FROM: Petra Keller, Nevada NPEA
PST
My fourth year participating in the reride and what fun we had in 3 very diverse sections of trail across NV and CA.
The first section was with Ride Captain Doug Jares – April Carlson(1st time rider) riding my filly Tiara Nevada (T) received the mail at the ‘white house’. We heard the incoming rider Corey Jares ‘hoot’ through the willows announcing his arrival – a swift exchange between the two and off we went. At the first cattle guard we came across we opened the gate and choose to make the Mochila exchange here, as we had to dismount anyway. For the remaining 4 miles my thoroughbred Red and I carry the mochila – and he knows what an important job he has! We canter towards the next Cattle guard/Montana gate – about this time Corey is approaching with my rig and passes us. We keep a good pace along the dirt road when we see that Corey is stopped ahead. A brief stop to find out what is going on – flat tire – oops – We ride ahead to our next exchange at hwy 50. As we approach the next rider – Red stretches out in true race form fore the home stretch; we hand off to ride captain Doug Jares who is off towards Cold Springs station. We cool down the horses on the way back to rig – thankfully Dan the Ham Radio Operator knew how to get the spare off and we were able to get back on the road. Photos for this section.
My fourth year riding for Ride Captain Bob Moore in Carson City a 3 mile section on the streets of Carson. Originally scheduled for 6AM arrival in Carson City – we knew it was going to be early as the NV riders in the middle of the state where able to make up time and actually get ahead of schedule. We arrived plenty early to ensure we were ready for the early incoming mail. I get T ready for her second leg of this reride and her second year carrying on this leg. A crowd started gathering awaiting the incoming mail – then we hear ‘Rider Coming In’ – it’s still dark and the flashing lights of the VIP Support is very visible. With lots of folks helping the exchange went fast and off we went. Escorting by the VIP Support and Ham operators – down we go Curry Street until we have to get on US 395 and cross US50 to arrive at Fuji Park to hand off to Deby O’Gorman. Amazing in the 22 min from when receiving the mail to turning it over – what a daylight difference there was! Photos for this section.
My third leg was as a shadow rider with CA XP Rider Carolyn Gilmore. This year the Pony Express Trail crossed part of the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) – this only happens when we go west – and as a board member of the TRT – I had the privilege of shadowing Carolyn on her leg which included a part on the TRT. We met Carolyn at Echo Summit, CA – and from there we rode through the pines to Sierra Ranch. A beautiful section through the woods and it makes you wonder how riders ever found their way through this during the original days. Thankfully the huge tree we had discovered on the preride was removed by the forest service in time for the reride and there was no need for the detour! As we approach the Sierra Ranch – I did my best imitation of the ‘Corey Hoot” to announce our arrival. There we were greeted by the CA XP folks and Carolyn handed off to Andy. My third leg as well as T’s and we watched as Andy and Carolyn ride on towards Slippery Forge. Photos for this section.
What a great year! Go Pony!