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Tevis Bulletin Board


To post a Note on this page, click HERE.
BBoard Note The Tevis Two Day Educational Ride will be held June 19, 20, and 21 in 2009. This date is six weeks before the 100 Mile Ride, and the weekend will include seminars, Q & A, and guided riding, with vet control, over 65 miles of the trail. Watch for application forms in early 2009.
BBoard Note Tevis cancellation doesn't stop annual party from the Auburn Journal. Click here to read the story ...
BBoard Note REFUND NOTICE: At the Executive Committee Meeting on Monday July 14th, 2008 it was decided unanimously to offer full refunds to the riders entered in this year's ride. A refund letter will be going out to all riders in this week's mail.
BBoard Note AUBURN JOURNAL July 10, 2008 - Tevis Cup falls victim to the fires
Forest fires in the American River Canyons forced organizers to cancel another of the Endurance Capital of the World’s signature events Wednesday. Read More ...
BBoard Note

2008 Tevis Cup Ride has been CANCELLED

After much deliberation and careful assessment, the Western States Trail Foundation Board of Governors regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2008 Tevis Cup Ride.

"It was a difficult decision," reports WSTF President Tom Christofk. "But after in-depth discussion today with the U.S. Forest Service, we have decided that any level of risk was not appropriate. The Forest Service has graciously offered us some options for re-routing around the now-closed Foresthill Road, but with that factor, coupled with current air quality issues and the on-going fire situation, we opted to make the conservative decision of cancelling the ride. Protecting the safety and health of the horses and people involved with this historic event takes precedence over everything else."

Further updates regarding this decision will be posted on the Tevis website later.
BBoard Note July 10th, 2008 - Ride Management and the Executive Committee are working on a demobilization plan. A definitive Refund Policy will be announced early next week.
BBoard Note From the 2008 Tevis Crown Jewel Sponsor:
Sheikh Sultan bin Suhaim Al Thani, Crown Jewel Sponsor, said, “My prayers are with the many families facing these devastating fires in California. Cancelling the Tevis Cup for this year was a difficult but necessary decision to ensure the welfare of all the people and horses involved. I look forward to joining the riding community as the Tevis Cup sponsor in 2009.”
BBoard Note 2008 Western States Endurance Run cancelled due to fire and air quality risks.  To read the statement from the WSER trustees, click here.
BBoard Note FILM PREMIERE - They Crossed the Mountains, a documentary produced by the Western States Trail Foundation which describes the history of the trail from Auburn through the Sierra, generally following the Middle Fork of the American River and the Foresthill Divide, is now available for sale in the Tevis Store. This 52 minute DVD can be purchased for $20.00, and proceeds will go towards Tevis trail maintenance and foundation programs. Click here to go to the Tevis Store.
BBoard Note The Tevis Host Program, new for 2008, is for the benefit of out-of-state and foreign riders and their crews. The program is designed to offer services and information, and to welcome these people to Auburn and the Western States Trail. To learn more, click click here.
BBoard Note Protect yourself against ticks. For more information click here.
BBoard Note Western States Trail National and Historic Designation. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has introduced legislation to authorize a study for the designation of the Western States Trail as a National Scenic and Historic Trail. To learn more click here. For Bill language click here.
BBoard Note View pictures from the WSTG BOG Chrismas Party here.
BBoard Note December 10, 2007 –Horses for Healing Needs Your Help. Click here for the Auburn Journal article.
BBoard Note June 19, 2007 – New Tevis Support Group launched at http://groups.google.com/group/teviscup. A support group for the organizers, participants and spectators of the Western States Trail Foundation 100 mile ride from Squaw Valley to Auburn California. You are invited to post questions, offer help and give advise for events and activities surrounding the Tevis Cup Ride. All you need is a Google account. Don't have a Google account? Click HERE to set one up. The board is monitored so your post might not show up right away.
BBoard Note The Old Mill site in Foresthill is private property and a gate has been installed to curtail access by vehicles entering from Foresthill Road. WSTF obtains permission from the property owner for use of this site for the Fun Ride, Education Ride, and the Tevis but does not have use nor can provide access for individual training rides or other functions.
BBoard Note

Tevis Weekend MedEvac insurance is available for you and your family at a Discount.

BBoard Note Tevis Training Notes: Guidance on doing the Tevis Cup Ride and on Endurance Riding in general.
BBoard Note Join S.O.S.- the "unique volunteer riding group"
BBoard Note 2007-2008 Tevis Board of Governors
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Tevis Home Page 		To post a Note on this page, click HERE.









MedEvac at a Discount

Leaving the canyon on a medevac helicopter is not a prospect any of us wish to ponder. wup-wupThe odds are very small that you or a family member will need to be life-flighted out of the canyons on Ride Weekend, but if it were necessary (and depending on your health insurance coverage) the helicopter ride to the hospital could cost you $3,000 or more.

If the call goes out to evacuate someone from the American River canyons during the event, the folks who take to the air will be CALSTAR, the California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue service. Their helipad is visible from I-80, next to the Bowman exit just east of Auburn.

If your health coverage is limited or carries a high deductible, CALSTAR offers memberships that can be purchased online for $40/individual or $45/entire family. The coverage includes not only the entire Western States Trail, but any CALSTAR medevac in Northern California, Oregon and most of Idaho and Wyoming. As a Member of CALSTAR, they will bill your insurance plan (if you have any) for their services. You will not be billed for any remaining balance.Posted 6/7/03
 


BOXER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO BEGIN DESIGNATION OF CALIFORNIA NATIONAL HISTORIC AND SCENIC TRAIL

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today introduced the Western States National Trail Study Act, legislation to authorize a study for the designation of the Western States National Trail as a National Historic and Scenic Trail.

The bill, which is co-sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), authorizes the study for a route that runs approximately 100 miles from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California. The study is the first step in the process of determining whether the Trail fits the special historic, ecological, and scenic requirements of the designation.

Senator Boxer said, "The Western States Trail is a nationally significant resource that highlights California's natural heritage. I am proud to introduce this bill to begin the process of recognizing this historic and scenic trail and appreciating its recreational values. This legislation will help ensure that one of the most beautiful areas of California can be enjoyed by runners, hikers, and outdoor-enthusiasts for generations to come."

"The Western States Trail is an integral part of California's history," Senator Feinstein said. "The 100-mile trail runs from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, complete with tree-lined summits, creeks and rivers, and sweeping vistas of the majestic Sierras. Today, the trail attracts hikers, runners and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world, eager to tackle the challenge of the Trail's rugged course. I believe that the Western States Trail is a fitting candidate to be designed a National Historic and Scenic Trail."

Since 1955 and 1974 respectively, the Western States Trail Ride and the Western States Endurance Run have both been conducted along the Western States Trail route. The Western States Trail has retained its 19th-century historic integrity and remained unaffected by roads or railroads.

The Western States National Study Act enjoys broad, local support from the Placer and El Dorado County Boards of Supervisors as well as the Auburn City Council.
 

Tevis Host Program

Local Tevis riders and supporters who are familiar with the trail and local businesses have volunteered to provide the following services during the week (or more) prior to the ride:
  • Escort and guide riders on pre-rides on various sections of the Tevis trail.
  • Offer advice and help in obtaining feed and hay, farriers, veterinary care, local stores, garages, restaurants, etc.
  • Help move rigs for pre-ride adventure.
  • Use of a swimming pool.
There will be a fully hosted barbecue at a private home (bring your swimsuits!) at 6:00 PM for foreign riders and their crews. For more information and to respond for the barbecue, contact Leonard Davis at 530.889.1909 or ldavis530@sbcglobal.net.
 

Head Veterinarian Recommendations Relative to Tevis
Dr. Greg Fellers (July 8, 2008)

For Those Who Desire to Ride Portions of the Tevis Course the Week of July 7th--

Due to the current conditions throughout the western slope of the Western States Trail (west of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area), it is recommended that riders take pre-cautionary measures in their decisions regarding pre-riding the trail. (Note that Foresthill Road to Robinson’s Flat above China Wall is closed at this date due to fire activities.)

The combined effects of high particulate matter (PM) due to the fires in the region combined with ozone and high heat will add stress to the metabolic capacity of the horse.  Riding in the early morning at the lower elevations this week may be more damaging then in the early evening due to the concentrations of PM being elevated in the AM. The early evenings should provide lower concentrations of PM, but the heat and ozone combination need to be accessed.  It is recommended that riders do not exercise their horses when the air quality is determined to be worse then “moderate” for both ozone and PM.

Generally, for PM, the concentrations can be determined by using visibility as a guide. If one can see for more than 5 miles then the conditions can be assumed to be at least “moderate”.  For ozone, the Sacramento region provides a daily forecast which is distributed through numerous media outlets.

The pace for getting your horse out should be at a walk or slow trot, but be sensitive to the heart rate and recovery. Horses exposed to long periods of elevated PM concentrations ( which in the Auburn area have been around since June 22nd) would be expected to result in at least low levels of inflammation along the airways over much of the lung field. This will add additional stress by compromising the efficiency of the cardio-pulmonary system.  Any attempt to be actually conditioning your horse for Tevis at this date is counterproductive.

To quote Dr. John Madigan of the UC Davis Large Animal Medicine Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, “My recommendation would be for the best interests of the animals that the human advisories on limited exercise on and outdoor activities be applied to the horses.”  For additional information refer to http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/CEH/topics-fire-smoke-guidelines.htm .

Ride Management along with the Veterinary staff is assessing the current and projected conditions on a daily basis with respect to determining the appropriate course action regarding conducting the Ride.

At this time, there is in place a definitive schedule for evaluating the risks to human and animal health, and should it be determined that the risks from active fires, ingress/egress routes, and air quality impacts be unacceptable, the Ride will be cancelled.  That decision timeline has been laid out in other areas of this website.