Lotoja Classic Road Race - Are these people nuts?

commjoe

The LOTOJA Classic Road Race is the longest USCF sanctioned, point-to-point road race in the country (http://www.lotojaclassic.com). Its course and length has varied in recent years from 183-203 miles but always has about 5000 ft of climbing (it ain’t easy). Over its 22 years, entries have grown and are now capped at 1000 riders! (multiple start times are used)

There are many similar type events (double centuries, RAAM) elsewhere in the country. Why do so many folks pursue such ridiculously difficult tasks? Nobody at the finish looks like they had fun.

Many entrants use LOTOJA (Logan, Utah-to-Jackson Hole, Wyoming) as the main motivator for their cycling season (the race is usually the second Saturday of September). Some become obsessed with the training and preparation to the point of missing work, and compromising marriages and other important relationships. Why?

Here are some stats from this years event:
Its may be interesting to note:

The largest group is the Citizens 45-54. Are they trying to prove something?
The largest licensed group is Cat V’s. Are they trying to learn something?
All the 55+ starters finished. Do they know something?

Qty BestTime Avg Time
Started of Top 20% DNF DNF %
Cat I,II 16 8:33:37 8:33:46 2 13%
Cat III 35 8:54:06 8:57:44 5 14%
Cat IV 26 8:51:42 9:06:23 3 12%
Cat V 203 9:00:46 9:24:55 17 8%
Masters 35 to 44 33 8:37:58 8:38:00 1 3%
Masters 45 to 54 12 9:11:22 9:11:22 2 17%
Masters 55+ 9 9:33:05 9:44:04 0 0%
M Cit 14 to 26 40 9:07:19 9:56:15 3 8%
M Cit 27 to 34 82 9:01:04 9:39:06 5 6%
M Cit 35 to 44 98 9:13:32 9:37:38 10 10%
M CIT 45-54 123 9:09:04 9:30:48 11 9%
M Cit 55 and over 28 9:10:32 9:49:31 0 0%