Re: Cut Off times

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Thanks for your input on cut-off times and the articulate discussion.

You state the tradional thinking of ride managers very well. However,
the fact-of-the-matter is AERC rules currently in place do not recognize
administrative convenience as a basis for cut-off times-- regardless of
the economic justification. The rules do, however, clearly grant riders
a specified amount of time to continue the trail. Were it otherwise,
ride managers would be controlling a riders pace.

The following is a small example of a negative effect on riders. I have
a wonderful horse that is very capable of a four-hour 50. A few years
ago, I chose to sponsor my daughter and her pony on a 25 mile LD ride.
Although present at the start of the 50, I chose to wait at camp one
hour for the start of the LD event. Thereafter, we rode from candy stop
to candy stop (Don't tell my wife the dentist!). Anyway, we finished a
maximum time 25 and I continued on at a much faster pace to complete the
50. Sometimes riders have very good reason to vary their pacing and it
is their right to do so.

I suspect that prior to the Castle Rock protest the issue had never been
tested. If ride managers want the authority to have administrative
cut-offs, then perhaps a draft rule might be submitted to the ride
managers committee for consideration at the next Board meeting.

As you state, this is an economic issue. So, if a draft rule is
proposed, the Board will probably do some sort of cost-benefit analysis
based on the input available. You know, the needs of ride managers
weighed against the needs of riders.

My take on the issue is that it's a matter of contract. Riders choose
to go to certain rides and pay their entry fees. In exchange, ride
managers provide a trail and various services. If ride managers need
cut-offs to move vets and thus reduced overhead, publish the fact in
advance and let the buying public make their own decision. This assumes
that the AERC rules are amended to allow administrative cut-off times.

Ramey

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