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THE FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE TO LOTAJA

 

Well, I finally checked LOTOJA off my list of epics! As a long time bike racer and the sales manager of Mad Dog Cycles, I have met a diverse group of cycling enthusiasts, many of whom have tackled this mammoth ride and race. After hearing so many stories of other’s missing the time limit one year and reaching goals the next and even winning this bucket list event, I finally had to see for myself why it’s worth the price of entry!

Since I work at a top notch bike shop, I took the opportunity to use the months leading up to LOTOJA to decide what equipment and nutrition would help me reach the finish line with a goal of finishing the longest ride I have ever done in under eleven hours. 

 

This journey started last October when I took delivery of my new bike, a Trek Checkpoint SL. This sweet riding, carbon fiber do-it-all road and gravel bike has been the most comfortable and adaptable bike I have owned. It even served me well in another epic race, the Crusher In The Tushar gravel race, a few weeks before LOTOJA, (but that’s the prequel to this story).

I also used a fast set of Bontrager Aeolus XXX wheels and tubeless Continental GP 5000 28 mm tires that provided me with all day comfort and speed. To add even more comfort without sacrificing any speed, I chose a Redshift Shockstop suspension stem with 2 centimeters of shock absorbing travel that helped ensure I wouldn’t have problems with neck soreness – worth every penny! 

Nutrition involves so many personal choices. It can be very tricky to strike the right balance of taste, performance and one’s ability to tolerate those choices during intense physical activity. After considerable experimentation with different mixes, I chose Carbo Rocket CR 333 Half Evil performance drink mix as my main caloric intake for much of the race. In training I didn’t always mix it full strength, but in the race I drank five bottles mixed at full strength, which as the name says, is 333 calories of carbs plus very beneficial BCCAs (branched-chain amino acids) per bottle.

At neutral feed zones (between aid stations where we could meet our support crews), we were given Science In Sport endurance drink, but I’ve got to say, my stomach prefered the CR333. 

Since cramping can be a major issue in such long events, I used Rocket Lytes electrolyte capsules also made by Carbo Rocket. It was very effective. Of course, more than ten hours in the saddle necessitates a stop now and then for something solid and satisfying, so I have to admit to spending a glorious couple of minutes at one aid station eating trail mix that contained nuts that provided me with a little fat and protein that my body seemed to be craving. I also carried some Clif gels and Honey Stinger waffles in my top tube bag.

The name of the game is preparation! Choosing to try different equipment, nutrition or even different shorts two days before go time is not an effective game plan. I did go with new, but not different, Bontrager Circuit bib shorts (my favorite).

In the months leading up to a big event, especially if it’s your first time, make sure you get the kinks worked out of all those factors and you’ll have a much better chance or reaching your goals. By the way, even though I learned a heck of a lot about tactics to apply to a new goal for next year’s LOTOJA, my equipment and nutrition choices helped me finish in 10:04!

Some of the other things that contributed to a successful adventure:

  • COMPUTER – For keeping track of my pace, distance, heart rate, cadence and position on the course, I chose the Wahoo Element Bolt GPS computer.
  • SADDLE – One with an old school shape like the Selle Italia Flite that I’ve had forever. However, I’ve recently started using the Bontrager Montrose saddle, and I think that will be my go-to moving forward, since it better relieves pressure in a ‘certain zone’.
  • BRAKES – Since I started with a frame-up build and had Dura Ace shifters already, I opted for TRP Spyre dual piston brakes – the best cable operated disc brakes available. They just work!
  • CHAINRINGS – For years I have liked the way oval rings feel and perform. My bike has Absolute Black brand oval chainrings in the Premium Compact 48×32 combination which provides me with plenty of top end gear for speed and low end for climbing.
  • ARM AND KNEE WARMERS – It was pretty chilly for the first several hours of the race. I ended up leaving my knee warmers on the whole race because, not only did the temp not get too hot, I like how my knees feel with them on. The arm warmers I used are actually sun sleeves that provided warmth in the morning and sun protection throughout the day without being too hot.


If you have questions about anything from bikes and accessories to training and nutrition, come on by Mad Dog Cycles and chat with us about helping you achieve your goals!

 

– Steve Prokopiw, Sales Manager