Gaucho Derby

Hi all!

 

Have you ever seen something and thought 'I wish I was doing that'? My theory is that the only real difference between you and the person that's out there doing it is that they decided they were going to go for it and then... they went for it. I'm going for it. I'm always going for it. Generally I try to encapsulate that attitude throughout each area of my life. It's how I got to Iceland adventuring solo around the country in a van, how I went on multiple solo motorcycle adventures camping around Nova Scotia and Quebec. I just do it. And I really want to do this Gaucho Derby, a 500km race across Patagonia on horseback. The ULTIMATE ADVENTURE. 

The Gaucho Derby is labeled as the toughest horse race on the planet. I will be navigating my way through rugged terrain given only the coordinates for horse/vet stations which I will find using the GPS unit provided. The Gaucho Derby applies the same rules as AERC endurance rides.  You must always put your horse's welfare first. Within 30 minutes of entering the vet check, my designated horse's bpm must go down to 56; they must be hydrated with no lameness detected. Penalties are given to riders whose horses do not pass inspection. At each horse station I'll receive a fresh (feisty) horse to saddle and adventure through the next segment. I'll ride from 8am to 6pm, make camp, hobble my horse, and settle in for the night ready to do it all again the next day. 

 

You guys. This has the potential to be the ultimate adventure of my lifetime.  This is the definition of pushing my limits and of really living.

So, I have been selected for this, and while that is a dream in itself there is one little detail to work out. In order to compete I need to pay $15k entry fee. 

I'm hoping that with all of you behind me,  I will be able to live out this dream. Over the next 9 months in preparation of the derby, I'll be putting in long training days, overnight horse camping trips, gear research and testing. I'll be increasing my physical fitness and dedicating the majority of my time to prepping for this race. 

 

I am 1 of the 40 people around the world have been chosen. They have read what I have to say and interviewed me, and through my resiliency, my experience, and my adventurous spirit, they have determined me to be a worthy competitor, and they couldn't be more right. I plan to save money from my teaching salary to go toward travel, gear, etc, and any extra I will put toward the entry fee, but I will not be able to participate without your generosity and support. I will make Maine and the entire nation proud. I will continue to model to my students what it means to set goals and go for them, even if they seem out of reach. Taking the first step is the most important part, and sometimes, you have to be humble and ask for help.