Hotter'n Hell Hundred

Hotter'n Hell Hundred

40th Annual

August 28, 2021

Wichita Falla, Texas

Take off time was 7:05 a.m.. The "05" is due to Shepard Air Force Base jets flying over at 0700. I have never gotten a photo of them as the fly over is during the National Anthem. Helmets off, hands over the heart--doesn't leave enough hands for a photo. (No, cyclers do not kneel; helmet off, hand over heart).

Some folks just in front of us sporting this year's jersey touting the 40th year of the event.

Not sure of the count this year. We didn't ever spot a person with a "10,000 bib number, only up to the 9,000s. 

And, at the time, Christine was the only person I spotted from San Angelo, although I knew Brian was somewhere in the crowd ahead of us. He was doing the 100K, and we were doing the 50 mile ride.

As usual, I watied until all had spread out more before attempting to start with photos. 

The first 10 miles is a dangerous time as all are excited, feeling their adrenaline, and jockying for position.

Rest stop 3 as I had skipped the first two.

Forgot what the wind was, but it was good to draft if you could find a good line.

Terrain is neither flat nor hilly. Most are gentle inclines that are long and really a false flat.

I thought I had learned my  lesson on how to hold the camera, but if you don't have the fingers in the groove, you get a photo spoiler.

Right after Burkburnet, TX, there is a looong incline and the wind is always in your face. 

The incline has a stand of trees about half way, and many, as we did when we first started riding HHH, use the trees as a unofficial rest stop.

This day I was in luck and a strong puller had three of us drafting off of him.

Right after the trees, I took over from the leader and let him draft off me for a while.

Just before Rest stop 4, the gentleman pulled beside me and thanked me for pulling. I glanced behind, and we had unintentionally dropped the other two riders. It was just a tough pace.

This rest stop is always well attended, not only because it is at the end of the incline, but they have snow cones of all flavors, even a pickle juice one. One quickly learns to eat the cookies AFTER the pickle juice.

The next treat is a ride through Sheppard AFB. It is a very nice road and nice residential area leading into the base.

The beautiful but outdated B-52.

Another nice surprise, we spotted Dorothy from San Angelo and had a nice visit.

Another surprise, surprise--Dan and LeAnnn from San Angelo rode up. 

Another treat coming up. Just before leaving the base, airmen line up to cheer on the cyclers.

Thank you for your service, and thank you for standing out in the hot sun to cheer us on.

Met up with Christine at the last rest stop after the incline. Didn't do much good as she soon dropped me again.

Getting close to the end. 

Finish line just ahead.

And who was waiting for us after the finish--Brian and his grandson. Both had done the 100K and beat Christine and me in. Good job. Time for our favorite recovery drinks.

Another HHH event under our belts. Have reservations for next year and need to start training for it now, or later.