The Davenport Dare Endurance Ride follows the same general
trail as the old Littlerock Lions Endurance Ride. This ride is
rated moderate in difficulty. The trail, which runs through the
foothills at the southern end of the Antelope Valley, offers spectacular
views of the valley. The cottonwood trees along the trail should
be showing their fall colors. Depending on conditions, there are
several water-crossings along the trail. This area is considered
high desert with elevations ranging from 2500’ to 4800’.
Footing is generally good, with some rocks and a few sandy washes.
The trail will be clearly marked and easy to follow. Riders in
past rides have commented on how well-marked the trail has been.
The first part of the trail will go through the Angeles National
Forest for several miles. There will be a farrier available at
Base Camp.
Base Camp is located at Totem Pole Ranch located at 34729
Cheseboro Rd., Littlerock, CA. The entrance to Totem Pole Ranch
is at the intersection of Cheseboro Rd. and Barrel Springs Rd..
Totem Pole Ranch has open areas for campers and trailers, but
no RV hookups. There is adequate water for people and horses along
with men’s & women’s restrooms and limited shower
facilities. The Base Camp Grill will be open Friday & Saturday
for hamburgers and hot dogs and Saturday morning for breakfast.
The 50 mile ride will consist of two 12.5 mile loops
and one 25 mile loop. The first 2 vet checks will be in Base Camp
at the end of each of the 12.5 mile loops. Vet checks 3 &
4 will be out on the 25 mile loop. Both of these vet checks will
have access for crew and/or trailers if needed. There is a climb
of approximately 2000’ from Base Camp to Vet check 3.
The 25 mile ride will consist of the same two 12.5
mile loops as the 50 mile ride. This ride will start 1 1/2 hours
after the start of the 50 mile ride. All vet checks for the 25
mile ride will be in Base Camp.
Ride Management suggests that riders wear approved helmets
for both rides. Smoking on the trail is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Violation
of this rule will result in immediate disqualification of the
rider, and the violator will be asked to leave Base Camp and will
forfeit all ride fees. For safety, dogs will be prohibited in
Base Camp and on the trail. No dogs in Base Camp is a Totem Pole
Ranch rule. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
Pre-Ride Veterinary Check-in will be held in the arena at
Base Camp on Friday, October 17 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Late arrivals
must call the ride manager Malcolm Parker at (661) 274-0028 to
arrange for a later check-in. All horses should be checked-in
and numbered Friday evening. The Ride Meeting will be held at
the picnic tables at 6:30pm on Friday evening. The head ride vet
will set the criteria for pulse and respiration at the Friday
Ride Meeting. The Saturday morning start times are 6:30am for
the 50 mile ride and 8:00am for the 25 mile ride.
This is an AERC sanctioned ride and shall be bound by AERC
rules. If you wish to see a complete set of rules, please ask
ride management or contact AERC. A brief summary follows:
1. Equines must be at least 60 months for the 50 mile ride, and
48 months for the 25 mile ride.
2. Junior riders (16 as of 12/1/2002) must be accompanied by an
adult (21 years old) who has entered the ride and agrees to remain
with the minor throughout the ride. Junior riders will not be
permitted to start or continue on from any point of the ride without
the original sponsor, unless the sponsor is pulled and makes arrangements
with ride management for the minor to go on with a substitute
sponsor. Juniors must wear an approved helmet.
3. Abuse of a horse or the use of stimulants and/or pain killers
is prohibited.
4. All horses are subject to saliva, urine and blood tests.
5. No substances of any type may be injected by needle into a
horse during the day of the ride.
6. Those top-ten finishers of the 50 mile ride who want to be
considered for best condition must be presented for inspection
during the best condition inspection.
7. All riders must stay on the marked trails.
8. All veterinary decisions are final.
9. To receive a completion, horses must be judged FIT TO CONTINUE
at the post-ride inspection.
DIRECTIONS TO BASE CAMP:
FROM THE NORTH, SOUTH & WEST: Take Hwy. 14 to the Pearblossom
Hwy./Angeles Forest Hwy. exit. Southbound Exit: Turn left
(east) onto Pearblossom Hwy. Northbound Exit: Take off-ramp
which empties onto eastbound Pearblossom Hwy. Continue east 2.5
miles to the second signal, Barrel Springs Rd. Turn right (south)
on Barrel Springs and proceed 3.4 miles to stop sign at Cheseboro
Rd. Continue straight ahead onto dirt road entrance to Totem Pole
Ranch.
FROM THE EAST: Take Hwy. 138 westbound through the town
of Littlerock. Continue approximately 1.9 miles past Littlerock
and turn left (south) on Cheseboro Rd. (just before the 4-points
intersection which has a traffic signal). Go south on Cheseboro
Rd. 1.8 miles to the intersection of Barrel Springs Rd. Entrance
to Totem Pole Ranch is the dirt road on the left.
Don't have Adobe Acrobat Reader?
