HHH 2013

8.24.13

For Texas Cyclists, the Hotter 'N Hell 100 is a rite of passage. For 32 years, avid cyclists have converged on Wichita Falls to participate in this event. Unlike many of the smaller cycling events, this is a 4 day event, with races, runs, MB events, and the HHH 100. The event has grown to nearly 15,000 participants.  I targeted this event several months ago. My cycling training had tapered drastically leading up to the event, but, I'd completed 2 rides of more than 65 miles in the weeks prior to this event, so felt as if I could finish the 100.  As a matter of fact, I completed a really difficult 75 mile ride 3 weeks prior, that was touted to be tougher than HHH. I had quite a bit of anxiety heading I to this ride, a I'd never completed a ride of more than 75 miles before, I was concerned about congestion at the start, etc.  I stayed the night prior in Lawton (about 40' away). I attended the expo on Friday night, picked up a few new items, and headed to the hotel.  I awoke at 4 am with no alarm, packed up, and headed out.  My plan was to arrive around 5:30, figure out parking, get the bike ready (I'd stored it at the event overnight), find some food and fill my water bottles. Much to my chagrin, food and water were nowhere to be found.  As a a result, I started he ride with an empty stomach and empty water bottles.  Not good.  The start was much better than I'd expected, and we were off.  I stopped at the1st rest stop to get some food and fill my bottles. I was amazed at he number of cyclists at each stop.  The 1st 20 miles or so were a bit dicey, as the number of cyclist made for crowded conditions.  We saw 2 major wrecks in the 1st 15 miles, including one that forced all cyclists to carry their bikes around an ambulance.  After the 1st 20 miles, things thinned out nicely.  I continued to stop at rest stops, as I was still struggling to get enough fuel.  The rest stops were the best I'd ever seen. Well stocked, fun, etc. The "trick" to HHH is to pass "Hell's Gate" by a certain time (12:30 this year). If you do not, your route is cut short. Hell's Gate is at the 60 mile mark.  I made it by about 15'. At that point, I was committed.  I continued my slow pace, hitting every rest stop. It was interesting to see the number of cyclists having to SAG back,  at one rest stop, the SAG wagon passed with at least 30 bikes on it. I must admit, after 70 miles or so, sagging back didn't seem like a bad idea.  6:39 later, I crossed the finish line. Including rest stops, it had been 9 hours since I'd started.  I left the event questioning whether or not I'd ever do it again.  2 days later, I was ready to register for next year.  Next year, I will be much better prepared. The stats:  100.57 miles (GPS died with 3 to go) in 6:38:59. 15.1 mph and 6656 calories burned. 

Hot Rocks 2013

8.10.13

Well, the monthly fitness events have come full circle, as I completed Hot Rocks again today. My 1st event last year was this event, and, it was my 1st cycling event ever. What a difference a year brings! This year's course was modified and extended a bit, to allow for the completion of a true 100k. I suspect that this event will be a staple on my cycling schedule, as its a great event, and it is great to see familiar faces along the way. The weather this morning was beautiful, leading to a good ride.  It was fun to ride a "familiar" course. The first several minutes of this event are a little weird, as 1000 cyclists navigate narrow roads and a series of turns, so, I hung back a bit to allow for adequate riding space.  I had forgotten how nice this ride is, as it starts out with a series of easy rolling hills, and has hard fast riding surfaces for most of the ride.  The surfaces were far better than what I'd experienced last week.  I was making great time for the 1st 50 miles, and then, I hit the wall. It was due to total ride mismanagement on my part.  Because I was feeling so good and moving so fast, I skipped most of the rest stops, and over the 1st 50, had consumed only water and two gels.  My normal intake of bananas, pickles, etc, would have come in handy.  I was pacing at about 17.5 mph until the 50 mile mark, and then slowed drastically.  As I crossed under the bridge towards the stadium, I was ready to be done, and then, reality set in. The route had been extended several more miles to allow for the true 100k. The trip down and back on John King was tough, as hills, wind, and heat made for a hard finish.  Even with the tough finish, my mph average was still the best yet for any of the organized rides over the past year.  Stats: 65.03 miles in 3:55:12. 16.6 mph and 4379 calories burned.  I'll be back for this one next year.  

Blazin Saddle 75 2013

8.3.13

When I joined the Fort Worth Y in March, Lisa quickly mentioned a cycling event in Granbury that takes place each August.  I quickly signed up for the event. A few months later, I met the race director, Scott, at the Y.  Through a series of conversations, Scott and I discussed the possibility of the Y getting involved in the event. While we have not yet determined what that partnership might be, I was looking forward to the ride.  Scott mentioned that he believed that this was the toughest ride in North Texas, and, if a cyclist could complete the 75 mile route, the HHH would be "easy". The HHH takes place just 3 weeks later, and is a 100 mile route.  Blazin Saddle has more than 3900 feet of vertical climbing,  including 3 signature climbs: Skull's Crossing, Mongo's Mountain, and The Peak. 

It was destined to be a hot day, with temperatures climbing to near 104. I arrived a little later than normal, but, was ready to go when the ride started.  

I must admit, that leading up to this ride, I was a bit anxious, as I had not had much time in the saddle lately, and this ride was reportedly difficult.  Additionally, this would be my longest ride to date.  

I got off to a decent start, but, quickly realized that this ride would be challenging. Climbing, rough chip-seal and wind made for a challenging ride. I found my buddy Ross at the 1st rest stop, and spent much of the day riding with him.  

When I arrived to the turn for Mongo's Mountain, I was riding alone. Mongo's Mountain is a 2.2 mile 3% climb.  Typically, I attack short, steep hills, but, this was something entirely different. I will admit that it was tough, but, also very rewarding to complete.  The kicker: another 1 mile climb after Mongo's  Mountain!  The top of "The Peak" was beautiful, as you could see for miles.  

This was a tough ride indeed.  My average speed was a full 2 mph slower than my last 2 rides.  

The stats:  76.21 miles in 5:12:39. 14.6 mph and 4970 calories burned.