Welcome to the Friends of Denise Endurance Ride
~ Hosted by GDETF
This ride is being held in honor of Denise Fissel, who served as former co-ride manager and had a deep love for Dru Barner. Denise was a dedicated volunteer, a passionate endurance rider, and a cherished member of our community. When we lost her to cancer it left a hole in the hearts of many, and this ride is our way of celebrating her spirit, her kindness, and her commitment not only to the sport but also to our local endurance community. The Georgetown Divide Equestrian Trails Foundation (GDETF) is proud to host The Friends of Denise Ride, our first endurance ride out of Dru Barner Equestrian Campground. Many of you will remember the long history of rides held here — a tradition that faded out several years back. This year, we have the chance to bring it back.
Please read the ride description and details carefully:
This ride will be challenging and provide both horse and rider a chance to experience a variety of terrain. Prepare for the summer heat and hoof protection. Excellent ride to train for tougher rides and prepare for the Tevis Cup. This is not a beginner ride for either horse or rider. Campsite fees start at $16 per night, and a link to reserve your campsite will be provided on the ride entry confirmation page. In addition, we will be emailing each entered rider more details of the ride meeting, etc… so be sure to check your email for further information. We can’t wait to see you on this ride! Invite a friend to join you! After all, this is the Friends of Denise Ride!
Event Details
Date: July 11
Location: Dru Barner Equestrian Campground, Bottlehill Road, Georgetown, CA
Directions: Take Hwy 193 to Bottlehill Bypass Road (marked with signs and ribbons). Continue following the signs to the campground—about one mile down on the left. Do not take Bottlehill Road; use the Bypass Road.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for both the 25‑mile and 50‑mile distances is $175, which includes the CA drug fee and one Saturday dinner ticket. Click the button below to sign up.
LATE FEES AND CANCELLATION POLICY: A $20 late fee will apply to registrations received after July 4. No refunds will be issued after July 4. Refunds requested on or before July 4 will receive 50% of the ride entry fee. There will be no on‑site registration. The final day to register is Friday, July 10.
Dinner Information
A catered dinner will be provided Saturday evening by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Georgetown. The menu includes tri‑tip, chicken, sides, and dessert. Extra meal tickets are $25 and must be purchased by July 4th at Noon.
Camping Information
The campground has approximately 40 campsites, many large enough to share. There are about 60 horse pens, with many shared sites offering two pens, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Due to July fire risk, campfires and open flames will be restricted.
Camping is $16 per night for sites without a horse pen and $25 per night for sites with a horse pen, which must be reserved in advance (see button link to Campsite Reservation page below). Parking staff will assist you in locating your campsite upon arrival. Riders who are not camping must pay the Forest Service day-use fee of $3 per day at registration. Please bring cash for the day-use fee.
Facilities include:
- Two vault‑toilet restrooms in the main campground
- A flush restroom near the group kitchen
- Water spigots throughout the campground (bring buckets and transport equipment)
Note: Water spigots do not accommodate hoses, and hoses are not permitted under our permit.
Dinner and awards will be held in the group kitchen area at the back of the campground.
Once you complete the ride signup form, we will email you a link to our campsite reservations page.
Inclement Weather Information
We monitor rainfall closely to ensure safe footing and protect the trails. If more than ½ inch of rain falls, we will assess trail conditions; if totals exceed 3 inches—or drainage is poor—the ride may be postponed or canceled. If the ride is cancelled due to rain, riders will receive a refund minus $25 for expenses incurred.
Size Limit
This ride is limited to 100 participants, and entries are accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Weed Free Hay
This event is held in a national forest. Please be sure to feed weed free hay several days prior to arriving and bring weed free hay to the event. Do your best to ensure you don’t bring any weed seeds with you on equipment or tack.
Volunteering Information
If you are available to volunteer for the ride, please sign up for a role that suits your skillset:
Contact Us
If you have any questions about ride registration or fees, please contact the Ride Secretary, Darlene LeVan at 916-532-7242 or darlenelevan@gmail.com.
If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator/Assistant Ride Manager, Anna Plaxco at 916-205-5589.
For any other questions, please contact the Ride Manager, Erin McChesney at 916-690-5390.