Troy Oldham, race director, Cache Gran Fondo

This last winter in Cache Valley was epic: snowfall and snow pack totals were 200 percent of normal. Cycling enthusiasts had delays getting back on the road this spring, but there is a strong buzz in the air as the Cache Valley cycling community hits the roads and trails again: registrations are filling up and bike clubs and rider groups are up and riding.

Cache Valley’s cycling community is strong because it’s made up of a healthy group of diverse people who all have a common love for the sport. Cycling clubs, bike shops, cycling events, businesses and government advocates have all had a positive impact on the growth and development of Cache Valley as a great cycling hub and destination. The Tour of Utah, has again selected Logan and Cache Valley as the starting stage in 2017. The LOTOJA (Logan-to-Jackson) ride is one of the longest running endurance cycling events in the country. Little Red is likely the largest all-women cycling event in the western United States, and charity and fun rides like the Cache Gran Fondo, Randy Wirth Half-Century, Cache Century, MS150, Around the Wellsville’s and Bike with Brent bring recognition to important issues.

A strong community is also about the people who participate, and help keep the enthusiasm high for the sport. Political, business, biking and law enforcement leaders in our community go above and beyond to make Cache Valley a safe, fun and philanthropic place to ride.

Logan Mayor Craig Peterson and his staff at Logan City had the vision and courage to take on the challenge of bringing the Tour of Utah to Logan, twice. This event has put Logan and Cache Valley on the world stage as a beautiful and hospitable venue for world-class cycling.

Logan Downtown Alliance Director Gary Saxton has worked tirelessly to bring cycling events of all sizes to the area with the purpose of building the economy and business interaction with cyclists of all abilities.

Marilyn Curtis and Tommy Murphy are a power duo running the bike shop at Al’s Sporting Goods, and are responsible for supporting the community with promotions, bike demos and endless encouragement.

Brent Chambers (and Jeff Keller) owns and manages the LOTOJA event, which brings thousands of riders to Logan in September each year. He manages the event that Jeff, at Sunrise Cyclery, started 35 years ago.

Greg Roper is not just a solid and consistent rider in the Valley, but he also makes it possible for events and information about cycling to make it on the airwaves of the Cache Valley Radio Group. Teri Guy makes sure Utah Public Radio helps non-profits get noticed and better understood in the area.

Sammy McFarland, Esterlee Moleneux and Sally Sears are leaders of their organizations and support the local cycling community by putting on events and raising funds and awareness for incredible causes.

Mike Broadbent and John Hernandez are motivated riders who are positive and supportive of anyone getting into the sport. They look out for others on the road, and do a great job in keeping people excited about biking.

Rod Leishman, Tunde, Monica Tori and Matt Robbins, current and past spin instructors, are just a few of the many who keep cyclists spinning while it is snowing outside. Early mornings start by these motivating athletes calling out cadences and pushing their students with words of support.

Jud Eades and the Waterson Family are local business people who have been generous in their support of the cycling community, and community at large. ARS and Icon Health and Fitness consistently support events in the community and help promote healthy lifestyles.

Kris and Mark Fjeldsted at The Sportsman have been a part of cycling in Cache Valley since the mid-80s, and today The Sportsman has a new face, a solid bike shop and a doorway to some of the best sandwiches on the planet.

Drew Nelson and Wayne Wheeler are leaders who head-up active cycling clubs (Logan Race Club and Team Intermountain LiveWell), and work tirelessly to build the sport by building the clubs behind our local racers and recreational riders.

Cameron Peterson, MD, and Kirk Eck (among others) have been driving forces in building and supporting the Cache Valley mountain bike teams. These high school level competitive riders are making a big impression across the state, and are further growing the leadership of the sport for years to come.

Dayton Crites, Cache County trails planner, and Lt. Wyatt Goring of the Cache County Sheriff Department, work to ensure our courses are both safe and good for the local community.

YOU are also a very important part of this cycling community. We will look for you on the roads and trails, pushing yourself and inspiring others. Please remember to wave and say “hi” to others in the biking community, and also throw in a “thank you” as often as you can.