tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32369737997545352952024-02-21T06:23:19.534-08:00The Great Horsetrailriders Distance DerbyTammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-84809163342652541782013-01-28T17:07:00.001-08:002013-01-28T17:09:52.783-08:00Distance Derby 2012 Party!<p> </p> <p>It wasn’t the Oscars or the Emmys. It was much more important. It was a tribute to the 2012 <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> riders; winners and finishers. For those who couldn’t be there, here was our little presentation. (Special thanks to Kathy of Team 50/Zuni for the pictures). </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TC936c5ZEZY/UQcfcT0QOYI/AAAAAAAALes/Bjy7mYUJTbI/s1600-h/a%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="a" border="0" alt="a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L_roWNPtehYudqxBHVeGMCkQDHk8AwoHF8y5mSSkn2jiNBzgXFBX-qtgfgxiedRNsEqgYEwsP3I3R9mTJlxnpSp3h9FeWiSMLMeWyE7dwj9GouxMKD3bbbk89NCtmueyrmgWXMG8vjpU/?imgmax=800" width="530" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The Great Horsetrailriders Distance Derby was the brainchild of Christine (#15) and me (#1) when we found a similar race online and were too late to submit our entry. We decided we could do it ourselves and hoped to get a few people to join us. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtuGyFGtBipOmdhMqWdJ6eV88Fc6YO4iEYHGUzvHeViDiggO5rIvl8Tp5sgFpgmqMKABDJCxVJ5EeUTx3RjHy58sb6AyJ-CCFe8LVNZJ75JquMK2nmcqP7gNIQvprCqRsvGpT5zwj9kAf/s1600-h/b%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="b" border="0" alt="b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqseaB8aOPDsObiRrLBZLm_lQEwmI1N4tHRZjRsGbEFlx_IybhCoOQTxBwQIDMxgONpGfGXEh41jsga9DYMHb8Ma4erLzw8vUiSku9rTtlWDXpkA7Uqgm5i1i-yt8H2Q8xnGhWvhGq6xD/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="385"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We got more than a few. By the end of January, we had seventy-four entries from 16 states. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ7efUlfLCIcnG92f_b_WRqio4LK4V7JWqda9vPNXVyXQUWayFr6hZs0uDKCVcrqqkC80p5YCbkvs7mCNNpQ8HvHN5vzEFolI48SGstFvguqOsYo4jhReki77ohZsrhJPEF1JlpnaBdia/s1600-h/c%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="c" border="0" alt="c" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LHJStCtFwpA/UQcffeCBfOI/AAAAAAAALfU/dnudQU8W2yQ/c_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="541" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The majority of riders were from Nebraska, friends and followers of <a href="http://www.horsetrailriders.com/">Horsetrailriders.com</a>. Not surprisingly, Iowa and Missouri also had a good showing. A handful of riders signed up and we never heard from them again. Others dropped out early while others stopped recording miles months before the contest ended. If a rider submitted miles in the last quarter of 2012, they “completed” the race. Forty-four riders of just over 59% completed the Derby.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZWuRkBF34AN83jKoyNPuVlYl6ZMIHmLywfLy35BdhhStm6I6Gv0BPu4C3yebgI5EjUfR57XcuqlEpOo8We2e9ylds0het4IoTJWMpXoUO9bnuLM0gpiDSvEjsxpSTLIQrZEt7NjZ71mq/s1600-h/d%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="d" border="0" alt="d" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DygMm1or6hA/UQcfhBk9p0I/AAAAAAAALfk/vp8SV1WW6DI/d_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="382"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Terri of Team MacKeogh coined the phrase “Indian Winter” which described what those of us in the midwest was experiencing early last year. While the game was new and riders were excited to log those first miles, we were also experiencing above average temperatures; even in the 70’s occasionally. </p> <p> </p> <p>The most miles were logged in April; the fewest in December. Not because of the cold, but I think because the group, as a whole, was just plain tired of riding! </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OJD_VqngnwI/UQcfhoseWLI/AAAAAAAALfs/nE-aTqO5dU4/s1600-h/e%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="e" border="0" alt="e" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UXUxG_tbTb8/UQcfiR5EwsI/AAAAAAAALf0/wwUQXalAYJw/e_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="400"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>When dividing the group up by 100 miles, it was pretty evenly dispersed. Some were obviously in it for the race (the 2,000 milers) while crossing the 1,000 mile marker was just as important to others. Coincidently, most of those 1,000 mile riders also fell in the top 10. I truly believe most of the riders started not knowing how much they really ride and as a result of the Derby, perhaps rode a little farther than they would have in prior years. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVCnFGEmoc7D19lINTAcsivude2_RO7HIV-YHuvyBIBGoE4tJMCFt_Q69WNNOfk0rYlYbn-wrBROL_ceoZcg36u4DsX2U4dPEdIKagpgbaHNOIE8zM_AZ93VZhhHrkgexIR9pBaUikgij/s1600-h/f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="f" border="0" alt="f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4cYlPVT_pZKJK0mp0dopdW_E1JTa8bcgff6qZbSKumm5Nl7j7ynDgb8o-UWkPICC0y1YufWSMxSe1u03DMMVdQrfNrRK7RQuUz5rQ5X61uIGzY_MNtqqKjl05SvYQu5JtbX3BmbuxsHe/?imgmax=800" width="538" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>There were some very close numbers as shown above. Had we known Jamie (#67) was only .06 miles from Alice (#46), we would have encouraged her to get out there on New Year’s Eve and ride! When you look at those in 3rd to 8th place, only 125 miles separated them. And the winner won by only 50 miles. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uAGF6_XQR5TjmKLDr58Js8D9Yqnvqpfa1V0vJRvsPu2n9Do8uX4FPiNl9GvnYhuwUqsrfKbcmnvDMAmL9EHuCNIwdpBnJQT7veGTwj3R_vf4_D-EjJ5vQg6KLVKXGCmDmiF_PX0eouVC/s1600-h/g%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="g" border="0" alt="g" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-OK0hO7ch1etY8L7-IXzHo6A5hw9GNrZkQofacSD0ROEr-nVr7fcMarIflEkcuLxLZunuZE5mhwEmoJZEj176Y_CmUNGD-vXeqTwPm89hzpWAGP0s4ZSLbfwt3zXhy29mUHUwfFnGjIg/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="402"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Having the honors of keeping score for this group, I read all the comments. I could do an entire series of blogs on the snippets I took from those posts. But my memory fails me and time is precious. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mrGChyEX11I/UQcflrq_uPI/AAAAAAAALgc/jVgmYp5ofds/s1600-h/h%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="h" border="0" alt="h" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJUvwap-SCJtAEnjtZuiQfwjEfSMHdzjB7PPcaIHif1OBd0tglUxF5FllDpnOTIqzUH22DWZlPuHl5PbeiyI5nss0zbyYIwl4S9XMNTusPl5eDNE0uY8vWnDQ8ghify9d31EkWZYRO1yT/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="396"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>When we started the Derby, we really expected the riders to be distance riders; those who do endurance or competitive trail and that those of pleasure ride, would really have to keep up with the pack. Surprisingly, it was the other way around. Of the 44 completions, only those riders shown above were involved in some sort of distance competition other than the Derby. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fh3Ocj_LghQ/UQcfmro_zBI/AAAAAAAALgs/38grbj7_hV8/s1600-h/i%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="i" border="0" alt="i" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Re2Olylb2Mg/UQcfnOc_ZoI/AAAAAAAALg0/206wBz0U6uM/i_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="401"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>When I listed the above mules and horses, I was pretty sure I had missed one. I thought there were fifteen on this particular team and yes, I did. The name escapes me today. But isn’t it fascinating that one rider could consistently put miles on all her equine? </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QvIbluzHc_8/UQcfn8v-NMI/AAAAAAAALg8/98h0dhyfYNY/s1600-h/j%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="j" border="0" alt="j" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gK0SZ8U9vyd2Q_d0ygMCw7dO8iG1kbIZBoU36dbHxU4rPiv3eCr0fcKe1CTCrB-mdroyFBAQl5Yp1_1-BangzHS4jCbPlC_osaZDm3cFcWRiQslqbHV60mIv4rcEMMS_NqfxMPz0I4oY/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="400"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">That was Leigh Ann’s team: The Half-Assed. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vneBnDLr7kk/UQcfpvWOyLI/AAAAAAAALhM/authXY5xQ1E/s1600-h/k%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="k" border="0" alt="k" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLuL4kXKzOXfPYiPrdHXLikDDd9LM-tm4Rgxtz8MAhZSTnaviiMfVouucfTdIYZImfpKI9qfYinCFxCntbFzf0w2isVD3nVCWEMMh40zsENWfb9HIPAgXKaljjHp44kvb7QqUCH5IQNc2/?imgmax=800" width="541" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Many of us ride together on occasion; others quite often. It seemed like no matter where we were, we would count heads and ask “How many Derby girls are here?” Yes, there were a few token men, but most often, it was just us girls. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Qhqy9z6sbA4fOS2uZXDzfL3r40xw5yI122NrMini5znGudP_sBGzpjuuf787HbiHRvW9C4KV3DETH4rq6OwXXXmcZcYAVdwOv05fSNzkVAqXHw_kfSi_LqEJUI3PQK7aLvF8qCjguHBq/s1600-h/l%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="l" border="0" alt="l" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I_y5m8hizgM/UQcfrHRSitI/AAAAAAAALhk/Gx61vLcWTfQ/l_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="400"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Our first and second place riders met through the Derby and both living in Iowa, put on many miles together. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz9Lq210m4pqLxhNlU56giS7ZdVl4gJxWDfgJcPnVIHFcAg0pSpuWpFe39CXVjcJ3HMNjcG_A-bBOn4UukPrV3gdtQaCvVbUWjso3pn7smnhlUCQrnyOXFlI1-43GaAdTBn-vB18X_2xA/s1600-h/m%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="m" border="0" alt="m" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3nIVbUjV0O1bBU4zYqJ6U90sH4DdoUY1qhH_ddk6ycrZsrtIgMomNbN_odX9fyNIGFvyvNAloc4bwyXHpETGzaMgoWldLg7ACCLHlT5LHXlL3W7R0jthIUN15GUiYTyVcqGt4YdWdzXX/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="396"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Although MeMe of Team 68 fell just out of the top 10, her claim to fame was recording the first 2013 miles just after midnight. She and Juanita had just completed their 2012 ride on New Year’s Eve. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nPKJmjXB6hw/UQcftMIkyPI/AAAAAAAALh8/qsgMIj7uWko/s1600-h/n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="n" border="0" alt="n" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNllGSEXUs_gQDJSJeZl_YEkIYAuzP2aPq2aG8xUck3E2jpd0n2aERmV-jhnn9eSVLOatVOpgwRj9Gx-w56gdLJUygUUk27Aivopf8IxVLT06QKt9n1Jbck_bN7G0tTDLFUNmzMBmqZon4/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="391"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Mileage awards were presented to those in attendance. Kathy captured the following pictures. I am sorry we did not get everyone in attendance; I was nervous and didn’t think to pose for the camera until later in the presentation. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKGzuH5v0e8o6mjQ8BGs5raRmTgzqPI-jJrQ97A1yC7B4K4rBmlVp52UP_YLIUTlFxEk7RLAO1audIo_yDVtwgrx2AV7FAgaxq-pPMoP40mxaR5cURsLBngcdCUqw0do-LVkU81paDoSK/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520035%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 035" border="0" alt="Derby Party 035" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZlnfvNcRGborrDOLGhSc5poYHpoQUtaN3ohvgV7KcdpLzc8nrdUB2jOH3QsPInSOclQFWwLorXg-k2FAjiStQe7fyZKJ_O1YBKifUu-bShrNYdkNiBdSc-krKslMNDNgq5RrBTjRDTg1/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Cindy Nelson 307.7 miles</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAenNCTy4u843uayH8D_iZIGY7HD3Zadg39YOmz50AAt1w6qiR6cXUk4UfYYwNUiW1b7UESDcNvyCxsphGmyIPOOjzUnfK4pLwfgCvsXiY2ijQLp8xeBk83-bhyNKwangZTHjv3MrX29WV/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520036%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 036" border="0" alt="Derby Party 036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-spAToDWLFw8/UQcgkfn9AvI/AAAAAAAALio/yIymT4dfr_8/Derby%252520Party%252520036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Shari Parys 684.20 miles</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfaLcWJLYDsrjWMbdOf2aSysj-3e0JF7x6-dtCNTW0-eTwQuf28pL7ps8AxzrnOClfe2txtohvCr3NCQvtCYn7g3Mcrq9iZoSNy8yllTnnreWPm0iTq4WigxurNJ_psH8NQLqLdKFjze0/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520038%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 038" border="0" alt="Derby Party 038" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiN-HJ9Sdoy2j8w-DyAH8OwTUxSfZM7S5heoIL9q4GIi8B7CZZ7uQ3-k1gxQ9S7-ljWkle7gz4frykAl92GDbHSp6EcL6RNYtxTHTW6LNKE0umpT4BHAFSmPoqEAqhc_aHEC5qLHOwuQc/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Tammy Musil 705.18 miles </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCIZIebdnYeQrDaR9N8rDAtf015Zg-MHO79MXD28wYMV9apdpUun5bxBf60SKbv82YtJ8FbduTKzqDGswJoLYJAGJ5ZsjoEMX8aP1pK_Ldp71Syc5lkcwOSyX7pSuxlNvQ096RRLuKG_G/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520039%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 039" border="0" alt="Derby Party 039" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VCImUd5lxGW2mx_yDMeEhVwK_9Z_kjPlh293YgB0q0gGmJLGUiUI3MnVXp2j21OCA8RuJTq-eSDAd6CebyTWXar1c1GE1JxFX1pu8D9k7R2V0xzgFrzKCRV2NLt5Pw8XhFxUZyKqL8_1/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Terri MacKeogh 836.02 miles</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE_dH6R1wyMSn5hs2GCm49x4fioByrxzpwxA2Bey8CztBUHAZkYmvpl4RE4NXzhTM1TN7RYOW4JqV-s8Ds1mtBCwiq18Yve0bCplCfDLyxfvNQVTZlRdyvFRdviQ4nV_7L3lH9j9973so/s1600-h/o%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="o" border="0" alt="o" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmQ3Nx_4sbcOHdmyJZzOY0k3TAl6vjv4OEOJQOBsBFTFgtxbgFnsAXhyGvIj33EHm5SVQmQYmhjjaBT2-BQHNEEzygu6uSUldzlyPAYTt3ILU23YFIEa0RvYca5JB-hPhifxiBPt1MHg9/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="385"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-agSg1pxyZ-c/UQcgqYDxndI/AAAAAAAALjc/-2am0jpjfTQ/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520040%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 040" border="0" alt="Derby Party 040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEQGXvXGZDHRQO6g_Ob3Qm5U5WUWBw_ANkRgZWmpvsVLW6m78ivwUEDFC6QGjY9jK8fAE1GIuoAF3hmZFXN0Ku9cZTwZTvsOoiIlKCHKYcYrGQyQV8oRcifjsNxVxJbyQljEaqB6a594k/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Jess Vallery 1071.73 miles </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGW-H_aYOsG7W-nMLisogtXhR2QFYXsMcoHfY8i2qXG2SmciJhn9lQSuHfxzGgRBLwEL_kQSxrzyLpQfDqVMv1ZFby2AuMSdrSrxJL2NizoQxXM25fQ1R7WYYVUdf0YRrsylH0KmWDukG/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520041%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 041" border="0" alt="Derby Party 041" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE_c7G5KlTT9BBumYBz7jg2veQrPhpO_aea6IMiBwy9z2-VLGIuctyh9mfvJvs5QRglDE_2fN0JRR5e3e4q3YufR6misImVxM5lHzPQHwQ1J_k0Pu9RaFPNJfi3hHD2uxHtsDtPNk3xoG/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Tammy Vasa 1235.80 miles </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT1R51YseJwwfs1OSbMSSyn1Fx0_7eM-SO3lsP2IXOUdVo1m6nqzdydJA9gXMkehgOG8lI_BoMjhZ6RQcilvcutrCyg_eFzHelPg6m0fW8slnBCMyWfcFe4LZMMz8oGwe4cJvf6R13N1V/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520042%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 042" border="0" alt="Derby Party 042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYxgOZ-DZo3h2w5oEkEGHun126ZS6sIpRHumt-eaYqY9PmY5_cF6RBjupnQP1mGdpWCKqcV_TCMbXKkE4wQW2srUGLQb64HzK96vLOqSsOddIdUmABR3hQCw8yqc5vvSj0qhko-2FcBFz/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Heather Howells 1287.59</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7RCFV_Qlh8G4lrfiexNBKjNqtx6qOWxem7JmxOXmp1EiBngrNDb6pIGcvV7zdFY2meaZMuy0FXOQ2SbVg81pBnFZn8Umw7ZWrn5rwUHRk-_2X1yXKM05sG7NgzIbCo5H9ZO8DY2GBmK8/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520043%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 043" border="0" alt="Derby Party 043" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MtvvMp2aiJg/UQcgwASR5CI/AAAAAAAALkU/WQS5_cZKbkg/Derby%252520Party%252520043_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Leigh Ann Freeman 1301.88 miles</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEUt0rCzaOYM28hBcbsovIpxintRA5Ipme-WSf3aoWjEMICqobl_dCCy0mAMPIQQZEB0SyrQwYXbmGsPsykHOGrv6PH8eHySz2nV86KTWVs1TbGjx9BGRNkBlQJInYaUKclG3311hxcV2/s1600-h/p%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="p" border="0" alt="p" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0Lwx1YLzRcKTsPsmlH6Lpnp38lqkC-GYuYtF-U1-geDaXh-5aa0xV57NvyncSpmcux8C7Pup8BuQJo1IvXbE7PlVbWbQtMymNchNmVzsm0LDo-HX427ij3jGoNdfkmNZPAl2JfwYzlsb/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="407"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Right from the start, it was obvious there were two riders out for the win. Christine started out in the lead and at each months’ end, it belonged to either of the riders. No one really knew how the race would end until it was over. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y1wgflF2X20/UQcgyQ5135I/AAAAAAAALks/DraIJqU7BHA/s1600-h/q%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="q" border="0" alt="q" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bJHd3kWAprtNM-UWc34kSEDObRpUA0uF0d6zdOVYqj9l3NDU5iPBLG4ohwqMZfYdX8cOtItfxmNbPymJmYSMfaIs0Z7tghIiGb9TEiQZwWFiAqu8DDlHsv7gYrmb-st1eQt3XDVg7bGL/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="401"></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">This is a good illustration of who rode the most miles each month. We were all a bit perplexed to see October and November have such bazaar results; perhaps those two months changed the pace of the game. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPPJnJ3NhYKhW7IE43IQ73Tc9t-nqm9eDiEwHdtfsmQd4JNogD1SPEYWVYW_ZhKaHHWw47lWef8p5jNrzSAeJF_LDPaZMhUow6QML80hmiGcC1R8kHDxgLr1XB1sjcHK_9MFZ723PwiiC/s1600-h/r%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="r" border="0" alt="r" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFEIg5JkRDAuaeImfhPbUzVjsZgqU4am45-0RPhAHq6TH-PEmzKBEdCXs26i7VzqvPNKMrgIz88cPkJZ4VCanl6wSPdKL5Ta0Y9RE4LeUAf7AgeERxWrPFlIwNMkHbeULyERbJNHwG0-d/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="393"></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">The last week in December, Christine of Team Purple donned her winter wear and hit the roads logging close to a hundred miles and giving her the highest month total. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WXvGxcbp-dw/UQcg1CUhJFI/AAAAAAAALlM/XchhC8FdkjM/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520044%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 044" border="0" alt="Derby Party 044" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1prBRq3td5KNrV0P06DvTJqZRjjhr6ssNtmnOffx3IlLomrTgJbe1Jpz_8ek17InzkXhZc49EiubG601ZoapbN9-fLCp-rL0XgzBpr5ZetDVCxHZbjiFPcqOKHBxrjnJnNqHJnQSCbCk4/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Christine rode 2110.40 miles earning her second place in the Distance Derby</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n47Xfwu_Llg/UQcg2vz_8ZI/AAAAAAAALlc/URj_KTjlXqE/s1600-h/s%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="s" border="0" alt="s" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KX28kjImMLU/UQcg3Yud2BI/AAAAAAAALlk/B0GQ0lQjyqw/s_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="393"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">Admittedly, Juanita said her husband, Ray, pushed her those last few weeks. “Ride your own ride,” he told her. Get out there and do it. And she did. She logged close to 100 miles between Christmas and New Year’s, unsaddling for the last time in 2012 just before midnight on New Year’s Eve, securing her first place victory by 50 miles. </p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1dPxvf_vtglV3BsmYC_MO2Zye4dfBVzeiAibSAXbUvBrDY9hSHCwfARu0tXH6CubfR5xBRnT17CPCAUp5fQI_I64FPa9bn16wQ0GRtibH7ucdx20dAmGB5zk7UgRdmfo2co1YDH5gI7p/s1600-h/Derby%252520Party%252520046%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Derby Party 046" border="0" alt="Derby Party 046" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pHpQBw3O5PA/UQcg4-wg_9I/AAAAAAAALl0/3ho2HjVL5FM/Derby%252520Party%252520046_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="362"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Juanita Serafini rode 2160.42 miles in the 2012 Great Horsetrailriders Distance Derby and won first place in the competition. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGmkT71cfW4Idj3yBGMCSRasnWmUsO2M_6guCb3grPsQfM91CCFqGwtsSKrgSybE9b5Um1pDwNdioEYvyS1bWQjyxstTHcnxdbDP0uaMEAhkItT4l2yWQauVhhU2MW4WMEtU_Ym_PwfxD/s1600-h/t%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="t" border="0" alt="t" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EcCQstZZ4NNIkOdmdskiMocL5w8zseWWpdkFnTpTpu58B6osJqrKDyUpAc4HGHHLSzqmo1yf6NgSYLo1ReWOkNK8uCBp_TGxAaHtedoRdJBfp7s10hsFPsbjQ7jKR47EfvgTNGQCSyTz/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="403"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>It was a great opportunity to host the first Distance Derby and to meet all the riders, albeit it some only virtually. I am honored to be associated with such a fine group of horseman. Your integrity and sportsmanship is highly recognized and the friendships made along the way, were just a bonus. </p> <p> </p> <p>Congrats to all the riders. </p> <p> </p> <p>The <a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">Distance Derby 2013</a> is underway! Be sure and check it out!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-71218080724520371772013-01-06T12:10:00.002-08:002013-01-06T12:13:41.527-08:00Distance Derby 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOR_nxM7t2NwqU639sAP6_pNQMwyqCnJI3BFUW0YOUcmOCLJvxFD4KNceHAsG5sya5yqZ-ZeFO3MtG22ePAdbmHC5KXjBLZaa_KQAJgfyFNBF8ycBiMtOPTe7HvVE5cEl6KoDg0VNRLvb/s1600/ROAD_JOHN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOR_nxM7t2NwqU639sAP6_pNQMwyqCnJI3BFUW0YOUcmOCLJvxFD4KNceHAsG5sya5yqZ-ZeFO3MtG22ePAdbmHC5KXjBLZaa_KQAJgfyFNBF8ycBiMtOPTe7HvVE5cEl6KoDg0VNRLvb/s400/ROAD_JOHN.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Leader Board has been posted and the 2012 Distance Derby is now complete. It has a fun year "riding" with all of you and I hope that you have met and/or exceeded your goals. At the very least, have a nicely conditioned horse in your barn. <br />
<br />
<br />
The Derby pushed me faster and farther than I normally ride and it shows for me and my horse. I have all of you to thank. It wouldn't have been near as fun without you.<br />
<br />
<br />
I look forward to more rides in Distance Derby 2013 and hope to meet you on the trail. <br />
<br />
<br />
Congrats to all the finishers. Happy Trails.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reminder: <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The Distance Derby '12 Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday, January 27 at Chance Ridge in Elkhorn at 4:00 PM. Pot Luck; bring your own table service and a dish to share. The address is 508 N Skyline Road in Elkhorn. Easy to find; simply exit Skyline Road from Dodge Street. </span></span><br />
<br />Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-63154201090822945732013-01-01T19:47:00.001-08:002013-01-01T19:47:59.980-08:00And the Winner is…..<p> </p> <p>If you have been following the Distance Derby Leader Board, most of us were left in the dust early in January by Christine of Team 15 Purple and Juanita Team 41. Who rides 200 miles in January anyway? Well, these two women do and did. And it has been fun to see their progress through the year. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PqHc7T7wbZ8/UOOt5iqJzrI/AAAAAAAALTo/Q0OAmg7tVW4/s1600-h/firstsecond%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="firstsecond" border="0" alt="firstsecond" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CIRLuJv8eRQ/UOOt6Ph9O2I/AAAAAAAALTw/3UeQYn1C3Rg/firstsecond_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="342"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Both women, Juanita and Christine are from Iowa and both have husbands who supported their craziness. They became riding buddies when they could and it has been fun watching them exchange not only smack but encouragement along the way. I think I said many times it could go either way and up until the last miles came in, I wasn’t betting on a winner. Looking at the monthly stats, you can see why. Its especially cool to see that they both pushed it the extreme this last month; really down to the last week and the last few days. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7w_A4kWb__l3jRHvUIInsfH_NrHTtQfDGdcLymwpFMP4e48HdWhmWy-RF7eiSejxmKpSw6RxwZNpZHClOu_hdoxo8YS4D1LJOV-Z3bLS9p3bP4_zGEQZFU5k5Ehek1clUEMPx0vkrb_n0/s1600-h/juanita%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="juanita" border="0" alt="Juanita" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D1FA7mZ6Pwo/UOOt7xSRkBI/AAAAAAAALUA/xAM3S5s2XXA/juanita_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="402"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The winner of the 2012 <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> goes to Juanita, Team 41 with an impressive 2,160.42 miles. Congratulations, Juanita. You ran a good, fun race as well as providing encouragement and support to your fellow Derby riders. I admire your dedication and ambition and want to be you when I grown up. Hats off to you!</p> <p> </p> <p>Second place goes to <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/2011/12/team-15-team-purple.html" target="_blank">Christine of Team 15</a>, logging 2,110.40 miles. It could have easily gone the other way. The camaraderie and friendships you and Juanita have shared along the way, I am sure has been a bonus through this all. You ran a good race. Congrats to you, Christine, and thank you for supporting the Derby and the contestants. </p> <p> </p> <p>Third place goes to <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/2011/12/team-14-team-messick.html" target="_blank">Brenda Messick of Team #14</a> who logged 1,351.07 miles, mostly on her good quarter horse, Shaggy. Brenda has since taken on a new challenge, training endurance horses and we will most likely see her on Arabs this coming spring. Congratulations, Brenda.</p> <p> </p> <p>And an ever so close Fourth place goes to <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/2011/12/team-49-kimes.html" target="_blank">Janette Kimes, Team #49</a>. A long time Trail Time participant, Janette now found herself chasing miles instead of hours and really beat the trail. Just a tad over 4 miles shy of claiming that Third place victory. It was <em>that</em> close! Congratulations, Janette. </p> <p> </p> <p>The Leader Board has been updated to reflect those “for sure” wins in green. There are a few placings shown in yellow that are too close to call, pending additional miles which could yet be submitted. </p> <p> </p> <p>I want to thank all the contestants for their participation in our first Distance Derby. Your smiles, enthusiasm, honor and sportsmanship have been evident as you raced <em>and</em> supported your fellow riders, always mindful that the horse or mule comes first. I’m proud of you all. </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-61741379659847165062013-01-01T07:06:00.001-08:002013-01-01T07:13:19.526-08:00The Race is Over<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VlTJDUx8wx4/UOL7Yjc8aKI/AAAAAAAALRk/_n5NR3oP3PI/s1600-h/sheila%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sheila" border="0" alt="Sheila Team 7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H_0tP8HKEeGCKeATOzKDfiVc_6IerSu1syYjhh_YUFu_EuGyq97n16iWmVh9w46sgSgPCOSzWKsVg-3GShVy-Qf9DkSHj0rMQPiLcD0JjHvoZxOSNwI3Bf4JHcnuiD9KaS6LBF8QWXxS/?imgmax=800" width="409" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Officially forty-six of the original seventy-four riders crossed the finish line after the long and much heated twelve-month <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a>. Okay, a slight exaggeration but made for a good opening line. Forty posted rides in November and 33 riders were still out there when winter hit in December – well, for some of us anyway! It gave California gal, Sheila of Team 7, an opportunity to hop, skip and jump passed a few riders!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_-uvAkBwMcR4suHZFzUJWnUTifGzHs4r4bwKuP3yZN16aL252ygffU3Ldji0cRzaQWXzJhADHUAspzcAU8Nn4f9tOhT4DIVQDofxZlDiSVNQkRfU3ZyZXVBAvhs59sE4caTJRrGcnEDS/s1600-h/meme%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="meme" border="0" alt="MeMe Team 68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1alO4T1zMRVAxqHCaXtV_RUaNxwd3WnJSOJmh6iIKg57GUnPRyE6Cur8cgwJjLZ19Ucv4C0AfDUIZjBIbRgK9Il7EyMgmFOXR7hSwB2MGdHh1s9WFTlwlTjpwATu8gWxuK2MupO2DFNC0/?imgmax=800" width="339" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>To date, the last ride was posted by MeMe of Team 68 as she logged her final 2012 miles at the stroke of midnight and rode across into 2013, putting on the first rides of this year in the <a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">Distance Derby 2013</a>. I have to give it to those Iowa women – they tackled some tough conditions these last few weeks!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMSpdRGD5HNEOJEvvOpzxa22IWgrwSdvSClN7jfIzb2N6Zu62zEOh2leQv6XvhW2tlBH8sqsGNSCLsYPylSZxJkEe2iqgoLVwNK7MHEBH6X9Yd4VyiAt6UDT4SekpaTITawcg0HzVsX6Z/s1600-h/juanita%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="juanita" border="0" alt="juanita" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu2RM91OZz5EI6EI2haqgl2OgnT1pAyKZYtsBuGqjui045ymH3Y76DvoNALNo-1ZkrWJ7bpvHJWEvIVbQETndLuwyRIheKTvAviGtfYE4QJBKg5xmSklJYC7SNi1DCptBnYRh9O9yAJTV/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="405"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The early winner looks to be the self-proclaimed Crazy Woman from Iowa, our own Juanita, Team 41 logging about 140 miles this week. Riders have 7 days to turn in their miles from the last ride. Christine #15 and Juanita have traded leads all year. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6O2fdzGNUu3c_aeLZQaaqAMvRnJCWLGuqBPjwwax01hezztbcCbvRznAu1YktQ-dI4hjplp-MVOWrA3dDq5ze8a0QjzNAxgvymUN_cA3HogUl0EgJ7ZpiiJS5AzBxtlhJksK_qh-gs40n/s1600-h/chr%252520s%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="chr s" border="0" alt="Christine #15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_ZrdGW8CwTTPRtALIj8QVKPohZ1p0HAtqSzCEyrpBgeEGDO2_4ZpN_rYPVfYaLjJ0P9FB-fz5kwBlTuqNJT4_PNDmL259H4yesOkBvRr8Fsn0qp_-RTG5GwikEpxe_PA0qZwFu639IQ6/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="383"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Did Christine hold back any miles from this last week to steal the victory? It’s a waiting game that could change daily. </p> <p> </p> <p>Congrats to all the riders who crossed the finish line. You played the game and rode your own race. And that’s what it was all about. Give your horse (or mule) a little extra loving today for taking you this far. </p> <p> </p> <p>If your miles are complete, please go to your page and put a comment that no further miles will be submitted and that your ride is done. That may help us determine the winner a little quicker. :) </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-46811723465503038822012-12-31T20:35:00.000-08:002012-12-31T20:35:15.057-08:00Going Stealth<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>(Just poking fun here… beginning a few days ago)</em><br />
<br />
<strong><u>THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27</u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
It’s killin’ me to go dashing through the snow and not Facebook about it. Actually, its killing me to go dashing through the snow <em>at all</em> in this cold COLD weather. And its all because of Grabb’n Leather (Team 45). He just chaps my hide and almost literally! Did I mention how cold it is?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FPtRpnXBCpo/UNzS_adLTMI/AAAAAAAALJ4/FPBIh1jfEBY/s1600-h/final%252520stretch%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="final stretch" border="0" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbh4I_2cZncF_y2v9evcBwmmtk2u-h8gMbZhGwm-luYEQlysIFfSBlWYO6g627CN3pnKChYZW6mFdxkK_Dlb_u_C-iE6riYmHZkiLqAnbAvFM1Klusl3Lc_nJMMrHaP3FLKSlcgiKPrtI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="final stretch" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I’ve been sitting in 7th place in the Derby for the last month or so – maybe longer… really, <em>who’s counting…..</em> I’m pretty sure I blogged that I would probably finish the Derby in 7th or 8th Place and I think I even mentioned that I was cool with either place – just glad to finish in the Top 10. Cause really, its not like I’m <em>that </em>competitive or anything. And really, there is only a week left and I have a 40 mile lead (40.29 miles<em> to be exact</em>) over the person in 8th Place and it <em>is</em> SUB ZERO cold outside…. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DJWGvabeHpQ/UNzTAbLXqNI/AAAAAAAALKI/E3QB4idfcm8/s1600-h/stretch1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="stretch1" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ABYpe0HkBOQQg_nRtFJjkjotawkI6UGO444GkDpqH08_xoVKyHrOA2vhogPl7KOe3wD6r373zR3EQIAF0gI4gz78ernh678e81kXFuhk-rViYXOwa5XR5srHQYB2Sr4NAU7W5KKBpjOs/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="stretch1" width="527" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
So today as I was filling up my truck, I was skimming email on my iPhone and I see that Mr. 8th Place Tim <em>Leatherman</em> submitted like 25 miles in the last week. Where <em>the heck</em> did that come from. Is <em>he</em> jockeying for 7th Place. Doesn’t he know we have a foot of snow on the ground? <em>My roads are icy!</em> I can’t ride in this crap. <em>WTH?</em> But while standing at the Casey’s gas pump I realized that moment that I <em>wasn’t</em> okay with 8th Place <strong>At.All</strong>! So if I wanted to keep my placing, well, I guess I was going to have to ride my blasted horse in the Arctic! Take <em>that</em> Ol’ Bustin’ Leather!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9yZh_vf7chk6pDVQR6uHKENhyphenhyphenRV1goHo7toeAP4wtIDQf43j-9T2aSI1XlAjhDRr-BaWQ2Ljpe40zES18y6PUxZLC2uU2mOuREEOIlKNAKgXNslNdmHzyOtumQgJa2Q8xiZ9ju-1Z1pP/s1600-h/IMG_6945%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6945" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-eMjck2eVBqtQHTYbnmSA6aRgXfupDwqujPIjOEQnb4R_bGcn9Gb898NiV2juKvd3r2WSw5mgTcOHTD9bKiWD9VNOIZ6_3jtRB5V5IPf-_epE8FP7a9vVQ9g_VYb5vvS_B8a4tRAtOwu/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6945" width="527" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
So I come home and gear up. Quick math says four miles a day till the end of the year and I should be set. I warmed a bag of rice in the microwave (to warm Windy’s bit) while I put on my winter layers and went and fetched my horse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwcA3PtaPgjm0dPGQ3MXr40Yx0sizTdznxLXjFjxGh-6GxeBavoA8rU17EELzLpdSLSwPB-a2qR-keXznY3dNBmHQ5JXh3_eA_E2ONfDb_HIEeytoAAnKD4sMs8p15xeUbtjEqGHS7bdV/s1600-h/IMG_6950%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6950" border="0" height="396" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qirBG1DM6F4/UNzTEr-UALI/AAAAAAAALKw/EtSHFhQ9yv8/IMG_6950_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6950" width="527" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Well, evidently they don’t have the snow in northwestern Missouri like we do or Grabb’n Leather Dude wouldn’t be putting on THAT many miles. I bet he doesn’t have to go through three foot of snow, up hill both ways, to get his miles. And did I mention the wind was never at my back? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1YEtReX3bNsEFu1HIg7YCf1kEdYUQUqrZB7HLwqcWvtXeScH-QZGhbNoCxBiXzfphNRDq5Ty9Baj5TdOna0zkfw-pvJoo_H7gS8a1TIVBtuUqPmv0xmX9t3hPSX0I_uCvA3A43cFwMZa/s1600-h/IMG_6953%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6953" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpzhRJ7Bk19joAjTsM2uIRyr1B96huD_-rah94Q-dYNcGuaPAz7M0DJSIWPkIKycLOs7qC9r09Rub-MD7EVEy27aN4b8XAGf1f63G3on5slyCeoVyLRmvpDL13YTUCzqBNDK03gOwqIad/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6953" width="527" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And then, to add insult to injury, evidently they didn’t test the iPhone in Antarctica because at 2.8 miles, it froze up. Went dead. Kaput! Since I was using the GPS on the iPhone and did not have my Garmin, that was it; I was done for the day. So 1.2 shy that I’ll have to pick up another day. <br />
<br />
<br />
I can only guesstimate what I think Tim will ride this week and try to stay in front of him. It is a race, you know. But in all seriousness – if I end up in 8th Place (big sigh), I can live with it. Tim’ s just giving me a helluva a race to the finish line!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>UPDATE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28</u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<br />
<strong><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNKVT6EA5ySAAUFNw9S-ADYwmYB6lbLHkMUyzcSo1526Jlr06F-V8pzxqT_GpvdeL-k0vdyrK7ptpB7fvqJN-VPS3gkByaSvUK6l8abai9CKIPdo6npNzLiPwqDZXa9fydSTLVDwjB7PB/s1600-h/IMG_69543.png"><img alt="IMG_6954" border="0" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHToJyHJvBlEbyq92M_cUvFXQhsJBVhsf5x9rrR5JvYVaQjzyJjwDDROhO77hIeVffklj_smWZ5A7qWbEXCKGyOzYHR2ePb2RBkEjnf9OWXe9DJGpP34kpPK34Yuwehfl0iURmbkRDjUmA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6954" width="272" /></a></u></strong><br />
<br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Oh, sure</em>. Just when I think its safe to drive to town to get toilet paper, I see a new email come across my iPhone. Yep, he’s been out riding again. Logged another 6.55 miles in is “home land”. I bet he doesn’t have 2 foot of snow on the ground! There are only 11.69 miles separating us. I need to do at least 6.55 today as I am sure he is out there trotting around his “home land” doing the same. Might have to break this up and have two rides today. John said I could just let him win and not worry about it. <em>Huh?</em> <br />
<br />
There is no way I can NOT go to town today. We have four bathrooms! That lone roll of TP will not last that long! <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-smWFRxiSx_0/UOIzJUgmLSI/AAAAAAAALO0/QWjRxEnOI1w/s1600-h/snow2-0059.jpg"><img alt="snow2 005" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJ9mLrmiWom4U2JVDpoCpPc8FgJZwP4Hzgv9gsYT1rsOArosQGSwGRI0gAVrWVSOZQU7IghmRDWD8Yp9562lRtkn7uRwDSyClSRrHIPoiPGYC-P_xvj4jwAAgilZNLyDhmA2Wv_DDEVpa/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="snow2 005" width="527" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>LATER THAT SAME DAY....</u></b><br />
<br />
Well, John went to town for the toilet paper and I saddled up Windy and headed out. The plan was to break it into two rides today; first on Windy and then on Fancy. I was equipped with both the Garmin and my iPhone <em>just in case</em>. I got 3.5 on Windy and 2.73 later on Fancy. I kept checking the email to see if there were any miles posted by Mr. Team 45 and none came in. Either he has gone stealth, too, or he isn’t riding. The race continues. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>UPDATE DECEMBER 29</u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
The sun was shining; there was no wind. But the weatherbug only budged from –1 to 1 degree. WTH? But you know what? Today I didn’t care if I was #7 or #8. I started to fiddle around with doing laundry, spent way too much time on Facebook, helped my son clean out his closet and when I went to the dumpster with a load of garbage, I thought “<em>Why again did I decide not to ride?” </em>By this time, the temp was up to 18 degrees but the sun was shining and it was halfway decent. I happily quit my domestic obligations and went and fetched my best horse. #45 has probably already unsaddled and having his 3rd cup of coffee!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC-ck7IV_6fbpSSIbR_BnSdJypI_0L71ectdpzKDB4U6o8Tyy2N04TIrt3VEhc8560kk2icov0A1if1nvOBkkAGX4phyfVCwi2QYn5vEmpOTkKzkZERWfid0qjAiJUUmfNMP6FFr1fVDc/s1600-h/ride-windy-022a5.jpg"><img alt="ride windy 022a" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BeniOSPYzfc/UOIzMF537KI/AAAAAAAALPM/FBs04MoI5t4/ride-windy-022a_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ride windy 022a" width="527" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
After I rode off, I called Case and asked him to grab my camera and take some pictures from our porch. The above picture is one of his. He didn’t do too bad for never using that particular camera before.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:02bd3ac4-c3c1-47f5-bf87-b7a7eefd3d29" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 448px;">
<div id="9f7c3e1f-1558-4ea5-99b9-9ea2dcafdeb6" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9YIIewYkMY&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('9f7c3e1f-1558-4ea5-99b9-9ea2dcafdeb6'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/L9YIIewYkMY?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/L9YIIewYkMY?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gb4z_YO5XEU/UOIzMhBXQwI/AAAAAAAALPU/cNIEGGyZgq8/video28675937ed3b%25255B43%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
I think Windy is back in work mode as we trudged through the new drifts in the alfalfa field. We trotted along the fence and made a nice figure 8 by the point. We ventured further out into the bean field again at a nice trot. If I were not afraid of the footing, I would have let her go. She was ready and felt good under me. The wind found us about a half hour into our ride and while I was pretty comfortable for the most part, my face hurt. We got a little over 6 miles. If Leatherboy hasn't rode for 2 days, we have a 24 mile lead. But I must assume he is strategizing like me and riding <em>under cover. </em>The race continues. Is it 2013 yet???<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>UPDATE, DECEMBER 31</u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eoRAk5nuSIM/UOIzNv8KnQI/AAAAAAAALPc/hVHOLTeg6FA/s1600-h/ride%252520with%252520john%252520015a%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="297" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zo87mCcT22U/UOIzOT7-6MI/AAAAAAAALPk/FdM1r9wQXm4/ride%252520with%252520john%252520015a_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="542" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Okay, Tim. I am over it. Had I not been out to defend my #7 placing, I would have opted out of riding yesterday and missed what turned out to be a great ride with my husband. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBwzCnZoAfu_d9fAzh1hruhLNVErO9Nz8zO9YmVxHalhvv-I4TwEeGwJy1hUWjTTkf0G_j4SrKOnFuz7PddZUH00ls_CqvMFPJm7mv0y5t31oPloLL2YNZYT_Ac56Ov-GZ9FOYJGyS2Wq/s1600-h/ride%252520with%252520john%252520075a%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclic_wTdXyExPCpqX8LVmRBTl5hrDis6Lud1ejWcLUyYy2ZA507-BvyDLs7iSyQAsQvjDSe-_5aZF5lMV6Udb4g3Y4retPcokH2J26bGZM3XG_RQ3RqhKuqEkvuzMEOReFsRMEg2nhmQ6/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="542" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We so seldom get to ride together and it was worth the snow and wind to go down into the woods which looked a little like a winter wonderland. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fhEz3O1jwq8/UOIzSOFZDfI/AAAAAAAALP8/RRcmg27VL6A/s1600-h/morning%252520ride%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="morning ride" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdWu3tunsKafRUPBX0emxC4NHcLRcj0Slpn4OlcgUz2_8OXeh7dd0IFri29qV0OqXQeX0-gSEoBf63au7iQneQLrvqnWPKn3esC6zEDkgXBbK09mcqZlVxO9945t_rzP03tX387QsCIS6/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="morning ride" width="542" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
So thank you for racing me to the finish line; that being 1,235.80 miles. And if you are a mile ahead or a mile behind, it was great having you virtually by my side and albeit unbeknownst to you, pushing me a bit farther down the trail. <br />
<br />
<br />
It’s been a great race. Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>(But maybe I won't publish this for a few more hours... he still has time to chase a few more miles.... :)</i><br />
<br />
.Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-59729278441265888002012-12-26T06:46:00.001-08:002012-12-26T06:47:41.592-08:00The Final Stretch<p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Our second rider, Team 41 Juanita, has crossed the 2,000 mile marker and is now ahead by a nose. There are only 7 miles separating the first and second rider. I don’t think we will know the winner until the very end. </p> <p> </p> <p>In looking at the Leader Board, there are a lot of riders who are just a few miles away from that next placing. Here in Nebraska, we aren’t being dealt the best weather for playing catch-up at this late date, but if you were so inclined, it could be done. </p> <p> </p> <p>Remember, all mileage must be submitted within 7 days of the ride, so the placings will not be final until January 7. </p> <p> </p> <p>I want to thank you for making this <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> a success. I have had a lot of fun chasing the miles and meeting many of you in person and through cyberspace. I’m looking forward to doing it all over again. To date, we have 68 teams for <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">Distance Derby 2013</a></a>. </p> <p> </p> <p>Don’t forget the Awards Ceremony January 27th at <a href="http://chanceridge.com/" target="_blank">Chance Ridge</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>Happy New Year to you all!</p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-12519478773590505272012-12-20T15:46:00.001-08:002012-12-20T15:48:30.990-08:00The Second Millennium<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghktE_fWZEdBSv14cn1Ge1cXYl5lYF-sEw6IuyZSGc0L1koalUwMx4qlXJ6Cp5zKOvquksuFr4UXXCcDZspYIcZwGcK658QJv25xvWQdIvJUtrpYUe9mHc3xaOnW5OJJWH41Up-qUPFACs/s1600-h/Dec12%252520304%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dec12 304" border="0" alt="Dec12 304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O99gPeQeCEo/UNOjTAUVydI/AAAAAAAAK3Y/EcMtVrO6FJU/Dec12%252520304_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="527" height="396"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>She has gone and done it! Team 15 Purple, Ms, Christine, has crossed the two thousand mile marker. That’s right. TWO THOUSAND miles! That’s a lot of hoof beats. When we started this Derby, I had no idea of the miles that riders could put under their saddles. I knew what <em>I could do</em>, but didn’t really know my competition. </p> <p> </p> <p>I don’t know how much Christine rode before the Derby. A cyber friend, I knew she rode quite a bit but I bet 2,000 miles even surprised her. You done good, girl. Congratulations! </p> <p> </p> <p>This little horse and mule race isn’t over yet. #41 Juanita is beating down the roads again. There are not that many miles separating the two. You both better keep on riding! </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/"><strong>Distance Derby 2013</strong></a><strong> </strong></a></p> <p>There are still 10 Derby 2012 riders who haven’t claimed their number for 2013. I like to keep the numbering system clean so I will start giving away those numbers with the next new entries. You can still join at a later date, but won’t be guaranteed your number. </p> <p>If you decided not to continue in 2013, I hope you enjoyed this past year. It was great riding with you “virtually” and we’ll see you on the trails. </p> <p> </p> <hr> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ka2IvltlHfw/UNOjUrPp4eI/AAAAAAAAK3g/LMK3Ggs2C0I/s1600-h/ddtrophy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ddtrophy" border="0" alt="ddtrophy" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJJfgnLbSxgorT-lNGo0lbzK5R8GZ9zUqsu71XTKM40W-MbBmysNj-FO61S30tV2AcqeIUoWHVowo1dRV9Fs_1yzudUL6cvfv3Qw2c8qbJu7iK8p1V4y3YDRp2Uj_w_4eUAYjRZ8ZsVvw/?imgmax=800" width="179" height="237"></a></p> <p align="center">DISTANCE DERBY AWARDS PARTY</p> <p align="center">The <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> Award Party will be held at <a href="http://chanceridge.com/" target="_blank">Chance Ridge</a> in Elkhorn on Sunday, January 27 at 4:00 PM. It will be a fun opportunity for us to get together and pat each other on the back and celebrate our year long ride. This will be a pot luck event in the heated social hall. Bring your own table service and a dish to share with the other Derby Riders. Event open to all. You are welcome to bring a friend or two. </p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-25831725289017481872012-12-15T18:42:00.001-08:002012-12-15T18:42:44.716-08:00A Change in the Leader Board<p> </p> <p>If you haven’t been watching, we have a new leader. Christine of Team 15 Purple has been a riding fool and has slipped into the lead. At this rate, she will be our first rider to hit the 2,000 mile marker! That is a lot of butt-in-the-saddle time! Sixteen days of the Derby left – who will win / place / and show?</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>Mile Markers</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Team 15 Purple has crossed 1,900 miles and heading for the big 2-0-0-0</li> <li>Alice of Team 46 has crossed 200 miles. </li></ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Distance Derby 2013</u></a></strong></p> <p>Next year’s Derby has 56 teams entered to date. There are 35 returning riders from DD 2012 and 21 new riders. I see lots of excitement out there on Facebook. If you haven’t entered yet and plan to, please let me know. I’d like to get all the bookkeeping done so that Diane can get ready for her new role. </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-26523842496450646522012-12-09T19:32:00.001-08:002012-12-09T19:37:00.446-08:00The Weather Outside is Frightful!<p> </p> <p>My weatherbug says 15 degrees and I know the wind chill is below zero because I was out there opening gates and keeping the herd at bay while John put in a new round bale. Definitely coverall weather and the kind where you put your cheek up next to your horse’s neck to warm it up. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LiI_KPKXe-nw8b3XHyduzaeb-t16tPpLukJ6DGroH2ZNZkrA3OW2W1G-sISwpdRib7EbOyxybB7dQqUrusJ6WFro0qUVVrOc4CbPXGsBpufzS3MLDufm_9Rs8kW5rmeWLE7hukjqDWkf/s1600-h/CS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CS" border="0" alt="CS" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GJsLhYmqjxlH91MWdOZIEUXRijI7D1b6xgABdvQ5gPJgEFtSVPDo2z86cv_ZVAE6U3yNOueA6dfBAcFt7MXnPmTH8LgCZ63B4um0yazAfBLHrsJlUtEI3j4kKXw1TcBdpHHUcEvLI-gW/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="392"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The race is most definitely on between our two top contenders! While Juanita was nursing the flu, that Christine snuck in some rides! Some BIG rides! As I said before, it could be any bodies horse race. Well, at least between the two of them! (The above picture of Christine vaguely resembles the Distance Derby logo.)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>New Mile Markers</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>I managed to squeeze past the 1,200 mile marker which was my goal. The rest is gravy, so to speak. Being the stat freak that I am, I blogged about my rides over on <a href="http://www.horsetrailriders.com/">Horsetrailriders.com</a>. Shannon – since we share the love of spreadsheets, you’ll be especially interested and I hope to see yours on your blog! :)</li> <li>Cheryl of Team #13 passed 800. I think I have mentioned here or on <a href="http://www.horsetrailriders.com/2009/06/horsetales-beginning.html" target="_blank">Horsetales</a> that she has been one of our most consistent Derby riders and it shows. </li> <li>Tammy Musil of Team #22 crossed the 700 mile marker and is not too far behind her husband. With a little encouragement, I think she could pass him up! Let’s plan to ride over the holidays, TM!</li> <li>And Miss Vic of Team #28 Ay-rab is enjoying her Texas weather and also leaving the 700 mile marker in the dust! </li></ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>Distance Derby 2013</u></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>To those of you in the <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/">Distance Derby</a> 2012, you need to let me know if you want in Distance Derby 2013. I think I have captured those who have mentioned it thus far, but you had better check for sure by visiting <a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/</a> and looking for your team.</p> <p>You’ll keep the same team # (easier bookkeeping for us) but are welcome to change your team name, bio and picture. You can do so by sending them to <a href="mailto:DistanceDerby@gmail.com">DistanceDerby@gmail.com</a>. <p> <p>. Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-68359747351795149962012-12-08T06:56:00.001-08:002012-12-08T06:56:02.251-08:00Distance Derby 2013<p> </p> <p>To those of you in the <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> 2012, you need to let me know if you want in Distance Derby 2013. I think I have captured those who have mentioned it thus far, but you had better check for sure by visiting <a title="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/" href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/</a> and looking for your team.</p> <p> </p> <p>You’ll keep the same team # (easier bookkeeping for us) but are welcome to change your team name, bio and picture. You can do so by sending them to <a href="mailto:DistanceDerby@gmail.com">DistanceDerby@gmail.com</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-32583641265848163632012-12-06T19:37:00.001-08:002012-12-06T19:37:40.624-08:00Distance Derby 2013<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrvYW80IFN08SI4mFTf5zk2iHKC0ZPdsYvwXukTzaucDL2rbLdDT-lRJ6KAFLA9qn5g4H-GdREggX0dzTFL2wMnZXvixG6nfKSk95ow4oOKOl67EflK2daXuXGNFMGrSVPjP7TEqSJEmz/s1600-h/ddd2013a%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ddd2013a" border="0" alt="ddd2013a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhon62dFwSHZVqZf6Eq3VAmsYfG2i_bJqS86U9RIoyMk2hB6SvegdwSPkZPH7EiG73MOOrooUy_Ylhj8ipOllWxtLDxACNPqKWYMlsHTE97q6p7wnApLKBAKhAa60Drvje17tIvd9US-Zo/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="98"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>You asked for it? You got it! Thanks to Diane Beckham who has volunteered to administer the <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> this upcoming year, we are now ready to start taking entries for <a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">The Great Horsetrailriders Distance Derby 2013</a>! </p> <p> </p> <p>Entries are open first to current riders. If those currently entered in Distance Derby 2012 wish to ride in the 2013 race, you will keep your same entry number but are welcome to change your team name and update your bio. <a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">Click over to the new site</a> for instructions. Some of you emailed or mentioned on Facebook that you are in so I have started the Team list over there. </p> <p> </p> <p>New entries are welcome. Please click over to <a href="http://distancederby2013.blogspot.com/">The Great Horsetrailriders Distance Derby 2013</a> for a list of rules and instructions for entering. Please have your entries in by the end of the year so we can stop with the bookkeeping and start riding! </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-28581309513069205882012-12-03T16:55:00.001-08:002012-12-03T17:06:52.414-08:00Everything in Threes<p> </p> <p>I am one of those weird people who likes numbers. I noticed peculiarities when they pop up. When I was tallying up miles tonight, the milestones were coming up threes.</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Janette #49 passed 1<strong><font color="#ff0000">3</font></strong>00 miles <li>Corie # 47 hit 91<font color="#ff0000">3</font> miles <li>Cindy #5, Pam #25 and Marvel #70 all exceeded <font color="#ff0000">3</font>00 miles <li>And Dionne of the Misfits passed 400. And before you <em>think</em> she didn’t follow the pattern, she is Team #<font color="#ff0000">3</font>5. </li></ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-axEzfGZUs4I/UL1J34zqfwI/AAAAAAAAKhw/t206SANpUsM/s1600-h/brenda%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="brenda" border="0" alt="brenda" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IGD7jJtep5otFH1G4VcEgxY2iD-YLIQaZnyiDXxGvbkMBxbwU-thtzRkUQ1WbUu9AgeYEFsVpe2HNHB_FoMNTfCB5zmGR_Jy0VRrnO_Fn2pbmbdWv4T_sjuv06zJ0kfjcxrRImastuMH/?imgmax=800" width="477" height="360"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I saw this picture of Brenda (Team #14 who has rode 1,<font color="#ff0000">3</font>45 miles) on <a href="http://www.horsetrailriders.com/2009/06/horsetales-beginning.html" target="_blank">Horsetales</a>. We usually see Brenda on her big bay quarter horse, Shaggy, but today she rode one of her Rushcreek Arabians, Allie. I thought the picture was pretty – the gray horse among the whitecaps of our Branched Oak Lake. Cute, cute mare, Brenda. And a great picture!</p> <p> </p> <p>Note: when entering your miles, the comments section will look a little different. You will enter in the box on the right hand side of the page. I had to make a change because some were exceeding the amount of comments on each page and this format might help them out. (Overachievers, they are! :) </p> <p> </p> <p>It is December <font color="#ff0000">3</font><font color="#000000">. We are no longer measuring months of competition but days. Let’s keep on riding! </font></p> <p><font color="#000000"></font> </p> <p><font color="#000000">Oh, I just noticed one more. There are a total of <font color="#ff0000">3</font>,794 comments on this blog. Not only is there a <font color="#ff0000">3</font>, but <font color="#ff0000">3</font>794 was my phone number growing up. </font></p> <p><font color="#000000"></font> </p> <p><font color="#000000">.</font></p> <p><font color="#000000"></font></p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-33171520182373479032012-11-30T08:32:00.001-08:002012-11-30T08:35:38.142-08:00The Last Stretch to the Gold<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KT3SJFteBtE/ULjfl7FGmhI/AAAAAAAAKdw/OvDPFC7xixk/s1600-h/ddtrophy%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ddtrophy" border="0" alt="ddtrophy" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8k1Ykg0SHpg/ULjfms3itXI/AAAAAAAAKd4/IESY2fyb1ro/ddtrophy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="407"></a></p> <p>It’s the last day of November and only one more month of competition in the Great Horsetrailriders Distance Derby 2012. With just 157 miles separating our leaders, it could still go either way. There is still time for some upset in the Top 10 and its not too late for any of you lingering around the 1,000 mile marker to make it into the virtual Millennium Club. No matter where you land at the end of the year, I hope the Distance Derby encouraged you to get out and ride and that you had fun with GPS technology. </p> <p> </p> <p>We started with 74 teams on January 1st and by the end of that month, there were 2,800 miles on the board. Today, the end of November, there are still 46 teams competing who have logged 28,000 miles. We have gone around the world and then some. </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-80614256179092679892012-11-25T19:52:00.001-08:002012-11-25T20:08:51.592-08:00Turkey Trots<p> </p> <p>It was great to have a long weekend albeit the weather wasn’t all that wonderful. I still managed to get some rides in, joining a few other Derby riders; Corie of #47 Pinky and the Boys and Leigh of #10 Half-Assed at Branched Oak today. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Z132OY60Fg/ULLne3gfgZI/AAAAAAAAKVE/IwoFgin7Oj8/s1600-h/peggy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="peggy" border="0" alt="peggy" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PX8ADRty0MaO-bXrUUuB42oxNEBgn9HG8xKGd54jmdp4DCrPqo0kkrS5_UYcS31EnFWOBN8Q3OeTPCThcIc4ixMcm1RhudmMHpdmHbCfbSW_bIoBAlnkcrdaimSPegM0cJ9JfGhegs1I/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="422"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Saw some great pictures on Facebook. Peggy #60 Montana Spots once again goes all out in costume. Her horse sports LED battery-operated lights duct-taped to the leg wraps or sitting in the saddle bags. The dogs have reflective collars in addition to their lights. “Everyone needs a Dalmatian to go with their Appaloosa!” says Peggy. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2kBeiRuxWd2JQZDhNy0cdM6V-DuzRfAwza9z1d9-uFWXUvQEG7wMWuQslMdj_TJVIwKB4ELHvp3rKne11AqoEGoJsbFp9Yx0X7tr_SsjMsqddSNllG-96IyxN-ohEdsXnQTMfbH_Oe9Z/s1600-h/Christine%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Christine" border="0" alt="Christine" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HFVRjjEWhzg/ULLnhfNCRaI/AAAAAAAAKVc/sMXwUf8ynI8/Christine_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="527" height="523"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I also saw this picture of Christine #15 Team Purple on her good mare, Bling. This picture captured what yesterday looked like in these parts. Gray and windy. But despite the weather, this is a beautiful shot. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>Mile Marker Updates</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Juanita Team 41 hit 1,900 miles <li>#72 Fox Trotter reached 300 miles</li></ul> <p> </p> <p>Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Five full weeks of the Derby yet to go. </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-4651516430257726872012-11-20T18:42:00.001-08:002012-11-20T18:51:45.201-08:00Do You Know Where You’re Going To<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sUd7iUJ6aZk/UKw_p4C4JsI/AAAAAAAAKOM/R1h_qaKCpuY/s1600-h/Photo%252520Nov%25252018%25252C%2525205%25252024%25252028%252520PM%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Photo Nov 18, 5 24 28 PM" border="0" alt="Photo Nov 18, 5 24 28 PM" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhh0U9x2yKgFW87d13kOwTnJFooaX2rS8Z601aILYSNyEtW8O947OztZqhO7i3shhACSrEqCUQl2_5WA8FCx2k4g7sucLmL6D9U8-XCHm0FbnSFkzNB31dhqXjEBaeBctGiFLWkc41K2U/?imgmax=800" width="409" height="409"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Okay, so a rather lengthy title. Do you remember that song? Sung by Diana Ross in the mid-seventies, I’d guess. Associated with some movie that I’ve long since forgot. Why is it important to the <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a>? Just that I thought you should look at where you are right now and where you want to be by the end of the year. Is hitting the next major mile marker achievable? And where would that put you in the placing if you did? </p> <p> </p> <p>As the year progressed, I don’t think it was as much about the race as about personal goals and achievements. When Christine and Juanita shot out of the starting gates like a bullet, I knew I would never catch their miles. But I also kept my eye on the Top 10 and still do hope to finish in that range. And with six weeks to go, it’s still anyone’s race. The time change is now a contributing factor to my lack of rides and I’m not gambling on the weather holding up every weekend until the end of the year. We have been blessed this November. </p> <p> </p> <p>And I have been blessed this entire year. Good horses, good rides, good friends and a fun, fun game. Thanks for playing along.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>New Mile Markers</u></p> <ul> <li>Christine #15 Team Purple now over 1,700 miles</li></ul> <p><strong><font color="#9b00d3"></font></strong> </p> <p><strong><font color="#9b00d3">Please check your miles for accuracy. I credited the wrong person 10 miles and not sure if it was a typo or if those 10 should go to someone else. </font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#9b00d3"></font></strong> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">And don’t forget to vote on the best day if you plan to attend the awards ceremony in January. </font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-84245965286649751472012-11-18T17:54:00.001-08:002012-11-18T17:55:53.028-08:00Thanksgiving<p> </p> <p>The Distance Derby has been quite an event for many of us these past eleven months. It is fun to see notations made about our little race on Facebook and hear about it in conversation. Last week, I invited you to share what the <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> has meant to you. Our leader, Juanita Team #41, shared the following: </p> <p> </p> <p><em>“Thanks to you and Christine for doing this derby; it saved my sanity when my husband was slowly dying. He is not all fixed up but his motor is running better. I was like the lil old lady that goes into a trance at the slot machine; helped me so with the stress to just trot at a fast pace. It helped clear my head so I could function. I got into it at someone else’s suggestion. I'm not really a person that gets into group things. I had lots of folks contact me about FB friends due to this and Christine was one who I have so enjoyed riding with.”</em></p> <p> </p> <p>This was very touching to read and I am so glad it helped Juanita through a very dark time in her life. And we are so glad to see Ray back in the saddle again. Thanks for sharing, Juanita. You have made the Derby so much fun.</p> <p> </p> <p><u><strong>New Mile Markers</strong></u></p> <ul> <li>#14 Messick at 1,300 miles</li> <li>#10 Leigh of Half-Assed at 1,200 miles</li> <li>#2 Chastain at 600 miles</li> <li>#56 Robin of Nore Acres at 300 miles</li> <li>#52 Jenny of Lazy A at 200 miles</li> <li>#33 Brenda of Team Blitz at 200 miles</li></ul> <p>Congrats to all!</p> <p> </p> <p>If you can attend the awards ceremony, please take the poll in the sidebar above indicating what date works the best for you. </p> <p> </p> <p>Happy Thanksgiving.</p> <p> </p> <p>,</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-19703842351001213372012-11-12T17:40:00.001-08:002012-11-12T18:13:02.126-08:00The Distance Derby 2012<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8x0tgJV5do-L0mRfTiBVNP5jHlLnLRHAc5GSOmc8cuJdyaETF65_R0HTl1X9fdhopPkexJtpBsfSj8sqLfJCl7LUngBnMTi72ZzBA5uERy7GFTSkFDiSlQdLN4n-c8QAhxWQTbjs-0fTF/s1600-h/dst%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dst" border="0" alt="dst" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU-_0ki8LyQa8jS5qvxzHmflBHAgpPKWzBEPGONtLB9AOPc0vKxNG5T15PG5Oe568FbzGmeqnHYfzcYvfOfIP7z-mYP0WdJBFaQw1xQUAO9Ki-VwmKV2uAoM9Avgiivg7q5-GlSPnbjM4/?imgmax=800" width="298" height="409"></a></p> <p>We knew it was coming…. the end of Daylight Saving Time. The countdown to December 21 now begins and it has nothing to do with the end of the world. Its when we can look forward to the days getting longer. </p> <p> </p> <p>We’ve got a little less than two months to wrap up this little horse race. Can you believe that as a group we have rode over 27,000 miles? That is just incredible. Whether you are a top finisher or met your own personal goal, I am so proud of you who hung in there for the year. It took dedication – not only to our sport but to the game. I know it can be a pain to always be recording your rides and chasing miles, but it was fun, wasn’t it? </p> <p> </p> <p>I had a blast!</p> <p> </p> <p>Will there be a <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> 2013? I’ll leave that up to Christine (Team Purple #15). She was the co-host of this competition and if she wants to continue it for 2013, I’ll turn the reins over to her. If Christine doesn’t want to sponsor it, perhaps someone else will step up. Please share your thoughts in the comments section with regards to 2013. If there is going to be a DD 2013, its time to start lining it up. </p> <p> </p> <p>With that said, I just want you to know that I enjoyed not only riding in this race, but the weekly updates and commentary. I felt like I got to know each of you, albeit via cyberspace, and it has been a real pleasure. </p> <p> </p> <p>When we started the Distance Derby 2012, I asked you each to submit a bio. Some of you made it short and sweet; others provided a bit more history. To those so inclined, think about what the Derby meant to you this past year and if you want to share it on this blog, I will post it for you; pictures are welcome. It doesn’t have to be today; I’ll just post as they come in between now and the end of the year. <a href="mailto:jtvasa@gmail.com">Just drop me an email.</a> I will also be sending out a brief questionnaire about your rides to put together a brief compilation at the awards ceremony; be looking for that in December.</p> <p> </p> <p>Speaking of awards, be watching the sidebar for a survey on which weekend works best for you if you plan to attend. It will be held at <a href="http://chanceridge.com/" target="_blank">Chance Ridge</a> in Elkhorn; horses optional depending on the weather. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdAc102_MWvYgb6Qf4pZhc5cDkqv1R04L3aGeronHz4XtETexsMi7u4yRNDqAr6IH0QtSHeHiK5JFkadH62k0vIVBk4yCU3EeFd8E-KMTt68duS-IVvFi35bNyJpfvsEh71CfGQyyK9le/s1600-h/no%252520hands%252520bridge%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="no hands bridge" border="0" alt="no hands bridge" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngcfABzvd0K__31z4U05VyhQ8UAWC3RSFmaun8gCuI1mLlwntvjytgtk8jzuzR8Wx7Y1dEeQH7wPRtCPAIHSRGHrT_oGU_XII5TRlWQFKrd_MTxlYcEKo1zskUxXfqxdnexnoNBBNQEMr/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="396"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><u>Notable Mile Markers:</u></p> <ul> <li>Christine of Team#15 Purple is over 1,600 miles <li>Tim of Grab’n Leather #45 crossed 1,100 miles <li>Corie and Pinky & the Boys #47 reach 800 miles <li>Sheila #7 crossed 400 miles on the Tevis Trail in California! How lucky is she? (Picture of the No Hands Bridge above)</li></ul> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-79874364507053468172012-11-04T19:10:00.001-08:002012-11-04T19:10:55.610-08:00More Sky Writing<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VVCOsCBEHfQ/UJcuMOnDp9I/AAAAAAAAJ-U/3S3KMYwKjPk/s1600-h/skywriting%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="skywriting" border="0" alt="skywriting" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60Le7nvNpFUNwbZbYe9LD_tr4W7OlFrfeKaNb9Z3DThb-cy5rhfPTmCEP7Kfn2w4LkiM5OHeRHdHU6-JujeLE93tCcoHMZCYBaHwqWmy_9HN8Muy99TVWxwcw98vET_7jZOLr0bmZhEJ4/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="303"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Shari, Team #55, did a little sky writing this weekend. Very impressive! Click on the picture and see the narrative she shared on Facebook.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tVxI1KZE7_nr7SCgwQlooPt24Axy2DBvMEubHO7lI7ySj_Vkazb_SvXD4EtgE7dGmgpRkEPpA6ueXuWd3f7ccw5WtASKX0WJUowVvPtUdNRrKvC2Rk_nWipGrT6rQiPDeVA9HPngmVFz/s1600-h/IMG_6080%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_6080" border="0" alt="IMG_6080" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T22ZhjtOx6o/UJcuPUYPX2I/AAAAAAAAJ-s/i-N57W9HaHQ/IMG_6080_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="527" height="396"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>We had another gorgeous weekend in the midwest. My husband and I rode with Kathy (Team #50) and her husband, catching miles in both Iowa and Missouri. It was youth hunting season on the Missouri trail. Do you think anyone could see us? Check out the socks on Zuni’s breast collar! </p> <p> </p> <p>Jess Vallery, #3, and her good horse, Cutter, rode into the Millennium Club this weekend. Congrats, Jess! You worked hard for that one!</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Other notables:</u> </p> <ul> <li>I have crossed the 1,100 mile marker</li> <li>Kristy (#27) has passed 500</li></ul> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-88056153701887684642012-10-30T18:48:00.001-07:002012-10-30T18:55:32.986-07:00Sky Art<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzUaENq5sS_Wo3a6sUQsujiyb1Oz4ftGf7EmjOXdbKuE2eEwU7TtK65vWMMDb6ouP9KRY-6hU5IV6CUAuIcT7_RydSQUXwqeZRmD6mM_GT8C2syV7mSJa8PFTR-yzUHrLSJ5m9iKPKp2i/s1600-h/husband%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="husband" border="0" alt="husband" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DmeuktCaStA/UJCEiAqUMxI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/nhjAR9nIQJQ/husband_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Our Derby leader, Juanita, was incommunicado recently while on a horse vacation down in southeastern Missouri. She shared the above picture on Facebook of her husband’s horse taking a little dive in the river. (Poor, Ray! I think the ear in the picture is Juanita’s horse so guess who shot the picture! :) I think she wins the prize for racking up the most distance on one vacation: 161.3 miles! Congrats, Juanita! </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnW4BYDWxKRcz7B8K8bFdKlUsJX3eb1M3Y8D8pEmmokXGNRsFmYpCS2BI-Jo5XI3QaEKfRQ5u-t7xPewM9rv6k7GQc2en8fv4lkExV1ZHXaMOpVNglGWfjKwOL0QUXJWCWYsBcJSnIPNe/s1600-h/sue%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sue" border="0" alt="sue" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Od3EorDg7ZQ/UJCDYNDkZDI/AAAAAAAAJ7I/etSOgpugMos/sue_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Sue of Team #73 has herself a new ride; a pretty bay Tennessee Walker mare named Tini and she is already adding to Sue’s Derby miles. Congrats, Sue! </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lWrxnXGbSHI/UJCDZNJY0qI/AAAAAAAAJ7Q/T8QZuMp-t4I/s1600-h/shari%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="shari" border="0" alt="shari" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmobc8IllBzjfmS3_QSfDK3BN274FAJBBswrM1CJe1_7x3Lhn_Ekvwffe6du1Eu5ulTuu63Auu6usy1gMNuS4HipRbhvvKo-0sUB6iOrdz4cvXolUjzo1CnGzPnQCrYTnfGd-XzaYhyWMV/?imgmax=800" width="503" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Shari (#55) needs to have someone take a picture of her and her good horse, Mika. They just completed the last CTR of the season at Kanopolis this past weekend and Shari took first in Horsemanship and Mika placed 2nd, giving them the CP High Point Combo award. Congrats, Shari! Robin #56 also placed 1st in Horsemanship in her class. Congrats to both Derby riders!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PeYE-ZUvUes/UJCDas8KAjI/AAAAAAAAJ7g/D_tvqzyv4Zc/s1600-h/w6%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="w6" border="0" alt="w6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24-bfnB8HOxHoi36myfaYxLEnPosqMraSQhfFldgVQ0qFBtLJzemHUzv0KH8Kw9Yvq-NfplHTpnOcFa9V7himerYOqbK48B8ttyI1Kq-nzmjim2u_rKtjlOa1pXeJg10O-bx1rSEYMMzh/?imgmax=800" width="542" height="377"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>If you read my “real” blog, <a href="http://horsetrailriders.com" target="_blank">Horsetrailriders.com</a>, you probably know that Windy and I lost our riding buddy this past week, my white German Shepherd, Ritz. He has had a couple seizures over the last few months and it got really bad this past weekend and we had him put to sleep. Although we didn’t take him camping with us, when I rode from home, he was like the old American Express commercial: I couldn’t leave home without him. As a tribute to our pal, Windy and I got creative with the GPS yesterday in memory of such a fine dog. </p> <p> </p> <p>Feel free to share your sky art. Post it on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/horsetrailriders/" target="_blank">Horsetrailriders.com Facebook</a> page. </p> <p> </p> <p>Lots of riders passing new mile markers this time!</p> <ul> <li>#41 Juanita – 1,800 miles</li> <li>#13 Cheryl, #23 Hollie and #21 John M – 700 miles</li> <li>#28 Vic and #55 Shari – 600 miles</li> <li>#60 Peggy – 500 miles</li> <li>#73 Sue – 400 miles</li></ul> <p> </p> <p>Looks like we might have another nice mid-western weekend; highs in the 50’s. I’ll take it!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-31028246693311498702012-10-22T18:22:00.001-07:002012-10-22T18:32:49.953-07:00Octoberfests<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwJCp-wPB7T9ENA6WKm9FdlEvnQHjnk3jjNLKhsLD9cAuj46U71SHY8sWRuq7pCYmMLT5u1VVkaPGEVu5-bzHtd83fqvDC5IOyxCC1BQYW6lrOPJLyUCdhK-jtsggoP93GxPyH2ueLWrz/s1600-h/IMG_5873%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5873" border="0" alt="IMG_5873" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrGD75_SkY2U7aA5P8RLwLD3_we5KByIGPRh0sEtNECu2A59Glig-nqmKl8-qGCiQcCwoZlc8VySCns_9nM656uM3FyRhrQptY0HEZKPvqJ30XUTXYvBW96g2nap3fDp-PZaHSxP7xrpa/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="396"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Its getting to be that time of year where we may have jackets and gloves on or we may be in short sleeve tee shirts. Sunday here in eastern Nebraska was a warm 82 degrees. <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> Rider, Sheila from Team #7, was visiting from California and many of us were able to share the trail with her. The above picture was taken of the Distance Derby riders at Branched Oak Lake. (Left to right: Cindy #5, Tammy & John Musil # 22 & #21, Deb #61, Shari #55, Tammy V #1 and Sheila #7. Not pictured: Carol #57 & Dionne #35).</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98HwsfSiV4O0Z45W9NC_4kkGyy3upylOMGlaR-S2NiTEA8CHqbRU05sGA5sO1NSVMSbqRPDgJIHhKq23czCbxNXbXlYCDYNoHNB_VXJS1RiA48yzNuBQPHmDDNFj4BxMpuYSTiVa2OlF_/s1600-h/581463_4811333605041_1492833894_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="581463_4811333605041_1492833894_n" border="0" alt="581463_4811333605041_1492833894_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QKPTJ1Ii_6c/UIXxXVvx8mI/AAAAAAAAJt0/k--3-Mfh6YA/581463_4811333605041_1492833894_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Other Distance Derby riders enjoyed a Halloween weekend at <a href="http://turkeycreekne.com/" target="_blank">Turkey Creek Ranch</a>. The above picture was taken of Christine #15 on her mare, Brooklyn. Appropriately, Team Purple <em>was</em> the Purple People Eater. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aTyiDnZIU5A/UIXxYZX2ybI/AAAAAAAAJt8/ZuxOe8Zbjn4/s1600-h/jenny%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="jenny" border="0" alt="jenny" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUz6p1IXC1JJSbWZLVQMOh4iMBHGr217yrcTaB1tK-RjQoIKe5Dy37iX3a2dnCCE-jKeiApp2jU_xMD16Pvlbz1qV0Cqt9mpEuv_PQ9j3_QG1Ou0t9YxcfWvVhf2GAwuXQfLJIl0UAlBDx/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="394"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This photo was submitted by Jenny #26 of their ride in Alaska. Jenny said, “Riding horses in Alaska is a challenge this time of year. We bundle up and head out. This ride was from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, 8.44 miles. We rode beside the roads on ATV trails to Burger King in town, then along the main highway for a bit and back on the ATV trails. We crossed the road at one of the major intersections in Wasilla. It was full dark from the midpoint on, good thing three of the riders had on headlamps. I have come to the conclusion that my horse is not a town horse, definitely a trail horse.”</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Notables:</u></p> <ul> <li>#50 Zuni hit 500 miles</li> <li>#12 Bailey made 200 miles</li></ul> <p> </p> <p>Thank you for sharing your pictures and stories of your rides. We have two “hard” months coming up. Ride on!</p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-43003440314342613912012-10-16T18:52:00.001-07:002012-10-16T18:52:06.030-07:00Rockstars<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwrz6Qh3ZSqX8M23O3q4m0Ji4TTY-4Tvsb6CfGT0NuLvHd9_n35EekXpuFuzY3ubisKESNmBsbsmprct4EC-eSTa1zkt9htX3xghli5mHFszGv4E0E5o3IjLA_TO6bDkFIgWuxu5eBwXT/s1600-h/dionne%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dionne" border="0" alt="dionne" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN0BY1LRts-YJM1wDI5OwOM1WChd81JqFd3CAykyeWIGQJP6QeRrHAZ483mXJtxc2DFITwHgaky1YXRAndZQYO5FV7ksNU8rfK8rk_-1dNyqkg6teAac1zyDGMcSpLltRl2WWSEqWjG4F/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="300"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The <a href="http://distancederby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Distance Derby</a> riders are a mixed bag of talent. All good, of course. I don’t know how many of you follow the comments from other Derby riders or their stories on Facebook, but Dionne of Team 35 The Misfits has picked up quite a gig this fall at Living History Days at Nebraska’s famous <a href="http://www.playle.com/pictures/ETEXBILL7257.jpg" target="_blank">Arbor Lodge</a> in Nebraska City. From the comments on her bio:</p> <p> </p> <p><em>“Carriage rides. The team are rockstars!!! Cole jumped a metal grate a couple times, then walked politely over it the rest of the day. They LOVE the attention. Really enjoying the new carriage. Even picked up some Victorian clothing to play the part. I received lots of compliments on the team - they are broke, broke, broke. Park manager said we did very well and he wants us to stay with him forever! Even wants to add us to more of their events. That would be awesome. He was excited that we were black percherons, as that's what J. Sterling Morton had there at the mansion! How cool is that!!!”</em> <p><em></em> <p>When I saw the above picture on Dionne’s Facebook page, I was in awe. She exudes confidence and grace. Dionne, you wear it well. Yes, rockstars! <p> <p>This past weekend, I entered a competitive trail ride at Indian Cave State Park. I was in good company with other Derby riders either entering the competition or volunteering: #2 Shannon, #14 Brenda, #55 Shari, #56 Robin, and #58 Sarah. Unfortunately, the drought ended when the competition began and the hills of Indian Cave were treacherous. The second day of the ride was canceled; I didn’t make it through Day 1. None-the-less, it was good to hang with other Derby riders and we’ll try again next year. <p> <p><strong><u>Notable Mile Markers</u></strong> <ul> <li>#41 Juanita now over 1700 miles</li> <li>#14 Brenda & #49 Janette are at 1210 and 1205 respectively</li> <li>#59 Tammy A crossed 400</li> <li>#57 Carol crossed 300</li></ul> <p> </p> <p>Anyone else dreading the end of Daylight Saving Time?</p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-32288824989733967462012-10-07T19:31:00.001-07:002012-10-07T19:32:38.718-07:00On Eagles Wings<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6DYyhsSWJezm0BhH8iKtjZw39A6xmmncdMcK0KGFPSzKcz-_YPOk3PdunR7BO-T4Qvnsg-BIjxfIEn4ddtCk4c39WImhmsyXIItAba2-qh69BihSuh6FH9kl4KpMjq4azJT3Ri7ZA7bs/s1600-h/2012_9_Eagle_Parade%252520008.docsize%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2012_9_Eagle_Parade 008.docsize" border="0" alt="2012_9_Eagle_Parade 008.docsize" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIfUklxJlQI0aOoeKllPjuUGglTIbSv_AmY7oWPlubdL6JoHqGJXMehHCo5uFY_Kh56ZI31G3dsXICX7w0lA5L5wuJPicfukM00rmRPesmtXXaymsi21yzeMLPEE4A2ZtYYyJNF36JQ6Q/?imgmax=800" width="502" height="402"></a></p> <p align="center">Peggy (Team #60) has got to be one of the most creative riders I (virtually) know. Check out Shadowfax wearing an eagle costume at the Homecoming Parade. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xVAM1D567io/UHI63HhFG2I/AAAAAAAAJbs/CEcwH5fLp0E/s1600-h/HeatherJohnsons.photo.parade%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="HeatherJohnsons.photo.parade" border="0" alt="HeatherJohnsons.photo.parade" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ku0xPgOrCTs/UHI64EKZ9eI/AAAAAAAAJb0/6rBvD_mVwZA/HeatherJohnsons.photo.parade_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="335"></a></p> <p align="center">Made by Peggy, she is still looking for suggestions for the wings. Although he does have some on, she was disappointed they did not stand out. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pai4jvNVVLs/UHI64wvzAxI/AAAAAAAAJb8/rRmjVEW0cLA/s1600-h/Sidneyherald.eaglecostume.10.4.12%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sidneyherald.eaglecostume.10.4.12" border="0" alt="Sidneyherald.eaglecostume.10.4.12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RwYuR9SmpKU/UHI654M5xII/AAAAAAAAJcE/05oboyuj3hM/Sidneyherald.eaglecostume.10.4.12_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="398"></a></p> <p align="center">I am pretty sure my Blue would stroke out if he saw a horse with wings! I don’t think my Windy would be too keen on the entire ensemble! </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_6yFBPbDlcA/UHI660otklI/AAAAAAAAJcM/BblEe68II_Q/s1600-h/JanetCooks.2.cropped.tail%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="JanetCooks.2.cropped.tail" border="0" alt="JanetCooks.2.cropped.tail" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pWqoq1LvTsw/UHI67hje10I/AAAAAAAAJcU/9YWnYBAEGFc/JanetCooks.2.cropped.tail_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="407"></a></p> <p align="center">Thanks for sharing, Peggy. You are the bomb!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left"><strong><u>Rider Milestones:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">MeMe of Team #68 reached 700 miles.</div></li> <li> <div align="left">Cheryl of Team #13 reached 600 miles.</div></li></ul> <p>Enjoy the fall! It is starting to get very chilly – especially in the mornings!</p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-57021735183519840822012-09-30T19:11:00.001-07:002012-09-30T19:19:05.009-07:00Poor Jenny<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vfjuUEac7o8/UGj7vEQvj1I/AAAAAAAAJPI/q4gboppKYws/s1600-h/IMG_5637%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5637" border="0" alt="IMG_5637" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mar8I72L_Lc/UGj7vxGtbSI/AAAAAAAAJPQ/sCbYK4WDbOQ/IMG_5637_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="407"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>While we are enjoying this glorious Indian summer weather, Jenny (Team #26 Alaska) has been fighting Mother Nature. From what I’ve seen from her Facebook post (she is the ONLY Alaska rider on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/horsetrailriders/" target="_blank">Horsetrailriders.com Facebook</a> page, I think), she has even mentioned the “s” word and I don’t mean <em>snake</em>. More like <em>snow. </em>(Seems I have a real problem with S words.) From Jenny’s post: </p> <p><em>“Where has the last month gone? It got washed away in the record amount of rain that we have had. If what is happening here had happened in America, Jim Cantore and the Weather Channel would be camped in the Mat Su Valley. Over 40 acres of our CTR trails have been under water, several miles of trail has been washed away by the Little Susitna River, and many trees have blown down. We can't even get in the river bottom to access the damage. Needless to say I have not been riding at all in the past 30 days.”</em></p> <p>Jenny, not to make light of your weather issues as we have burned up here this year and know you pain. But. Now is the time to come to Nebraska. We have this little window of fabulous weather we would like to share with you.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VLVl-ei3QPs/UGj7xieFyfI/AAAAAAAAJPY/t__0UR9mOLw/s1600-h/IMG_8674%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8674" border="0" alt="IMG_8674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2SHVRWwaPtPiX5Dhfcv6XNUmfNPOsRnXjBlh9sK4MdlDx8QpbOEBXZYGDysHwe2YNya-tDXDjmnruIdRVxm1lv30fKHG7AILTBcAeRMhgM-VlGq1VBsUF4Uc-EZtWNknlxBTwOxpZDzb/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="396"></a></p> <p align="center">(John & me)</p> <p>Speaking of which, John and I went over to a friend’s home near Blair today. Mike has spent years making trails in the woods by his home. Thanks to his generous neighbors for allowing him to expand his trail system, he now has over 8 miles cleared. It is truly a labor of love and we are blessed to have him share it with us. Windy threw a shoe, so I rode Fancy today. John rode Butter-butt.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRctoiSQkZubI00O4kEKh50hrrxCru4G4wDPt1hNOLU9A8reZOlA3YvG_5RB1_ay_EABzj7-7727HBNlqF6Kjmqy__KyviC8IO-ZOUq4XEPpPhhBepRHGAkOBB7rdgF1KfffnDsS7KU80/s1600-h/IMG_8697%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8697" border="0" alt="IMG_8697" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nsb54Ork0yI/UGj714FjTXI/AAAAAAAAJPw/4Brojc-L4oc/IMG_8697_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="527" height="396"></a></p> <p>The above picture is the “other” Tammy & John: The Musil Team (Team 21 & 22). They rode with us today, too. A top 10 day for sure – weather-wise & friend-wise. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwFDvLMJuqNlmD_7gcflsVCXID8CEwzM1RvrMbwD0OOXbQnUlcwDvGJBaoT58zuUr-Cw1AvlC1b2mMo-WWCQww1GrK_pUBM2EH4hUfJcDGxk9Xan364IcF2Xs7NbrpGc5NPrfnvdOmhOi/s1600-h/7th%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="7th" border="0" alt="7th" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUMO5ysX3tx2Aa3hxr6OK2s7W2T7bwF3GCPyxIqZkOLxYuJXrBMRuuZpO2BP-LFkCi1qJ5DbuRmU7-XEbBxw2icuFoNIVJgyVMu-bCGzyChkMkrRhvL4PujX3tisbv7REzmw_Z1Aii0LK/?imgmax=800" width="337" height="63"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Since it is probably just a matter of timing and no doubt, short-lived, I will toss a little smack to Tim of Grabb’n Leather # 45. I squeezed by him by a couple of miles this time moving into 7th place. ;) </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sh-hallNaPw/UGj9acLtuZI/AAAAAAAAJQY/JcAk6rpna_g/s1600-h/45%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="45" border="0" alt="45" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4x8xqoIJKMM/UGj9agUIe-I/AAAAAAAAJQg/FazmeFST_r8/45_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="64"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And not to go unnoticed, Team #49 Kimes is knocking on Team #14 Messick’s door. The way Janette’s been riding, it won’t take much for her to claim that 4th place slot. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uhE0Pq3ZZDc/UGj73JDRCnI/AAAAAAAAJQI/4aM0G8KQWsM/s1600-h/3%252520places%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="3 places" border="0" alt="3 places" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tX5B5wiWvRk/UGj73gec6OI/AAAAAAAAJQQ/bsaCQmYo26k/3%252520places_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="83"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>There is a little horse race going on at the bottom of the Leaderboard, too. Only a few miles separating those riders and they have all been on the move again. Which of this group will hit the 100 mile marker first?</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u>Notable Milestones:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>Juanita #41 at 1,600 miles</li> <li>Christine #15 at 1,500 miles</li> <li>Leigh #10 at 1,100 miles</li> <li>Terri # 4 at 700 miles</li> <li>Tammy Musil #22 at 600 miles</li> <li>Shari #55 at 500 miles</li> <li>Syndi #39 at 300 miles</li> <li>Moira #72 at 200 miles</li></ul> <p> </p> <p>Ride on!</p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-80656356912264634422012-09-24T20:06:00.001-07:002012-09-24T20:08:29.117-07:00Math!<p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiqO3evpjqPoJZ75yVRcWv0wD77LkEGSOtvYjuzbXbXJ1sQ0sWFD_IriUbGyQovSGOeNl2xfRw40KB333JfHRSijvRxmPTL2FPUZYHU0aUbeAVtePMzq5lJLul7L2RHD-Vb6ixw0z5g7A/s1600-h/IMG_5433%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5433" border="0" alt="IMG_5433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Awp2VgyoVAmJrk1lB5B6Jbi9hXrNk9L9-S_Y67DCZhNQ0_i9_ySPfhHroSwrz2U3yNabqtwqN5TIf5OdJe1KBOfD6Ms8ldzQu0kCMvJqtOh-IHS2-UTUjGgJK295k2DK4qOhc310Geoj/?imgmax=800" width="362" height="482"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Remind me not to be gone for a week again – especially in the fall when the weather is gorgeous and we are all out racking up the miles…. and the math errors! But I am not exempt from the fat finger follies either – so please check my work to your entries to make sure we are all in sync. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="3">Milestones Galore!</font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR9tdX-7vP2F4gUQ1LjaNrw8Rh3Kh8V3wUYDZgyD5_Z7iFesbb2mRJg56ReHV9HfTScMZXVVRYrTbLbdWKUidvHnvX3QLy0FQvRpFgo8bTURjGy-XAewotSq-UZBFNtF_wEgFYjcRKhjU/s1600-h/milemarker%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="milemarker" border="0" alt="milemarker" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCqmjNdNiLXRj9tVeHny0bUTlF40zRXDHjyt8Romhlw2SNkhKbF04sBgAKr3nr7ajqe5py8QgBuw82MOKiQSUJ1pA_Ju49zGbspBz9sdsA_e9nnQ7sFA2wEb1Fpkypq27jOhVXt2wqUra/?imgmax=800" width="478" height="343"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>As a group, we are up to almost 24,000 miles. What an accomplishment as a team! You’ve hung in there and continue to ride.</p> <p> </p> <p>More with my next update. Thanks for your patience while I got the bookkeeping caught up!</p> <p> </p> <p>Happy Fall!</p> <p> </p> <p>.</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3236973799754535295.post-44506117501058022492012-09-15T05:56:00.001-07:002012-09-15T05:56:54.965-07:00Rain & Riding<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ffQ_D9qxR_4/UFR7EWPIKPI/AAAAAAAAI0w/3lkQCvTjyV8/s1600-h/IMG_5194%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5194" border="0" alt="IMG_5194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48JUf2eOzdbupKx2C7jpOQIx7bXUr8kxLZXt9vtdOXxBeo2sgtrRKIAX3-uSSFhTFcDSEGRfs2HSvVYQ4h-cgyJGH-HhJrgAoAuopXmYByFA6lEaRNW45VafB3SnAD5k7g0iy6ENhzxjo/?imgmax=800" width="544" height="409"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>When we get tossed in the bean field, its called “eatin’ dirt”. When Kay of Team #12 Bailey got tossed in the creek, is that “drinkin’ water”? Glad you are okay – would love to hear <em>that story!</em> </p> <p> </p> <p>We had rain this past week. We have decent temperatures. Fall might really be here. I’m hoping for a long Indian Summer. </p> <p> </p> <p>Notable Notes:</p> <ul> <li>Juanita #41 has passed 1,500 miles</li> <li>Jenny #52 has passed 100 miles </li></ul> <p> </p> <p>I am leaving on Monday morning to join Kathy of Team #50 Zuni for a week of riding. We’ll be “trail tasting” in Kansas and then meeting up with others next weekend for her annual Cowgirl Weekend. Get your miles in early Sunday evening. If I have time, I’ll do one more update before I leave and after that, you probably won’t see any from me or on the Leader Board until the week of September 24. </p> <p> </p> <p>Happy Fall!</p> Tammy Vasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01531335275070860886noreply@blogger.com3