Texas - Hotter Than Hell 2009

Just finished registering and booking a hotel.... had to call several before I found one with available rooms (Ramada Limited). Just a heads up: it's not too early to get a room... apparently a few of the local hotels have closed and the Crescent Plaza Hotel on Scott Street is NOT doing daily rooms any longer....

gonna do the metric century fixed this year.
did the full 106 miles on my single speed last august.
62 miles fixed in 116* heat should be fun!

I plan to be there. Last year, I just drove up one day, registered and saw the consumer show, drove up the next day and rode. I'm in the Dallas area, so it's a ways up there but doable.

gonna do the metric century fixed this year.
did the full 106 miles on my single speed last august.
62 miles fixed in 116* heat should be fun!

I rode the hundred on my LeMond.. can't imagine that ride on a fixie... good for you!

I plan to be there. Last year, I just drove up one day, registered and saw the consumer show, drove up the next day and rode. I'm in the Dallas area, so it's a ways up there but doable.

Last year was my first HTH and my first century... I drive up from Houston so a one day turn around doesn't work for me...

Last year was my first year as well, but gotta go do it again.

Actually, I'm assuming reasonable temperatures. If it really is "hotter than hell", I'm not going to go have a heat stroke trying to prove my manhood. I don't get done in 4 hours like some of those people, and it does get hotter after lunch.

I'm planning to ride it for the first time.

My grandmother lives less than 2 miles from the starting point.

Last year was my first year as well, but gotta go do it again.

Actually, I'm assuming reasonable temperatures. If it really is "hotter than hell", I'm not going to go have a heat stroke trying to prove my manhood. I don't get done in 4 hours like some of those people, and it does get hotter after lunch.

Took me 6:52 last year and thank goodness it wasn't hotter than hell... it did get warm after I cleared Hell's Gate and it did hit 101 I think ... just want to finish again this year and maybe bring my time down a bit... :)

I want to do it but I don't know if I'm really up for a century yet. Maybe one of the shorter rides.

I want to do it but I don't know if I'm really up for a century yet. Maybe one of the shorter rides.

Never know until you try.. and you have eight months to train... :)

Doohickie, it looked like you could do it easier than I could, so it's just a matter of whether you want to or not.

When I rode it last year, I had ridden two metric centuries already, so I was fairly sure I could do it if I could make the Hell's Gate cutoff- think I made that with about 15 minutes to spare.

i did it on a single speed in 7 hours- 15mph average.
it's totally do-able.
it was my first ride over 40 miles or so.....
i'f done 55+ in a day, but never on one ride.

go for it, doohickie.

I want to do it but I don't know if I'm really up for a century yet. Maybe one of the shorter rides.

Start with the Metric. Trust me.

Don't listen to cuda.
If you're gonna go, go big.
You can do it.
Think of it as 10 10 mile rides.

It's not the 100 miles that make that ride tough, and it's not the 100 degrees that make it tough. It's staying out of the 100 crashes that make it tough.

To quote the Sergeant from Hill Street Blues: "Let's be careful out there"... oops, did I just show my age? ;^)

Steve

It's not the 100 miles that make that ride tough, and it's not the 100 degrees that make it tough. It's staying out of the 100 crashes that make it tough.

To quote the Sergeant from Hill Street Blues: "Let's be careful out there"... oops, did I just show my age? ;^)

Steve

What is Hill Street Blues? Ha.

Yes, you can do it on a century. Cliff rode his fixie with Steve and I and finished in 5 hours (the 100 mile). Maybe he'll post his take on it.

I didn't actually see any crashes. I did see one guy on wet pavement standing there cursing by a broken bicycle.

I didn't actually see any crashes. I did see one guy on wet pavement standing there cursing by a broken bicycle.

I saw a few crashes, one looked fairly ugly, but they were all in the first 6-7 miles while the pack was still pretty tight and sorting itself out... there were a whole bunch of people that started up front that should have started in the back and were mostly just in the way because they were riding slowly and without a whole lot of situational awareness.... watch out for those types.

there's a bunch of elitist roadie ass holes that ride the hh100.
they like to yell at you to get out of the way if they think you're not going fast enough.
they tend to crash alot, too.....watch out for those types.

there's a bunch of elitist roadie ass holes that ride the hh100.
they like to yell at you to get out of the way if they think you're not going fast enough.
they tend to crash alot, too.....watch out for those types.

I almost hate to say it but at around 80 miles as I slogged past a bunch of people like you refer to - my avg speed was 15.2 - and they were on the side of the road cursing their bikes and lying on peoples' lawns I almost felt good... unfortunately I was in too much pain to really feel good... :) Bit it WAS good pain I have to admit... :)

It does get interesting. It took me 9-1/2 hours. But in the last hour or two, I had people in pacelines passing me. Where were they the first 8 hours? Or was this their second time around? Anyway, it takes all kinds. And even at that late time, there were still lots and lots of people out there, wasn't like I was the last one rolling through.

On the first 5 miles or so, you can't really get up to speed, and you just have to give people lots of room, like driving on a crowded freeway.

I looked at their website. It says "ultra-race"... Is it a race or a ride?

I looked at their website. It says "ultra-race"... Is it a race or a ride?

It's both. I don't have a lot of details, but they have racers that race on Friday I think - and a group that actually leaves about 6:55 on Saturday morning... I think, I'm obviously not one of those guys! The regular HH100 at 7 AM, - it's what you make of it. My first time was just to finish.

I want to do it but I don't know if I'm really up for a century yet. Maybe one of the shorter rides.


Doohickie,

Why don't you ride the next Red Hot Chili Pepper - it's usually 2 saturdays before the HH100. 62 miles, hot, and some leg burning hills. But, you'll be done before it get's too hot, and it will give you a good idea of how you'll do at the HH. Starts in Oak Cliff and goes over the other side of Joe Pool lake.

It's both. I don't have a lot of details, but they have racers that race on Friday I think - and a group that actually leaves about 6:55 on Saturday morning... I think, I'm obviously not one of those guys! The regular HH100 at 7 AM, - it's what you make of it. My first time was just to finish.

Yup--that will be our goal as well! :thumb:

We did 65 miles for Tour de Cure last year. Thinking about the reality of 100 miles, I'm not sure that's the right thing for us to do. We will probably do the 100k instead.

it was my first ride over 40 miles or so.....

go for it, doohickie.

Hmmmm... maybe I could do it. I did almost 60 on New Year's Eve. Then again I was pretty pooped when I finished.

Doohickie,

Why don't you ride the next Red Hot Chili Pepper - it's usually 2 saturdays before the HH100. 62 miles, hot, and some leg burning hills. But, you'll be done before it get's too hot, and it will give you a good idea of how you'll do at the HH. Starts in Oak Cliff and goes over the other side of Joe Pool lake.

Sounds interesting.

Never know until you try.. and you have eight months to train... :)

See, I don't train. I just ride.

IMHO, for the first time HH100 rider, not knowing what to expect is about half the challenge. My first time, I rode solo 99% of the way. A few times I jumped into a line (what a difference it makes!) but couldn't quite maintain the pace and got out of the way. I was hell bent on getting to hell's gate before close. That was my #1 goal. I skipped the first 2 rest stops (too crowded) but got to HG in plenty of time. Okay, so I did the first 62 miles in 4 hours (clock time, riding time was probably 3:30 cuz I was averaging about 18 mph). At this point, I was feeling pretty good, knowing that all I had to do was just take my time and try to enjoy the next 40 miles. Well, it started warming up (my bike computer read 107 at one point - on the pavement), and I started riding slower, and stopped at every stop and drank a lot of gatorade. Miles 60 - 80 were tough, and I was beginning to wonder if I could make it. Miles 80 - 90 were a real MF. Miles 90 - 102, I was doing everything I could do to just keep riding - I only made it because of determination - I probably had no business being out there. But, I made it, and crossed the finish line at 3:15. Some variables not in my favor: I'm a big guy, 6'-4", 260, athletc but not in great shape. I rode a cyclocross bike with hybrid tires, and had only riden for about 6 weeks before the HH. I had a nephew out there, a 20 y.o. rugby player that finished an hour before me, so I felt pretty good. But, there were guys out there 20 years older than me that did it in under 5 hrs. I remember at about miles 90 seeing guy on a mountain bike blow by me. I think I was riding about 12 mph at that point. It was one of the hardest things I had ever done - and I can't wait to do it again. Next time, I know I'll do it faster if I want to because I'm in much better riding condition now, but I'm gonna try to enjoy it more. I may even have to stop and get a beer at that bar at mile 100!

The weather for last year's HH100 was unusually mild, which is one of the reasons I went for it. I rode the Mesquite Rodeo Ride before that. I only did the 45 mile route or whatever it was, but rode to and from the ride as well (+10 miles each way). I think that was the hottest ride I was on last year, or seemed like it. I thought I was just going to melt. HH100 was longer, but didn't seem as hot.

as a 4 or 5 time HHH veteran I can give one piece of good advice, stay away from the far right
of the road for the first 5 or 6 miles. You'll see more flats there than anywhere else on the course.
other piece of advice, make sure you have spare tubes, pump or C02 cartridges before the ride,
I can't tell you how many people I've seen (and helped) standing on the roadside with no clue
as to what to do with their flat tires.

marty

See, I don't train. I just ride.

Riding IS training... :)

as a 4 or 5 time HHH veteran I can give one piece of good advice, stay away from the far right
of the road for the first 5 or 6 miles. You'll see more flats there than anywhere else on the course.
other piece of advice, make sure you have spare tubes, pump or C02 cartridges before the ride,
I can't tell you how many people I've seen (and helped) standing on the roadside with no clue
as to what to do with their flat tires.

marty

+1

If I could add one more thing: Get off your bike and push it (or carry it) on the grass at those rest stops. About 90% of all the flats I saw were from riders picking up stickers, or something, at those rest stops.

I will be there for the 5th or 6th time; I've lost count. As far as rooms go I've camped out every year and I love it. Don't fear the tent and bike combo.

Thread resurrection...

Signed up today. Called several hotels in Wichita but all of them were full, so got a room in Lawton.

:D

This will be mine and my wife's 17th or 18th time to do HHH. I can still remember the first year, I couldn't believe you could get that many people on bicycles at one time. The hottest I can remember is one year we were in and already going to eat dinner. It was around 5:00 or so and the clock on top of old blue was flashing the temp as 107. There was still a steady stream of riders coming in on Scott street. We are not 100 milers. We usually do the 50. I did the 100k 4 years ago. When I finished around noon it was 101.
I predict this year to be a hot one.
We booked our room as we checked out last year. CandleWood suites. Great place. We go up on Thursday evening so we can ride on Friday before the trade show opens.
Everyone should try the Wichita Falls experience one time in their life.

Training is the key people. The only way to do a century comfortable is to log time in the saddle, and I don't mean drafting in a pace-line.

Use a heart rate monitor and start logging miles. I started long distance riding about 5 years ago and my fitness level was night and day before riding anything over 50 miles. Now all my rides are 70 miles minimum with most around 90 to 110 each. I'm currently averaging between 150 to 300 miles a week. (In know that's a big spread but my daughter is getting married next week so my riding time had to take a temporary hit).

Last week I logged 85 miles on Saturday and another 70 the following Wednesday, and that was in the heat. I don’t wear a Camelback (ACK!), or take gels. I only drink water and a good thirst quencher like Cytomax or Accelerade sports drink. I do eat quite a bit at each stop, usually 2 stops on an 80 miler.

As a riding buddy of mine told me, "The only way to get stronger is to get out there and push wind". Take it from me, after 3 or 4 long rides, (65 miles are further) you'll be ripping the legs off you friends.

Sarge – 52 years old and taking names

P.S. Don't forget or underestimate spinning classes either. I do three 90 minute classes a week.

P.S. Don't forget or underestimate spinning classes either. I do three 90 minute classes a week.

Seconded.

Yes, it may be slightly embarrassing to tell buddies but the positives more than outweigh the negatives. Just make sure you sit in the back. If you need to ask why, then I strongly suggest you take a class and find out for yourself.

:D

PS - This will be my first HHH ride and I'm looking forward to it.

I signed up last month and "officially" started my training last weekend. I'm a fairly new cyclist, so plan on sticking pretty closely to my training plan.

I'm excited to try this challenge. While I know it'll be friggin hot, the heat's not my main concern, more worried about the traffic and the hills. As a Houstonian, most of my rides are pretty flat. Any suggestions on what to expect hill-wise and how to train for them?

H-Bear, if you (or any other Houstonians) are up for some training rides, let me know. While I can do them solo, I've found it's definitely more fun with other people. I usually pick up a few pointers on each ride too.

Traffic? The only traffic you're going to encounter is driving to the MEC center the morning of the ride,
and the HUGE number of cyclists bunched up for the first couple of miles.

Hills? none to speak of really, there's one long uphill on the 100K ( not sure of the others) approaching
Sheppard Air Force base. Its rather deceptive and feels really long as its just about 10 miles from the end of the ride.

Marty

H-Bear, if you (or any other Houstonians) are up for some training rides, let me know. While I can do them solo, I've found it's definitely more fun with other people. I usually pick up a few pointers on each ride too.

You don't need to go solo, there's usually at least one supported ride every other weekend.

MS150 Recommended Rides (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/bp-ms-150/about-the-ride/recommended-rides/index.aspx)

For the next two links, sometimes the dates are incorrect. So if a ride looks interesting, double check the date and location:

Houston Rides (http://www.bicycletexas.com/houston.htm)

Texas Rides (http://www.teamcure.org/texascyclingevents.htm)

"I'm excited to try this challenge. While I know it'll be friggin hot, the heat's not my main concern, more worried about the traffic and the hills. As a Houstonian, most of my rides are pretty flat. Any suggestions on what to expect hill-wise and how to train for them?"

The HH100 is noted for being a "flat" century, but that's compared to all the other centuries that go over the Rocky Mountains or hills of Arkansas or wherever. So while it's "flat", it was also the hilliest ride I'd been on up until that time. And I live in Dallas, where there are some hills at least. People around here that normally ride hills probably don't think anything about it.

Train for hills by riding hills and by general fitness.

One thing is don't get in too much of a hurry when you do come to the occasional hill on the route.

I seem to recall several hills around the 25 mile mark and then more around the 70 mile mark or so.

"I'm excited to try this challenge. While I know it'll be friggin hot, the heat's not my main concern, more worried about the traffic and the hills. As a Houstonian, most of my rides are pretty flat. Any suggestions on what to expect hill-wise and how to train for them?"

The HH100 is noted for being a "flat" century, but that's compared to all the other centuries that go over the Rocky Mountains or hills of Arkansas or wherever. So while it's "flat", it was also the hilliest ride I'd been on up until that time. And I live in Dallas, where there are some hills at least. People around here that normally ride hills probably don't think anything about it.

Train for hills by riding hills and by general fitness.

One thing is don't get in too much of a hurry when you do come to the occasional hill on the route.

I seem to recall several hills around the 25 mile mark and then more around the 70 mile mark or so.


It's really quite simply, start riding hills! There's plenty of good hill training around Houston.

Try some of the rides the W.C.C. does each Saturday. 90% of them start in Montgomery, Willis, and New Waverly. Matter of fact there's one this Saturday starting out of Montgomery High School. It's the same route as the Continental Airlines Classic training ride. Plenty of hills, beautiful scenery, light traffic, and all levels of riders.

Log onto http://www.woodlandscycling.org/ and then click on Intermediate & Faster Social Ride in the upper right hand corner of the page for more info. I'll be there...as a matter of fact that's route I train on before doing the Colorado Triple Bypass each year.

Sarge

acclimate to the heat. start now.

get out and ride during the hot part of the day (use some common sense of course, drink water, wear light clothing, use sunscreen, don't get heat stroke)

this will make a big difference in those last hot miles.

If you are in DFW, ride the Goatneck. If you can do it, you can do HHH. I camped out the night before., and it seemed to help acclimate me to the heat?! I got seriously jacked in mile 2 by a woman who slammed on her brakes. Over the handle bars, on my head, then got run over by several people. Cracked my wrist, bent my brifter, and knocked off my chain. Went to the side of the road, bent the bar back, put on the chain, wrapped the arm, and rode the rest of the 100 miles. Be CAREFUL in the first few miles!

Agreed on the careful in the first few miles. The way they start the ride now seems to help some, but for some reason, there is always some 10-25 milers with kids in tow that make their way to the front and go out with the big boys. That or they forget the start line and join the ride a few miles down the road. If you are riding for time, get to the front at the start. If not, start at the appropriate place on Scott st.
The first five miles or so are the worst. After the 25 mile turn off, the lines start to stretch out some.
I have always wondered that if I start with the 50 milers, cross the start line about 15-20 minutes after the cannon shot, how is it that I pass a roller blader 5 miles down the road?

easy, the roller blader starts beyond the bridge over the train tracks on Scott st. or halfway to
Iowa park.

Does anyone know if you sign up for the Century if there is a decison point/option for bailing and doing the Metric?

Does the Metric use the same course as the Century, just with an earlier finish?

Does anyone know if you sign up for the Century if there is a decison point/option for bailing and doing the Metric?

Does the Metric use the same course as the Century, just with an earlier finish?


At around 25 miles you make the decision to do the full 100 or the metric. Turn left and your on for the full 100. Go straight and do the 62. If you choose the full 100 but miss the time cutoff at Hells Gate (about 63 miles) you miss the full 100loop and end up riding about 78 miles.

At around 25 miles you make the decision to do the full 100 or the metric. Turn left and your on for the full 100. Go straight and do the 62. If you choose the full 100 but miss the time cutoff at Hells Gate (about 63 miles) you miss the full 100loop and end up riding about 78 miles.

Thanks for the info. It sounds like the plan is the 100 and let fate chart it's course.