualified horse/rider team will be the same in some areas (good chow, well
marked trail, accessibility from a paved road, adequate water) and different in
others (size of ride, difficulty of terrain, type of start, number of entries),
for different reasons. When people write about a ride, it's important to know
(for me) where they are coming from and what their goal was.
Jessica, I think, had concerns about negative statements. For the sake of retaining
our *valuable* ride managers, I hope we all try to say things in an inoffensive
way. There will be negative descriptions. But if we try and be clever, maybe we
can keep from being offensive, can be constructive. Not all rides can manage a
huge team of vets, endless P&R crews and the like. Knowing what a ride typically
offers can help you develop a ride strategy, and set your expectations so that
you won't be disappointed.
For example, there are rides that have a BYO pot-luck dinner, zip for awards, and
whose hand-scribbled maps are comical - I *love* these rides! They are No-Frills.
They are MUCH better than no-ride-at-all.
If we complain about them, we may well end up with no-ride-at-all. On the other
hand, ride managers need to be adult about constructive criticism and "negative"
comments, and not take offense where none is intended.
Most people are generous and considerate. The ones who aren't have a reputation
for being jerks to uphold. In this forum, 99% of us are in the first category
99% of the time.
--Linda Cowles
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