jamesdak 

Hoping to make it into this years race. It will be my first time so I'd love to hear from anyone who has actually done the ride. Thanks!

StephenH

https://www.lotojaclassic.com/ (LOgan to JAckson, 206 mile road race)

jamesdak 

Thanks Stephen. I've got the race info just looking for insight from those that have actually done it. Looking for the "inside scoop", LOL!!

StephenH

Oh, that wasn't for you, that was for other people like me that had no clue what "LOTOJA" meant, to save them looking it up, too. I figured someone else would jump in here after a while and actually answer the question.

Dukenstine

Jamesdak, I'm in no way an expert on the ride/race, but I have done it the last two years. I'm not a racer, so I entered in the "FUN RIDE" category. I don't have a lot of advice other than to prepare for the ride by doing lots of climbing as you have to go over three very big mountains in the first 100 miles. The second 100 is more rolling hills and winds. When riding, stay with other riders and ride in packs and draft as long as possible. Eat and drink a little something every 30 minutes.

My first year I finished in 11 hours 30 minutes, my second year I finished in 10 hours and 20 minutes. This year, we hope to finish in under 10. I wrote a little blog on my experience the first year I did it. https://veloduke.wordpress.com/ The second year was a little easier, because I knew more what to expect, and I was in better shape.

Good Luck

jamesdak 

Well, I did not get selected. But the emailed notice said I'd have preference for next year. May still get in with a team though if someone drops out. Of course I'll be stronger and a better climber with another year under my belt but I sure wanted to get in this year.

Rides like this weekly will help the climbing and this is only one of my shorter climbing routes.

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/82599396

I've also got a 13% climb of over 6 miles long right near the house that I'll start hitting regularly also.

PlanetU

For those who weren't selected to enter LOTOJA, grab some teammates and ride the Hoodoo 500! https://www.hoodoo500.com.

Stinky C

I rode my first this year, and absolutely loved it. I'll be back for the foreseeable future, for sure. My training advice is hills, hills, hills ... and miles. In my estimation, if you can do the Suncrest loop (in Draper & Alpine) comfortably, you'll survive. (I live at sea level now, but was in Utah for a week in June. I rode it to see how I could do and got my butt kicked. https://app.strava.com/activities/1623333.)

If you can do the Ultimate Challenge route, you're more than ready.

My biggest piece of advice is to ignore everybody who says there's only 3 climbs. I got sucked into the belief that all the climbing would be done after the first three mountain passes in the first 100 miles. Lies!! You finish by going up Snake River Canyon. This was the hardest part of the race for me - because I wasn't mentally prepared for that final climb. (Sure the wind's at your back, and it's more rolly than anything, but still...you're going up the damn thing.)

Hope you get in next year. I registered as a Masters 35+ to play the better odds. It got me into the race, but also got my butt kicked as those blokes were flying. I'll race as a Cat 5 next year.

Dudelsack 

That was not a shabby ride!

It's also cool to be able to use google street level to enjoy the scenery. I might have seen more of it that way than you did when you were grinding it out

Jamesw2

Thanks Stephen H because i was about to look it up in the Urban dictionary.
Average 16 + mph to finish before dark. I would spent too much time enjoying the scenery.

Stinky C

I'll be back a few times this year to beat that loop into submission.

jamesdak 

Well about 2 more months then we'll see if I get in this year. Managed to log over 8000 miles last year so I do believe I am ready for the distance. Knocked out a century last summer that involved about 35 miles of climbing so I should be ready for that also. Will be hitting the mountains as much as I can this year to prepare. Just wondering how the best way is to apply where a 47 year old first timer will stand a chance to get it. It's a local race for me so I want to make it an annual ride for me.

I do a lot of solo century rides and have my nutrition pretty well sorted out. And as a solo rider, I'm fighting wind all the time.

Stinky C

If you want to stack the odds to get in, don't register in the fun category. LOTOJA prefers racers. I suggest racing in the Masters 45+. As I understand it, there's something like 10 people trying to get into every 1 Fun Ride slot. Way better odds if you're in a racer group.

The group will be really fast at first, but should give you a good pull into Preston.

jamesdak 

Thanks! I just wish this was one time I could rely on my disabled Vet status to help me out, LOL!! I really want to make this an annual thing since it's a local race for me but have to get accepted in first.

PlanetU

If you didn't get in to LOTOJA this year, grab a buddy and come race the Hoodoo 500 on a two-person (or 4-person) team! Details at https://www.hoodoo500.com