54th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ALL COMPETITORS MUST BE MEMBERS OF RIDE & TIE ASSOCIATION.
Race Director: Janice Heltibridle
Prizes/Awards: All long course finishers in the Ride & Tie will receive belt buckles. $4000 in cash prizes to be distributed to Long Course R&T competitors. All finishers in other events Ride & Tie (short course) and Equathon will also receive completion awards. Other awards may include: turtle, Junior, best condition, etc.
Race Distances:
Thursday – 12 mile R&T (Short Course)
Friday – 27 mile R&T (Long Course)
Saturday – 12/6 Equathon and 6 mile Fun R&T
Race Week Agenda:
Thursday – tbd
Friday – tbd
Saturday – tbd
Ride and Tie Base Camp: 1794 Happy Valley Road, Orkney Springs, VA 22845
Meals: tbd
Directions to the Race Site:
Coming from the North on I-81 South, take Exit 273 (Mt. Jackson), take a right at the top of the ramp onto Mt. Jackson Rd. Go to the T, take a left onto Rte 614 for 1.1 miles, then a right (west) onto Rt 263 (Orkney Grade). Stay on 263 for about 11 miles, taking it slow on the winding, downhill grade as you enter Orkney Springs. As the grade levels out, take your first left onto Happy Valley Road (there’s board fence on your left as you approach the turn, and a cluster of white buildings directly beyond the turn). Go ½ mile; turn right at right hand bend in road, go to the end of the base camp field and turn left into the driveway to camp.
Coming from the South on I-81 North, take Exit 269 (to avoid traffic in Mount Jackson), turn right off exit ramp and then left onto Rte 11 North, continue about 2 miles, then turn left onto Rte 263, following this road about 11 miles until you reach Orkney Springs. Follow the above directions from that point.
Riding The Trail: SHOES ARE REQUIRED! All horses are required to wear four shoes or the equivalent (Easy Boots and similar count) to compete. Those of you who already know the trail understand why; those for whom the trail is new will quickly understand as well! Loops consist of beautiful single track trails through woods and shade, gravel roads, and sections that include significant climbs and are rocky and challenging. The long course consists of two loops back to an away vet check, with a final section back to base camp for the finish. The short course and ride portion of the Equathon consist of an out and back to a checkpoint (NO vet check or hold) at a private residence and then back to base camp. The run portion of the Equathon and 6 mile Fun Ride & Tie consist of an out and back to a checkpoint at 3 mile mark and then back to base camp.
Volunteers Wanted: To help with taking horse pulses for pre-race, post-race and mid-point vet checks, tracking participants and directing them where to go at key checkpoints on course, etc.
Questions: