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.