The Friday AFTER Mother's Day Ride 2012
The Friday AFTER.....
May 18th.
May 18th.
Yes, you read that right.
This year's ride is AFTER Mother's Day
rather than BEFORE as is tradition.
rather than BEFORE as is tradition.
(Why? My son graduates that weekend so I will be kinda busy.....)
Same Ride, Same Trail, Same Great Time!
Ride with me on the
Friday After Mother's Day Ride 2012
May 18
May 18
Oak Creek Trail
Valparaiso, Nebraska
Be saddled and ready to ride
at 10:00 AM
at 10:00 AM
($1 trail fee paid to the NRD at kiosk)
Bring a sack lunch and a halter and enjoy your lunch on the trail in Loma. Following the ride, join us for a potluck happy hour at the trail head in Valparaiso. Bring a covered dish to share along with your stories of the trail. (You will need your own table service, camp chair and drinks, too). Sit down and take a load off with the day's riders.
FOR CONSIDERATION
You are invited to ride with me on this public trail and ride at your own risk.
The Oak Creek Trail is a shared trail. Be prepared to meet other trail users such has hikers, bikers and joggers.
To preserve the surface for other trail users, the NRD requests that horses stay on designated horse trails and do not ride on the limestone except where no parallel exists.
This is not a difficult trail. It is approximately 14 miles round trip. The entire distance to Loma is a gradual incline with some steep hills on the horse trail. Be sure your horse (and you!) are in proper condition for a 14 mile ride.
There will be horse water available in Loma from a shared tank. There will not be trailers available for early transport, so be prepared to ride the entire ride or make arrangements on your own for transport. Again, no transport is available.
This trail has many bridge crossings. If your horse will not cross the bridge, for your safety and others, please dismount and walk your horse across the bridge. Don't be afraid to ask a safety rider for assistance.
The riders usually return to Valparaiso around 3:00 - 4:00. Many women take the return trip at their own speed or leisure.
MAP OF OAK CREEK TRAIL (Click to enlarge, print and bring along)
DIRECTIONS
Valparaiso is located 14 miles north of Lincoln on Hwy. 79. (If coming from the north, Valparaiso is 10 miles south of Hwy. 92 on Hwy. 79). The trailhead can be found in downtown Valparaiso, just about 3 blocks west of Hwy. 79. There is ample parking at the trail head and assistance will be available should you need help with parking.
ALSO NOTE
No stallions. Many mares are in season right now.
Bring a halter and lead rope for your horse, as you may need it when we stop in Loma for lunch. Water for your horses will be available in Loma in a community bucket. There is a public bathroom in Loma.
If your horse kicks, tie a red ribbon on its tail. And if you see a red ribbon on a tail, keep your distance as that denotes the horse may kick.
Use good trail manners. If you don't know, ask.
Be a good trail user. Many times we are on shared trails. Be respectful to other trail users and follow all rules regarding that specific trail. Horse trails are a privilege, not a right.
If you are going to change the pace of your ride, please go ahead of the group or stay behind the group and always tell the group of your intentions. Never run up on the group or another individual rider if you have elected to stay behind.
Bring a shovel and clean up any manure left around your trailer before departing the trail head. Do not litter. Pack out what you pack in.
No dogs. Sorry, we love them, too, but there are leash laws on the OCT.
AS A COURTESY
As in the past, a few good men will be riding as safety riders. This is important to me so that all the women on the ride can enjoy the day -- me included -- without having to attend to the small incidents that may interrupt a ride this size. These men play an important role in assisting riders with tack problems, medical emergencies and other unexpected happenings along the trail. Please tip your hat to these cowboys and thank them for donating their time so that we can enjoy our ride. For additional information, email tlvasa@yahoo.com .
WARNING
Under Nebraska Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to sections 25-21,249 to 25-21,253.
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Helmets are always recommended.
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