Trail can be treacherous for Tevis riders

Auburn Journal

Rocky terrain, drop-offs, steep paths, intense heat are among the challenges

By: Penne Usher, Journal Staff Writer
Sunday, July 30, 2006 10:55 PM PDT

Editor's Note: This is part two in a series leading up to the 52nd Tevis Cup ride.

The 52nd Tevis Cup, to be held Aug. 5, will pit horse and rider against 100 miles of rocky terrain and treacherous trails that have already claimed the life of one horse this year.

The one-day ride begins at Robie Park, northeast of Squaw Valley and ends at the Auburn dam overlook.

Hannah Heuseveldt, 23, of Weimar, attempted the ride in 2004, but due to illness was unable to complete the grueling course. She said there are plenty of spots along the trail that pose risk to both horse and rider.

"There are different dangers at different portions of the trail," she said. "The first 36 miles are over the mountains and there are drop-offs and it's real rocky. It's the more technical part of the trail."

She said by the middle of the day, as the heat sets in, riders are usually along the steep side of the American River canyon.
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