The Togwotee Winter Classic is this Saturday!

Can you believe the Togwotee Winter Classic is in its sixth year already?  We had eight brave racers toe the line in 2008 and it is looking like we will have close to 50 racers this year.  Awesome!  This race was originally started to grow the awareness of fat bikes in the greater Teton area and the race has always been FREE.  We don't have chip timing or prize money but we make up for it in fat bike stoke!

Since we have quite a few new racers this year, I emailed everyone a short "Racer Bible" and I have included it below.  If you are still on the fence about joining us on Saturday, maybe this will help with your decision.
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Racer Bible

6^th Annual Togwotee Winter Classic Fat Bike Race

March 9, 2013

About the Togwotee Winter Classic

The Togwotee Winter Classic is a non-profit bike race on snowmobile trails near Togwotee Pass at 7,000’ to 9,500’ in elevation held under extreme winter conditions.

The sponsors, organizer, and anyone having anything to do with this race are NOT responsible for your safety. We can't say this enough.....YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU!

Race Day Schedule

8:15am – Pre-race meeting in the Fireside Room inside Togwotee Mountain Lodge

9:00am – Start, directly across the highway from the lodge

2pm – 4pm – No host Food & Beverages in the Fireside Room

3pm (Or when the majority of racers have finished) – Awards & Raffle in the Fireside Room

Getting There

LINK:  Directions from Jackson, WY to Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Drive time from Jackson is about an hour in good weather.

Recommended Gear

Flashing Red Tail Light

Flashing White handlebar light

Headlamp/Handlebar light for navigation in case you are out past sunset

Wind Shell

NOTE:  We recommend flashing head/tail lights because you will be sharing the trails with snowmobiles that can travel at speeds exceeding 60 mph.  Lights increase the chances that snowmobile riders will see you.

Choosing Your Race Distance

You can choose your race distance the morning of the race.  We encourage you to base your decision on the conditions and your fitness level.  Choose wisely.

Weather Link

LINK:  Togwotee Mountain Lodge near Moran, WY

FAQs

Should I do the 25-Mile or the 35-Mile Loop?

You should base your decision on your level of fitness and the conditions on race day.  Over the past five years, we have seen every condition from “firm & fast” to “snowing, low visibility, soft, and slow”.  The 25-Mile Loop can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to complete.  The 35-Mile Loop can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours to complete. 

Will the trails be groomed?

Maybe.  Hopefully.  Togwotee Lodge typically grooms the 25-Mile loop on Friday nights.  However, shit happens; grooming equipment breaks, the wind can drift in the trails, and/or it can snow Friday night.  We won’t know what it will truly be like until Saturday morning.

Will the trails be marked?

We do NOT mark the trails for the race.  However, there are snowmobile trail signs at key intersections these signs will allow you to navigate using the map & cue sheets provided.  Carry a cue sheet and a map.      

How much climbing is there?

There is 2,300’ of elevation gain in the 25-Mile Loop and 3,500’ of elevation gain in the 35-Mile Loop.

Is there an aid station or any support on course?

No. Carry everything you need to complete your chosen distance.

Can I ride a regular mountain bike?

Yes, especially if you enjoy long walks with your bike.

Why is the race free?

We do not charge an entry fee so that we can be considered a “Noncommercial Group” in the eyes of the National Forest Service. 

Why is the race limited to 74 racers?

We limit the field to 74 so that we do not have to apply for a permit with the USFS.  The USFS Special-Use regulation requires a permit for noncommercial group uses of National Forest System lands. Under the regulation, a “group” use is an activity that involves a group of 75 or more people, either as participants or spectators. Noncommercial is any use or activity where an entry or participation fee is not charged, and the primary purpose is not the sale of a goods or service. Some examples of noncommercial group uses are weddings, church services, endurance rides, regattas, camping trips, hikes, music festivals, rallies, graduations, and races.

LINK:  USFS Special-Use page

Togwotee Winter Classic Course Records

Men’s 35-Mile: 

3:43:00 – Cary Smith, March 12, 2011

Women’s 35-Mile: 

5:00:00 – Katie Engelman, March 12, 2011

Men’s 25-Mile: 

2:22:00 – Mike Piker, March 8, 2010

Women’s 25-Mile: 

2:31:00 – Jill Damman, March 8, 2010

For more information, please visit the race blog at:  http://togwoteewinterclassic.blogspot.com

2013 Togwotee Winter Classic Cue Sheets & Map