Lotoja 2009

Here we go! Another fun year at the LoToJa race. Scott and some friends (plus my bro-de-bro, Rich) did the relay last year and enjoyed it so much they did it again. Our friend Boyd decided to skip it this time and ride the entire thing again this year (read 'crazy') so Josh took his place. Merideth and baby Ronan came along so it was fun to get to know them better and hang out.
This year Scott designed & made team kits officially declaring them the Space Invaders.
The weather was great, the food was great, and the company was the best! Such great people and some good laughs as always.
I figure now that it's been over a week ago, I'd better get my act on it and post these pics. There will be quite a few, so consider yourself warned.

We decided to try some different things out this year so we made the pre-race dinner reservation early at a new restaurant called Elements. It was tasty yums.



After dinner, it's hotel-party-prep-time. Two of our rooms were joined so we spread out across them both and prepared for the big day. I don't know why but I always like this part of the weekend. Commotion in the parking lot because practically everyone there is doing the same thing. The conversations always end up revealing new things... for some, like how Rich & I are brother/sister (which explained my slapping his butt all the time) or, I learned this year that Shep has a thing for assembling miniature doll house furniture. Who knew! ;)

The next morning we got up early to pack up and send Josh off. Even little Ronan was excited.

Here we are at the first feed zone. Here is Rich, ready to go take the second leg to grandma's house. I downloaded a cool app to track his placement on the route. It was awesome!... when it was working. Maybe next year they'll have the bugs worked out on that, but I was still proud when I watched his little green dot move speedily along the map....

He and Randi were like, mackin' all the time it was like, get a room already....
(so cute)

And thanks to Rich, he suggested we get some Space Invaders stickers for the cars, so I had those whipped up right before we left. Maybe one year some fat sponser will give us each G wagons so we can all look as cool as Josh & Mer.... :) No? Spaceships then!

Here is Shepton waiting to go. Take a good look at his tan now because this boy can ride feee-ast.

Shep & Tracy as we caravan to the end (I thought he would appreciate this picture because it looks like the heavens are opening above his bike). It was getting hot later in the day- I kept trying to look for places to pull over in the shade but found none. ltph.

Here is spaceman Danny cruising along all speedy-like.

Some last team-cheer stops before the end.

Here's my man. He had the last leg and said he felt great. Aww... good job, sweets!

After the long day of riding, there is nothing better than recounting the stories of the day over dinner. So again- we made a reservation at a place that has been recommended to us for a while called Calico. Yummers!

Sunday we all met for breakfast and said good bye to Danny/Heidi & Boyd/Michelle. We went into Jackson and hung out for a while before Josh & Mer left. Away the Space Invaders went. Those that could extend the fun a little longer joined us and we headed to a huge town in Wyoming called Boulder (population 71) where Scott's parent's have a home. Yeehaw! Git yer hats on, the party's not over yet.
Here is the team (plus the Ericksons):
Josh/Mer, Tracy/Shep, Randi/Rich, Scott/Me, Michelle/Boyd, Danny/Heidi

On the way to Waaaaaahhh-omin. People are almost crazy to live in such isolation, but it is darn beeyootiful. Flip.

While settling into the house, Rich spotted this ginormous Owl cold-kickin' it above the front porch. When he looked at us, it looked like he was staring into your soul. This is nature, folks!

After chilling out and eating something lighter for dinner for a change, we whipped out the long-awaited debut of Beatles Rock Band and gave it a good work out. It was so fun. I think a contributing factor was we were all alone in this house in the middle of nowhere. Meaning... we could BLARE the volume and sing as loud (and as badly) as we wanted. Good times. And private ones. I can't sing too well. Look at my face, there... looks like I'm mad at Ringo or something.

And Scott with his Morrisey hair rocking out with vigor from the lounge recliner.


We were going to stay through Tuesday but too many duties were pulling us all away, so after some morning walks and great talks (oooh rhyming!), the boys went for a quick ride before saying goodbye.

Scott and I spent the night at my parents house before driving home Tuesday. Of course.... we had to whip out Rock band with them. I mean, c'MON. They are the ones who raised me on the stuff. Now my Dad is hooked and wants a Wii (wee!). I'm glad they liked it. And, uh, sorry Mom about you losing your voice. You sounded great, though... :)


We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed each other and some great friends. Thanks to everyone who made the efforts to participate & make it happen!