What is the secret to a cycling event that attracts people from around the country and causes them to ride a bicycle 206 miles, across three states, in America’s longest one-day sanctioned bicycle race from Logan, Utah to Jackson, Wyoming?
“The secret to LoToJa is found within the challenge of the race itself,” race co-founder Dave Bern said. “The sense of accomplishment one feels when successfully finishing the race is what raises interest for new riders and also keeps people coming back again and again.”
“Except for the personal challenge that LoToJa represents, I think what attracts new riders, and brings cyclists back year after year, is LoToJa’s breathtaking scenery and the friendly communities through which the race passes,” said Race Director Brent Chambers of Epic Events. “The 206-mile course doesn’t have any big construction zones this year. It will be fascinating to see if last year’s new course record holds or gets broken.”
That new record of 8:45:38 was set last year by Cameron Hoffman of Clearfield, Utah. His average speed was over 23 mph. Melinda MacFarlane of Salt Lake City holds the current women’s record of 9:35:00. She set it in 2013 with an average speed of approximately 21 mph.
Early weather reports for the race, starting in downtown Logan, call for near perfect conditions.
“Essentially I started seriously riding in 2014 and competing in LoToJa has been my personal goal,” Salt Lake resident Kurt Hunsaker said. “It’s a rite of passage for a cyclist. It’s a chance to put yourself to the ultimate test on the longest one day race.” Hunsaker is excited about entering his first LoToJa for 2015. He rides for the American First/Bikers Edge team and has been training all summer.
For some riders, LoToJa has become an annual rite of passage of sorts.
“LoToJa is an epic race, a one of a kind,” Jim Moss, of Sandy, a three-time LoToJa finisher said. “I enjoy this race because I will be riding with my friends and teammates. That’s what’s cool about LoToJa. You get to see your buddies at the finish line when you all come across together. There is no better feeling when as a team you accomplish your goal.”
Moss will be riding with teammates from Slim & Knobby’s bike shop in Heber City. This year’s race will mark the 10th consecutive year of LoToJa races for a number of Moss’ teammates.
It’s estimated more than 17,000 cyclists have pedaled over 4 million miles during LoToJa since the race began in 1983. Last year’s oldest male cyclist to finish was 72 years old and the oldest female was 63.
The youngest boy and girl finishers last year were 13 years old. The average age of a LoToJa participant is 42.
Race organizers expect over 1,800 cyclists will participate in this year's race.
The route and additional information about the race are available at www.lotojaclassic.com.