LoToJa brings out the best in a cyclist's ability. This year was no exception. – LoToJa co-founder Dave Bern
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Records were shattered in the 32nd annual LoToJa road race on Saturday.
According to preliminary race results, Cameron Hoffman of Team Endurance 360 set a new LoToJa record with a total time of 8:45:39. He had an average speed of 23.1 mph over the 206-mile course that stretches from Logan to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A total of 10 riders finished just seconds behind Hoffman, all with times of 8:45.
Shirley Leydsman of Team Red Rock HSB clocked the best overall women’s time at 9:40:53. Her average speed was 20.9 mph. Official race results will be posted at milliseconds.com.
“LoToJa brings out the best in a cyclist's ability,” said Dave Bern, the race's co-founder. “This year was no exception.”
Once again, LoToJa riders experienced favorable weather conditions. Temperatures in the mid 50s at the start of the race in Logan were ideal for riders. Throughout the day most riders enjoyed a daytime high in the 70s. Although winds were generally favorable, most riders experienced a cross-tail wind while riding through Star Valley, Wyoming.
LoToJa is just as rewarding for those looking to accomplish their personal best even when they aren’t on the winner’s podium.
Jessica Carter from St. George rode in her very first LoToJa. Carter, an accomplished endurance athlete, completed the Texas Ironman in 2013 and shared her thoughts on the two events.
“I thought LoToJa was an amazing race,” Carter said. “In comparing the two races they are so different, because you are on a team at LoToJa and you can work together with your teammates. With an Ironman, you are totally on your own. This was such a great experience to enjoy the surroundings. In terms of the physical and mental challenge I would say the LoToJa race is very similar to the Ironman in terms of sheer exhaustion.”
As with most endurance sports, cyclists obsess over the numbers. Split times, watts generated, heart rate and a myriad other metrics are used to help even the non-professionals improve their performance.
“For me this race is all about nutrition,” says Chip Page of Kaysville, a four-time LoToJa participant that finished with a personal-best time of 9:55. “This race is about a battle of physical endurance and eating the right combination of things during the ride.”
“You can’t fake LoToJa”, Dave Ashby, a three-time finisher, said. “You put in an entire season of preparation and training for this one race. I have been training for this race since the spring and fortunately I was able to get my personal-best today. It’s a very rewarding feeling.”
One of the unique aspects of LoToJa is the race allows relay teams.
“This year we decided to do a relay instead of riding with a team,” Harland Hayes of Salt Lake City said. “The relay gives you a chance to support you team members and share in the overall race experience."
Riding with Hayes were Dave Dansie and Jaime Wissler of Salt Lake City. “You still have a sense of accomplishment when you ride with your friends and have a great day out on the race course," Hayes said.
And for all those competing in this year’s LoToJa, it did not disappoint.
Glenn Seninger lives in Salt Lake City with his family, is an avid cyclist and is a seven-time LoToJa finisher.