LOTOJA year #6

For the past six years, Brad has taken on one of the toughest and most exciting traditions in his cycling journey—riding LOTOJA. Every year it’s something he looks forward to: the early mornings, the training miles, the anticipation at the starting line, and the incredible challenge of pushing himself across hundreds of miles.

This year, however, things looked a little different.

After  dealing with hip pain, Brad made the difficult decision not to ride. Anyone who knows him knows how much this race means to him, so stepping back wasn’t easy. He was really disappointed to miss it, especially after building such a meaningful tradition around it. But he also knew that listening to his body and allowing time to heal was the right choice. Sometimes the hardest part of being an athlete is knowing when to pause so you can come back stronger.

Even though Brad didn’t ride this year, a special reminder of his dedication still arrived in the mail—his five-year LOTOJA trophy! Seeing all the years he’s completed listed together was such a proud moment. Each year represents countless hours of training, perseverance, and determination to take on one of the longest one-day bike races out there.

Watching Brad commit to something like this year after year has been inspiring. It takes grit, discipline, and a love for the ride to keep coming back.

This year may have been a pause, but it’s definitely not the end of the story. If anything, it’s just another chapter. With some time to heal and recover, I have no doubt he’ll be back, stronger and more ready than ever.

And when next year rolls around, I’m sure he’ll be right back where he belongs—at the starting line, ready to take on LOTOJA again. 🚴‍♂️

 

LOTOJA # 5

LOTOJA 2025 — Year 5 for Brad! 🚴‍♂️💪

Brad crushed his fifth year riding Lotoja—the legendary 200-mile bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming! This race is no joke, but Brad keeps coming back every year because he loves it—every hill, every mile, every sore muscle. 😂 He trains all year long for this race so he can compete and crush his goals.

This year was special because he rode with a bigger group: “The Holy Spokes” —a mix of high school friends, his ride-or-die brother, and his Texas buddy who (somehow) let Brad talk him into doing it again. The camaraderie, the laughs, and the sheer grit it takes to get through those miles made it one to remember.

I was lucky enough to be there again this year, cheering him on and helping with the support crew alongside his amazing mom who has helped him every year. Watching him push through the miles with such determination is always inspiring.

At the starting line!

Stop #1 Montpellier

Stop #2

Passed him on his way out of town

Stop #3

We again passed Brad but this time we pulled over at a scenic overlook that seemed popular with other sport crews and got this beautiful look of the Snake River as well as this iconic video:

We have never actually bought the pictures from the race until this year. He has a couple ones that were worth it. 

Just love this one of the Tetons as the backdrop

And this close up.

Finish line!

So proud of him. He works incredibly hard all year round and love to see the hard work paying off when he races.

Support Crew! And #1 fans

A proud mom with her boys

Taking a dip to cool down

Holy Spokes!

Our dinner celebration with the team and support crews

At breakfast the next morning our waiter told us that this man was the first man to ski down the Tetons. So of course we had to meet him and take a picture.

So proud of you, Brad! Year 5 in the books—bring on year 6! 💥🚵‍♂️🏔️

LOTOJA year 4

This September marked Brads 4th year in competing in LOTOJA. A bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  A 200 mile ride through the mountains. Brad beat his previous time and just barely missed the podium by mere inches!!  He was crushed, but he took 6th place in his group! Such an amazing achievement.

 

He’s had a great group of friends and his brother to ride with and support him this past year while training, and it was awesome to see them reach their goals and cross that finish line.  I didn’t go with him this year. Logistically with the kids and starting my new position at work it was hard to take off. Plus I’m going to Utah two weeks later for  Marilyn’s wedding it was just too much. Hopefully I can rejoin next year. I hated not being there but thankful for Brad’s family and all the help they gave him.

Ready to head up to Logan!

At the starting line!

Thanks Kami for the pics and videos! 

I loved tracking them throughout the day to see where they were. I really like this picture of both Brad and Rich riding. Brad is in the blue/black and Rich is in green.

My uncle Bob and Aunt Jodie were also tracking Brad and when he got close they went to a bridge near their house to cheer him on. Brad said he was wondering who was on the bridge taking pictures and then it surprised him when they were cheering his name. It was only right when he got close he realized who it was, he said that support so close to the end gave him that extra boost to push to the end. 

I sure loved this video and when they sent it to me it made me so happy.

The guy in red behind him is the one that barely beat Brad at the finish line.

I mean look how close!! 😩 

His wonderful support team! Couldn’t have done this race without them!

And his brother. His ride or die buddy. The one who listens, discusses and enthusiastically engages in discussions about all things bike related stuff throughout the year. Who encourages Brads bike spending habit, and motivates him throughout the year. Who is Brads equal on the bike and pushes him. It’s who Brads wishes he could go on all his bike rides with.

And his Katy team! These boys put up with Brads crazy rides every weekend even in the Texas heat (well some  more than others)😆. And even let Brad convince them to do this race. They’ve been a good group, and so proud of all of them for reaching their goals!

Thanks to my aunt and uncle for letting them stay at your place! Don’t they have the most beautiful backyard you’ve ever seen? I mean that view of the Tetons 🤩

Just don’t mind the moose 🫎 

And to finish off the weekend, a celebratory breakfast before heading home.

Thanks everyone! Till next year!

 

Another year done ✔️ Brad’s a beast and a rockstar, I don’t know how he does it. I couldn’t be more proud.