In August of 2006, a very special pair,
Rode off into the darkness knowing little what was there.
They both spent many hours getting ready for this day.
Their bond was strong, the trust was there, they now were on their way.
They left a place called Robie Park bout 5:15 a.m.
The crew was watching close when Karen hollered, “thanks” to them.
Well that was the beginning of a day we won’t forget.
For me I have to tell you it may well be my best yet.
From there they went to High Camp, which was 13 miles away.
While crossing through Squaw Valley for a long but awesome day.
A short trip down the trail brought them to vet check number two,
A place called Lyon Ridge they both were good so on they flew.
In search of something scary Cougar Rock was next in line,
Omega told his partner, just hang on and, we’ll be fine.
They made it over Cougar Rock with little effort spent,
A photo at the top and then on down the trail they went.
To Red Star ridge, a gate to go, then on to Robinson Flat.
The first long break was up ahead and that’s where we were at.
Now Doug had planned the day and had things right where they should be.
We all commenced our jobs while Karen vegged out by a tree.
An old dude known as Crockett washed her face and kissed her head.
Now all of us know Karen so imagine what she said!
Soon this break was over Teresa tacked Omega then
We all went to the place where it was time to ride again.
Then off they went, we headed back, about a mile or so,
To where we left the truck and loaded up our stuff to go.
Our next stop would be Forest Hill with lots of time to wait.
We took advantage of it as we slept and drank and ate.
Me and Teresa went back up to hike to Michigan Bluff.
Quite a hike down in there so we didn’t take much stuff.
We waited there for quite a while, her cut-off time drew near.
We knew she would be coming but we still filled up with fear.
At last she came around the bend with both thumbs in the air.
She said that section was the worst and wouldn’t go back there.
They’d made it through Deep Canyon, Dusty Corners, Last Chance Mine.
And then down hill to Swinging Bridge, they handled that just fine.
Now back uphill to Devil’s Thumb then Deadwood was ahead.
Then El Dorado Creek was next, a canyon most folks dread.
They made it through with help from friends for this we were so glad.
If they had not been with her things could really have gone bad.
Omega was in awesome shape though Karen not so good.
The balance was a wee bit off, she did the best she could.
She hadn’t heard what Robin said, to care for herself to.
Yes Robin said “ to make it this is what you need to do”.
She sent some things with Karen that would help to keep her strong.
The Gatorade to drink not down your back, now that was wrong.
Karen wasn’t feeling well, I offered her my hat.
She said that wasn’t cool “you see that bag there? Bring me that.”
It wasn’t long before she started coming back around,
She said just bring Omega cuz it’s time to leave this town.
Well Teresa brought Omega as I dragged our friend along.
We didn’t want to let her go though weak her will was strong.
They disappeared into the woods, the tears came back again.
We hollered out good luck to her, we’ll see you soon my friend.
Their next stop would be Forest Hill, their crew was waiting there.
And when we saw her smiling face we had more tears to share.
They had to wait an hour it was getting dark outside.
So Doug rigged up the night lights it was safety for his bride.
Then Courtney wrapped Omega’s legs to keep the swelling down.
While Robin Cared for Karen in attempts to keep her sound.
Teresa checked the tack and things to see that all was good.
And Randy checked the feet again like Karen hoped he would.
The break was done at Forest hill and time again to ride,
The sun was gone the temperature was cooling off outside.
From here on out the trail was marked with little sticks that glow.
Allot of miles behind but still had 31 to go.
The next stop was Francisco’s was a gate to go again.
They got past all the vets there, headed for the river then.
They made it past Rock Quarry then crossed highway 49,
Crossed over No-Hands Bridge and they were running short on time.
The cut-off time was 5:15 they had to hold their pace.
With 4 miles left to go they didn’t have much time to waste.
With Robin at the Stadium along with Jen and Shell.
The rest of us were waiting at the finish line to yell.
We stared into the darkness our adrenalin was high.
Poor Doug looked pretty nervous he’s a very special guy.
He organized a super trip and everything went great,
And now we’re at the finish hoping Karen won’t be late.
Well soon we passed 4:30 and we wondered, where’s she at?
Her pace had slowed a bit we wondered what was up with that.
So then you know the thoughts that came we tried to think the best.
Then quarter till showed up and poor ole Doug he was a mess.
Horses laced with glow sticks came from darkness to the line.
While minutes seemed like hours waiting for that light to shine.
Then all at once the darkness turned from gloom to gleaming light,
The Hawkview team appeared and we could see they were alright.
They crossed the finish line with only minutes left to spare.
Success was on the faces of allot of friends right there.
Emotion was among us as they trotted to the vet.
Excitement in the air but we had not seen victory yet.
They headed through the darkness to the final vetting place,
And stopped under the lights and met each other face to face.
While Karen looked Omega in the eye he looked at her.
It wasn’t hard to see from where I was just where they were.
They’d just completed Tevis but the thing they both could see.
It’s not about the race it’s that they had real unity.
They past fit to continue then the victory lap soon came,
A winning smile, extended arms, the pair made victory lane.
Author: Randy Bickel
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