We did it!!

I can't believe LOTOJA has come and gone. Thank you all for making this such a fun and inspirational summer. I couldn't have done it without all of your support. To update you on how the race went, it couldn't have gone better (other than having to pee on the side of the road a few times). I was surprised that my knees didn't give me too much trouble, I was able to eat and drink the whole time, and I was able to cross the finish line with a smile on my face (thanks for you inspirational email, Ernie!). My favorite food on the ride was boiled red potatoes (who'd have guessed?), and I didn't mind the Zingers, Clif Blocks, Payday bars, and Powergel. My mom and aunt Darlene were excellent support crew and kept me hydrated, fed, (and medicated).

I started the race just after 7 AM and crossed the finish line not long after 6 PM. My time was 11 hours 8 minutes, which isn't bad at all. My average speed while riding my bike was 18.8 mph. Not bad for 206 miles! Lance started after me and finished before me in just over 10 hours. He won 4th place in his group...I'm a proud wife. He was able to raise almost $1400 in honor of his stepmom, Sue (who was also part of his support crew for the race). I was glad he was able to see me cross the finish line and that I wasn't even crying. Well, I almost cried, but only due to sheer joy that I DID IT!!

The best part was at the awards ceremony. I guess every year they recognize one rider that has the most inspiring reason to ride LOTOJA. I was flabbergasted when they called my name and was already a bawling wreck because they had already shown a little promotional video for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. I am so incredibly grateful for the love and support you all gave me. The entire high school gymnasium gave us a standing ovation, so you should all be proud of what you've done this summer. You have all touched my life and inspired me to be more giving.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Oh yes, I did receive one last minute donation that I had to complete after the race. I didn't want any dollar to go unthanked!

Harvey and Jackie Carmichael: Harvey knows the pain of LOTOJA, so I was very grateful for his thoughts. I think he rode the race last year. I was glad to have another donation to ride for, because it got me right back on my bike after LOTOJA. On the Monday after the race I rode up Emigration with Lance (25 miles), then on Tuesday I took a quick spin out to 3300 S. and back (15 miles), then on Thursday I rode out to Lagoon and back (40 miles), Friday I rode to Sugarhouse Park and did a few laps (14 miles), and today I rode to work (7 miles). I appreciate so much for your generosity you guys!

Brad & Becky Gardner: I realized that I somehow missed thanking you for your miles. I still owe you a few miles. I rode over Emigration to the top of Big Mountain to watch Lance race in a time trial (He won 1st place for the Cat 5 men and won a terribly tacky trophy), then we got to ride back down to the start line by I-80 together (29 miles).

Lance Lindberg: I know it's not much, but I realize I shorted you a bit. You can also have my "long way" home from work today that I did to kill time until you got home (14 miles). I love you!

TOTAL TRAINING MILES THIS SEASON: 4007
TOTAL HOURS IN THE SADDLE: 227 (yes, 9 & 1/2 days)

Thank you all again!!

LOTOJA here we come!

So I leave for Logan in the morning and I am so grateful for everyone's support throughout this summer. I will be riding for all of you on Saturday! I still have a few donations left to ride for because of my little knee problems. I will be sure to ride all my miles by the end of the race!

Arlene & Jan Schut: My aunt and uncle were very kind to support me this summer. To thank them for their donation I had to do a lot of short rides to save my knees. I rode up out to 3900 S then back up to the top of Emigration canyon and back out to 4500 S and back to the Avenues with a girl I know who will also be riding LOTOJA (51 miles). I also rode to work and back (14 miles), out to Highland High School and back (13 miles), then out to Bountiful on Redwood Road, out to work on 2100 S, then home the long way (22 miles).

Ernie & Ann Page: I was pleasantly surprised to see a donation from 2 of my dad's very loyal patients. To thank them, I rode up and over Emigration Canyon to the top of Big Mountain (40 miles), then I rode out to Sugarhouse Park and did a few easy laps to spin my legs out (10 miles)

Jim & Betsy Lund: Jim and Betsy are neighbors and good friends of my parents. I gladly rode to the top of Emigration Canyon, then out to Millcreek Canyon and to the top to thank them for donating! (50 miles)

Ivan & Sherri Fabert: Again, another donation from very kind neighbors of my parents. Ivan actually made me and my husband an oak kitchen table for our wedding because my dad was too sick to "finish" it (he was really too sick to even start it, other than buying the wood). It was a very kind act of service on his part. He also made my little sister a table for her wedding for my dad, since he isn't here to do it. To thank them for their donation I rode to Highland High and home (10 miles). I will ride the other 40 miles in the race on Saturday. The remainder of their donation will take me from Logan, Utah, to 6 miles past Preston, Idaho (the first Feed Zone). Thanks!!

Craig & Robyn Davis: These are also neighbors of my mom. Craig has a special appreciation for the work it takes to prepare and ride LOTOJA because he did it last year. Their 100 miles will take me from 6 miles after Preston, Idaho, over Strawberry Canyon, through Montpelier, Idaho, over Salt River Pass, and past Afton, Wyoming to Thayne, Wyoming. Wow, that's going to take a while. I be thinking of you the whole way! Thanks for your support

Lance Lindberg: The rest is for you, babe. I know I owe you 100 miles, but 66 will have to do. They'll probably be the most grueling anyhow. If it's not enough, you can have all the rest of the miles I ride this year. Thanks for your selfless support this year. I hope you kill the race and make me proud and I'll try to do the same!

Total training miles after race: 3860
Hours in the saddle (hopefully): 220

It has been a great season. Thank you all for inspiring me!!

Unexpected Technical Difficulties

Unfortunately, I have encountered some unexpected knee problems so I had to take a full week off from riding and scale back my mileage considerably to make sure I can still ride the big one. I hope you will all understand if I have to finish your miles after the race.

Fish Tech Outfitters: So I decided to ask my Dad's favorite fishing store if they would like to contribute. They were very kind and accepted the invitation. I rode up to the top of Emigration and back to thank them for their donation (25 miles).

Shane & Anna Sanders and family: Anna is my oldest sister and just had her 4th kid a few weeks ago. I rode out to Centerville, then stopped by her place in Bountiful on the way home to say hi to her, her 3 little boy, and their new "girl baby" (as the boys call her) to start with (60 miles). I also rode out to work, and to the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon (until I ran into road construction, arghh), then decided to head back home along Wasatch Blvd (40 miles). Thanks for your support guys!

Allison (Gatrell) Calder: Okay, she was a Gatrell when she donated, but my baby sister just got married yesterday and is now a Calder. Just the 2 of us had to get married without our dad there. She was sweet and made a donation even in the midst of all of her wedding planning. I did a Mellow Mondays Emigration Canyon ride to thank her for her donation. (25 miles)

Bob & Kathy Mendenhall: The Mendenhalls were a huge part of my family's life when my Dad was sick. Bob was the bishop of our ward and spent many hours with my Dad in his last few weeks. I'm especially glad Kathy is still with us after a close call with her health recently. It means a lot to have their support. To thank them, I rode 2 work trips (26 miles), did a one-way trip to work then to my Mom's house by Big Cottonwood (for my sister's wedding shower, 20 miles), and lastly rode up and over Emigration Canyon and Big Mountain to the East Canyon Resort and back (55 miles). Thanks for your support!

Training Miles to Date: 3,442
Hours in the Saddle: 193 hours (yes, that's over 8 days)

The Tour de Park City

...or should I say the Tour de Suffering? This was quite a painful ride (sponsored by my cousin Deborah), but I've heard that the more you practice suffering, the better you get at it. So, it seems like it was good practice for the big one, LOTOJA!


Deborah Gatrell: I still owed my cousin 290 miles after my last posting. It took a while to get them all because I had to "taper" for the Tour. I might as well describe the 174 miles of suffering I did for Deborah. The race started at Kimball Junction in Park City. There were 10 ladies in my race group. We started at 7:35 AM and headed towards Brown's Canyon, then through Coalville, and down Chalk Creek Road (~40 miles, where I got dropped from the lead pack...sad). I ended up riding the next 30 miles by myself until there was a terrible headwind and I luckily found another guy to work with for 10 miles or so until just before we reached Evanston (~80 miles). The wind in Evanston was completely demoralizing. I rode about 15-20 miles alone again until I found another guy to work with until the next feed zone (~107 miles). I felt pretty hopeless because the wind had wiped me out and here we were at the base of the Mirror Lake Highway with a long ways to climb until the summit. I do this really pathetic sobbing thing when I'm physically exhausted. Lance got quite the show during this race. After taking a good 10 minute break, I somehow got back on my bike and climbed to the top of that awful mountain (~125 miles?). I put on another waterworks show for my whole family at the top (they were camping at Trial Lake and came up to cheer me on.) I then, thankfully, had 29 miles of downhill. Unfortunately there was STILL a headwind, so I had to pedal the whole way down. The worst part was after Kamas. There are these 2 daunting hills as you head back to Park City, which is exactly what you DON'T want after you've put in 150 + miles. Somehow I sobbed my way through the hills and drug myself across the finish line after 174 miles of complete and utter suffering. At least now I'm reasonably sure I can finish LOTOJA without a big problem (assuming it's not as windy as this race was!). I wound up actually taking 3rd place in my category, which was exciting.

Now for her remaining 117 miles...I got in a good flat ride before the race by riding out to Lagoon again (40 miles; I like that ride!), then took a quick ride out to Holladay Blvd and 4500 South after work one day (20 miles). I also took a hot and miserable ride out to the base of South Mountain from my Mom's house after eating sausage and pancakes for breakfast (NOT recommended; 37 miles). My last ride for Deborah was out towards my Mom's house in Cottonwood Heights (20 miles). I had to put in a lot of short ones to make sure I didn't burn myself out. I appreciate all of the hard work you helped me do Deborah! I hope all is well in Kuwait!!

Dr. Aaron Hofman, MD: He is one of my Dad's former patients and I actually got to pick up his donation while he was sitting in a dental chair at my brother's office. I think he was actually even getting a shot at the time which makes his donation even more meaningful. To thank him for his donation I rode to work, then out to my Mom's by Big Cottonwood to deliver her prescriptions, then home (~40 miles). I also rode to work one-way as well as a one-way ride up to the Spruces campground up Big Cottonwood Canyon for a family reunion (in the blistering heat; 31 miles). 18 miles were spent doing a practice run of the last several miles of the Mirror Lake Highway climb before the Tour de Park City. The last 11 miles took me out to the mouth of Emigration Canyon and back + 2 miles of a work trip. Thanks for your support!

Prepare to be inspired!

So, someone took me up on my offer to ride the Tour de Park City in exchange for a $170 donation to Huntsman Cancer Foundation. I was so surprised to get my cousin Deborah's email. The last time I saw her she was getting ready to be deployed to Kuwait with the National Guard. She says it's hot and dusty there. She wanted to make sure I had the "opportunity" to do the Tour, so she made the Tour donation PLUS another $170 to make sure I had more sponsored miles. By far the most generous donation from someone who is already sacrificing so much for others. Thanks a million Deborah! I have quite the motivation to do well in the Tour de Park City!

Dwayne and Juanita Durfee: I still owed my aunt and uncle 82 miles after my last post. I'm getting better at gauging some of my rides to match your miles. I did an exciting ride for them. I did my first race, the Porcupine Hill Climb up Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Brighton parking lot. I rode in the Citizen 25+ category and won 1st place! It was painful, but exciting. (32 miles) Next I rode to work on Redwood Road and after work I rode out to Millcreek Canyon and up to the gate (which is now open!) and home (38 miles). The last 12 miles took me from my apartment exactly to the top of Emigration Canyon. That was a lot of climbing!! Thanks for your support!

Karie Peterson: This is one of my good high school friends. For her donation I continued the last ride down the backside of Emigration Canyon (down to I-80) and climbed back up the other side (steep!) and back down to the base of Emigration Canyon (It's hard to believe, but that's 20 miles!). I appreciate your friendship over all of these years Karie!

Meili Bell: I finished up the last ride for a fellow violinist. We played in a string quartet for a summer or two. Her donation got me from the base of Emigration Canyon, out to work, and back home (10 miles). Thanks Meili!

Quinn & Jenny Gatrell: Quinn is my dad's little brother. I decided to ride out in his neck of the woods to thank him for his very generous donation. I first rode out to Redwood Road (north until it ends), then took the East frontage road of I-15 up to Lagoon, then crossed over the freeway and wound through the neighborhoods until I hit the south-most border of Kaysville (26 miles). I had to turn around because I promised my sister I'd watch her kids while she had her last OB visit (P.S. they had a healthy baby girl last night. How exciting!). I back-tracked to her place (13 miles) and babysat for a few hours, then headed back out to where I left off (13 miles) then crossed back over to the East side of the freeway and rode on Main Street through Kaysville until it makes you cross back over. To make a long story short I rode out to Gentile street then turned around and headed home (87 miles total). I was able to finish off their miles by riding to work and back the next day (~14 miles). Thanks for your support!

Caroline & Scott Clayton: This was by far my most INSANE ride ever. I rode what my friends endearingly call the Quadruple Bypass. The goal is to ride 4 canyons back to back in one day. We stayed out at my Mom's house at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon and let the torture start from there. Lance rode the same ride, but just waited for me between canyons. First on the list was the most painful, Little Cottonwood Canyon. We rode up to Alta then headed over to Big Cottonwood Canyon. We took a breather up at Brighton, then it was back on the road. I unfortunately blew out my back tire on the way down and had to hitch hike a ride down with some guys from New York. They were very nice. Lance borrowed the back tire off of my sister's bike (luckily it was at my Mom's!) and we drove out to the base of Millcreek to make up the lost time. Millcreek was a treat because it was shady and the forecasted temp was 100 F. After Millcreek, all I could think of was Wendy's chicken nuggets and a Frosty, so we stopped there before hitting Emigration. Unfortunately Lance flatted on this canyon, but we met at the top and I was still feeling good, so I decided to head over to Big Mountain (technically a 5th climb, making it a Quintuple Bypass). Their 100 miles took me to the top and back up to the top of Emigration Canyon. Thanks you guys!!!

Deborah Gatrell: She was so generous that I'll have to do a few posts for her. She was a huge inspiration to me riding over 300 miles last week. It's amazing how much you all have driven me to train my hardest. I only have 50 miles of hers done at this point. She gets the last 15 miles of my Quintuple Bypass ride. I'll admit I was the most tired/bonked. I could barely drag myself off my bike at the gas station to fill up my water bottles. What a sight. I had a unibrow of dirt from the road construction by Little Cottonwood, not to mention the cakes of dirt on my legs. Anyhow, I miraculously made it home after 115 miles of climbing (~15,000 vertical feet!). Her next set of miles brought me to work and out to Emigration Canyon to meet up with Lance and a huge group of fellow roadie friends for a Mellow Mondays ride. After Saturday I needed a mellow ride. We rode to the top of Emigration Canyon and back home for 35 miles. I still owe her 290 miles at this point (170 of which will be the Tour de Park City). I'll keep you posted.

Training miles to date: 2794
Hours in the saddle: 152 + (more than 6 full days!)

I'm running out of donations to ride for!!

First of all, I've been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. I can't believe you have all donated over $2500! Secondly, I can't believe you have motivated me to ride almost that many miles by mid-July. I appreciate all of your support! If you're waiting for a time to donate, the time is now!

Lance & Laurie Gatrell: My dad's little brother and his family were super generous, so it took me an extra long time to put in their miles. I did one of my favorite, and most beautiful, rides for them. I rode out to Draper, up and over Suncrest, up American Fork Canyon, and down the other side to Sundance. This time, instead of riding down Provo Canyon I rode back up the Alpine Loop AND back up and over Suncrest. Man, that was a lot of climbing (and 106 miles!). To continue their miles I rode up Emigration Canyon, down the back side and up to the top of Big Mountain and back (40 miles), plus I rode out to work another day (14 miles). The most trying miles took me to work, then out to Big Cottonwood Canyon and up to the Spruces campground. I met my husband, Lance, at the bottom and we drove home from there (40 miles). That's about as many hills as I can do in 200 miles. Thanks Gatrell crew!

Lisa Lindberg: Lance's aunt kindly donated on both of our webpages (Thanks!). To thank her for her donation I did a ride to work and back (14 miles), and today I rode out to my pregnant sister, Anna's house to play with her kids so she could take a little break (36 miles), which is totally perfect for Lisa because she is ALWAYS going out of her way to help others. Thanks Lisa!

Lois Paxton: I continue to be shocked by donations from people I'm not sure that I know. I'm assuming this may be one of my Dad's former patients, but I am just guessing. At any rate, I put in a good climb for her. Her donation took me to a new place I haven't ridden before. I rode to the top of Emigration Canyon, down the other side and to the top of Big Mountain. My rides usually stop there, but I went down the other side to the East Canyon Resort (unfortunately they were out of power; it would have been nice to take a pit stop!). I then climbed back up and over Big Mountain and Emigration back to home (50 miles). Thanks Lois!

Macheala Jacquez & Doug Bunting: These are both co-workers of mine and I am very grateful for their support! For Macheala I rode out to work and back and to the base of Emigration Canyon (20 miles; for a lovely "Mellow Monday" ride some friends have organized). Doug's donation took me to the top and back home (25 miles). Thanks for your support!

Kristin & Brock Bryant: Kristin is my older sister, and I was very surprised to get her donation because I realized that I forgot to send her an email (my email list was not very complete for my first emails apparently). It means a lot to me to have her support. I got up bright an early to put in her miles before work (out the door by 5:30 am!). I rode out to Big Cottonwood Canyon up to Solitude Ski Resort before I ran out of time and had to turn around. Her miles got me about to the base of the canyon (50 miles). The remaining 18 miles be going towards my aunt and uncle's donation (my LAST donation to ride for at this point...I will likely have their miles done early next week, so now is the perfect time to donate if you were waiting for the perfect moment!)

Training Miles to date: 2425
Hours in the saddle: 128

(FYI: if you're wondering why the miles don't quite add up, my husband, Lance, donated $100 and I'm saving those miles up for the actual race since he's my #1 fan.)

Over 2000 miles done!

Randy and Sue Lindberg: I did a very special ride for my in-laws. My husband, Lance, is actually raising money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation for the LOTOJA bike race in honor of his step-mom, Sue, who is a breast cancer survivor (you can see his site at http://www.active.com/donate/lotoja08/cyclingforsusan). I'll have to admit it was my least favorite ride, but only because it was the most painful. But, since Sue has been through the wringer with cancer already it seemed fitting that she would deserve this heinous ride. My first mistake was to wait until 9 AM to leave. Not a good idea on 98 degree day. My first obstacle was Little Cottonwood Canyon. The top is about 26 miles from home. That was a real scorcher, but I'm not sure if it was as bad as my second obstacle, Big Cottonwood Canyon. There was essentially no breeze and no shade. Man that one hurt. The round trip was 85 miles (and ~8000 feet of vertical?). I squared off their donation on a nice breezy Saturday morning out to Redwood Road and up to North Salt Lake and back (15 miles). Thanks!

Nick & Dev Wilkinson: I had a blast on their 25 miles. I got up REALLY early and rode 25 miles before I got to work at 7:50 AM. I finally made my goal of averaging over 20 mph on my own! I rode West to Redwood Road then north until the road ends and circled back to work on 2100 South. Morning rides are the best.

Scott & Kelley Grandy: For my cousin, Scott, and his wife I took an early morning ride out to Hogle Zoo and back (6 miles). then realized if I hustled I could still ride out to work and be there on time (14 miles) so I did. Your donation also saved me a gallon of gas by motivating me to get some miles in to and from work. Thanks!

Lisa Bowman: Lisa was my dad's office manager, and is now my brother's manager (since he took over the practice) and has been very helpful promoting this fundraiser at the office. Her dad also died of liver cancer. She was incredibly helpful when my dad was sick and we all appreciate everything she did. To thank her for her donation I did a return trip from work, then long way (11 miles) and an additional round trip to work (14 miles). Thanks for everything Lisa!

Miles to date: 2013...I passed the 2000 mile mark this week!!
Hours in the saddle: 112 (OUCH!)

Ride Total Update

I keep forgetting to put my training miles to date! It's so fun to have a cyclocomputer. I got a new one not long after starting my LOTOJA training and was able to add in all of my season miles to the computer. According to my little computer I have logged 1,843 miles this season. Just to put it in perspective, it also has keeps track of my total riding time. I have spent 96 hours on my bike since I got my computer in April...that's 4 full days. Yikes!

Happy Father's Day Dad!!

This was my 2nd Father's Day without my Dad. It's funny how they're never that far away, really. His influence is all over in my life...my priorities, work ethic, ADHD...yep, they all came from him. I'm glad I have this summer of riding to keep him in my thoughts more often. Here's to a great Dad!

Darlene and Dick Gardner: My aunt Darlene is actually come be one of my support crew at LOTOJA. I'm sooo excited!! I put in some great miles for them. One epic Saturday I headed south, up and over Suncrest (ouch...very steep!), and over towards American Fork Canyon hoping that the road still had snow on it (but deep down hoping it was clear). It was May 31st and it was the last day the gate was closed for the upper road. I kept expecting to hit snow (because Millcreek still has snow at the top), but I never hit it, so I just HAD to down the other side to Sundance...I couldn't help myself. I took Provo Canyon to Orem then headed straight home for a super 106-miler. (Note to self, never just take a Discover card on rides...all I wanted was a Subway after I got out of the canyon and I now know they only take Visa and Mastercard...big bummer.). I just finished up their last 19 miles the other day (6/18). I decided I'd try to get up REALLY early before work and ride. I made it most of the way up Emigration before I had to turn around. It was so nice and cool, ahhh. Thanks again Darlene and Dick!

Tiffany Hall, Jolena Hagen, Kathi Hansen: These are some of the fabulous ladies I work with at the Redwood Clinic. Jolena even started riding her bike to work. Way to go! I did a round trip to work June 9th (10 miles for Tiffany, plus 4 towards Jolena's), plus another trip June 10th to work that sent me out to Millcreek Canyon after my shift was over. Her remaining 21 miles ALMOST got me to the top (rather, the big pile of snow about 1/4 mile from the top). I rode the last few miles for Kathi and all the way back home (25 miles) for a 46-miler with lots of climbing. Thanks for your support!

Ruth and Wallace Gatrell: This is my grandma and grandpa, and I actually rode their miles for them today (6/19). I rode out to my mom's house by Big Cottonwood Canyon and met my little sister, Allison (she's getting married in 2 months!). We rode along Wasatch out to the base of South Mountain in Draper. We felt the burn all of the way up to Suncrest (where we stopped and had some yummy ice cream :) then we headed back to my Mom's because Allison is actually sane and 40 miles is a plenty good ride for her. I had an itch to ride up Emigration, past Little Dell, and to the top of Big Mountain. Just to make sure I'd complete a century I rode down I-80 (Parley's) and back up to the backside of Emigration. It turns out I probably didn't have to add that climb because I had gone almost 103 miles by the time I got home. It was a hot one (luckily it was breezy.) A complete stranger did the nicest thing for me. I asked him at Little Dell if he knew where the nearest water was-it turns out there isn't any water near. I saw him again maybe 10 minutes later up the road and he had gotten some bottled water for me from some campers. How unexpectedly kind! It was a very fun day of riding!

Clorinda and Jim Fontano: So, I have to borrow the extra 3 miles from today's ride and add it to the 47 mile ride I did out to Provo. This was a unique ride because I actually had to go get Allison's car (she accidentally left it down there and needed it when I picked her up from the airport that night, long story), so it was a one-way trip. I think Clorinda spent her share of time in Provo, so I'm sure she won't mind that the ride ended there!

Tammy and Gene Van Tassell: Tammy is my Dad's sister, and to thank them for their donation, I rode from my apartment downtown to Little Cottonwood Canyon. I stopped at Entry 2 (and hung out at our family time share up there for a few hours ;), then rode home. If you would believe it, that is a 50-mile trip (with a lot of climbing...in the middle of a hot June day, big mistake, but that's okay because it's all worth it!).

Racking 'em up

So I have 2 weeks of rides to log. Sorry I've been a bit of a slacker, but I'm slowly paying you all back for your generosity.

Carri Palmer: I rode to work, the long way, for my boss...funny, huh? (16.5 miles). I also owed her a quick ride out to Highland High School (we were having spotty weather that week...sound familiar?) to square off her donation (9.5 miles).

John Gerritsen: Dr. Gerritsen was one of my Dad's dental colleagues. To thank him for his donation I took a very fast-paced, 68-mile ride out to Syracuse and back with my husband (too bad we didn't know it was the Salt Lake Century that day! There was quite the bicycle traffic!) We averaged about 20 mph! I also made 2 round-trip rides out to the Redwood Clinic (28 miles). The last 4 miles took me out to the base of Emigration Canyon for a grueling ride with one of my co-workers. Thanks!!

Craige Olson: Dr. Olson was another colleague of my Dad's. I'll start off his miles where I left off. The 1st 40 miles were the most grueling. I rode with a fellow pharmacist up to the top of Big Mountain, then added on a little climbing by riding out to I-80 in Parley's Canyon, then back up and over Emigration. Ouch...she really made me work! After a week of storms I was able to get a nice and long flat ride out to the point of the mountain/Draper (44 miles) to get the legs moving again. Next, I rode to work, then headed out to Millcreek Canyon after work until I hit snow. I had some guy chasing my wheel the whole way up (which kept me working extra hard the whole time), but I never let him catch me! I rode until I hit snow about 1/2 mile past Elbow's Fork and then headed back home (44 miles). His last miles were spent doing "intervals" around Sugarhouse Park. I'm surprised how much you can feel those 2 little hills after 10 laps! (22 miles). It took a while to check this donation off!

Jana Sorensen: I believe Jana also lost a loved one to the same cancer my dad died of. To thank her for her donation I did another round trip to work (Redwood Rd/2100 S) that was a little longer than planned because I kept hitting train crossings on 1700 South and had to ride up and around on 1300 S after work and 2100 South before work (15 miles). Plus, I did another trip to work with a quick jog out to my mom's (Big Cottonwood Canyon) afterwards (35 miles). Sorry if these are boring miles, but it's tricky to get enough training in when you work full time. I truly appreciate your donation!

According to my bike's odometer, my training miles to date are: 1439

Crazy, or just plain stupid?

My husband, Lance, and I embarked on an epic journey this past weekend (these are the special miles I set aside for my aunt and uncle). It turns out we have friends that are even crazier about biking than we are. All in all we put in 290 miles starting Thursday morning and ending Saturday afternoon. Out of the 20 or so people on the trip, only 3 of us made it the whole way. I knew I had a lot of dollars to pay back, so I had all the motivation I needed to ride every mile possible. THANK YOU ALL FOR INSPIRING ME!

Janeal and Jerry Langton: Day 1 started at Fish Lake. Not only was it blizzarding on our way up there, but the lake was still frozen solid. Brrr. We got a mini blizzard again in the morning when we were all gearing up with all of our winter apparel. Luckily, the snow pretty much stopped before we hit the road. We took the long, scenic way to Panguitch (~80 miles) before we started our heinous climb up to Brian Head. I lost all of they guys on the climb and rode the next 40 miles or so alone. It was a great time to enjoy the scenery and reflect on this wonderful experience I've had with the Hometown Heroes program. We ended our trip 4 miles down the other side of the summit to round our day at 123 miles!!! (it was a little more than the 117 mile estimate we were given by the trip planner, but oh well!) It's too bad our hotel was out of power from the snow storm. We were really looking forward to hot showers and a hot tub!

Day 2 had a little change in plans. It had snowed so much at Brian Head that the road to Cedar Breaks was closed (they don't plow this time of year I guess). We got all of our winter gear back on and climbed back up the mountain (STEEP!) and down the other side back to Panguitch. I was up sick all night, so I had to take it easy. From Panguitch we headed towards Bryce Canyon. The scenery was beautiful and we were able to enjoy a paved bike path (where I got my first flat tire of the trip) just before the park turnoff. The remaining 77 miles I owed Janeal and Jerry brought me to the city of Tropic.

Cloyd and Kathryn Gatrell: The journey continued on Day 2. We continued on from Tropic until we got to Escalante. In the meantime I got a second flat tire that day. Lance was sweet and knew it was important to me to ride all of the miles, so he and our friend TJ fixed my tire yet again (the dollar bill trick didn't quite work on the first repair). We rounded out day 2 at 104 miles (27 miles for Cloyd and Kathyrn). Day 3 was the most scenic, but most grueling day of all. I had the most beautiful ride of my life from Escalante to the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail head. I highly recommend it. The road was like a roller coaster with hills and turns...it was awesome! We took a break and hiked the 3 miles into the falls (it was GORGEOUS...I won't count the 6 miles of walking ;)). The steepest part was next. We rode to the top of the plateau and then down to Boulder where we embarked on a tortuously long and deceptive climb over Boulder mountain (I would have preferred a few less false summits). The views were stunning and I enjoyed more solo reflection time as only 2 other people were planning on trying to finish (Lance and TJ...both much faster than me). We ended the ride in Torrey to top the day off at 65 miles. That totals Cloyd and Kathryn's trip miles to 92 miles.

To account for their other 108 miles, I rode out to the Cotton Bottom (5/1/08) by my mom's place and gave Lance and TJ a run for their money. I started with Lance, he took a little detour to meet TJ, then they didn't catch me for probably 15 miles or so. That was a great 25-miler. I did another killer ride out and over South Mountain. Man that sucker is steep. I rode past the new Draper temple, to the top of Suncrest (the hill felt like it would never end) and then over the back side down to a little school. I then climbed back up the hill and flew down the other side and all the way home. It was a very fun 60 miles (5/3/08)! Lastly I took a good ride out to Fort Union on Wednesday with a goal to maintain 20 mph again and didn't do too bad considering the wind and my big weekend to account for the last 23 miles.

Heidi and Jeremy Lloyd, Nasrin Faezi: I put in some good extra miles with my little work commute. I rode the 7 miles out to my clinic and took Redwood Road north until it ends for Heidi and Jeremy's last 13 miles. I ended out in Bountiful at my sister's house and took Main Street back to that awful frontage road that all of the gravel trucks drive on, then enjoyed a stroll down Beck Street, then past the Salt Lake Temple and up through the avenues to finish 20 miles for Nas.

Time for some climbing!

I finally got a few nice glimpses of Spring this last week. I wasn't able to get in any substantial rides, but it was enough to keep the odometer moving.

Greg & Alyssa Gatrell: To thank my brother and his family for their generous donation I put 100 big ones in for them. Last Friday I rode out to Pages Lane in Bountiful with a goal of averaging 20 mph for the full 29 miles. I think I averaged 19.3 mph...not bad for a solo ride. The next 38 miles on Saturday were very painful. I made myself work on climbing. I rode up Emigration Canyon, down the other side, and up towards Big Mountain until I hit snow. I then headed down to where the road meets I-80. I then had to climb back up the other side of Emigration. OUCH. I did more hills again on Monday. I rode out to work, then rode up and up and up to Millcreek Canyon. I made it up to Log Haven (brrr...there is a lot of snow up there!). I made it home just before dark with some tired legs after putting in almost 36 miles. No pain, no glory I guess. Thanks Greg and Alyssa!

Jim & Wendy Henderson: Luckily I was able to get all of their miles in today with the wind and rain that was brewing. I rode out to work and took the long way home, if you will, to round it out to 20 miles to say THANK YOU! I made sure to throw in some extra hills for you guys

Training Miles: 650

Rain, rain, go away...

So, where is Spring? It has been a wet and cold week and It has made it hard to get out on the bike. I thought for sure the snow was done by now. I have a lot of generosity to catch up with, so I'm ready for some warm Spring weather!!

Barb Cahoon: I had to take a short, very brisk ride out to Highland High School and back on Monday before work (10 miles) and then I rode to and from work out on Redwood Road and 2100 South on Tuesday (15 miles) to thank you for your donation. Barb's relative died of the same cancer as my Dad. I truly appreciate her support!

Jason Bond: Wednesday threw me for a loop. It was raining in the morning, so I hopped on my indoor trainer for 45 minutes. Later in the afternoon, the sun came out and it was beautiful, so I took the chance to get my miles in for Jason. My husband (who is doing this same fundraiser for his stepmom, Sue, who is a breast cancer survivor) rode with me out to the base of Millcreek Canyon and back (20 miles). I was so happy to put some real road miles in for you!

Training miles to date: 527

Windy...

There's nothing like biking in the wind. You go slower, you work harder...very demoralizing. BUT, at least I got some miles in!

4/18/08: This ride was dedicated to John and April Pohlman. I put in 42 miles, so I had to make up the difference on Saturday. The wind was just too much. It was a bit discouraging when I didn't realize I had a tailwind going out to Page's Lane in Bountiful only to have a headwind the whole way back to my clinic on 2100 S and Redwood. Bummer. I also had a headwind all of the way out to my Mom's at Big Cottonwood Canyon...the real kicker was I got in trouble with the law on my way out there. I guess the cop didn't like me passing him too much.

4/19/08: My first 8 painful miles (for John and April) were into the wind. I rode from my Big Cottonwood Canyon out to Draper. I continued the ride out to the South Mountain area and enjoyed 15 beautiful miles of tailwind back to Big Cottonwood. 30 miles still left me in the hole so I took another 13 miles of tailwind to my apartment in the avenues and a grueling 13 miles back into the wind to round the day up to 57 miles. I hope it's okay if I round up the remainder to 50 miles to thank our awesome intern, Chelane Phillips, for her super donation. What an inspiration!

Training Miles to date: 483

Let the riding begin...

I want to keep track of all the miles I ride in gratitude for the generous donorations made to Huntsman Cancer Foundation in memory of my dad, Arn. B. Gatrell. I will try to keep a running log of where I rode my bike for you. I put in some early season miles to prepare, but I have plenty of miles to ride to make up for all of this inspiring generosity!

(All rides start and end at my apartment in the Avenues in downtown Salt Lake City unless otherwise noted.)

Marissa Johnstun, Matt Curtiss, Jose Javalera, Mike Davis- your donation sent me out to my favorite place to go as a kid, Lagoon (on 4/3/08). That's 40 miles to thank you all for your donations

Holli and Brian Yoho- your donation took me from my apartment to the top of Emigration canyon and back...feel the burn...that's 10 miles UPhill and 10 miles down to say thanks!!

Jan Rupp- I was inspired by your very generous donation and I rode an early season 100 mile ride on 4/12/08 all the way to the BYU campus in Provo, UT and back just for you...what was I thinking? The weather was perfect and the ride went smoothly at least. It's too bad I missed a little spot of sunscreen on my wrists. You can get quite the burn when you're outside for 6 hours straight. Thank you for motivating me!!

Janeal and Jerry Langton- so the $200 donation set me back a little bit as far as miles go...okay, a lot...but I have a very special ride set aside for you in May in Southern Utah to say a very special thanks. I'll keep you posted!

Jenny Hawke, Ramona Stirling- Jenny actually rode these miles with me, but we took a good 50-miler out to 12300 South on 900 East and tortured ourselves by climbing all the way up to Wasatch Boulevard to come home. It's always lovely to take a good long ride with friends! Thanks for your donations

Phoenix and Russell Gatrell- again, very inspired by yet another generous donation. Your $100 had me riding out to Lagoon and back...TWICE (on 4/5/08, 4/10/08). Plus I had to ride out to my Mom's by Big Cottonwood Canyon and back to make up the remainder (that's 40 + 40 + 20...THANKS!)

Venita Gatrell- this is my Mom...she's the one who will be my support crew for the big race. To thank her for my donation I rode out to her place near Big Cottonwood Canyon (~25 miles), rode to work and back plus up and down Emigration Canyon (~35 miles), rode up to Ruth's diner (~10 miles) PLUS I donate the 1 hr 40 minutes I spent on the trainer today (why does it snow in APRIL!!!) and all the dozens of hours I spent on the trainer this winter because my Mom is the best and she deserves them all! Love you mom!

Training Miles to date: 385 road miles (+ indoor trainer hours)