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Endurance event to draw 1,000 bicycle riders

A bicycle race that began in 1983 with a few college friends at Utah State University will assume a commanding presence on highways in southeastern Idaho Sept. 10.

The LOTOJA (Logan to Jackson) race will involve 1,000 riders and their families, beginning in Logan, Utah. They will travel north to Preston, then northeast on Idaho 36 through Emigration (Strawberry) canyon to the junction of U.S. 89. Bicyclists will ride on U.S. 89 through Montpelier, climb and descend the Geneva Summit and leave Idaho en route to Jackson and the finish line at Teton Village.

The 206-mile event attracts riders/racers from throughout the U.S. and is known for the grueling Geneva Summit climb.

“This year’s route is designed to minimize traffic congestion by separating the bicyclist and support crew vehicle traffic throughout the state of Idaho,” explain representatives of Epic Events (Layton, Utah), organizers of the race. The organization has funded overtime hours for the Idaho State Police to patrol the event.

Race numbers will identify cyclists and their support crews, explains event director Brent Chambers. “If a rider or support vehicle is behaving unsafely, [he or she] should be reported to a race official, and will be penalized or disqualified. This information can be delivered to one of the event’s many amateur radio (Ham) operators stationed along the course."

At least one Ham Radio operator will be located at each of the seven race feed zones along the route. Three of the feed zones will be stationed in Idaho – at Preston, one mile before the Strawberry Canyon summit and at Montpelier.

Volunteer groups or organizations will be located at feed zones to provide food or drink; many will use the opportunity as a fund-raiser. Proceeds will benefit youth groups, Scout troops and business development organizations, according to race organizers.

Epic Events also uses local vendors to provide portable toilets and other equipment needed to support the race.

LOTOJA uses proceeds from entry fees and other fund-raising activities to benefit the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Autism Spectrum Disorder Connections. Last year the event generated more than $10,000.

For information about the ride, contact Chambers at Epic Events Inc., (801) 546-0090 or visit the race Web site www.lotojaclassic.com