Cycling West and Cycling Utah Magazine’s Late Summer 2024 Issue is now available as a free download (11 MB download). Pick up a copy at your favorite Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northern California bike shop or other location.
Cycling West Late Summer 2024 Cover Photo: Magnus White’s ghost bike at the Ride for Magnus: Ride for Your Life in Boulder, Colorado on August 11, 2024. Photo by Ryan Muncy, ryanmuncyphotography.smugmug.com
Contents
Boosting Your Body’s Defense Against Wildfire Smoke: Nutrition Tips for Cyclists — page 2
Thousands Rally in Boulder for ‘Ride for Your Life’ honoring Magnus White — page 3
Bicycle Fatalities Up Sharply — page 4
The White Line Non-Profit Formed to Honor Magnus White — page 5
Remembering an Historic Olympics for American Cycling — page 6
John, The not so Ordinary, Ordinary Cyclist — page 8
Tips for Group Road Rides — page 9
The Athlete’s Kitchen: Undereating and Overtraining — A Dangerous Duo — page 10
Mountain Bikers Push to Ride Through Wilderness — page 11
Bicycle Touring Along the Historic C & O Canal Towpath — page 12
A Helmet is More than a Brain Bucket — page 14
Cycling Trivia: The Olympics! — page 15
Shared Ebiking on the Rise but so are Ebike Crashes — page 15
New Legal Guide for Micromobility Programs — page 15
Olympic Cycling Trivia Answers — page 21
BLM Plans Expanded Bike Park in Buckeye, Arizona — page 22
Improved Bike Infrastructure Increases Individual Excursions — page 22
Rep. Boebert Bashes Bike Benefits — page 22
Evolution of a Revolution – A Bicycle Poster by Tom Flood — page 23
When the French government recently announced a plan to cut state spending by 10 billion euros, the budget for ecology, development and sustainable mobility was first on the chopping block, with cuts totalling 2.2 billion euros. At first glance, health appears to have been relatively spared, facing a cut of 70 million euros in its budget – a big number, but less than 1% of the total. Cutting state funding targeting sustainable mobility will, however, also contribute to deteriorating public health, in addition to increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Our work consisted of analysing data from the decennial personal mobility survey, conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). It aims to describe people’s mobility practices and to assess how and why the French travel, on a daily basis as well as longer trips. The 2019 edition was based on a nationally representative sample of nearly 14,000 people interviewed in 2018 and 2019.
Empty bike racks illustrate that transportational cycling is not a big part of French culture. Photo by Dave Iltis
We also found that men are responsible for three quarters of the kilometres travelled by bicycle in France, whereas the practice is much more gender balanced in the Netherlands.
The health benefits of cycling in 2019
Second, we looked at the chronic diseases and deaths avoided by the levels of cycling in 2019. To do this, we used the quantitative health impact assessment method, which makes it possible to calculate the extent of the health consequences of exposure to a risk factor or, on the other hand, the health benefits of a protective factor within a given population.
In the same way, we selected five chronic diseases for which an association with physical activity had been reported in meta-analyses: cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, cancer of the prostate and dementia.
We were able to demonstrate that, while the levels of cycling observed in 2019 were modest, if they remained constant, they would make it possible to avoid nearly 2,000 deaths and 6,000 cases of chronic disease each year.
Chronic diseases and mortality prevented by physical activity due to cycling in France, 2019, among adults aged 20 to 89 years. Black lines represent 95% uncertainty intervals. DR, Fourni par l’auteur
Significant costs avoided
These avoided deaths and chronic diseases also result in reduced health spending for the community. The direct medical costs that cycling helps avoid – hospitalisations, medical treatments, paid sickness leave – can be quantified using health insurance data: they amount to nearly 200 million euros each year.
If these direct medical costs have the advantage of being “tangible”, in the sense that they are monetary expenses, they represent only the tip of the iceberg: avoiding illness or death has a value for society, even in the absence of treatment or compensation. Indeed, illnesses and deaths have intangible consequences that affect not only the person concerned, but also those around them and the community. These include emotional damage, loss of well-being, impact on the lives of loved ones (especially caregivers), loss of productivity, and more.
To take this into account and consistently evaluate the costs of avoided diseases and deaths, health economists generally use the notion of “intangible health costs”, in other words, social health costs.
Based on this notion of intangible health costs, the commission – chaired by the economist Émile Quinet – recommended in 2013 to use the value of 3 million euros per death avoided (the equivalent of 3.48 million euros in current money) for the evaluation of public policies.
The study estimates that each kilometer cycled saved approximately €1.00 in social health costs. Photo by Dave Iltis.
For our work, we thus estimated that cycling had made it possible to avoid 4.8 billion euros in social health costs in 2019. By taking the number of kilometres travelled by bike in the year of the survey (4.6 billion kilometres), we were able to estimate that each kilometre travelled by bike helps avoid around 1 Euro in social health costs.
What are the consequences of shifting short trips to cycling?
If our analysis provides information on the current health benefits of cycling, it can also tell us more about the benefits to be expected from policies to promote cycling. This is particularly relevant in the French context, since there is significant potential for the development of cycling. In fact, in France, more than half of journeys of less than 5 km are made by car.
Here, the detailed individual data from the personal mobility survey makes it possible to model a scenario in which a portion of journeys of less than 5 km made by car would be made by bicycle. In our study, we simulated the effects of a 25% shift from the car to the bicycle for such journeys. Our results indicate that while quite modest, this switch would make it possible to prevent 1,800 more deaths and avoid an additional 2.6 billion euros in social health costs.
Finally, this simulation allowed us to estimate that such a modal shift scenario would reduce CO2 emissions by 250 kilotonnes per year. This corresponds more or less to double the emissions avoided by the tax credits granted for energy-saving renovations of housing which were implemented in 2015 and 2016.
A potential that remains to be exploited
Despite long-standing scientifically documented benefits, it is distressing to note that cycling has not benefited from significant investments, at least over the decade 2010-2019.
As a result, between the 2008 and 2019 personal mobility surveys, the proportion of journeys made by bicycle has not increased: instead, it stagnated at around 3%. Local authorities often present investments in cycling infrastructure from a cost perspective, but our study reveals the extent of the benefits that can be expected in terms of health, as do numerous other studies on the advantages of cycling in an urban context.
Furthermore, most energy-climate scenarios compatible with France’s climate commitments, whether developed by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) or the non-profit négaWatt, foresee a significant increase in the use of bicycles. In such a context, public authorities would have everything to gain from highlighting the convergence of the climate and health benefits of cycling.
This would represent a tremendous missed opportunity to mobilise this possible synergy between climate change mitigation and improvement of public health.
This article was co-written by Émilie Schwarz, scientific project manager within the investigation unit of the “Processing and data analysis support” directorate of Santé publique France, the French national agency for public health.
Blunk, Courtney, Munro, Riley, and Amos were among the top finishers.
PAL ARINSAL, Andorra (September 1, 2024) – On the final day of the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, storms were forecasted to hit Pal Arinsal in the afternoon. The race organizers adjusted the schedule last night to ensure racing concluded before the weather turned. The changes included earlier start times for all categories, shortened race distances, and the merging of the Elite and U23 Women’s races.
Elite Men’s XCO
The men’s race was fast from the start with Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing) staying with the front group and maintaining positioning near the top 10 for the majority of the race. He kicked it into gear on the final lap, recording his fastest lap time of the day. Blevins ultimately finished in 14th place, marking his best result at an Elite World Championship.
Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 01/09/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men Elite Cross-country Olympic Final – Christopher Blevins (United States)
Results:
1. Alan Hatherly (RSA) 1:09:51
2. Victor Koretzky (FRA) +0:22
3. Tom Pidcock (GRA) +0:39
14. Christopher Blevins (USA) +3:01
Elite/U23 Women’s XCO
Over 100 women lined up for Sunday’s XCO where the U23 and Elite Women’s races were combined and would take on the 5-lap race together. The Americans racing in the Elite class included Savilia Blunk (Inverness, Calif.; Decathlon Ford Racing Team), Kate Courtney (Kentfield, Calif.; SCOTT-SRAM Factory Racing), Haley Batten (Park City, Utah; Specialized Factory Racing), Gwendalyn Gibson (Ramona, Calif.; Trek Factory Racing), and Kelsey Urban (Kentfield, Calif.; Team 31). Madigan Munro (Boulder, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing) and Sofia Waite (Littleton, Colo.; BH Coloma Team) represented the U23 category.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 01/09/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Women Elite & Women Under 23 Cross-country Olympic Final – Savilia Blunk (United States)Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 01/09/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Women Elite & Women Under 23 Cross-country Olympic Final – Kate Courtney (United States)Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 01/09/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Women Elite & Women Under 23 Cross-country Olympic Final – Haley Batten (United States)
Blunk and Batten both had strong starts but started to fade as the race progressed. Meanwhile, Courtney maintained a consistent pace lap after lap, with all three riders finishing in the top 15. Munro and Waite fought through the chaos, battling their way to impressive results, with Munro securing a spot in the top 10 and Waite close behind in 16th.
Elite Women’s Results:
1. Puck Pieterse (NED) 1:09:41
2. Anne Terpstra (NED) +0:59
3. Martina Berta (ITA) +1:19
8. Savilia Blunk (USA) +2:32
9. Kate Courtney (USA) +2:57
13. Haley Batten (USA) +3:14
17. Gwendalyn Gibson (USA) +3:44
22. Kelsey Urban (USA) +4:23
It was a challenging day for the Under-23 men after seeing such a success in the Short Track earlier this week. Riley Amos(Durango, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing) and Bjorn Riley (Boulder, Colo.; Trek Future Racing) had been the two to watch after their winning streaks in the World Cups earlier this year. Riley rode a strong and consistent race to finish fifth in a stacked field. Amos stayed with the lead group until lap three when he slowly started dropping back. After battling sickness all week, he couldn’t keep the pace at the front and finished 10th. Brayden Johnson (Littleton, Colo.; Santa Cruz Rock Shox) achieved his best U23 Worlds result, finishing 11th.
Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 01/09/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men Under 23 Cross-country Olympic Final – Riley Amos (United States)
Young American riders shine with Top-15 finishes at Andorra Worlds.
PAL ARINSAL, Andorra (August 31, 2024) – On the penultimate day of the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, the Elite Men and Women dropped from the top of Pal Arinsal for Downhill Finals. The race unfolded under dry and dusty conditions, with fans packed into every corner of the track, making it an electrifying atmosphere.
Elite Men’s Downhill Finals
The men’s race was exhilarating from the start, with each lap getting faster and crashes toward the end made for an unpredictable finish. Dakotah Norton (Clinton, Tenn.; Mondraker Factory Racing) didn’t have the best run in qualifying, but he knew he had the speed and was eager for more. As the third-to-last rider to drop, the pressure was on. Norton had a smooth, fast start, showing all green splits after Loris Vergier (FRA) set the fastest time of the day. He kept gaining time, nearly delivering a mistake-free run, but just before the final exit out of the woods, he went off the track and crashed. It was a heartbreaking day for Norton.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 29/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Dylan Maples (United States)
Luca Shaw (Pisgah Forest, N.C.; Canyon Collective) also showed green splits as one of the final riders to drop, but his pace slowed as he progressed down the track, ultimately finishing 17th. The top Americans on the day were young superstars Dylan Maples (Orangevale, Calif.; Commencal Muc-Off) and Austin Dooley (Yucaipa, Calif.; Commencal Schwalbe), both of whom had career-best race runs, finishing in the top 15.
The women kicked off the day in Andorra with a thrilling final as the anticipation built for the last riders to drop. National Champion Anna Newkirk (Riehen, Switzerland; Beyond Racing MTB) was the fastest American of the day, improving on all of her splits from Thursday. She set a blistering pace, finishing sixth in the world, marking her best result at an Elite World Championship. First-year elite Abby Ronca (Bethlehem, Pa.; Evolve Racing) rode to a solid 31st place, with Abby Hogie (Heidelberg, Germany; Beyond Racing MTB) close behind in 35th.
Bjorn Riley earns silver behind Amos; Elite Men and Women stack XCC top 10.
PAL ARINSAL, Andorra (August 30, 2024) – It was a day dedicated to Cross-Country and Short Track racing for Juniors, U23s, and Elites at the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Pal Arinsal, Andorra. For the first time at the World Championships, the U23 riders had their own Short Track event. The highlight of the day came from Riley Amos (Durango, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing) and Bjorn Riley (Boulder, Colo.; Trek Future Racing) who finished first and second in the first-ever U23 Men’s Short Track race.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 30/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men’s U23 Cross-country Short Track Podium – Riley Amos (USA) Gold Medalist and UCI World Champion, Bjorn Riley (USA) Silver Medalist and Tobias Lillelund (Denmark) Bronze Medalist
U23 Men’s XCC
The U23 Men raced a total distance of 10 kilometers. Riley Amos (Durango, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing) and Bjorn Riley(Boulder, Colo.; Trek Future Racing) stayed in the top 10 for the entirety of the race. They made sure they were in the right position to make a move when the time came. After lap seven, Amos began picking riders off until he crossed the line in first. His teammate, Riley, finished right behind him in second making history for USA Cycling. Brayden Johnson (Littleton, Colo.; Santa Cruz Rock Shox) kept the lead group close finishing in sixth, and Carson Hampton (Boise, Idaho; Bear National Team) rounded things out for Team USA earning 28th.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 30/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men U23 Cross-country Short Track Final – Riley Amos (United States) wins with Bjorn Riley (United States) in second
The women’s race was fast from the gun. The Americans knew to watch the moves from the two Canadian Holmgren sisters. Madigan Munro (Boulder, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing) was able to stay with the group and battle for a top position. Munro put down eight consistent laps to earn sixth overall. Her teammate, Sofia Waite (Littleton, Colo.; BH Coloma Team) earned 11th.
Results:
1. Isabella Holmgren (CAN) 20:31
2. Ella Maclean-Howell (GBR) +0:22
3. Ava Holmgren (CAN) +0:26
6. Madigan Munro (USA) +0:36
11. Sofia Waite (USA) +0:51
Elite Men’s XCC
Inagural Short Track World Champion Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing) was the only American in this evening’s race. A front row call up for Blevins allowed him to have a great start heading into the first turn of the 10-lap race. Blevins stayed in the front of the race while chaos ensued on the dusty track behind him. The front was aggressive with riders charging for positions any chance they could. Victory Koretzky (FRA) attacked on lap nine and pulled away with a small gap on the group to ultimately win the World Title. Blevins kept good positioning into the finishing straight and sprinted to the line. It came down to a photo finish for the bronze medal, where he got edged out taking fourth.
Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 30/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men Elite Cross-country Short Track Final – Christopher Blevins (United States)
Results:
1. Victory Koretzky (FRA) 21:49
2.Charlie Aldridge (GBR) +0:03
3. Alan Hatherly (RSA) +0:03
4. Christopher Blevins (USA) +0:03
Elite Women’s XCC
The American women stacked the short track field with Kate Courtney (Kentfield, Calif.; SCOTT-SRAM Factory Racing), Savilia Blunk (Inverness, Calif.; Decathlon Ford Racing Team), Gwendalyn Gibson (Ramona, Calif.; Trek Factory Racing), and Kelsey Urban (Kentfield, Calif.; Team 31). It was a front row call up for Courtney and Blunk, with Gibson just behind for a fast and furious start. France’s Pauline Ferrand Prevot (FRA) was able to create a gap in the first few laps, but Evie Richards (GBR) came up from behind to add pressure to the group. The Americans kept the leaders in their sights but were not able to close the gap on a medal position. By the last lap, Gibson, Courtney, and Blunk were on the chase and sprinted to the line finishing fifth, seventh, and eighth, all finishing within 15 seconds of a podium position.
Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 30/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Women Elite Cross-country Short Track Final – Gwendalyn Gibson (United States)
The Junior Men’s race was stacked with 84 of the best riders from around the world ready to take on the five lap, 20-kilomter XCO race. Albert Philipsen (DEN) took an early lead on the first lap and never looked back. The American team made up of Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; Competitive Edge, River Valdez (Sedona, Ariz.; Bear National Team), Ezra Caudell (Acworth, Ga.; Gravity Collective), and Luke Mosteller (Tunnell Hill, Ga.; Bear National Team) was led by the Colorado native, Nicholas Konecny (Breckenridge, Colo.; Bear National Team). The top finisher for Team USA was Konecny who finished just three seconds off the podium in fourth. Coote was the second American to finish, earning ninth place.
Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 30/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men Juniors Cross-country Olympic Final – Nicholas Konecny (United States)
Results:
1. Albert Philipsen (DEN) 1:01.59
2. Hugo Franco Gallego (SPA) +1:55
3. Nikolaj Hougs (DEN) +1:56
4. Nicholas Konecny (USA) +1:59
9. Henry Coote (USA) +3:24
16. River Valdez (USA) +5:07
51. Ezra Caudell (USA) +9:54
58. Luke Mosteller (USA) +15:35
Junior Women’s XCO
The women competed first this morning in Andorra. Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Bear National Team) had a front row call up and a strong start off the line for the four-lap race. Viktoria Chladoňová (SVK) led from the start and left the rest of the field chasing. Lopez de San Roman was on the chase with Rafaelle Carrier (CAN) and Tereza Marusa Serkezi (SLO). The race slowly started to break apart and Lopez de San Roman settled into her pace to finish the day in fourth. Alice Hoskins (Charlottesville, Va.; Gravity Collective) rode strong to finish 13th and Ingrid McElroy (Danville, Pa.; Bear National Team) finished in 34th.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 30/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Women Juniors Cross-country Olympic Final – Vida Lopez de San Roman (United States), Cynthia Guadalupe Martin Gonzalez (Mexico)
Results:
1. Viktoria Chladoňová (SVK) 1:01:24
2. Rafaelle Carrier (CAN) +0:36
3. Tereza Marusa Serkezi (SLO) +1:31
4. Vida Lopez de San Roman (USA) +2:05
13. Alice Hoskins (USA) +4:03
34. Ingrid McElroy (USA) +8:01
Bode Burke finished third, putting two Americans on the Junior Men’s Downhill World Championship Podium for the first time in history.
PAL ARINSAL, Andorra (August 29, 2024) – On day two of the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, it was all about the Junior Downhill Finals, followed by the Elite Downhill Qualifications.
Junior Men’s Downhill Finals
First-year junior Asa Vermette (Durango, Colo.; Frameworks Racing) won three out of five Junior Men’s World Cups this year and is currently leading the overall standings. He came into the World Championships with the pressure on and finished first in qualifications yesterday, proving his speed. Bode Burke (Rhododendron, Ore.; Outlaw Bike Team) was also on pace, finishing with the third-fastest time yesterday.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 29/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men Junior Downhill Final Podium – Asa Vermette (USA) receiving the Gold Medal with Max Alran (France) receiving the Silver Medal and Bode Burke (USA) receiving the Bronze Medal
As racing kicked off, Vermette’s splits were down at the start, but he was able to find his speed to keep getting faster as the race went on. By the third split, he was sitting second to France’s Max Alran, but was not far off. At the finish line, Vermette was able to make up 1.516 seconds on Alran winning the Junior Men’s World Championships. Burke had the fastest split at the top of the track, proving he was on pace with yesterday’s run. He finished third behind Alran, only 2.514 seconds off Vermette’s time. Gavin Tomlinson (Burbank, Calif.; Gravity Collective) rode to a career best 12th place in his last year racing in the junior category.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 29/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Men Junior Downhill Final – Bode Burke (USA)
It’s been over a decade since an American has been on the Junior Men’s Downhill podium, and the first time ever that there have been two Americans sharing that podium. Richie Rude was the last rider from the U.S. to win the event in 2013 at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Results:
1. Asa Vermette (USA) 2:39.185
2. Max Alran (FRA) +1.516
3. Bode Burke (USA) +2.514
12. Gavin Tomlinson (USA) +6.305
21. Lucas DeDora (USA) +7.792
58. Ryder Lawrence (USA) +32.538
Junior Women’s Downhill Finals
On the women’s side, Kale Cushman (Old Town, Maine) rode to her career best international result taking sixth place, finishing in a time of 3:18.577. Julia Lofqvist Traum (Issaquah, Wash.) was the next American in line finishing in the top 10 at her first World Championship.
Picture by Javier Martínez/SWpix.com – 29/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Women Junior Downhill Final – Kale Cushman (United States)
Results:
1. Erice Van Leuven (NZL) 2:59.891
2. Ella Svegby (SWE) +6.357
3. Sacha Earnest (NZL) +12.180
6. Kale Cushman (USA) +18.686
10. Julia Lofqvist Traum (USA) +25.322
Johnson, Konecny, Batten, Lopez de San Roman, Munro, and Blevins win first gold medal for USA Cycling in the Mixed Team Relay.
PAL ARINSAL, Andorra (August 28, 2024) – The 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships kicked off today in Andorra with the Cross-Country Team Relay and Junior Downhill Qualifying. Team USA won its first-ever gold medal in the Team Relay since the event’s inception in 1999.
Cross-Country Mixed Team Relay
The Team Relay is one of the most exhilarating events bringing together athletes of all age groups from around the world. Each country selects their top Elite, U23, and Junior men and women to compete, with each athlete completing one lap as fast as possible.
Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com – 28/08/2024 – Cycling – 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Pal Arinsal, Arinsal, Andorra – Mixed Team Relay Podium – Brayden Johnson (USA), Nicholas Konecny (USA), Haley Batten (USA), Vida Lopez de San Roman (USA), Madigan Munro (USA), Christopher Blevins (USA) receiving the Gold Medal
The team of Brayden Johnson (Littleton, Colo.; Santa Cruz Rock Shox), Nicholas Konecny (Breckenridge, Colo.; Bear National Team), Haley Batten (Park City, Utah; Specialized Factory Racing), Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Bear National Team), Madigan Munro (Boulder, Colo.; Trek Factory Racing) , and Christopher Blevins (Durango, Colo.; Specialized Factory Racing) competed for the United States.
France was fast from the start of the race and battled back and forth with Italy until Team USA started closing in on the leaders. Team USA stayed within the top three for the remainder of the race with the win still in sight. It all came down to the last lap where Blevins laid down one of the fastest laps of the day to close in on France. He crossed the finish line three seconds in front of France to win gold.
Team USA first reached the podium in the team relay event at Fort William in 2007. Over a decade later, a new generation of superstars emerged, securing podium finishes again in 2019, 2021, and 2022. This year, USA Cycling claimed its first-ever victory, ending a decade-long dominance by the French and Swiss teams.
Results:
1. United States of America 1:19:38
2. France +0.03
3. Italy +1:31
By Charles Pekow — One ongoing challenge with retrofitting roadways to add bike lanes is finding the necessary space. Researchers in Singapore have devised a method that doesn’t require removing parking or auto lanes, or even narrowing them: converting sidewalks into bike lanes. They claim this can be done inexpensively.
A mother and child navigate a sidewalk adjacent to Hopkins Street in Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis
This approach can help bridge gaps in bike trails, according to the study “Sidewalk-Based Bicycle Path Network Design Incorporating Equity in Cycling Time” from the National University of Singapore. The researchers developed an algorithm to identify suitable locations for sidewalk conversions, successfully tested on a university campus and in a town in Singapore.
The authors note that further research is needed to understand the potential number of cyclists using these paths and to address possible conflicts with pedestrians.
Event celebrates every finishing rider, from first to last
LINCOLN, Nebraska (August 24, 2024) — After a long, hot day of racing, Garmin Gravel Worlds announces the winners of its cycling events. Held Saturday, August 24, the event attracted more than 1,400 participants in the 50k, 75-mile, 150-mile and 300-mile races.
The Women’s Pro race was won for the second consecutive year by Lauren Stephens of Dallas, TX. She finished the 150-mile course in 7:57:46, edging out second place Karolina Migon of Great Britian by 22 seconds. Emily Newsom of Fort Worth, TX finished third.
Lauren Stephens gets a champagne shower as she crosses the line to win the 2024 Gravel Worlds race in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo by Dan Hughes, courtesy Garmin Gravel Worlds
In the Men’s Pro race, Simen Nordhal Svendsen of Hokkisund, Norway took top honors with a finish time of 6:48:46. Two seconds later, Innokenty Zavyalov of Minneapolis, MN crossed the line for second. Adam Roberge of Prevost QC, Canada finished third less than a minute back.
Simen Nordhal Svendsen of Hokkisund, Norway after his win at the 2024 Gravel Worlds race in Lincoln, Nebraska. Photo by Dan Hughes, courtesy Garmin Gravel Worlds
Thanks to expanded sponsorship from Goodlife Brands, the event added $10,000 to its Women’s Pro prize purse, while adding a fresh twist to the racing. The first twenty Pro Women that arrived at the second race checkpoint ahead of riders from the general race field, which started 25 minutes later, received $500, regardless of where they finished the race.
To facilitate this ‘race within a race’, organizers revised the start schedule to separate the Men’s and Women’s Pro fields in the 150-mile cycling event. Men’s Pro riders started at 5:55am, with Women’s Pro riders starting 10 minutes later, at 6:05am. The rest of the 150-mile field started at 6:30am.
The additional prize money for the Women’s Pro field is in addition to the $30,000 prize pool, which was evenly split between the Women’s and Men’s Pro fields, paid five places deep.
The Garmin Gravel Worlds celebration continues into Saturday night thanks to the event’s “First to Last” initiative, which celebrates each participant’s unique journey, while also reinforcing the event’s commitment to philanthropy. This includes a new First to Last party –– sponsored by All Bodies on Bikes and Ride With GPS –– to celebrate the perseverance and determination of the final finisher.
Garmin Gravel Worlds also committed $30,000 in donations to causes aligned with the gravel cycling community and its values. A portion of the donations came from $200 donations made to a charity of choice by each professional cyclist participating in the event. Each professional racer carried the name of their selected charity on their number plate during the event.
By Tom Jow — This June my friends and I revisited two riding areas from our vacation last year. The first was the Spence Mountain trail network of Klamath Falls, Oregon. We planned to camp near the Shoalwater Bay trailhead, adjacent to Eagle Ridge County Park, about forty-five minutes north of downtown. Spence Mountain has a good mix of trails for all levels, built and maintained by the Klamath Falls Trails Alliance. Our second destination is the mountain bike paradise of Oakridge.
Spence Mountain
Day 1
We departed late from Salt Lake Friday and camped just outside Winnemucca, Nevada. The next morning, after a delicious breakfast at The Griddle in Winnemucca, we head north up to the Oregon border. The landscape is vast, with rolling hills of sage green for as far as the eye can see. It is both desolate and beautiful at the same time. Heading west across southern Oregon is a mix of high plains, a river canyon, ranch land, and finally forest. It is early afternoon when we arrive at Spence Mountain. Just beyond the Shoalwater Bay trailhead our friends have set up camp at Eagle Ridge County Park. After a snack, it was time to hit the trails.
Appetizers – This is camping? Photo by Tom Jow
Across the road from camp, we started up the Shoalwater trail. This trail is an easy climb to its highest point where it joins three other trails. Because it was late in the day, we chose to ride up the two-way trail, Captain Jack (it is shown as downhill primary on Trailforks.com so use caution). Slightly steeper than Shoalwater, it was much nicer to ride up winding singletrack than a dusty old road. There are a couple of steep pitches and short rock gardens to keep it interesting for traveling both the up- or downhill. Two and a half miles later we reached another high point intersecting two downhill trails, the intermediate level Chinquapin, and the advanced level Nighthawk. Some of the group chose Chinquapin, with its fast, flowy turns, some intricate rock work, and small jumps. Two of us chose Nighthawk, what I would call a “tech” flow trail. It is steep and fast with jumps and berms like any flow trail. But it also has rock gardens and small rock drops built into the mix. In addition, the rough stuff starts out right away, as if to say, “if you don’t like this, you might not like the rest.”
Day 2
In the summer, morning comes early in Oregon. Not only because it is farther north than Utah, but being camped next to a wetland bay, the amount of birdsong was crazy. It was like the soundtrack of a nature show. After a hearty breakfast, we headed out for our first ride of the day. Heading up to the top of Shoalwater again, this time we cut left on the Modoc trail, traversing south through a forest of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine. At the next junction, we head down the flowy Winema trail to the south shore of Spence Mountain. With a wide grassy beach and a bench looking out over the lake, this is a beautiful place for a snack. From there we ride the Queen of the Lake trail along the shore and then head up and inland on the brand-new Badger trail. For three miles and a little over four hundred vertical feet, Badger goes up and across this eastern part of the mountain to the Northstar trail where we rejoin the Shoalwater trail. With part of our group departing for home, we descend back to camp. After a leisurely, scenic three-hour tour of the east side we are all ready for a little lunch.
Taking in the view from Queen of the Lake. Photo by Tom Jow
One of the best things about camping on a bike vacation is the lack of things to do besides eating, sleeping, and riding. So, after lunch and a nap, we head to the Shoalwater Bay trailhead. Just around the corner, we start up the Spence Peak trail. With a moderate climbing grade, the four miles to the North Ridge trail goes by quickly. The second of two advanced level downhill trails on the Shoalwater side, the North Ridge descends exactly that, the ridge. Similarly to the Nighthawk trail, North Ridge also has a tricky feature at the start. Beginning with a steep ten-foot rocky roll into a left turn, the trail just continues to get rougher from there. Winding back and forth across the ridge, and often straight down, the trail is littered with embedded wheel stopping rocks, rock gardens, jumps and small drops. One of the closing features of the trail is a field of large rocks with no apparent way through. There is one though, and as with much of this trail, being able to pick a line quickly is imperative to prevent oneself from being launched over the handlebars.
Day 3
This morning the birds are a little quiet. The wind was howling overnight and now it is trying to rain. We welcome the cooler temperatures, and some rain would tamp the dust down a bit. For better or worse the Klamath Falls area is more high desert than Oregon Cascades rainforest.
Today we rode straight to the top of Spence Peak. The upper section of the Spence Peak trail is a little steep, with short traverses and tight switchbacks. Once at the top there is a viewpoint from which we can see nearly all of Klamath Lake and the Klamath Valley. After a quick snack we head down the Upper Hooligan trail. Wrapping around the upper peak, Hooligan is a fast trail with small, loose rocks and dust intermixed with some small jumps on the side. At the next junction we cut right, and down a dusty looking Mazama trail. I commented to one of my friends about how I thought we would be on a climb. Wouldn’t you know it just then, we meet the Peak Tie trail, taking us up and into the woods. In just a couple minutes we rejoin the Spence Peak trail and climb back up for another lap on Nighthawk. This time, however, someone gets hung up on a rock and takes a tumble down a steep hillside. Fortunately, it’s just bumps and scratches and we have a long afternoon of eating, napping and reading for them to recover.
Day 4
With our next destination, Oakridge, Oregon, just a couple of hours away, we have time for one more ride at Spence. Conveniently on route is the Spence Mountain trailhead, the access to the South Ridge and Speed King trails. The South Ridge trail rises approximately 1,400 feet in four and a half miles from start to Spence Peak*. After climbing about three miles, we cut off onto the Speed King trail. The descent starts off steep onto a wide, fast flow trail with high berms and big jumps. The jumps are an interesting mix of table tops, rollable gaps, and not so rollable gaps.
There were some open sections I could really let it fly, and there were more than a couple jumps that caught me off guard and almost threw me for a loop, quite literally. A good reminder that it is always a good idea to ride with caution the first time on a trail. The second sector of Speed King continues the fast flow with slightly smaller, more predictable jumps. Sector three was even more tame, with features built just right for beginners. It was after entering this last section that I recognized the genius of this trail; a high entry for experts, a middle entry for intermediates, and an early entry for beginners. Brilliant!
Entry feature. Photo by Tom Jow
It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Oakridge from Klamath Falls. Before departing we stop at Rodeos Pizza and Saladeria to refuel. Oh! Pizza is so good!
Oakridge
Day 5
Our second destination for the week lies just inside the eastern edge of the Cascade Range, the little town of Oakridge. Designated an IMBA Gold level ride center in 2015, Oakridge has trails covering nearly four hundred miles.* What Oakridge is really known for are some really epic downhill rides serviced by local shuttle companies. Today we have reservations with Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours to shuttle us for the Hardesty-Lawlor double (they conveniently pickup in the same place).
Before entering the mist of the Hardesty Trail in Oregon’s Oakridge Trail System. Photo by Tom Jow
This being my second time here, I wait with anticipation for the trail ahead. During the approximately forty-minute drive up to Hardesty, our shuttle driver fills us in on the trail conditions. While we were in Klamath Falls, Oakridge received a pretty good dunking over the weekend. As a result, it will be “real Pacific Northwest” conditions with a mix of wet, grippy loam, slick rocks and roots, and some greasy mud thrown in for good measure.
Despite clear blue skies at the pickup, we get dropped off in the clouds. As we continue up the dirt road, and then onto singletrack, we begin to leave the clouds behind. The trail flattens out and around the next corner we are treated to a clear view of the western Cascades. We begin descending and just as quickly we are back in the clouds, a dark, damp foggy mist. For the next five miles we descend into dense forest. Traversing back and forth down a ridgeline the trail is fast, with some long sightlines. Technically the trail is not too difficult with no cliff exposure (steep hillsides though) and only a few sections of loose rock. What I found a little unnerving though are the large trees on the downhill side of a narrow trail while traveling at a fast pace.
After another forty-minute shuttle up, our second run of the day was the Lawlor trail. After the drop off, we pedal up for about a mile. The descent starts off fun and fast. Keep an eye out for the junction for the Patterson Mountain Lookout trail. Stop here. It’s easy to fly past the turn for Lawlor, and then lose your friends behind you.
Dirty Fun! Need I say more? Photo by Tom Jow
As we get further into the trail, it’s different from our earlier ride. While the Hardesty trail feels like it’s all about speed, Lawlor has more variety. The trail twists and turns more, today, the muddy puddles slick and slippery. More than one time somebody gets loose and goes off into the trees. About halfway down there is a short, steep climb with one impossible switchback. Behind it are three more very difficult ones. Just beyond this lung buster we are rewarded by a lookout to Patterson Mountain.
As we continue down, the trees seem to get thicker, the trail a little twistier. Soon we come to a series of tight, nearly impossible downhill switchbacks. They are so tight! Between these turns are traverses with steep hillsides below. Not a place to fall off the side. As we get to the bottom, the trail finishes off with some new school berms and jumps. Just ten more minutes pedaling on a dirt road, and we are back at the car for some well-deserved cold beverages.
Day 6
For our last day in Oakridge, we chose the Alpine trail. If there was only time for one trail, this might be the one. With over four-thousand feet of descending and one-thousand feet of pedaling across thirteen miles* this trail has it all. There is up, there is down, there are amazing views… and then there is the trail. Tacky soil, fast straights and fast turns; a downhill mountain bikers dream.
Smiles for miles on the Alpine Trail in Oregon’s Oakridge Trail System. Photo by Tom Jow
After a forty-five-minute shuttle, we enter the trail at Kate’s Cut In. The trail gently ascends through tall trees. Shortly, after crossing a mountain meadow, the downhill begins. Lively, twisting and turning trail that requires us to be always looking ahead. Being one more day after the rain, the trail surface is perfect with lots of traction and only a little mud. We travel down, a little up, and then more down; crossing a road here, crossing a road there. Down again, up again, down again.
Epic view from the Alpine Trail. Photo by Tom Jow
About halfway down the Lower Alpine section we cross over to the west side of the ridge. Here, the trail surface is rough with long stretches of small rocks. The sight lines are long. I dare myself to see how far I can ride wialpthout the brakes. It’s not far because the trail is so fast. Also, the trail cut is a wall on one side and a steep drop on the other. Best not to fall here. Luckily soon, it’s back to the relative safety of fast, twisting, turning, loamy trail around large trees. And then just like that, we are back to the parking lot. Now to find a cold drink and a swimming hole.
The next day, we begin the eleven-hour drive back to Salt Lake. It is a long way, but it was worth it. The trails at Spence Mountain were spectacular. It was particularly nice that there are trails for riders of every level. The trails are also well organized with loops that make sense. I really liked the fork of Nighthawk and Chinquapin, where some riders can use the fast, flow trail and others can use the steeper, rockier one. Being camped at the lakeshore of Eagle Ridge County Park (albeit a little buggy) was beautiful. The bird watching and bird song was otherworldly. Riding from and back to camp is so luxurious.
Pelicans: Good neighbors at Spence Mountain. Photo by Tom Jow
Our experience in Oakridge was also incredible. Three epic downhill trail rides. The Blue Pool campground, with its large, ice-cold swimming hole was luxurious in its own way. Dunking in ice-cold water after a long day on the bike is so refreshing. If traveling, camping, and riding mountain bikes is your idea of a good time, I highly recommend these two areas.
NEVADA CITY, California (August 27, 2024) — The California Dirt Mountain Bike Series Race 4 at Scotts Flat Lake is scheduled for October 12th and 13th, 2024 as the last series race of the season.
It is put on and supports the Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County (YBONC). YBONC is the local Nevada County non-profit organization that supports mountain bike riding and racing for all youths in Nevada County. The race series has been a USA cycling sanctioned event series for more than a decade. The support and participation in the series events help keep kids on bikes.
The race is expected to attract some of the top mountain bike racers in the state since the series is a USA Cycling Regional MTB series championship and is a regional championship for Northern California Nevada Cycling Association (NCNCA). USA Cycling will allow all race results and points earned at Race 4 to be applied to 2025 USAC points totals.
The CA Dirt MTB Series offers up many options for mountain bike racers. There is an enduro race Saturday morning, a short track race late afternoon to dusk, and then cross-country races on the Sunday. This makes for a full weekend of exciting racing for all kinds of MTB enthusiasts.
Action in the California Dirt Mountain Bike Series Races. Photos courtesy YBONC.org
New for 2025, Race 4 will be a Union Cyclist International (UCI) MTB race on the Scotts Flat Lake and Parliament Trail System (US Forest Service and NID water agency lands). With Nevada City on the map for an international race in October 2025, there will be dozens of top MTB racers from all over the globe coming to race and acquire points for international rankings.
Action in the California Dirt Mountain Bike Series Races. Photos courtesy YBONC.org
Action in the California Dirt Mountain Bike Series Races. Photos courtesy YBONC.orgAction in the California Dirt Mountain Bike Series Races. Photos courtesy YBONC.org
Field of U.S. and international cyclists to race 203 miles from Logan, Utah, to Jackson, Wyoming
LOGAN, Utah (August 26, 2024) — Nearly 1,400 U.S. and international cyclists will race 203 miles from Logan, Utah, to Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the 42nd annual LoToJa Classic on September 7.
Hailed as one of the most popular bicycle road races in America, LoToJa’s scenic 203-mile course rolls over flat, hilly and mountainous terrain. Ridden entirely in one day, LoToJa challenges the core of every cyclist’s endurance and mental stamina.
“Many cyclists want to ride and win it,” said Brent Chambers, LoToJa’s race director since 1998. “And many have ridden it — more than 23,000 since the race’s first year in 1983. But only the strongest win. For most, crossing the finish line is a personal victory that lasts a lifetime.”
Entrants include USA Cycling licensed racers, who will compete in specific age and experience categories, and unlicensed cyclists who will ride the non-competitive cyclo sportive. In all there are 28 separate categories that will depart from Logan’s Sunrise Cyclery in four-minute intervals beginning at 5:30 a.m. On average each category will feature 40-50 riders.
Winner: Adrian Rips (Team Next Level Racing) is jubilant after beating five breakaway companions in a finish line sprint to win the Men Pro 123’s in the 41st annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 9, 2023. He set a time of 8:51:30 in the 203-mile road race from Sunrise Cyclery in Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
The fastest licensed racers reach the finish line at the ski resort by early afternoon. The current men’s record is 8:18:29 and the women’s is 9:35:00. But most cyclists take 10 to 13 hours to complete the course.
Winner: Elizabeth Edwards (Team Zone 5) exults after defeating Jennifer Halladay (Team Hammer Nutrition) in a photo finish sprint to become the first woman finisher in the 41st annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 9, 2023. She set a time of 9:57:07 and won the Women’s 4/5 category in the 203-mile road race from Sunrise Cyclery in Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Halladay won the Women’s Master 45+ category — her sixth LoToJa title. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
Winners take home cash and/or merchandise, and commemorative medals go to all who finish. But for many entrants the day’s biggest reward is seeing the grandeurs of 13,776 foot-high Grand Teton and the Jackson Hole area.
The race course passes through northeastern Utah’s Logan and Cache Valley, southeastern Idaho’s Preston and Montpelier, and western Wyoming’s Star Valley and Snake River Canyon before reaching Jackson Hole. There are also three mountain passes that total 35 miles and almost 10,000 vertical feet of climbing.
LoToJa is recognized as the longest, one-day USA Cycling sanctioned road race in America. It is also one of the oldest, joining ranks with the 52-year-old Iron Horse Classic in Durango, Colorado, and the 79-year-old Tour of Somerville in New Jersey.
LoToJa’s popularity, scenery and finish at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort fuels its prestige and longevity. Several thousand riders register online every April, but only about 1,800 are accepted for safety and to minimize congestion on the course. This year there are cyclists coming from 39 states, Canada, Mexico and Norway.
The event’s fundraising for worthy causes is also a big draw. LoToJa is a major fundraiser for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation and other health-related organizations. Over the years nearly $3 million have been contributed to Huntsman alone by cyclists and sponsors.
LoToJa was founded in 1983 by two Logan cyclists. They wanted to create a tough and long one-day road race like European professional cycling’s Paris-Roubaix and Ronde van Vlaanderen. Logan-Jackson was born, and given the acronym, LoToJa.
In that first year, seven cyclists competed and crossed the finish line near downtown Jackson. The winner was Bob VanSlyke of Logan who finished the 186-mile course in nine hours. The race’s distance increased to over 200 miles when the finish line was moved to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in 1986.
Since then, LoToJa has grown to feature multiple categories for USAC license holders, plus non-licensed cyclo sportive cyclists, who are either competing against riders within their age group, or are riding just for fun. There are also multiple categories for tandem riders and relay teams.
Almost there: With the Grand Teton in view, racers chase across the Wilson Bike Path Bridge in the 41st annual LoToJa Classic on Sept. 9, 2023. After crossing the bridge, cyclists have seven miles to the finish line in the 203-mile road race from Sunrise Cyclery in Logan, Utah, to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of Snake River Photo
Chambers said cyclists’ safety during LoToJa is a top priority. 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 12 p.m. 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 restriction areas, LoToJa is held on an open course with vehicular traffic. Motorists traveling on LoToJa’s course during race day are asked to use caution when approaching cyclists. Groups consisting of several riders may be present. Cautious passing is advised to ensure safety.
“Cautious passing is slowing down and giving at least three feet of space between the vehicle and cyclists,” Chambers said. “Motorists are also urged to patiently wait for oncoming vehicle traffic to clear before pulling around a cyclist or group of cyclists.”
LoToJa’s host cities of Logan and Jackson receive an economic boost from the race’s cyclists, support crews, event staff, volunteers and well-wishers. The total entourage is an estimated 4,000 people. Hotels and restaurants are the biggest benefactors.
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. Also making it possible are 130 HAM radio volunteers from the Bridgerland Amateur Radio Club. The club provides uninterrupted communication for event staff and cyclist safety from Logan to Jackson.
“Because of its long history and appeal, LoToJa continues to be a unique and remarkable bicycle race,” Chambers said. “It’s an honor for me to organize it, and a privilege for me to see the inspiring, life-changing joy in the faces at the finish line.”
LoToJa’s route and additional information about the race are available at lotoja.com.
Image courtesy LoToJa Classic
LoToJa Facts and Trivia
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 — Always the first Saturday after Labor Day
How it all started: In 1982, David Bern and Jeff Keller, two avid cyclists from Logan, Utah, pioneered the LoToJa bicycle race. They wanted to give cyclists a racing experience that felt like a European road classic, such as the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix. The first LoToJa Classic started on an early fall morning in 1983 when seven cyclists took off at dawn and raced northward to Jackson. The winning time was just over nine hours by Logan cyclist Bob VanSlyke. Today, LoToJa includes around 2,000 cyclists and about the same number of support people.
LoToJa is the longest one-day USAC-sanctioned bicycle race in the United States (Race route: 203.3 miles; Ride route: 208.3 miles)
The course features almost 9,800 feet of climbing — most of this is in the first 110 miles
The event offers several “race” and “ride” categories for competitive as well as recreational cyclists
In a typical year, LoToJa cyclists travel to Logan from 40 U.S. states and five foreign countries
Most participants finish in 10-12 hours (On average, 80 to 85 percent of participants start and finish LoToJa)
Fastest cyclists will average over 25 miles per hour
It’s estimated as much as 15,000 calories are burned per racing cyclist
Since 1983, more than 23,000 LoToJa cyclists have pedaled over 6.7 million miles to cross the finish line
Women’s team: Mary Emerson and Nina Madsen, Millcreek, Utah – 9:28:52 (2018)
Mixed team: Theron Jeppson and Camille Stringham, River Heights, Utah – 9:27:22 (2017)
Three- to five-person relay:
Men’s team: M. Acosta, J. Crawford, C. Nielsen, T. Olsen, N. Starnes, Ogden, Utah – 8:47:55 (2013)
Women’s team: M. Bennett, P. Bisbing, J. Delp, K. Harlan, L. Nelson, Gilbert, AZ – 9:47:05 (2021)
Mixed team: Steven Burt, Jessica Hansen, Tom R. Kline, Tommy C. Cline – South Jordan, Utah – 9:20:13 (2018)
King of the Mountain: D. Justin Daniels, Cedar City, Utah – 12:21.814 (2017)
Queen of the Mountain: Marci Kimball, Salt Lake City, Utah – 14:19.37 (2018)
LoToJa involves over 600 course volunteers; 150 are HAM radio operators who provide communications and neutral support
LoToJa’s fundraising efforts for Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) is nearly $3 million
National Ability Center, ALS Foundation, Utah High School Cycling League, Bike Utah, and several community organization/youth groups also benefit from LoToJa
By Becky Hadfield – Moab is a magical, formally quaint, now bustling little city that exudes an energy unlike any other I know. If you’re looking for adventure in grandiose proportions, this is the perfect starting point, which is why the Moab Century ride, promoted by Skinny Tire Events, should be on every cyclist’s list.
Friday night, my girlfriends and I walked down Main Street after a satisfying meal at Pasta Jay’s, and I couldn’t help but wish that I had a week to spend enjoying the flavors and landscapes surrounding Moab. The Archway Inn teams up with Skinny Tire Events to host this ride that supports cancer research and survivorship, a cause dear to my heart after losing my very healthy 72-year-old mom to CNS lymphoma last year. The Inn has a beautiful lawn out back, with majestic views of red rock – perfect for hosting hungry, tired cyclists coming in from the ride. They provided a hot, abundant breakfast served early enough to fill every cyclist’s needs.
James David Price. Moab Century. Photo courtesy Skinny Tire Events
The event is a ride, not a race, and although there is a formal start at 7 am, riders trickled out onto the road for the next hour. The three of us pulled out at 7:20, and the air was brisk and inviting. Quickly, we were on the Moab Canyon pathway that parallels HWY 191, crossing the Colorado River on a pedestrian bridge, and within minutes, views of Arches National Park rolled into sight on our right. The bike path includes a surprising amount of climbing over the 7 miles and then enters a short, thrilling tunnel beneath the highway as it approaches Moab Giants, where we turned onto HWY 313 and began the climb towards Dead Horse Point State Park.
Moab Century. Photo courtesy Skinny Tire Events
If distraction is what you desire as you climb, this is the place to find it. The picturesque red rock provided a jaw-dropping panorama that just kept feeding my soul and powering my legs. There are dozens of places for photo stops if desired, but I chose to file the images away in my mind and absorb the energy of the land.
Arriving at Dead Horse Point was the culmination of the event. We parked our bikes and walked up the path to take in the breathtaking views. We visited with several riders, took pictures for one another, and stocked up on calories from the well-stocked support tent, complete with volunteers in costume. In the past, the ride provided a century option, but this year the long route was dropped for unknown reasons (rumor was that they didn’t have enough radio support) and changed to a metric century. My friends and I were aiming for more miles, so we turned left toward Canyonlands National Park, rode to the entry booth and back, which amazingly provided uniquely picturesque views, then took another trip to Dead Horse Point, waving to and cheering on the riders headed back.
I had done most of the pulling up until this point and was relieved that my friend took over for round two to the Point. Having a friend or two to ride with makes every day on the bike a better experience. Once we headed back down HWY 313, I was surprised to discover that the views were even more stunning than the ride up. I just can’t emphasize enough how beautiful this land is.
The ride was well supported, with rest stops available at very accommodating intervals, staffed by a host of friendly volunteers eager to provide nutrition and encouragement. Four or five SAG vehicles roamed the course, watching for riders in need of assistance. Even with the extra 28 miles we added, we made it back in plenty of time to enjoy lunch—smoked brisket and chicken with all the fixings, a live band playing on the stage, and a cooler of adult drinks up for grabs. The camaraderie of cyclists getting to know one another was another high point of the event.
After lunch and a dip in the pool and hot tub, my friends headed home and left me to ride day two on my own. I spent the afternoon resting, had a date with my roller and massage gun, then grabbed a juicy burger and a ginger beer from the Moab Grill in town.
We were strongly encouraged to begin with the mass start at 7 am for the 63-mile, 5500 ft LaSal Loop ride on Sunday. After some instructions and encouragement, they sent us off to conquer the Big Nasty, a 3000-foot climb over 7 miles. Again, the air was crisp and inviting, sending energy through my body. The route sent us down Main Street, then east to Milt’s Stop and Eat famous burger shop, where we turned onto Millcreek Drive and gently began climbing. Somewhere along this stretch, I met a couple of men from Park City, and we chatted as we rode. The one benefit of riding without friends is that I’m more motivated to introduce myself to other cyclists and enjoy the benefits of working together out on the road.
Soon the Little Nasty sign came into view, and the real work began, continuing upward through the Big Nasty. Luckily, the anticipation of such a monster climb meant that the reality of the thing was less intimidating, and soon the summit rest stop came into view. Photo opportunities included signage reading “I conquered the Big Nasty!” Perhaps the more difficult part of the road came next—a long stretch of rollers that I had not anticipated. But, working alongside my new friends, we pushed through and then welcomed the “steep grades ahead” sign that led us into a precipitous, hairpin-laden descent. Looking back, I was actually grateful for the chip seal that kept my speeds lower while navigating the descent. Disk brakes would have been nice on this section! The views through this section changed dramatically to include fascinating red rock formations, and I understood the sentiment shared by one of the cyclists earlier in the day: “the backside of the loop has some of the most amazing views in the U.S.”
The ride back into town snakes alongside the Colorado River, with the red rock cliffs climbing up on the left. Memories of former camping trips at some of these riverside sites flooded my mind, and I felt another strong desire to return and repeat. Thankfully, I was still with some of my newfound friends, and I enjoyed the drafting and took a few short turns pulling along the route. With a few miles left, we merged onto the pedestrian trail and slowed a bit as we navigated other Sunday nature-seekers on foot and bike. Soon the iconic pedestrian bridge at the entrance to Moab rose into view, and we were minutes from the finish.
Beth, one of the ride founders and organizers, was waiting to greet us and take our photo as the first riders to return. The food was hot and delicious, more “adult” drinks were available in the cooler, and there was great company to boot. I can’t wait to return for more of the beautiful Moab terrain and enjoy another Skinny Tire Event. Come join me next time!
2024 Event Information:
September 21-22 — Moab Century Tour, Moab, UT, The Moab Century Tour sends riders across Moab’s unique topography of mountain passes, canyons, and the mighty Colorado River. New this year…the route includes Bull Canyon Overlook. You’ll carve down red rock canyons, ride along the Colorado River and have the opportunity to see dinosaur tracks after a gnarly climb up to Bull Canyon Overlook. This event has landscape worth training for! Live music and great food await you at the post-ride party. Join us in September when temperatures cool down, the fall foliage comes alive, and cyclists from across the country unite in red rock country to experience awe-inspiring landscapes. As an annual fundraiser to benefit cancer survivorship programs, your registration includes a donation to Moab Healthcare Foundation, Austin Sellers, [email protected], skinnytireevents.com
HOLLADAY, Utah (August 13, 2024) — SCOTT USA, the American subsidiary of SCOTT, has announced the appointment of Matt Heitmann as its new Chief Marketing Officer. The move comes as SCOTT’s management continues to invest heavily in the brand’s future growth and expansion in the American market.
Heitmann, who has held leadership roles at SIGNA Sports United, BMC, Canyon Bicycles, USA Cycling, and Backcountry brings over 25 years of experience in business management, brand strategy, digital and growth marketing, customer service, e-commerce, and business operations. At SCOTT USA, he will be responsible for elevating brand presence and driving customer engagement across the United States.
Matt Heitmann, new CMO for SCOTT USA. Photo courtesy SCOTT USA
“I’m excited by this unique opportunity to continue the legacy of the SCOTT brand, which has its roots in the American West going back to the 1950s. There’s just so much opportunity in the US and globally to re-energize the brand and re-engage our customers, and to fuel those efforts with digital marketing and data sophistication,” commented Heitmann. “Layer in a renewed focus on customer and partner experiences, and it’s win-win for everyone; we’re sending a clear message that SCOTT’s management and board is fully invested in not only preserving SCOTT’s heritage, but also supporting it to its successful next chapter.”
Heitmann’s key priorities will be to optimize SCOTT USA’s first-party data strategy, and generally raise brand awareness and demand in support of the brand’s network of distributors, dealers, and consumers. These initiatives aim to personalize experiences with the brand, reduce customer acquisition costs, lower inventory holding costs, and drive increased sales of high-margin products like parts, accessories, and apparel—ultimately making it easier for US customers to engage with SCOTT USA while also better supporting the brand’s retailers.
“Matt’s proven track record of transforming brands and delivering exceptional customer experiences makes him the ideal leader to help SCOTT reach new heights in the US,” commented President of SCOTT USA, Hap Seliga. “As we look to the future, his expertise will be invaluable in positioning SCOTT for long-term success by elevating brand awareness and strengthening relationships with our retailers, partners, and riders.”
SCOTT’s dedication to building trust in this new chapter of its history is evident in Heitmann’s appointment. With his leadership and expertise, the brand is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality outdoor and cycling products in America.
PROVO, Utah (August 25, 2025) — The inaugural Connected Communities Summit is an event hosted by Move Utah, Bike Utah and Get Healthy Utah. It combines the partners’ past annual events into a premier two-day Summit that brings together over 600 subject-matter experts across Utah, including planners, health practitioners, advocates, engineers, industry advocates, community leaders and policy makers.
As the only event of its kind, the Connected Communities Summit promotes multi-sector collaboration that produces actionable solutions to real-world challenges related to health, transportation, and land use in Utah. Building on the partners’ past successful events, the Connected Communities Summit offers renowned keynote speakers, dozens of compelling breakout sessions, eight interactive workshops that seek to solve real-world challenges in Utah communities, five exclusive mobile tours, and so much more!
Keynote speakers will be Chris Danley and Mark Fenton.
Chris Danley is a Healthy Built Environment Planner, Principal/Owner Vitruvian Planning, Boise Planning & Zoning Commissioner. Mark Fenton is Former editor-at-large of WALKING Magazine; host of the PBS special, Walk to a Better Life; and now host of the new PBS series, America’s Walking.
A key session will be: “Do Your Words Resonate?: Effective Communication for Active Transportation,” where Ted Knowlton delves into the crucial role that message framing plays in community engagement. By leveraging Values Research, Ted will illustrate how aligning transportation initiatives with fundamental human values like safety and security can significantly motivate action. This session is particularly relevant for local communities and transportation professionals, as it offers practical insights on crafting messages that resonate deeply with audiences, ultimately driving more effective and impactful communication strategies in both formal and informal contexts.
One of the highlights will be Riding Ready: The Basics of Bike Repair, Maintenance, Fitting, and Safety,” an interactive session led by experts from Bike Utah and the Bicycle Collective.
The Summit will be held at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, Utah from Wednesday, September 18 through Thursday, September 19, 2024. A bike valet will be available. Register now to secure your place and contribute to building active, healthy and connected Utah communities. Visit bit.ly/ConnectedCommunities24 to learn more.
