LOTOJAgain

The Garff Family at the finish line.

We were fortunate enough to participate in another LOTOJA!  This was Mike's 5th full LOTOJA in a row.  I did a relay with Karina McDonald and friend Liz Raybould. The Firestorm Females completed the race in 11:45. If I can remember correctly, I rode the last 80 miles this year. Not too shabby considering I had my hamstring dissected only 6 months ago.

Mike's goal was to be faster than last year, and to do it in under 10 hours. He did it! Mike not only got to stand on the podium again for CAT 5 men (5th place) but his final time was his best year at 9hrs 59 min and 10 sec - and that was with a headwind almost the entire ride! I'm so proud of him. We are also grateful for our friend Laurotoja (also known as Laura Hamilton) who continues to ride as his support crew. Seriously, there's nothing worse that bad support. You can't get a time of 9:59 without stellar support like Laura. She didn't miss a beat, or a support stop because she's just awesome like that.

After LOTOJA we enjoyed a nice weekend up in Teton Village - we rode the tram, threw rocks and took naps.

 Our family all together on the podium - Karina McDonald, Alec Eror, Mike, Bill Garff, Dad and myself (with a funny look on my face). 

A finish line photo - or at least a photo of those who still hadn't made it from the finish line up to the hot tub! Karina McDonald, Karen and Bill Garff, myself and Laurotoja.

 With yet another ear infection, Daniel was a little trooper going up to Jackson Hole and enduring a day of LOTOJA with his crazy parents. 

 The sunset from the top of the tram in Teton Village made the hill look like it was on fire. It was NOT on fire.

Me and one of my dearest friends, Laurotoja.