LOTOJA 2011 was... adventurous. Dont get me wrong, it was a nice relaxing trip. We were able to find a great kenneling place for Diesel called the montana dog ranch in which he loved. I think he was even sad to come home from such a fun weekend. We were able to leave bright and early on Friday morning, with only one stop the whole way we made it to Logan just in time for Gavin to pick up his racing packets. From Logan, and a disappointing meal at our used to be favorite cafe rio, we headed for a spa day at Janiels salon, "gavins sister". We both got a great new hairdo and all nice to meet up with my parents at Brick Oven Pizza. It was so delicious and a good carb load for Gavin. I am so happy they were willing to come up and eat with us, I sure do miss them all the time.
When we were done with dinner, we headed back to the Linsley's for some quiet time, though it was crazy as ever. We were busy making food and water bottles and snacks and getting the boys all ready for their ride the next day. It was so nice to be there, I dont think I have laughed that much in a long time. Gaynard was constantly thinking of everything he might need to remind us of or teach us about with riding long races. Jill, Gavin and I could not help the smiles on our faces. Oh how we love Gaynard. After a restless night of sleep, we woke up bright and early for the race. We were up in Logan by 4:45 am getting tires pumped up and getting ready. Gavin was so anxious and excited, and I couldnt help but to have those feelings with him.
It was a hectic morning and it was at that point that I decided, "today, I am just going to go with the flow." man would I regret that statement. They boys took off, and so did we, we had to make it to preston, ID before the boys did with food and water.
It wasnt too long of a wait until the boys rode in. Gavin had a smile on his face and was feeling great. He was starting to get warm and took off his jacket and leggings. The poor guy also forgot to put on shammy butter.. but dont worry, he wasnt too shy to pull down his bibs and slap it on in front of the crowd. Jill and I were so embarrassed, when turning our heads we noticed gaynard doing the same thing!! Like father like son I guess. Well after some kisses and refueling, the boys were off again. this time we were to meet them in montpelier. This leg is longer, and a long drive for us as well. We pulled in and waited a longer this time. I was worried when Gavin wasnt coming in and wasnt coming in. Finally we see the guys come in.... but no Gavin. Gaynard told us how Gavin had to drop back because his knees were hurting him so bad. My heart sunk for him. He has had problems with his knees for a while now. He finally rolled in and was intantly swarmed with love and concern from family. I stood there and held his bike while his mom, sisters and cousin nurtured him to keep going. I stood there, helpless wondering and hoping that he would keep going. He looked up at me in pain and asked me what I though. I said to him, well you are already in pain, you mind as well keep going. He was frustrated with my remark, but understood what I meant. Jeremy filled him with pain killers, rubbed his knees with her secret oils and he was still not feeling well. He rested for a minute and we chatted. He knew how bad I wanted him to keep going... so he jumped on his bike.
The next leg is one of the hardest ones. It is called King of the Mountain. You climb like 1300 ft in 10 miles or something crazy like that. I knew it would kill Gavin. I jumped in my car and instantly felt sick. Halfway up the "king of the mountain" was a shop with a bathroom and had to pull over. I finally felt okay enough to head up the mountain more. All the girls pulled over on a lookout point to watch the guys and later on Gavin ride by. I jumped out of the car with more medicine to give to gavin, and he shook it off as he rode by. I was so worried about him all I could do was cry! He had worked so hard for this race and wants to finish so bad... will his knees really keep him from finishing??
Jen, the sweetheart that she is, saw my teary eyes and decided to drive while I rested. As we walked over to my car, she asked for my keys. I checked my pockets frantically and my heart sunk! I LOCKED MY KEYS IN MY CAR! Not only that but we were literally in the middle of no where. After searching frantically for a slim jim, finding one and it not working, we were desperate. We sat in Jill's car while she went ahead with the others trying to figure out a plan. The only locksmith that was willing to come to our rescue was 1 hour and 15 minutes away. So we decided to accept and wait. We chatted, and cried and laughed and told stories. It was so much fun hanging out with her, I miss having family close like that. Dan the locksmith came to our rescue. Once I got in my car, I followed Jen and we punched it to 90 mph! We had to make it to the finish line, that is if Gavin even kept going. The moment I had service I called Jill and she told me Gavin was doing GREAT!! He was smiling and happy and doing well, he was going to FINISH the race!! We raced to Teton Village as fast as my Yaris could go and in passing gavin I couldnt help but scream out the window to him to Keep Going! He finally crossed the finish line with tears in his eyes of relief and emotion at 13 hours and 38 minutes!
I dont have any pictures of the middle of the race as you can see, because I didnt get to see any of it. But I am so proud of Gavin. It takes a lot of dicipline and courage to fight through pain like he did, and he is so strong for doing so. Next year he wants me to ride some of it with him... we will see :)
