Hotter-n-Hell Hundred

On Saturday Pete and I had the privilege to ride with Pops as he completed his first century ride at the Hotter-n-Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls. There were over 13,000 riders sharing the road with us on this crazy venture. There is a point called “Hells Gate” at mile 60 and you are required to have passed this point by 12:30 or the course closes and you are not allowed to go on. Pop’s goal was to make it to Hells Gate before it closed and then go on to finish his 100 miles. It turned out that he had nothing to worry about; he passed through mile 60 at 10:45 a.m. with an overall average of over 18 mph for the first 60 miles! He also had not stopped at any of the 5 aid stations that had been offered before this point. At 60 miles he decided to stop and refill his water and then we were back on the course. We slowed our pace after this first stop. It was starting to get very hot and we knew that we were safe as far as making the Hells Gate cut off, so we tried to stay hydrated and make it through those last 40 miles. Two more stops at miles 70 and 85 got us to the finish line. Pops had a total ride time of 6:22 with an overall time of 7:00. Pete pointed out that Pops crossed the finish line before him, so Pops finished his first HHH before Pete did! Nice job, Pops!

Nana.

Nana gave us a shock on this ride. She was undecided as to whether she was going to do the 50 mile or the 100k and said she would decide as she rode (the courses all start together and there are 5 different distances that cut off at various points on the route). I visited with her off and on until around mile 15 or so and then went on with Pete and Pops. As we were stopped at the mile 70 aid station, my phone rang and I saw that it was Nana. I answered, expecting to hear that she had finished her 50 mile ride. What I heard, instead, was “I am just leaving Hells Gate!” She was 10 miles behind us and had decided to ride the full 100 miles! I hate that none of us were with her on her first century ride, but she pulled it off all on her own. She reported that it got very tough at mile 70 so she rested a bit in the shade and took some Tylenol and that gave her a second wind. Her total time was 8:30 including stops.

Wow. Now my parents are Hotter-n-Hell Hundred finishers! I don’t have many friends that can brag that. I am so proud and excited for you guys! Way to go!

Enjoying some "fine italian food" in Bowie Texas on our way to packet pickup on Friday.

Pete and Pops enjoy some watermelon while they ride!