LOTOJA 2010

Well it has finally come and gone and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Each year I have been apart of Lotoja in some way I have never been disappointed and this year wasn't any different.

We arrived at the check in early Friday evening and didn't have to wait long to sport our Lotoja stamp-tats. We purchased some sweet merchandise and new socks. Sean Bradley, the b-ball star, was even there and was sporting the Lotoja gear (yes, he rode the race...we're not quite sure if he finished it in time though, being 7'6" has got to be rough on a bike). The Lotoja atmosphere is always one we enjoy.

Saturday came quick with waking up at 4:50 a.m. I felt loved because the whole gang got up with me to go cheer me on even though they didn't need to really be up for another little while. It was quite a chilly morning and didn't really feel the real cold until I turned the corner after the starting line...I about died of the cold! My fingers pretty much froze. I learned too lessons there-1. train in the cold and 2. cough up the money for warm gear even though that stuff gets pricey. Luckily that first leg to Preston flew by and I could pass the paton onto Bridget. My last 81 mile leg came way too quick in the afternoon. When Bridget got to me all I was thinking was- she's done and I'm not even halfway! It's funny how quick those rides go by though. There were some parts that dragged a little but the scenery was beautiful and Bridge and my parents would pass, then stop; pass, then stop so I saw them a lot. Bridge hopped on for the last 15 or so miles with me to cross the finish line as well as pull me to the finish line...I was pooped and my body ached! She was a life saver. We finished in 11 hours 36 minutes. We think we might have won our division...still pending. I also averaged 19.3 mph without the stops...my best average! Pretty sweet!

The boys came in 45 minutes after us. They beat there goal of 11 hours by 10 minutes. It was fun to see them finish cause we couldn't see them the rest of the way.

It was a success because we've got just about everyone in our family and extended family with the Lotoja bug now. So it continues...

5:40 a.m. Right before I took off...Go Cranker Sores!

Getting in line to start

And I'm off...my legs were shaking so bad!

Bridge rocked the mountain climbs!

At the top of the last hill climb...I was pooped!

We did it!

Dave after he finished

Go Cranker Sores!