As fall approaches, several annual events happen in Cache Valley during the month of September.
One of those events is fast approaching. While it doesn’t completely take place in the valley, the start line is in downtown Logan.
Approximately 1,500 cyclists will be taking off from Logan Saturday morning, heading north to the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, area as part of the 44th 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 36 states will be represented and riders from France 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.
“If racing a bicycle more than 200 miles in a day doesn’t leave you breathless, the view at the finish line will,” writes LoToJa Classic communications director David Bern. “… What awaits them at the finish line is a life-changing achievement and the inspiring sight of the 13,770-foot-high Grand Teton, the Teton Range and the valley of Jackson Hole.”
The official starting line is in front of Sunrise Cyclery on 100 East in Logan. 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 23,000 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.
“Whether you’ve been racing for years, or are new to the sport, LoToJa changes lives,” said Brent Chambers, the event’s race director since 1998, in a press release. “The physical and mental challenge one must overcome to win, or simply finish, inspires personal growth that’s truly earned and life-lasting. It’s an honor for me to be part of that.”
Chambers added the event is ready to provide an exciting and memorable day for participants. The two top winners from 2025 will be at the start line to defend their titles and maybe set new course records.
One of those winners is Bailey Hinz of Las Vegas, Nevada, who won the Women’s Pro 123 category last year. She flew across the finish line alone with a time of 9 hours, 20 minutes, 45 seconds and beat the women’s course record by more than 14 minutes. Her average speed for the day was 21.6 miles per hour.
The second is Justin Spangler of Salt Lake City, who won the Men’s Pro 123’s last year with a time of 8:29:28. At an average speed of 23.8 mph, he just missed setting a new men’s course record by less than 12 minutes. After last year’s race, he said he would return in 2026 with the goal of beating the men’s record of 8:18:29.
The fastest racers reach the ski resort by early afternoon. 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.
“We’ve started this way for several years, and it has worked really well,” Chambers said. “What has helped tremendously is motorists’ patience and cooperation. Without such collaboration, public safety officials and volunteers would have a harder time getting LoToJa participants safely on their way.”
There is something new this year with the addition of a team trial category. Teams of up to eight cyclists will work together, with each team member taking a turn at the front to block wind for their teammates and keep the pace consistently high.
The course heads north through Cache Valley, passing 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 US-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 more than $3 million has been contributed to Huntsman alone by cyclists and sponsors.
Fundraising also helps the Utah High School Cycling League, National Ability Center and Bike Utah. New partners this year include Golden Moments and Friends of the Bridger-Teton.
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.
“I’m again privileged and honored to be part of this special race, and I want to wish a fun and safe day to every participant,” Chambers said.
LoToJa’s route and additional information about the race are available at lotoja.com.