Crew chief keeps Team Laughing Dog rolling

Judy Thompson is the fifth and final profile on the members of Team Laughing Dog, who are nearing the end of the 3,000 mile Race Across America.

The team passed just north of Indianapolis and was heading for Dayton, Ohio on Friday night, cranking away day and night to get from coast to coast as fast as they can, while also raising money for autism.

The logistics of planning and coordinating a race of this length are enormous, and thankfully, in the very capable hands of crew chief Judy Thompson.

Thompson not only oversees the four cyclists, but also a dozen other crew members, each of whom have a job to help things go as smoothly as possible.

Thompson was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, attended the University of Idaho, and married Sandpoint native and fellow crew member Chris Thompson. The two are avid skiers and retired in Sandpoint.

Before team Laughing Dog left for Oceanside, Calif., Thompson’s two main goals as crew chief were to have fun and finish safely, joking that she was looking forward to the group hug at the finish line in Annapolis, Md.

The Daily Bee sat down with Thompson to find out a little bit more.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Gone with the Wind.

Q: Favorite Book?

A: The Secret Life of Bees.

Q: Favorite music?

A: The Rolling Stones.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Caesar salad and a rare steak, with red wine.

Q: Hobbies?

A: Running, skiing, golfing, biking.

Q: What I love most about cycling is . . .?

A: The four women riding in the Race Across America. The physical challenge to complete a distance is satisfying.

Q: Longest ride ever?

A: 150 miles. I rode from Seattle to Portland.

Q: When I finish the Race Across America, the first thing I’ll do is . . .?

A: Cry. I already know.

To find out more, or to make a donation to autism, visit www.teamlaughingdog.com.