As of 1/20/21 I am officially 100% committed to this crazy Gaucho Derby Adventure! If you know me, you know I was already committed with my heart and soul. Now I'm also committed with my pocketbook. I have paid my first deposit and I have obtained my platinum travelers insurance. It's crazy how clicking "Pay Now" makes everything so much more real.
I'd be lying if I said I was calm and cool for the whole thing. I had a moment of panic as I hit Pay, I second guessed myself and if I really think I can do this. It is absolutely crazy to ride horses you don't know in terrain you don't know for up to 11 days in weather you cannot predict. The reality is that the only difference between an adventure and an ordeal is your attitude and I am going to make this an adventure of a lifetime!
Why travelers insurance? We all know that life is unpredictable so in the rare instance something happens and I can't compete I want to be able to get anyone who donated their money back or be able to pass that money on to charity
What's next?
So now that I've maid my initial payment, I need to find an extra $1400/month from now until the derby to pay this thing off. That payment amount doesn't include airfare, the travel insurance, any other activities, lodging, meals or gear that I need to complete this crazy ride. SO NOW I need to start fundraising and seeking sponsorships in earnest.
I have also started compiling a list of gear I'm going to need. I want to acquire most of it before the end of June 2021 so that I can spend the summer doing test runs in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. No point in finding out my waterproof sleeping bag isn't so waterproof on the side of the Andes Mountains!
Potential Sponsors:
Contact me about how to become a sponsor of me as a rider in the 2022 Gaucho Derby. I can fill you in on what we can/cannot do. I've pretty much decided that I am going to wear a hydration backpack instead of a vest (for balance reasons) and if you want to be a sponsor I can add your patch/name to my pack and it will show up in all the pictures. I MAY wear a vest instead/too but right now a backpack seems the best option.
More details coming soon!
As always, my eternal gratitude to those of you who have already donated. Words cannot express how grateful I am to each and every one of you!