World Renowned Trail Ride Critic Dutch Henry`s Ride Proclamation for-
HighlandForest CTC - Fabius - NY - 6-19-2010
Howdy Folks,
Liz Epstein, Joann Zimmer and their troupe of hard workin` volunteers are throwin` a Get-Together at Highland Forest Park you don`t want to miss! Yes sir, they`re bringin` The American Competitive Trail Horse Association to your neck of the woods.
Roll in Friday night and set up camp, there is plenty of primitive campin` spots. Remember to tote in your own water. Follow the ACTHA signs to the Valley Camp Area. Ride management will be here waitin` to greet ya, and there`ll be a gatherin` around the trailers to say howdy to old friends and make some new ones. So bring your comfortable campin` chairs. Joann will be servin` burnt coffee and crumbly muffins Saturday morning at 8AM. Ride briefing at 8:45AM. Ride out at 9:00– Be sure to sign up for the Poker Run – proceeds to benefit The American Diabetes Association.
Most folks in these parts know how many years Joann and Liz have spent shinin` leather ridin` and markin` trail – Well by golly they out did themselves for this shindig! They`ve mapped out six miles of the most beautiful trial at Highland Forest Park, and that`s tough to do because all the trails here are spectacular! You`ll tackle eight obstacles as you ride through the quiet pines and enjoy the company of your horse and friends. Take your time; enjoy the day, and the challenge.
After the ride relax with your friends and share a Pot-Luck Lunch while the Judges tally the score sheets and hand out Awards and prizes. This is a good time to announce there will be a special prize for the Oldest Horse and Rider Team. They have great prizes for Farthest Traveled and Youngest Rider too!
No need to break campSaturday night, a lot of folks are stayin` over to ride again on Sunday. I hear it is right tough to get too much of Highland Forest Park!
There ya have it, for a great time visitin`, ridin`, and winnin` load up your rig and head to Highland Forest Park! And call your friends!
Gitty Up!
Dutch Henry
Highland Forest is a 4000 acre county park nestled in the southwesterncorner of Onondaga County, in centralNew York.It is approximately 20 miles south west of Syracuse, NY.This park boasts being the largest and oldest county park in New York State and the largest county park in the United States.It’s 4000 acres has a multi-use and multi-seasonaltrail system.Many of the winter cross country ski and snow shoe trails are shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horse back riders in the “off season”.The wide horse trail winds 12 miles around the perimeter of the park traveling thru the deep pines, climbing to the higher elevations, leveling off for some beautiful vistas and then back again.This park is a favorite spot among central New York trail riders.
Our ride will begin at Valley Camp nestled in south of the park.You will enjoy the sounds, sights and smells of Highland Forest and of course negotiate nature’s obstacles along the way.Some of the trails are gravel roads, some are grass roads and some single lane trails.Barefoot horses should plan accordingly.
Camping is primitive.Horses can be tied at the Valley Camp coral, but there is no cover.Bring drinking water for you and your horse.Valley Camp has 2 bunk house style cabins with wood stoves for heat (you never know about the weather in June in Central New York)and a gas stove for cooking.The campfire is always burning.
PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER ONLINE TO PARTICIPATE. If you need assistance in signing up, please call the affiliate listed above.
Agenda:
Check-in Friday evening or Sat morning
Breakfast:
Rider`s briefing: 8:45 AM, at check in and also at "START" line
Ride out: 9:00AM- last riders out at 11:30 AM
Trail will take about 2 - 2 ½ hours, 6-7 miles
Lunch following the ride
Awards following lunch
Breakfast menu: COFFEE, DONUTS, JUICE ETC
Lunch menu: Potluck
more info as ride date gets close
Entries limited to first 70.
Great prizes for 1st - 6th place Open/Pleasure/Junior divisions. Voluntary $20 jackpot for open division at check-in. Payout TBA
Open, pleasure, junior, and buddy divisions. See the FAQ page for questions regarding the divisions.
New membership fee - $25 individual; $40 family of 2; $75 family of 4; additional horse - $10 ea.; additional rider - $10 ea.
Fees collected at check-in: meal,
Breakfast - On us!
Lunch - $ TBA
Additional contests will be:
Furthest traveled for this ride
Youngest rider
Oldest horse and rider combination (combined age of horse and rider)
DIRECTIONS TO OUR RIDE:
Directions from North of Syracuse traveling on I81 South
I81 South to exit14 Tully, toward New York 11A S
Turn left at New York 11A S
Take the 1st left onto NY-80 E
Follow Rt 80 11 miles to Highland Forest Park.Large sign on your left
Turn right at Highland Forest Park Rd and follow ACTHA signs to Valley Camp
Directions from NYS Thruway I90 coming from the East
I90 (NYS Thruway) to Exit 34A - I481
Head south on I-481S8.4 mi
Take the exit toward I-81 S
Keep left at the fork to continue toward I-81 S and merge onto I-81 S
Follow directions above from I 81South
Directions from NYS Thruway I90 coming from the West:
Traveling East on I-90 (NYS Thruway)
Take Exit 39
Merge onto I-690 E via the ramp to Fairgrounds/Syracuse
Take Exit to I81 South
Follow directions above from I 81South
Directions from South of Syracuse traveling on I81 North
I81 north to exit 14 Tully
Turn left on to Rt 281 (to Tully)
Turn right at traffic light Rt 80
Follow Rt 80 11 miles to Highland Forest Park.Large sign on your left
Turn right at Highland Forest Park Rd and follow ACTHA signs to Valley Camp
For Google or Mapquest map directions use address Highland Park Road, Fabius, NY 13063
Registration for this ride will close June 17, 2010 (2 days before the ride date).
If heavy rain expected, rain date will be TBA as the park has to reserved in advanced, otherwise come prepared for some light rain and bring your slicker!
