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Member
Posts: 6
Location: New Bethlehem, PA | We are considering riding on the Michigan Shore to Shore ride next year. Anybody been there? I would like to know more about it before I committ. Thanks, Jess |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
 
Location: MI. | http://www.mtra.org |
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Member
Posts: 15
Location: Tionesta PA | the website is good, but I would like to hear from someone who has actually done the ride. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI. | Why do you have two accounts? |
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Member
Posts: 6
Location: New Bethlehem, PA | I don't. My good friend is keystone foxtrotters. We mostly do all of our traveling together. |
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Veteran
Posts: 186
| I was on it, all set up to do the whole ride but my mother died 5 days into the ride so never made it all the way across. But here is my two cents worth. It was very well organized, when they said the bus leaves at 5:30 am it does, ride leaves at 7:00 am it left at 7:00 sharp. I was with the "good group" nice and friendly, mostly familys and older folks not the drinking bunch. There was a lead guide and a Drag guide you had to stay between -great safety feature- The lead guide on a gaited and they flew the whole ride, the drag guy on a slow horse, inbetween riders were strung out quite a bit. The trails I saw were very nice, I was just getting into the good stuff when I had to go home. The year I went they did a new starting place from Mackinaw City- I would not do that 20some miles again - no water and on a straight boarding hard surfaced rail road grade. Depending on when you go it can be very hot and the bugs can be bad, bring lots of fly gear stuff. I would not do it again without someone (non rider) to help with chores, jump the rig and cook. It wasn't what I would call a vacation-- get up at 4:30 to feed and jump your rig to the next spot. The camp sites have nice picket poles set up. The ride organizers haul a generator to hook up to a well head at each camp site to pump water - I had to haul water quite a ways some times. (I now have 80 gallon supply so that wouldn't be a problem) I don't want to sound lazy but If your taking vacation from a job and going without help, don't expect it to be easy, you will get a good work out for your money. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069
Location: MI. | It is challenging but rewarding and the bond with your horse....well, only you can feel it. They have nightly meetings to let you know of any changes on trail, whether good or bad. It's work. Your a horse person so I am sure you know to condition them well before going and to bring extra "everything." You'll definately need your horse shod. The people are nice and yes, there are some that are beverage users but they are nice too. One thing, wear non rubbing pants. The scenery is pretty. The trails are well kept and marked. If you are up for an adventure/challenge, go for it! |
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Member
Posts: 6
Location: New Bethlehem, PA | Thanks so much for the info. I was looking for the good, the bad, and the ugly of the ride. It seems like it would be a very rewarding experience, but also a ton of work. I may need a vacation to recover from this vacation!!! Any other info anyone can add would be appreciated. Thanks. |
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Michigan Shore-to-Shore Ride?
