Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1139140
28 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com The terrain had it all: rocks, roots, single-track, pine sec ons, creek crossings, rolling hills (with some beau ful views), and even a 19-foot bridge to pre- serve a por on of land making that crossing safer. Pu ng together an event like this can be a logis - cal nightmare, but thankfully there are some key landowners and families who share our vision and help make it all possible. 9:00 was key. Time and minute one was reserved for fallen riders; at 9:02 it was on! We saw smiles from friends and families, and it felt as if every single person, both par cipants and spectators, felt the vibe and energy of the day. Shortly a er 1 p.m., we started to hear bikes coming into their last sec ons off in the distance, and the taste of sweet victory was upon them. As Aaron and I worked the last check or the Known Control, we were asked re- peatedly," Am I done???" I would always say, "Yep, and I can make your day even be er. Here is your 50 th anniversary s cker," and would hand them a stainless steel commemora ve cup with our Ridge logo. That brought a smile to each rider's face, and somehow they all found a frosty beverage to pour into it! It was awesome to see everyone hanging around and talking about the day or catching up with friends, many who stayed way past awards. As I drove home, two thoughts kept coming into my head. This was our 50 th anniversary, and two riders there today had been at all 50! Jack Lafferty Sr. has a ended and ridden all 50, and Charlie Stapleford had ridden 49 but a ended all 50! I don't know when and if we will ever see that again. Of all the things we witnessed, that is what stayed with me the days a er the event. To Jack and Charlie, a huge Ridge thank you to you both; you have given every off-road rider something to aspire to. We all witnessed greatness today! June 9, 2019 will go down as Ridge Riders 50 th Anniversary Enduro, and we couldn't have done it without the loving support from club members, family, friends, landowners, and most importantly, the riders! In events like this, everyone there took part in a victory! Thank you all and see you out on the trail!