The Fools 50 Endurance Ride

Sunday, april 2nd, 2023

25/50 plus 15 Mile Introductory Ride

The Fools Fifty will be held in Ridgecrest, California, on Sunday, April 2nd, on the day after April Fools day! The ride is AERC sanctioned and includes two distances- 25 miles, and 50 miles. It also includes a non-sanctioned 15 mile Introductory ride for those who would like to experience what it’s like to attend a ride. The ride is a very quick addition to the 2023 AERC calendar in the Pacific South Region.

The Ride is put on by the Desert Endurance Ride Management Team called “Bri-Gretch-Nick”. That’s Brian Reeves, Gretchen Montgomery, and Nick Warhol. (Assisted by Val Reeves and several members of the Valley Riders in Ridgecrest, Ca) This trio of loons specializes in hosting the best rides in the Mojave desert. Come see us again at the Fire Mountain ride in January, and the 20 Mule Team in February.

Ride Information Sheet

Fools Fifty 25 / 50 Mile AERC Ride

With Introductory 15 Mile Ride

    Sunday, April 2nd, 2023

                                                 

Accommodations:  The base camp is located at the Valley Riders Equestrian Center Ridgecrest, CA 93555.  The elevation is approximately 2,500 feet.  Although the weather is generally nice, you should be ready for cold or wet weather.  It is cold at night, near freezing, but can be warm during the day.  It can also be windy. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.  

Base Camp: Base Camp opens at 10:00am on Friday, March 31st, 2023. It is located at the corner of San Bernardino Rd (aka County Line Rd) and Springer St.(double electrical pole line along the road), southeast of Ridgecrest, California. It is the site of the Valley Riders Equestrian Center and is currently undeveloped so camping is primitive (no electricity). There are accommodations, grocery stores and gas close by. Potable water will be provided. Porta Potties will be available. Base camp is at 2,500 feet.

 Camper Trailers are available for rent, go to www.hideserttrailerrntls.com. Their winter location is less than ½ mile from base camp and they set up in advance.

 Saturday trails:  The trail consists of three loops for the 50; two loops for the 25, and one loop for the 15 mile ride.  There are a few long gradual grades, and some rocks and sand.  Pads are recommended for any rides in the desert.  The trail will be well marked with plenty of ribbons, chalk and glow-bars after dark if required The introductory ride will be one 15-mile loop.

 Saturday starting time:  The ride will start at 6:00 am for the 50 mile ride, at 7:00 am for the 25 mile ride and at 9:00 am for the 15 mile introductory ride. 

 Awards:  There will be first place awards for the 25 and 50 mile rides, and completion awards for all who complete the ride. The 25 and 50 mile rides will have an AERC Best Condition Award.   All riders will receive their awards upon completion.  Awards will not be mailed out and must be picked up at the ride.

 Pre-Ride Vet Check:  3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 1st.   A pre-ride meeting will be held at 6:00 pm on Saturday evening.  For riders arriving in the morning please make arrangements with the ride management in advance. 

 Rules:  All AERC rules will apply. Any abuse by rider or their crew to ride staff will result in disqualification of rider. Full refund for cancellations prior to 3/24/23.  For cancellations after 3/24/23 and for horses not passing the pre-ride veterinary exam, a $50.00 ride management fee will be withheld.  No shows receive no refund. Checks will not be cashed until after the ride.  Dogs must be on a leash.   

 All hay, manure and trash must be picked up and your camp site left clean – Thank you!

Directions

Do not use a street number address on GPS,use only corner of Springer and County Line.

 From the Inland Empire:

• North on I-15 to Highway 395.

• Continue North on Highway 395 approximately 90 miles to the Ridgecrest turnoff (China Lake Blvd).

• Continue north on China Lake Blvd to second stop light (Bowman road) at Walmart. Turn right.

 

FROM BOWMAN ROAD:

• Turn right onto San Bernardino County Line road when pavement ends. Make sure you stay left of center dirt median. Continue on this dirt road past all homes. Ride camp will be on your right at corner of Springer and County line road.

 

From Los Angeles:

  • North on I-5 to Highway 14 heading towards Palmdale and Lancaster.

  • Continue North on Highway 14 approximately 120 miles to Highway 178 East (towards Inyokern, Ridgecrest and NAWS China Lake).

  • Continue East on 178 (Inyokern Road) approximately 14 miles to China Lake Blvd. Turn right and follow this to 178 East towards Trona (Ridgecrest Blvd)

  • Turn right onto Richmond Street (Fairgrounds) Follow this until it dead ends at Bowman.

  • Turn Left onto Bowman and follow above directions to ride camp.

 

From Points North:

  • Where Highway 395 forks to the left (Highway 14 begins) take Highway 395 to the second Inyokern exit (Highway 178/Inyokern Road).

  • Continue East on 178 (Inyokern Road) approximately 14 miles to China Lake Blvd. Turn right and follow this to 178 East towards Trona (Ridgecrest Blvd) where you will turn left.

  • Turn right onto Richmond Street (Fairgrounds) Follow this until it dead ends at Bowman.

  • Turn left onto Bowman and follow above directions.