I want to do the Lotoja

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I am hoping to be in shape to do the Lotoja on 2007, any suggestions for training for it? I've never been a racer, more a bike tourist, back in over the last year after a 25 year hiatus. My current personal best is a 76 mile ride in a tad over 6 hrs on Friday. I must admit to being wiped out after the ride as well! I live in flat midwestern terrain, and the Lotoja (http://www.lotojaclassic.com/LOTOJAmain_content.html) runs between Logan, Utah and Jackson, Wyoming. The biggest hill I have to train on is about 400 feet at 6.5% grade. There will also be the elevation issue, I live at 670 ft above sea level, and the Lotoja fluctuates btween 3000 and 9000 feet elevation.

[horizondesire]

Tom, I have the same goal... in a nutshell, I was an avid mountain biker until a motorcycle accident damaged my spine. I switched to road bikes 2 weeks ago and plan on trying LATOJA this year; gonna ride until i drop... My best is last Saturday - 60 miles of pretty good hills (total of 3200 feet gain) in 6 hours... i was beat, but could probably have gotten another 20 if not for the wind!

maybe I will see you next year, or perhaps I can talk you into trying this year (?). I am in Sandy, about 80 miles south of Logan (south edge of Salt Lake), I dont know anything about Indiana- is it pretty flat?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

My biggest hill to train on is about 500 feet with an 8% grade. It's pretty flat! I'm familiar with the terrain out that way though, I used to drive a truck! Soory, no chance this year of a Lotoja, as I won't be in shape to finish it. My personal best day thus far is only 76 miles. I plan on riding some century rides this summer toward training for it as well as a long tour. (No college in summer, so why not! :) ) 2007 is going to be the year for me!

[Photon]

I live in Michigan (Flat and low) and did this ride last year. I am registered for 2006 as well.
I would recommend a few centuries this year and more next. A few mountain centuries are great to get you ready. You have to get down to TN, GA, or NC, but it is closer than Utah. I rode in the Cherohala challenge in TN/NC this year which is a great climbing ride albeit not as long as the LOTOJA.
You can also simulate mountains by riding into the wind alternating sitting and standing.
LOTOJA is an awesome ride. Make sure you bring warm AND cold weather gear along. Last year we were snowed on!