2010-11-06T10:21:00.013-06:00

The night before I left for Ithaca, New York to participate in the Police Unity Tour I received an Email from the LOTOJA folks.

The email was the same as last year's denial letter so I began reading it without enthusiasm. I soon realized the only difference was the acceptance part. After being accepted I really didn't know what to do. I had now committed to participate in something that I had always wanted to do. Something that was on the edge of impossible for me. I was worried that I would fail. 206 miles would be the easy part, it was the 10,000 feet of climbing during those 206 miles that would do me in.

In High School I was a fan of the group They Might Be Giants. They perform a song called Particle man. There are many different "men" in the song. Included is "Triangle Man." I knew if

I ever had a cycling team I would call it Team Triangle Man. The time had come to form the team.

I was able to recruit two work mates to be part of my team- To drive the car and provide support throughout the race.

Preparation began the day before with a trip to the Walmart. I bought several bottles of Gatorade and a ton of chocolate milk in the 20 ounce containers. I picked up bread and peanut butter, ham, granola bars, ice and some fig newtons. I picked up the large cooler and filled it up with ice.

There are four rest stops that the support vehicle supply food and drink to the riders. I made a sack for each rest stop that contained two peanut butter sandwiches several granola bars, fig newtons and two water bottles. I labeled each bag with the name of the town for which it was to be delivered. The only difference is the Afton stop had a ham sandwich, just to change things up a bit.

I jumped in the car with all the equipment and off I went toward Logan. After picking up my support team members we arrived in Logan at the registration area for a walk about. I had previously registered and we just went to see if there was anything worth doing. It turned out there was nothing to see except some anorexic and veiny people with large calve muscles. We decided to eat.

It turned out that the Olive Garden was having the all you can eat pasta deal. We enjoyed a meal at the Olive Garden. I was able to down 4 bowls of pasta. I know you are not surprised, maybe even disappointed. The record was 12, and he went to the hospital.

We then went to Weet's house. Weet lives about 30 minutes from Logan in a little town called Cove. We were able to locate her house and let ourselves in. I am very grateful to Weet for allowing us to stay at her house. We were able to watch a bit of television before she came home. It was nice to see her again.

Weet showed us to our rooms and we set up camp. After watching a team member play in the racquetball court. I began taking in fluids. We were able to get to bed at about 1030, but not to sleep.

We awoke at 0445 hrs. I jumped in the shower and was ready to go. The temperature was 35 degrees. We hopped in the car and went toward Logan. While traveling to Logan I finished getting dressed, opting for leg and arm warmers hat and a jacket.

We arrived at the starting line at about 0540 hrs. We were lucky enough to find a spot less than a block from the starting line. We took the bike down and checked the tire pressure, placed the water bottles and made our way to the start line. It was 0545 start time and then I heard it. A tire pop. A rush of air escaping from the tube. It wasn't me, but someone on the street making his way to the start. There was a silence that was only broken by the hissing of his tube. A sick feeling came over the crowd and the everyone seemed to moan at once.

It seemed like there were 1000 people in the street waiting to start. There was the tallest man I had ever seen on a Trek Project one bike. He was not only tall but he was thick. He was close to 8 feet tall. I would have to jump high to touch the top of his head.

The first wave left at 0545, My wave left at 0548. Slowly we made our way out of the start gate and onto the streets of Logan and then west.

I had rigged a couple of camping head lights to my bike. One on the front and a red one on the back. I was able to see rather well as group of about 100 of us left the town of Logan behind. The pace was easy about 23 miles an hour down hill. It was a safe pace considering it was pitch black and foggy. We knew we were beginning a long day and didn't want to burn any matches right off the bat.

Then up ahead there was a crash. Being that it was dark, we could see the sparks fly from the crash. The crash was on the right and it was with the big tall guy's group. We carried on since everyone seemed fine.

We went a while and caught up to the 545 group. We merged with them and then turned north toward Preston. Then I noticed groups picking up the pace breaking off the front. Three groups went and I decided that the pace of the main group was too slow and I would latch on to the next break away.

The next group of riders came up and I jumped on the back. We were riding at about 26 mph for a few miles when I suddenly realized I was not going to be able to keep this pace. I tried to evaluate my situation. I realized that if I held the break pace I would burn up and be done. If I dropped off I would be alone. Surely another group would come and I could latch on. I decided to drop off the group. Here it was 0630 and I had already made a mistake. I rode alone through the country rodes of the Utah Idaho boarder. Waiting for a group to come by. Waiting for a group to come by. Nothing. Then a two breakaway groups appeared and I was unable to maintain their speed without ruining the day.

Finally I caught up to a guy who was in the same situation as I was. We worked together and made our way the last 10 miles to Preston. We spoke for a bit and he told me he had ridden LOTOJA last year but didn't make it. That really helped my confidence. I was out in the middle of nowhere alone with a guy whose pace was too slow for a finish last year. Why was I alone? Why didn't my friends sign up for this with me? Why couldn't I at least have a radio to listen too. Why did I leave the group so early in the race.

I came around the corner in Preston and could see the feed zone. I searched for Team Triangle Man at station #6 and there they were with their blankets.

At each feed zone there are 10 sections 0-9 and a neutral feed zone. The riders usually arrive at the speed zone that corresponds to their last number. Being that I was the number of Satan him self (6616) we used station six.

Before I knew it I was being attended to like a race car in the Indy 500. My water bottles were gone and replaced by fresh ones. My garbage was removed and new sandwiches were in my pockets. chocolate milk was opened and being consumed. I shed my jacket but kept the warmers on my legs and arms. I also removed the lights from the bike. Before I knew it I was off.

Since everyone was arriving and leaving the feed zone I looked around and realized I was still alone. I knew the hardest part was coming up. The ride out of Preston was pleasant as the sun came up over the eastern mountains. Things began to warm slightly. I was glad I dropped my jacket.

It seemed I was still alone. I thought I must be in a class of my own. Nobody could keep up with me and I couldn't keep up with anybody. I made it to the base of the first climb alone and began the slow climb up Emigration Canyon. 21 miles of climbing awaited. I slowly chipped the miles away and about two thirds the way up the hill I was passed by the categorized riders. They came by in a group followed by referees on motorcycles watching for rule violations. I noticed them talking and riding without hands. Basically floating up the hill. I have a vague remembrance of those days.

On I went. Pedal over pedal. I made my own pace up the mountain I arrived at the false flat and knew I was close to the top. I rode the few flat miles before the final climb to the top with ease. I ascended the last few miles to the top looking forward to the downhill drop.

I arrived at the feed zone at the top of the climb and got off the bike. I noticed they had all sorts of things to eat. Not wanting to goof up what I was used to eating I took a banana and some water. I noticed the pile of water bottles that were discarded at the drop zone. If I had time I would have hid a few in the bushes for later retrieval.

I bit into the green banana and about chipped a tooth. It was so hard, harder than an apple. I choked it down and off I went. I descended alone for the first few miles down. I dropped like a cannon ball and nobody passed me. As I arrived at the rolling hills a few miles outside of Ovid I was caught from behind by a guy that wanted to work together to catch a larger group. I was relieved to finally have some help and to be able to help. The two of us took turns pulling each other for the next five or six miles. We were traveling at 29 miles per hour when he was pulling and about 27 when I as pulling. We were finally able to catch up to a group of about 10 riders just past Ovid. We pulled and worked together to Montpelier. There were even some cat 3-4 riders in our group. who had been dropped.

About three miles outside of Montpelier I got dropped. Our speeds were in the mid 20's and I knew we were close to the feed zone. I didn't intentionally let go I was just running out of steam.

I made my way over the bridge into Montpelier alone. I noticed the relay transition point and made my way to the Montpelier feed zone. I glanced to see if I could see anyone from the Green Gecko Racing but didn't see them.

I arrived to find my support waiting for me at section six. We loaded up with peanut butter sandwiches and I drank 2 chocolate milks.

I needed to take a pit stop and when my turn came the guy who came out in front of me was the guy who I worked with to catch the group. I was glad to know that I wasn't really that far behind. Although it was almost 11 am and I had a long way to go.

As I came out of the restroom my longest friend Lynn Jenkins was standing there waiting for me. He had flown in and was following the race. He was following Brad Unsicker from Green Gecko and I. Lynn should have been riding with Green Gecko. in fact maybe we both should have been riding for Green Gecko but maybe next year.

I hopped on the bike and off I went. I knew the next time I saw my support crew I would be done with the major mountain climbs. I went on alone. I had preriden the section from Montpelier to Afton earlier this summer with Lynn and was familiar with the terrain. The climb to Geneva Summit gradually grew steeper and I again was in a world of my own. Too slow to latch on and to fast for the few that were left. Climbing alone was fine, I could go my own pace and not burn anything up. I passed the dirt road turn off for Crow creek to Fairview and thought I need to ride that someday, just not today. The road grew rather steep for the last few miles but it wasn't too far. I rolled over Geneva summit with relief, only one major climb left. I made the short quick decent into Geneva and things began to look a lot more familiar. I could see in the distance the line of support cars that went around the climb. It gave me strength to know there were still that many people at this point on the course. I passed the church my Grandfather Ron Allred built and suddenly I was on Hwy 89, 35 miles from Afton.

One more climb towered in the distance. I knew I would make it up the climb, but that would only be half the battle. At the top of the last climb I would be just over half way to the finish. There is usually a head wind coming into Afton and if I was alone I would be hammered by the wind.

I rode up the gradual ascent toward the neutral feed zone. I wondered if I was ahead of the support crew or not. I thought about the wind and making it to Afton. I wondered if they would have some more of those delicious apple bananas at the feed zone. Alone again I thought I should have trained for this ride.

The last two months have been super busy at work with not much time to ride. Not much energy to ride either. I thought I would have done a lot better had I trained. Next time I heard Butch whisper in my ear, next time.

I made it to the neutral feed zone and decided to pass on the bananas. I ate the sandwiches I brought instead. I filled up my water bottles and looked at the pile of used water bottles discarded by the previous riders. Off I went.

I climbed the steep part of last climb at a fairly easy pace. At this point I had removed my arm warmers but still had on my leg warmers. At about halfway up the relay rider from the Green Gecko racing team passed me. Good I thought, maybe Ill do a relay someday with my family or friends. Relays are fun because you basically sprint the 50 or so miles of your section and then turn it over to someone else. Then you go to the finish line and have a little party with your group until the last leg is finished.

I grew warm and pulled over to take off my leg warmers. I decided just to roll them up and leave them just above my knee. I received encouragement from riders passing me as I was stopped. I suppose they thought I was giving up. They said "Keep going you're almost there." The funny thing was I was sure I knew exactly how far it was to the top. I was sure I had traveled this road more than most people who were on course. I was sure I would make it but took the encouragement and continued riding. I finally reached the top. 110 miles done 96 miles to go.

I eased across the top of the climb and glanced at the view I had seen a thousand times before. I then plunged downhill toward Afton hoping the wind was from the south. It turned out it was from the south and considering my status of being alone most of the ride, I was relieved.

I plugged along at about 30 to 35 miles per hour. Flying toward Smoot and again glancing toward Cottonwood Lake road. It would be nice to roast a hot dog but just not today.

Something was different at this point and I finally noticed that someone was behind me. Really? Someone was wheel sucking my wheel? No way. As I looked he noticed that I noticed him. He said "Sorry I can't pull right now...I'm beat." Good enough. I pulled him for a ways and just outside of Afton he was able to pull for a while which was nice. The wind pushed us up into Afton and to the feed zone. He asked how many times I had done this and I said first time. He seemed surprised.

It was a change up at the Afton feed zone. I had a ham sandwich instead of peanut butter and jam. My plan was to take a lunch break in Afton and rest a bit. My pit crew was as sharp as ever taking my bottles and bike from me. I tried to pick up one of the bottles but found my body wouldn't bend that far. I supposed my crew was there long before I had arrived because they had time to eat lunch. That was good for them and bad for me. I thought about resting, but with the wind at my back I decided I needed to go. It was just after 2:30 and I was about 1/2 hr behind my estimated time - the wind could change at any time.

I rode past Grandma's house and waved goodbye. Hopefully I would be sleeping there tonight. I turned north and rode out of town. Pushing and pulling pedal over pedal only about 34 miles to Alpine and the last support feed zone. I was certainly confused at this point as I was being passed by riders. I then realized that all these riders that were passing me had passed me before. It seemed that I was taking shorter breaks while everyone else was taking long breaks. I wasn't doing so bad after all. The funny thing was I couldn't latch onto anyone. I had to go my own pace. I had to fight the air alone.

I made it to the narrows when my support finally passed me. It was a fair distance before they passed me. I then noticed my long lost cousin who I didn't know on the side of the road with his support. The day before I left I went to the bank and was talking to the teller who turned out to be my cousin. She told me she was supporting her father who was my dad's cousin. I recognized her on the side of the road with who I thought was her dad. I didn't stop.

When I made it to Etna the wind shifted and was blowing against me. The wind is a killer, physically and mentally. Anyone who has ever ran or rode against the wind knows the hardship of the wind. I was frustrated and hoping to make it to Alpine. After a few miles the wind stopped and I was able to ride around the corner to Alpine.

There it was, the Greys river road. I wished I was up the river making a Sm ore or floating down the river. just not today, next time. I had made it to Alpine. It was 4:30.

I took 4 ibuprofen and my support rubbed some Ben Gay on me. I have never been gay but there is a first time for everything. They also topped of the air pressure in the tires.

I looked up snake river canyon pointed my bike in that direction and pushed the pedal for the last leg. I saw a Chinese lady in front of me and thought about trying to catch her and then thought I was just fine where I was. It was about 4:30 I had about 4 hrs to ride 47 miles. I knew I would make it if i didn't push too hard. It was easy riding up the Snake river. Although I was not as familiar with the area I knew it well enough to gage my efforts. With the wind at my back, I was able to ride an easy 20 mph up the canyon and enjoy the spectacular view of the canyon. I was then passed again by the team called "Just the 7 of us" I thought there may have been 14 of them or so. Maybe they were counting impaired or maybe the long day was getting to me and I was seeing double.

I eased up the canyon and made it to the neutral feed zone. I ate my sandwiches, skipped the bananas and filled my bottles. As I left the feed zone I left the "7" of them behind. I made my way toward Jackson. A few miles down the road the 14 of them caught me and I was able to jump on. We road for about an hour all the way toward Jackson. Just outside of Jackson there was a hill that the 7 of them dropped me on. I was alone again as I turned west down the country road.

I had been alone most of the day, that was fine. I usually ride alone and have riden alone on the road most my life. What was the difference now? The difference was it was mile 190 and 9,500 feet of climbing. I was starting to feel the fatigue set in. I knew, barring a mechanical I would make it. The country road through the residential area seemed like it would never end. Soon I couldn't see anyone in front or behind me. Was I in last place?

I finally reached the main road again went east for a few miles. It seemed the last turn was coming up and there was a sign that said Teton Village. There were no race markers there. I decided to turn anyway and was nervous at first. I saw a few cars leaving the area with bikes in tow but I wasn't sure if I was on the right road. Finally I saw some spectators. I knew I had taken the right road.

I was now in the shadows of the Teton Mountains. The didn't seem so great. I had been here before and they were huge and majestic. I guess I was too tired to care about the mountians.

As I rode alone I saw the Chinese lady slowing. I didn't want to pass her at the end but she really started to slow. I then noticed a sign that said 5k. I thought I would sprint at the end anyway and it would look bad to pass her at the finish line so I went ahead and passed her.

4k....3k.... 2k.... 1k to go. As I neared the finish line I could hear the crowd getting louder and cheering. I looked in there faces as I flew by and realized they were not cheering for me.... There was a large group behind me sprinting for the line. I had been passes so much that day that I decided not to let it happen again. I sprinted for the finish and crossed the line 100 feet before the group sprint. I crossed hearing the cheers of my support crew.

My support had made friends with the locals while waiting at the finish line. I wouldn't have expected anything different. My support was amazing and it was a long day for them. It was a three day adventure away from their families and I am glad they came.

I had finished.... I was given my medal by a helper and walked my bike to the car. We loaded up and drove back to Afton where we enjoyed Pizza Hut pizza. We then wandered over to Grandma's house and went to bed.

I look forward to participating next year and to improve my time.

Chip Time Information
Actual Start Time: 05:48:16.232
Stop Time: 19:10:20.437
Chip Time: 13:22:04.205

It took about 12:20 hrs of riding time according to my personal timer. I had taken a total of 1 hr at all the rest stops. That would be less than 10 minutes per stop. My average riding speed was just under 17 mph. My personal timer said it was 204 miles but Ill say it was 206.

My goal next year will be to go under 12 hr

Thanks to everyone for your support and I hope to see you on the road or in the mountians.

Home is a Long Way Away