FROM: Mary Cone, Trail Captain
PST
Rarely do we get the mail EARLY!! But, we did this year. Every year is different, doing this Re-Ride! Just like in 1860, you have to expect the unexpected!
We received the mochila south of Big Springs, NE, from the Colorado Riders, did the exchange, and left at 3:33 am MDT, 2.5 hours ahead of schedule. The night was a bit sticky, not too cool, with a hint of a north breeze. As we progressed, it cooled a bit and the breeze freshened. We witnessed a glorious sunrise between the cloud cover, like the curtains opened, just for us. The day was cloudy, in general, but temps were seventies, so very tolerable.
We were thrilled to have two long-riders come and help our crew this year. One was from Illinois and one from Central Nebraska (she would ride again later that night/early morning). They did 18 miles for us and we were very appreciative!! We also heralded 3 newbie 14-year old solo riders and they performed outstandingly!!! We also had a couple newbie enthusiasts who really made the ride fun, as they and their driver were absolute gems to accompany us on the ride. One had a mule who was VERY tall. They did extra miles for us, as did one of the 14-Y/O’s. Interesting of our crew this year was that it was ALL FEMALE!! One husband and one dad accompanied us and they were a great help on the mochila exchanges, but otherwise, we gals did the majority of the exchanges and all the riding. What a crew! Everyone pitched in and did all I asked of them.
We handed the mochila over to the North Platte gang south of Paxton at 8:53 am MDT, 5 miles later to change to CDT. Go Pony!! Many thanks to my whole crew!!!
See you on the Trail. — Mary Cone, Trail Captain