Lotoja is a big event and probably too big a story to tell in one post. Hopefully, we can follow up with a couple more, but I want to at least get something started now. For some time, Jeff has talked about organizing a team for Lotoja with a commitment to train together, work together in the race, and provide a good experience for every member of the team. He has done a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes work this year to bring that vision to reality as well as providing a generous amount of sponsorship to the team.
We went to Lotoja this year with an unprecedented amount of resources and support. In addition to Jeff’s organization and sponsorship of the team, we had ten bikes, wheels, and gear packed in Kellen’s new trailer. Joe supplied an expansive variety of energy and feed zone foods. John once again arranged for some very generous family friends to provide us with lodging at their cabin in Logan. John’s friends Mark and Rose Kincart traveled with us Friday and Saturday to pull the trailer with the bikes and gear. Tim was in Alaska on Friday but traveled all day to get back to Utah, slept a couple of hours, and drove through the night to meet us in Logan. Along with Shae and Stephanie, Tim provided our close and feed zone support.
Every single one of these people performed above and beyond our expectations. We are very grateful to them as well as numerous friends and family members who met us in Jackson.
Conditions were tough yesterday. It was hot and windy. Our day did not pass with incident, but we were able to keep most of the group together to the finish. Plus I think it was a pretty fun day if fun is a word you can use to describe Lotoja. Even when it goes well, nobody escapes without some real suffering.
The first photo shows the group at the start (Ryan, me, Kellen, Justin, Jeff, Brian, Daniel, Joe, Jason, and John. In the second photo, Bruce Baxter joins us at the finish line. This year probably represents a record level of participation from Upper Valley residents. I will mention all that I know in addition to the people I mentioned above: Cameron Patch, Boyd Berry, Tim Martindale, James Helfrich, Greg Roach, Justin Lamb, Kyle Stucki, and probably more that I have overlooked or forgotten. If any of you want to post some pictures or share your stories, we would be very happy to put them on the blog.
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