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Jackson Hole, WY — Cyclists from around the country finished the LOTOJA Classic yesterday but for a group from Mesa, Arizona the race was about much more than a finish time.
"We want to honor Rob and remember him," said Wayne Smith.
Rob Verhaaren crashed into a guardrail after hitting potholes and fell into the Snake River 35 feet below. He was less than 20 miles from the finish and that is where his wife Bridget Verhaaren began her ride to finish the race he started.
"As a tribute to his determination and tenacity, I wanted to finish for him." Rob's sister Brenda Verhaaren of Alpine, Utah and two friends from Mesa rode with her. His brother completed the entire race on one of Rob's bikes. "When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I didn't want to be a fireman or anything like that. I told everyone I wanted to be Rob," said Mike Verhaaren. LOTOJA marked his first cycling race.
Rob Verhaaren's fluke accident was the first fatality in LOTOJA-s 30-year history. The accident rattled cycling communities all over the world.
"Such a freak accident really hit the airwaves. We had people from Norway, Denmark and Sweden all send letters saying how crazy this accident is and how much it affected their lives," said his widow.
One woman from Georgia sent an anonymous donation to help cover funeral expenses. The family also received countless emails and letters of support and say they felt the prayers of strangers.
Cyclist dies after crashing in LOTOJA race
A cyclist competing in the popular LOTOJA bike race died Saturday night after crashing his bicycle and falling into the Snake River in Wyoming."I believe that has strengthened us and made us more resilient during this time of trial," said his widow.
On a day that could have brought much sorrow, the Verhaaren family chose to celebrate.
"I choose to be happy regardless and I am so very blessed to be surrounded by all the people supporting me," explained Bridget Verhaaren.
At the finish line there were plenty of hugs and tears of both sorrow and joy. Verhaaren's youngest son awarded his uncle with his medal. Bridget received a medal in her husband's honor.
"I know we are going to make it and we are going to be just fine in spite of Rob not being here. I miss him desperately but life is good. It is actually really great," said his wife.
