Approximately 1,300 cyclists will be taking off from Logan, Utah, Saturday morning, heading north to the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, area as part of the 43rd annual LoToJa Classic.

Scheduled for the first Saturday after Labor Day, LoToJa has become a big event for cyclists in the region and beyond. In a typical year, there are participants from 40 states and five foreign countries who take on the longest one-day USAC-sanctioned bicycle race in the United States. This year 39 states will be represented and riders from Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and the Czech Republic are registered. The route the professionals race is 202.3 miles long, while the “ride” route is 207.3 miles and the relay route is 207.9 miles.

The official starting line is in front of Sunrise Cyclery on 100 East. The finish line is more than 200 miles away at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

LoToJa is one of America’s most popular and enduring bicycle events, according to race organizers. Since its start in 1983, more than 22,000 cyclists have experienced its demanding flat, hilly and mountainous course, which can also involve dealing with the elements as heat, wind, rain, sleet and even snow has been a part of the race in the past.

“LoToJa continues to attract thousands of racers and enthusiasts,” race director Brent Chambers said in a press release. “It’s a long, tough day in the saddle, with most cyclists pushed beyond their physical and mental limits. To finish is always an incredible achievement, whether you’re a racer or riding just for fun.”

The fastest racers reach the ski resort by early afternoon. The current men’s record is 8 hours, 18 minutes, 29 seconds. The women’s record is 9:35:00. Most cyclists take 10 to 13 hours to complete the course and begin in different waves from Logan early Saturday morning.

Winners take home cash and/or merchandise. Commemorative medals go to all who finish. For many cyclists, the day’s biggest reward is crossing the finish line in panoramic Jackson Hole before the time limit, which is right around when it gets really dark at the resort.

There are 23 separate categories that will depart from Sunrise Cyclery in four-minute intervals beginning at 5:30 a.m. On average, each category will feature 40-50 riders.

“The intervals spread the cyclists out and help to prevent or reduce traffic congestion,” Chambers said. “It has worked well in the past. We’re grateful for motorists’ patience and cooperation with public safety officials and volunteers who are helping to get LoToJa underway that morning.”

The course heads north through Cache Valley, passed through southeastern Idaho’s Preston and Montpelier, and western Wyoming’s Star Valley and Snake River Canyon. Prominent challenges include three mountain passes that total 35 miles and almost 9,800 vertical feet of climbing.

All USA Cycling licensed racers will take US-91 and pedal through Smithfield, Richmond and Franklin. Meanwhile, all cyclosportive riders and relay categories will ride north on state Route 23 past Trenton, east through Cornish on state Route 61, then north on state Route 200 into Preston.

Motorists in Logan will encounter LoToJa cyclists between 5:30 and 8 a.m. on 100 East, 200 North, 1000 West, Airport Road, 2500 North and Main Street (US-91) from 2500 North to Preston. Chambers said Logan City Police will assist at intersections to keep traffic orderly.

Safety for LoToJa’s participants is a priority, Chambers said. On race day the Idaho Transportation Department will restrict eastbound vehicle traffic on state Route 36 north of Preston between Riverdale and Ovid from 6 a.m. to noon. Eastbound traffic on U.S. Highway 89 between Montpelier and the Wyoming state line will also be restricted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Except for those two travel restrictions, LoToJa is held on an open course with traffic. Motorists who are traveling on race day are asked to approach and pass cyclists cautiously.

Chambers defined cautious passing as “slowing down and giving at least three feet of space between the vehicle and cyclists.” Motorists are also urged “to patiently wait for oncoming vehicle traffic to clear before pulling around a cyclist or group of cyclists.”

LoToJa’s focus on fundraising has also become well known. The event is a major fundraiser for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation in Salt Lake City and other health-related organizations. Over the years nearly $3 million have been contributed to Huntsman alone by cyclists and sponsors

Chambers emphasized that LoToJa is only made possible thanks to its 600-plus volunteers, and help from community businesses, civic leaders and public safety officials. There are 120 HAM radio volunteers from the Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club. The club provides uninterrupted communication for event staff and cyclist safety from Logan to Jackson.

“This year’s LoToJa is all set and I look forward to seeing riders dig deep to reach the finish,” said Chambers, who has organized the race since 1998. “To watch riders overcome the adversity of 200-plus miles and 10,000 feet of climbing always fills me with awe and admiration.”

LoToJa’s route and additional information about the race are available at lotoja.com.