LOTOJA. 09

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to ride support for Nathan in the big LOTOJA race. I knew that this was going to be one tough ride but I had no idea how hard it really was. The race starts in Logan and finishes in Jackson Hole. It's 206 miles, making it the longest one-day bicycle race in the country. People come from all over the U.S. to test their physical and mental stamina on the course that has three mountain passes just in the first 110 miles. It was really a neat experience to watch 2,000 people come out and push themselves. It was amazing how many people get into it. It's a big deal!
Nathan ROCKED it!!!! Seriously... He did so well! I am so proud of him. It was his first time riding it and he finished strong just over 13 hours. He did such a good job!!
I'm glad I could be apart of it. I had so much fun! The atmosphere was great, everyone cheering on everyone, and it was exciting to see all the riders just pushing themselves as hard as they can. Honestly... I don't know how anyone does that whole race by themselves. BUT I think it would be really cool to be on a relay team and do it. hm... maybe...Who's with me!?! Oh wait... I need to get me a bike first. :)

Bagels and Gatorade... Breakfast of Champions!

FauxToJa. Nathan wasn't officially registered to race so Greg took a sharpie and made the fake LOTOJA tat so he would fit in with the rest of the riders. What happened is that he applied and everything back in March for the race and didn't get picked out of the lottery. He decided to race anyway... who's gonna stop him?? it's a public road. :) The funny thing was that Greg ended up making this replica like 2x bigger than the original symbol. haha It was massive!

5:45 AM!!!!! Getting ready for a LONG ride

SO many riders...

Getting snacks for the support crew... Me and Greg

{First feed zone} Nathan explaining to us how he got clipped by a tandem bike and crashed. Oh and they didn't even stop to see if he was ok. RUDE! He was lucky that he didn't get ran over by anyone in the peloton. He hurt his lower back/tailbone and had some road rash on his ba-donk-a-donk and ankle but he kept on going. He's an animal!!!

Riding, riding, and riding some more.

Sweet sweet victory!!!

After 13 hours of riding... he still looks sexy!!!

Greg rode the last 50 miles in and did awesome!!!

We made it to Jackson!! Woot woot! :)

2 hours later.... ready to pass out waiting for our dinner. Honestly, the day went by pretty fast but by this time I felt like I had just rode 206 miles on a bike. Exhausted!!!

But I would do it all over again! :)

Up and coming events for October:

Cal-i-forn-i.a.

Derek's coming home!! {2 weeks and 2 days}

Halloweeeeen! Wahhahahhaa!

Labor Day weekend at the "Trabin"

Labor Day weekend I spent with my Mom, Nathan, and the Okelberry's at the Trabin. What the heck is a "trabin" you ask?? Well it's exactly what it looks like... mostly trailor with a little bit of cabin built on= a Trabin. ha! We've been coming up here for years with the Okelberry clan. We were definately missing some people this trip {4 boys on missions, and the Smedley's}but it still was a great holiday weekend full of fun. We spent our time 4wheeling, canoeing Box Canyon {beautiful by the way}, going into Yellowstone National Park to do a little swimming of the fire hole and seeing Ol' Faithful in all its glory. Of course the weekend was full of games, laughs, and good food. To end the fab weekend, we stopped at the falls on our way home with some friends.

Box Canyon
We made these sweet shirts just for the trip. Peace&Love.

Ye Old FaithfulSwimming Fire Hole
Oh my...what nice hooves you have.
Gorgeous!

P.S. This cute boy below will be home from his mission in ONE month {October 15}!!!! WOOT WOOT!!! I cannot wait!!! :)