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Logan to Jackson — Cyclists eager to tackle grueling LOTOJA Classic

Just a quick note to the DNews and Jared Eborn. It's been great to have so many articles on the local cycling scene the last several months. Salt Lake has a very strong road biking community and it's been gratifying to see that start to be reflected in the local reporting. Keep up the good work.

Go Nathan Pack! We're rooting for you!

I just hope i finish!!!

I also wanted to say thanks for covering cycling events in the area. It is nice to see something that so many of us are interested in getting reported on. Maybe it will encourage more interest in and awareness of this wonderful sport and fantastic mode of transportation.

I think this is a well written article, and the description of the route is pretty accurate, and summarized the way I felt last year on my attempt.

The saying of 21 miles of climbing for about 3000ft elevation gain does sounds like a lot, however not that steep of grade or phyical test in comparison to some others. It is the mental strain of climbing for that long, with the up, and less up, back up and on and on seemingly relentless not pain, but just ache. Can't push any hard though. Then to come up to the top and feel the rush of relief that you can relax and fly down..just to turn the corner, and keep going up some more!! And 4 miles later, FINALLY reach the summit..at least you hope, and wow IT IS!! After that, the pain is just an afterthought, and the next climbs are just more riding without the thoughs of the past.

It is the finish that makes it worth it...those last 3km when seeing the sign telling ALMOST THERE, and they last for seeming more miles than the first climb. Start racing, the pain of 204 miles forgotten, faster and faster. I sat there wondering..after 200+ miles shouldn't I be tired and not be able to pace like this? But the small group around me kept increasing the pace and wow we are hauling now...almost a sprint finish to cross the final banner. Not that I have any contention for placing anything, just the fun of racing in with the group I am with.

The mental drain doing this is released like a river when finally crossing the finish line. It feels good.

If this sparks even slight interest, make it a goal to finish this race and follow through.

Kaysha's comments were fun to read. We were part of her support team--and this year the friend, who rode with her is riding again as are four of her support team. The rest of her support team will be-support. She and her riding friend are credited with getting the support guys on bikes as they decided that riding 206 miles had to be better than driving in a car going 10 miles per hour for 18 hours! Hope for great weather!

I just want to point out that you don't have to finish to get a sticker you just have to pay your registration and pick up your packet.

I'd like to see these around town.

http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/UMBphpBB2/files/lotoja_dnf_726.png

Try doing the e100 with over 18,000 feet of climbing over 100 miles.

Its a must do event on anyones cycling calendar. The ride, the people, the scenery, the organization, and the self-reward of finishing are what make it a great event. As long as I can ride a bike I hope to enter each year.

Stickers sounds like you.

I have been support for the past three years and we survived and finished SNOW-TOJA in 2005. It's true the stickers are part of the registration packet. You can also purchase extra stickers. But I don't know a rider that has a sticker on their car who hasn't finished. It's like touching the Stanley Cup -- You don't do it until you've earned it.

Unfortunately I won't be able to ride LOTOJA this year. I live on the East Coast now and can't make it out this weekend. Good luck to all the participants, especially the Eror's and gang. You are all unbeatable support!
P.S. to "Window Stickers," your comment is exactly right on.

Good luck to all LOTOJA racers. I'll be there next year.

Oh, and the e100 guys -- all nine of them that finished this year -- are indeed studs.

Both sets of studs should think about doing the hoodoo 500 to see what they're made of.

Nate Pack is #1