Its Mongol Derby time again!
Hey Athletes!
It’s that time of year again… or rather finally again! The Mongol Derby kicks off this evening (my time) or tomorrow morning (Mongol Time). 40+ riders will be galloping over the starting line about to challenge 1000kms of Mongolian wilderness on wild horses.
Sounds a little crazy right? If you are like me though, you love a little bit of crazy in your life. Well… the right kind of crazy as I like to say!
This year, as a result of two skipped pandemic races, there are not one but TWO sessions of the race. The organizers have made an absolutely brilliant effort to be able to bring this experience to so many riders this year.
The race itself is more popular than ever, and rumour has it they are already accepting athletes into 2024 (and I think there aren’t too many spots left up for grabs then either).
As for me, I fear my social media detox is going to have to be over at least for the next 10 or so days while I eagerly await updates and follow dots on a map. Those of us who remain home can live out our riding dreams watching these riders go after the impossible.
I must admit, I don’t quite feel ready to come down from my adventure and move onto the next exciting race, even if I am just an observer and superfan. My mind is still bursting with ideas and lessons learned from the Marcha that haven’t really gone anywhere. Honestly, I have been spending my time just living a happy life… and I cannot remember the last time I could genuinely say that! That’s a feeling I want to hold onto as long as I can.
Courses and blogs can wait…but, of course, the Derby will wait for no human to be fully prepared. Just tell that to the riders currently assembling at the start line!
Riding times I understand this year will be 8am to 6pm (this is so riders can be safely into wherever they may lie for the night before darkness falls). I am thankful Mongolia is a 12 hour difference, which means a bit of media with my morning coffee and then again before bed. While the riders sleep, I will be at my desk or in the saddle, musing how I may support and encourage the riders for 2023 and beyond.
I already have some awesome ideas that I think will make an impact, but they are still floating around my mind like little clouds I can’t quite touch, perhaps this session or the next of the Derby will produce the thirst quenching rain so I can grow the seeds into a satisfying meal for trainees. Fingers crossed I can get my mind from the sky to the earth… or at least pen to paper.
I am going to leave it at that, you can follow along on the Equestrianist’s website too, and I am sharing what I can to the Ride Like an Athlete facebook group.
Cheers,
Sarah