Bear Lake Monster Century 2012

As many of you are aware Jared has been working for some time now organizing and promoting  various events.  About a month ago he sponored the Bear Lake Monster half-marathon/10K/5K run held in the foothills above beautiful Bear Lake near Garden City, Utah.  Since then he has been working diligently to promote what I would call his signature event, The Bear Lake Monster Century bike race/ride. He did his home work and made the preparations.  Some time ago we had volunteered to help in any way we could.  Pretty typical of Jared he told us that things were pretty much under control and he thought things would go well.  A couple of days ago he called and asked if we were still willing to help.  The answer, of course, was yes.  We don't want to get in the way, but at the same time we still like being useful, which at our age may not always we possible.  We understand that, and so were grateful for the opportunity to be of assistance.

The event was scheduled to start at the Bear Lake County Fairgrounds.  This was the scene when we pulled into the Fairgrounds at a few minutes before 6:00 AM.  Pretty quiet and a beautiful day.  The beautiful day would hold, but the "pretty quiet" was about to change.  About 350 riders had  signed up for the race from all over the west.  Most came from Utah, but we had riders from many other states as well.  They came in all kinds of vehicles ranging from brand new F350 Ford trucks to sleek new Mercedes, to Smart Cars, to old clunkers. Soon the parking lot was nearly full.  All brought excellent bikes and you could tell by the muscle tone in the legs of most of the riders, this was not a first time ride.

There was an impressive array of items for sale and also prizes to be given away.  I really like the logo they use with their events.  It makes for very nice looking shirts etc.  They also had many businesses that had co-sponsored the Bear Lake Monster Century.

Shana and Iris made a good team helping with the paper work and pushing the products that were for sale.  The thought crossed my mind as I watched them work if they ever had any inkling what they were getting into the first time they came to the Bear Lake Valley.  I, for one, am very glad that they did.  They have always been so supportive and made our lives better.

This was the scene as Jared gave instructions to the departing riders.  Jared has always had a good speaking voice and communicates very well through the spoken word as well as in writing.

It was great to see Jessica and her husband, Krynn, along with pretty little Maggie.  They came all the way from New Mexico, for the ride.  I'm sure they had some other reasons as well, but it really was great to see them and know that they are doing well. Jessica rode the fifty mile version of the ride using the excuse that she is pregnant.  That will work.  We are very happy for them.