Episode 10 - Michigan Shore to Shore Ride Wrap-Up Series: Donna Smith Curtin

This podcast is part of a series featuring the stories, struggles, successes and assessments of several riders that decided to make the journey and enter the 2025 Michigan Shore to Shore Ride.  The Michigan Shore to Shore ride began in 1985 and was held annually until 2018.  With a tremendous amount of determination, love for the ride, energy and vision , Barb Kurti decided to take on the enormously challenging role of Ride Manager to bring this iconic ride back for one time only in 2025.  The ride was held Sunday, July 27 through Saturday, August 2.  Seven consecutive days covering 250 trail miles from Oscoda to Empire, MI following the established Michigan Trail Riders Associations trail connecting 10 primitive campsites from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan.In this podcast you will meet Donna Smith Curtin and her remarkable Arabian Gelding Traction.  Donna and Traction won the challenging 50 Traditional ride at the Michigan Shore to Shore event taking 1st place and receiving the coveted Best Condition Award- The  50 Traditional Ride is 5 consecutive days of 50 miles each day, Monday through Friday covering a total of 250 miles.Donna shares how she prepared herself for the ride as well as Traction.  Donna primarily competes in Competitive Trail Rides in the Northeast Region.  She loves multi-day 100s and has completed many.  She has logged several 100 and 50-mile endurance rides, but enjoys the CTRs best.  With a host of multi-day 100s under their belts, Donna felt confident that she and Traction could make a go at the Shore to Shore ride.  And that they did!She and Traction benefitted from a very savvy, willing and dedicated crew, which is essential for 50 Traditional Ride.  Donna talks about some issues with Traction that occurred along the trail and how she and her crew kept him going.I had the pleasure to share a bit of the trail with Donna over the 5 days they rode and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to chat with her about her amazing accomplishment.  I hope you enjoy our chat as she takes us through their journey.