Reports from the Trail: Stories
By Year
By State
2016
Re-Ride in Southwest Nebraska
FROM: Mary Cone, Keith County, Nebraska, Trail Captain
PDT
The weather received an A+ for this year’s Re-Ride in southwest Nebraska. Very little wind and temps in the 60’s. A slightly cloud-obscured moon that has waned a bit from full helped, too. Unfortunately, our contingent was short of riders, horses and rigs this year. But, in true Pony Express spirit, we received help to cover some miles at both ends of our Re-Ride distance. Colorado Riders came an extra 6 miles on our west end. Then the North Platte Riders started riding about 6.4 miles early to help us, Continue Reading
The Schellbourne Re-Riders
FROM: Gene Ockert, Ride Captain
PDT
The Schellbourne ReRiders (Pony Express) have had another great year. We covered over 144 miles with some awesome riders. We have some great riders our friends from Pahrump Jim and Mary Hannah, Jimmy Hannah, Jasmine Kern, Douglas Shaw, George Veliz, Tara Donohue, Claire Mickelson. There horses can cover some ground and make up some time. I have my two assistance Wendy Anderson and Tony Zamora. Then Doc Christiansen, Chris Christiansen, Drake Christiansen, Dana Grover, his helper Judith Grover, Alvaretta Hill, Deanna Hoge, Nora Hoge, Rebecca Hulings, her driver James Mosson,, Continue Reading
Grit in your teeth, hot, sweaty horses and people…
FROM: Lizzi Tremayne, Waihi, New Zealand
PDT
I started posting about the PX on 13 June and have several highly photographic blog posts up now!
Re-Ride 2016 for Red & I are in the 'books' and a very memorable one!
FROM: Petra Keller, Nevada NPEA
PDT
Thank you to all the incredible folks along the route to make this the best Re-Ride year to date for Red & I. Re-Ride 2016 for Red & I are in the ‘books’ and a very memorable one! Petra and Red on Jacks Valley Road My first leg started at Mormon Station, Genoa. I woke up early and checked the tracker and saw the mail making good progress by the California division. Jim De Glopper helped me load and provide ‘valet services’ for the day (his words and much appreciated!)., Continue Reading
Kudos to Re-Riders and their Ponies
FROM: Leo E. Morin, USAF/RET.
PDT
I was able to observe and photograph the riders north of interstate I-80 on granger road/oregon national historic trail (wy county highway #233), and follow them into granger, wyoming, on monday, 6/20/16. So many of the riders spoke about the full moon the night before, that i’ve included a photo of it, taken at 5 a.M., over ft. Bridger, wy, before i caught up to the mochila. As a “city slicker”, i’ve always been amazed at the hard work, dedication, and comradery shown by those on the trail and behind, Continue Reading
Full Moon Helps Pony Re-Riders
FROM: Patsy Lange, Utah NPEA
PDT
In looking at Team 2, Utah Division pictures that Jamie Marvidakis posted, and also Beverly Heferman posted; everyone looks like they are having a fantastic re-ride in the Western Utah Desert, from Ibapah to Simpson Springs! We had an energetic and enthusiastic team this year, everyone pitched in and did their best to make up as much time as we could (and did pick up an hour of lost time). We had a pretty bright moon most of the night that really helped, a few clouds for 2-3 hours, but, Continue Reading
Pony rider travels 2 miles in 5 1/2 minutes!
FROM: Patrick Hearty, Utah NPEA
PDT
Utah’s Team 3 carried the mail from Simpson Springs to Murray Park in Salt Lake Valley, and man, did they do it right. Team 1 picked up an hour coming across the desert at night, and Team 3 picked up another half hour between Simpson and Eagle Mountain. After that, you do not gain any time, as all rides are on city streets with pavement, traffic, etc. But on the first half, we had Pony Express riders of the highest order. Trever Carpenter left Simpson and rode 2 miles in, Continue Reading
Well Done Pony Riders!
FROM: Jill Andrews Ride Captain
PDT
This is Jill Andrews Ride Captain for Churchill to Highway 95 in Nevada Churchill County just want to pass on a big well done to all the Riders and California and Nevada and Utah to date even though the mail is behind I know they’ll make it up and in true Pony fashion. all of my team was where they needed to be when they needed to be and did the best they can and I think that’s all we can really hope for. It was a job well done, Continue Reading
Riders Strive to be on Time!
FROM: Tom Crews, California NPEA
PDT
This may not be a race, but I know all riders strive to be on time. When California is running a little behind you would not believe how those riders in the mountains just crash down the hill. We have been known to make up 3 hours and arrive in Old Sac on time. I don’t think the public realizes how individual this “sport” is. Yes, there may be some support people along, but out on the trail it is just one rider and his horse alone under the open, Continue Reading
34 Mile Section in 4 hrs and 40 Minutes
FROM: Heather Graziano, Ride Captain, Carson City to Fort Churchill, Nevada Division
PDT
Had a beautiful and fun evening riding into Fort Churchill as the light was just starting to disappear. We dodged a rattle snake along the way, waved to some hay farmers and watched the colors start on the hills. Our section got the mail about 20 minutes late and we were able to make up 10 min overall even after a couple of slow exchanges due to troubleshooting the tracker. Super proud of my riders and horses for covering our 34 mile section in 4 hrs and 40 minutes! Huge, Continue Reading