Team manager Barry Herald
Photographer Dave Schimel
Tech Manager Troy Laffey
Tech Crew Jon Brandt
Chef Tonya Laffey
Assistants Anna Schimel

24 Hours of Moab Sponsors:

Ultimate Support Systems
Nite Rider
Annie's Homegrown

Jo A. Herald, captain

"Jo Dirt" Chick (I like to play in the dirt, what can I say.)

Lanesville, IN

dob 11-15-1966

Years mtb riding/racing I have been riding for 3 years. This is my first year of racing.

Story I like just about anything on two wheels. I got into biking after I tore my ACL and my husband being a roadie got me started riding road bikes to help me recover. I really took to the bike and started riding a lot. Some roadie friends said they ride mtn bikes in the winter to stay in shape. We had mtn bikes but never dreamed of taking them off the road. I fell in love with it; I don't know why? I crashed every 5 ft. I finally stopped crashing and started having even more fun. Then I went to one of Tonya's mtbchick.com clinics and that's how I got hooked on racing. When the opportunity came to race on Tonya's team in Moab I couldn't pass it up. I'm too old to say, "I'll wait until next year." My husband said go for it; I guess that's why I love him even though he's a roadie. He leaves me on the road but I get him back on the trails!

jennifer shoemaker

"kokopelli chick"

salt lake city, ut

dob 8.25.72

years mtb I started mountain biking 4 years ago and have been racing for 3 years primarily

fave ride Park City UT

Most memorable biking experience Riding the 100 mile White Rim Trail in Moab.

Story I'm really excited to race in the 24 hours of Moab this year. This race as been on my "to do list" for a couple of years, and I decided this year is the year! When I saw that Mtbchick.com were setting up a sport team this year I jumped at the chance. I'm sure it'll be an experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Leesa J. Stefano

"kitty chick" ('cuz I love cats, and Hello Kitty)

Florence, KY

dob 04.24.1974

years mtb riding/racing Off and on for 9 years (more off than on, until the last 2 years) / racing for 2 summers (1 beginner, 1 sport).

Story My first year at college, (UW-Madison...Go Badgers!!!) I heard about guys taking their bikes off-road between classes, it sounded neat and reminded me of when I was little and would take my 10-speed onto BMX trails, in the woods. The next year, I came to school with a steel, rigid frame, "GT Timberline". I picked it out solely by color....all I knew is that I wanted a green bike!!!!! I met up with a guy who knew where the trails were, and I fell in love, (with mountain biking, and with him). We're getting married, next July. And, I still have a beautiful, green GT.........just a newer model : )

Woohooo, Jennifer, I also did the 100 mile White Rim Trail in Moab! Incredible experience.