For the second year in a row, I, like 13,000 other cyclists, headed to Wichita Falls for Hotter N Hell. The plan, like last year, was to compete the 100 mile route. I felt much better prepared this year, as I had a better understanding of the event, the course, the nutritional needs, etc. Additionally, I'd been pacing much better on the bike of late, so was hopeful that I would drastically improve my time over last year.
I bit the bullet and got a hotel room this year. $200 a night...minimum 2 nights. Yikes.
I arrived later than hoped on Friday, due to some Friday afternoon commitments that I could not miss. I went directly to the expo, picked up my packet, bought a New Jersey and pump, and headed to the hotel to get checked in. After getting everything unloaded, I headed out for a bite to eat.
When I returned, I got everything ready for the morning and hit the sack.
I arrived at the event at a little after 6 for the 7:05 start. It was the perfect amount of time to get ready etc.
When my corral was released, we began our very slow ride. Like last year, the number of cyclists makes it difficult to move quickly through the 1st 20 miles or so.
Just at the point I began to find some speed (at about the 18.5 mile mark), I realized the my back tire felt soft. This tire has been due for a change, but, I was hopeful I could get through HHH. I changed the tube, but, was unsuccessful in airing the tire up with my co2 cartridges. So...I waited. SAG finally came by. He had a pump, so, I aired up the tire and was on my way. I stopped at rest stop number 2 to check the tire pressure, and, it seemed as if it had decreased slightly. I added a little more air. I headed out. I found a cyclist that was pacing well and he encouraged me to draft off of him. We were averaging 23 - 25 mph for the next 5 miles, and, then, I realized the tire was soft again. I pulled over and waited for a LONG time for SAG. At this point, I figured my day was over...after only 25 miles. When sag finally picked me up, he was headed back to rest stop 2. When we got there, the rest stop crew was packing up, but, the bicycles plus mechanics were still there. I asked if they had a tire, and, they had 1 left. They changed my tube and tire, and, I was good to go. By this point, I'd lost 2 hours of my day, and, it was starting to get hot. I made the decision to attempt to finish the 100k, as I'd lost too much time to make Hell's Gate on time and complete the 100. I found a good pace and cranked hard for the next 20 miles or so. I minimized my time at rest stops, and continued to push towards the finish. I passed lots of cyclists along the way. I was a little surprised that after losing 2 hours, I was still not at the back of the 100k field. Some of the folks had a LONG day.
With about 20 miles to go, we hit a brutal headwind. I clocked several miles a 11-12 mph. It sucked.
But, against the odds, I finished. 67 miles total for me (due to the additional 5 miles from rest stop 2 the 2nd time). I'll be back next year to kick HHH's ass.
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