LOTOJA Pacing Arrival
Calculator
The LOTOJA Classic is a 206-mile one-day road race from Logan, UT to Jackson, WY with three major climbs (Strawberry, Salt River, Hoback) and multiple time cutoffs. First-time finishers typically run 11-13 hours (16-19 mph). This calculator converts your target finish time into a leg-by-leg arrival schedule, cutoff buffers, climb power targets, and a per-hour fueling plan.
Pick your category, set a target finish time, and enter your email to unlock your plan. You get a complete arrival schedule for every feed zone and cutoff point on the course, built around your goal time.
Distances and cutoffs come directly from the official 2026 LOTOJA Cyclist Bible. Optional FTP and body weight inputs unlock climb power targets and a per-hour fueling estimate for the full effort.
Enter a target finish time to see your leg-by-leg arrival schedule and cutoff gaps
How This Is Calculated
Leg distances and cutoff times come directly from the official 2026 LOTOJA Cyclist Bible. Leg time fractions (13% / 15% / 26% / 25% / 15% / 19-21%) are derived from typical LOTOJA finish patterns: Leg 1 is the flat Cache Valley warmup; Legs 2 and 3 contain the major climbs (Strawberry 22 mi, Geneva, Salt River KOM at 7,630 ft); Leg 4 is rolling through Star Valley; Leg 5 descends through Snake River Canyon to Teton Village with one final climb. Headwinds, weather, group dynamics, and individual climbing strength shift these fractions by 2 to 5% in either direction.
Climb time estimates apportion ~60% of Leg 2 time to the Strawberry climb, ~25% of Leg 3 time to Geneva, and ~20% of Leg 3 time to Salt River, based on the climb-to-leg distance and gradient ratios. Sustained climb power targets (80-88% FTP for Strawberry, 88-95% FTP for Salt River) reflect typical endurance pacing guidance for sustained efforts of 45 to 90 minutes.
Calorie burn estimates use 4.5 kcal per pound per hour, a conservative average for sustained moderate-intensity cycling. The official LOTOJA race guide estimates total energy expenditure up to 15,000 calories per racing cyclist when basal metabolism, climbing, and headwind work are included. Per-hour fueling targets (60 to 90g carbs / 240 to 360 kcal per hour) follow the standard sports nutrition guidance for events over 2 hours.
This is a planning tool, not a prediction. Use the splits as a pacing reference, not a guarantee. Veteran tip: build a 10 to 15% buffer against the published cutoff times. The numbers above are what success looks like; race day always asks for a little more.
Not Medical Or Nutrition Advice
This calculator and the resulting plan are educational only. Endurance sports carry inherent risks and individual nutrition needs vary. Athletes should consult a qualified healthcare professional or a registered sports dietitian before applying any nutrition, hydration, or supplementation strategy, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take medications, or are training through injury. Use this information at your own risk.
LOTOJA Pacing Guide: Common Questions
LOTOJA is a 206-mile one-day road race from Logan, UT to Jackson, WY with mandatory cutoffs at Preston (10:00 AM), Montpelier (1:00 PM), Afton (4:00 PM), Alpine (6:00 PM), and the finish (8:30 PM). First-time finishers target 11-13 hours; racing categories target 8-10 hours. This pacing calculator converts any target finish time into a leg-by-leg arrival schedule, cutoff buffer, and per-hour fueling plan.
How do LOTOJA cutoff times actually work?
LOTOJA has multiple time cutoffs at feed zones and the finish line. Most categories must reach Afton (mile 81) by a specific time, the start of Salt River Pass by the mid-day cutoff, and the finish in Jackson by sundown. Missing a cutoff results in a DNF. The pacing calculator shows your arrival time at every cutoff alongside the official deadline, so you can see your buffer in minutes.
What is a realistic LOTOJA finish time for a first-timer?
First-time LOTOJA finishers in the cyclist category typically finish in the 11 to 13 hour range, averaging 16 to 19 mph. Strong recreational riders with structured training often finish in 9 to 11 hours (19 to 22 mph). Racing categories (Cat 1/2/3) target 8 to 10 hours. The calculator builds your arrival schedule around any target finish time you enter; entering an unrealistic time will surface cutoff conflicts immediately.
How long are the climbs at LOTOJA?
The three big climbs are Strawberry Pass (mile 35 to 47, ~2,800ft gain), Salt River Pass (mile 81 to 94, ~2,200ft gain), and Hoback Pass (mile 142 to 159, ~1,500ft gain). With FTP and body weight inputs, the calculator returns estimated climb times in minutes and goal wattage for each pass, scaled to your goal finish time.
How many calories does LOTOJA burn?
For a 70kg rider finishing in 10 hours, total calorie burn is roughly 6,500 to 8,000 kcal, depending on tempo. The 80g per hour carb fueling target translates to about 800g of carbs over the day (3,200 kcal of intake), leaving roughly half the calorie burn to come from stored glycogen and fat. The tool returns a per-hour fueling estimate based on body weight and effort.
When should I leave each feed zone?
Plan 4 to 7 minutes per feed zone, longer at Afton (the first major refuel) and shorter at later feeds where you are pulling bottles and gels and rolling. Stack bags by zone the night before. The calculator outputs both arrival time and recommended departure time, so you can give your crew a usable schedule.
Does LOTOJA have a wave start or a mass start?
LOTOJA uses a wave start with categories released in sequence beginning around 5:45 AM. Wave times shift slightly each year; check the current LOTOJA Cyclist Bible for the exact 2026 wave schedule. The calculator assumes your category start time and counts forward from there.
Can LOTOJA support crews follow their cyclists on the race route?
No. LOTOJA prohibits support vehicles from driving on the same roads as racers during active legs. Crews must use official support vehicle detour routes that run parallel to but separate from the race course. Violating this rule can result in a time penalty or disqualification for your rider. The official LOTOJA Cyclist Bible includes the required detour routes and feed zone parking instructions for each section.
How do LOTOJA feed zones work for support crews?
The major supported feed zones (Preston, Montpelier, Afton, Alpine) are divided into numbered stations, typically 1 through 9. Before race day, you and your rider must agree on a specific station number to meet at for each zone. Arrive at the zone before your rider's projected time, walk to your numbered station with pre-packed nutrition bags, and stand clear of the incoming lane until your rider pulls in. Plan for 4 to 7 minutes per stop and pre-stage your bags the night before.
What should a LOTOJA support crew do if they miss their rider at a feed zone?
Cell coverage through the canyons of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming is unreliable, and live tracking apps often lag or drop entirely. If you miss your rider, check with the ham radio operators or timing volunteers at that checkpoint to confirm their bib number cleared the timing mat. Always carry a printed crew schedule with projected arrival windows and a manual offset chart so you can recalculate fallback ETAs without cell service. The LOTOJA Crew Chief Kit (beetrootpro.com/tools/lotoja-pacing/crew-kit) includes a printable dashboard sheet and offset chart designed for exactly this scenario.