The Epic Bike Race of 2010
After many weeks and miles of training, the famed and much anticipated biking event of the summer (is September still considered the summer?) has finally arrived. Lotoja. Or LaTooJa as some people like to pronounce it. Even better: LotoJack as my mother has fondly dubbed this bike ride. However you say it, Logan (Utah) to Jackson Hole (Wyoming) is one of the most scenic and challenging 200 miles to bike ride in the Mountain West.
For Steve and his biking buddies, riding under the TeamGive name, this bike race started at 5:45 a.m. on a crisp autumn (is it still summer in September? It feels like Fall) morning, with temperatures hovering at 45 degrees.
Mike K. and Steve have their "game face" on. Mike looks a little scary and maybe even a little nuts and intense. Steve can hardly wait to climb onto his bike and get started. He is giddy with anticipation of the ride. This will be his 6th time biking Lotoja and this year he gets a special 1,000 miles/5 years medal.
1st Feed Zone: Preston, ID. Yes, folks, Preston. As in the Preston, ID made famous in "Napoleon Dynamite." I drove the support vehicle for Steve, Mike K. and Rian K. At each Feed Zone, I set up all the possible combinations of sustenance and liquid which they could possibly need. I took really good care of these boys.
Feed Zone #2, Montpelier, ID. Still smiling.
The Big Finish. Don't they look so happy, so....satisfied?
(6 of the 15 riders: Steve M., Bryan T., Rian K., Ken C., Jerry G. and Mike K.)
When Steve originally signed up to ride Lotoja this year, it was mainly to ride with his friend, Mike K., who had never ridden this course before. He wanted to help Mike train and be a moral support out on the course. Well, one thing led to another and invitations were given verbally to other biking friends and before he knew it, there was a group of about 15 riders who all wanted to ride this together. Steve and his friends had to figure out all the logistics such as support vehicles, lodging and keeping everyone together during the ride. They ended up riding in a 15 man pace line for the whole 200 miles, with everyone taking a turn at the front, while the rest of the group drafted behind and then rotating to the back so the next in line could take a turn in the front.
It was so fun for me to go and watch Steve do something he loves so much and do it well. I loved knowing that I was part of his success by providing kick bottom support. We saw some beautiful country, I visited with long time friends and made new friends. I met some really cool people and heard their amazing stories. I was very inspired by all the many types of riders I saw complete the amazing athletic feat of riding a bike for 200 miles, over a very difficult course. Congratulations, Steve and TeamGive riders!
