Texas - About HHH and the tour riders.

I race at HHH each year. EVERY year I see the same idiots that start hours early and totally disrupt the race categories because they can't hold their line ride and plain ol get in the way.
look I realize it started as a fun ride and I rode it before I raced it. PLEASE if any of you ride the HHH PLEASE start at the proper times. It's rude and plain stupid to get in the way. I actually heard one of the riders that does this tell a guy that was pulling a break to SLOW DOWN! We just laughed at the fool. Please just obey the rules of the ride, one of these days these folks will cause a wreck and the rider may help you remove your teeth from your mouth. Sorry for a rant thread but this forum has many texas riders and tons of threads about this very topic. 'Have fun' is key but not at others expense. Please obey the rules if you can't finish the century because it's to hot by the time you finish then don't do the f-ing century.

Agreed, I don't race, but after 3 years of riding, I invited some folks to ride the 100 mile ride this year. One of the guys had mentioned that he knew some 'guys' who started early 'on the bridge'. I discouraged that for this very reason, and he agreed. Plus, I told him that he would not want to miss the experience of starting with 12K riders (and I mentioned that he would probably be detained by the Highway Patrol if he did start early). As long as you are near the front, it is an excellent experience.

His 'friends' started early (I think), and we ended up passing them at about the 50 mile mark anyway. So, there's no real point in starting early....unless you want to be a MORON!

Thanks for the post. Maybe others will see it.

I feel you...I just wanna know why you feel the need to call other people stupid because they do something that impedes on what you're trying to do? Maybe leaving earlier in the day is the only way they can make it. Maybe they don't think they should have to stay home just because they aren't as good as you. Maybe you should consider you're own words about having "fun" at someone else's expense. Maybe a little more "live and let live" mentality would suit you.

Maybe...just maybe...it's not all about you and your petty little race time....or are you trying to qualify for the TDF?

Maybe...just maybe...it's not all about you and your petty little race time....or are you trying to qualify for the TDF?

Instead it's about his and other racers' safety? Maybe, just maybe, you're wrong, and getting in the way of a race, any race, is a poor showing, if not downright dangerous. The HHH organizers are crystal clear about starting early. Maybe, just maybe folks actually obey those guidelines?

Hey, I agree with starting where you belong and not getting in front of the racers. I think the start line is half of the experience. I don't mind taking 20 minutes to walk to the start line. I know I will finish my ride on my own. So, to stir the pot somewhat, what about the guys who are always late to start and come hauling butt by the ones who started on time, yelling on your left, on your right, move over to the right so we can pass. They are just as dangerous as people starting early. I had one yelling at me Saturday because he came speeding up on the right side of the road and boxed himself in, and expected me and a few others to move out of his way. That ain't gonna happen. One guy beside me told Mr. Speedy that he should have started earlier with his pace group. He had a few choice words for us, we got a good laugh out of him.
So we all have pet peeves. I do agree with the original post here, but it isn't us slower riders that cause all of the problems.

I've read several posts here and elsewhere on this and wrecks in general at the HH100. It seems to me that the problem is "they" need to change the behavior of a large number of riders, and it just isn't going to happen. They could run the race the day before, but then have 2 days of traffic control they'd have to do. They could start the race earlier, and let y'all run with lights. That'd look neat, especially when cartwheeling over bottles dropped by riders that started still earlier anyway. But I digress. They could do away with the race, but they'd still have the issue of the "fast" riders running up on slow earlybirds. The problem is not new, and I expect the HH100 organizers have been scratching their heads over how to work it better for quite a few years.

I've done the ride a lot of times, always experiencing the mass start. I've also been almost blown into the weeds by groups coming by me at high speed. How can I get to 80 miles and have a paceline going 5 mph faster still end up behind me. I've also wondered how I can get to 80 miles at a good pace and find someone in front of me pulling a trailer at half my speed. But they all have the right to do the ride. They also have the obligation to be as safe as they can be, and I have the obligation to be as safe as I can be. If they want to start early and know that there will be 10,000 people passing them, they need to ride on the righthand side of the road and hold their line. And if I'm passing them I try to do it safely and not belittle them. I still think a slow rider should consider what they are doing and start later to minimize exposure to faster riders.

The worst things I've seen on the ride were people that were going slow and refused to hold their line when faster riders approached. There are a lot of kids that do this. They don't understand about riding in a straight line but their parents could help them with it. I've also seen adults weave back and forth a lot. This year there was one guy that cut from the righthand shoulder all the way over to the lefthand shoulder right in front of me.

Before the ride I usually drive partway into Wichita Falls on the old Iowa Park Rd, the part of the route that is from about 7 miles to 11 miles. It is dark at that time but I usually pass at least a dozen riders heading west with lights on. I always wondered if they just wanted to get a 1.5 hour head start or what.

This is a nice place to vent, and find others who will agree with you, but I'm afraid you are "preachin' to the choir."

I'm in full agreement people shouldn't start early in the HHH and disrupt the race. My question would be are the organizers doing all they can to provide a safe environment for the race?

Does the ride waiver riders sign include a statement that riders can be removed from the ride if they start before the racers?

Do they send vehicles out ahead of the race to "clear the way" and make anyone who has started early pull off to the side and stop? Do they/would they actually remove someone from the ride for starting early?

Doesn't sound like they have these type of rules in place, or if they do, it doesn't sound like they enforce it.

We started early, and when the "clear the way" vehicles came by we pulled over and watched the racers go by. After that we stay to the right as faster riders go by.

We will probably do the same next year. I don’t see a problem.

The only solution to your problem is to limit the number of riders.

We started early, and when the "clear the way" vehicles came by we pulled over and watched the racers go by. After that we stay to the right as faster riders go by.

We will probably do the same next year. I don’t see a problem.

The only solution to your problem is to limit the number of riders.

What's the point in starting early? I don't see the point in doing this ride if you don't want to do the start with the 12k riders. Otherwise you could stay closer to home and ride any other charity ride.

What's the point in starting early? I don't see the point in doing this ride if you don't want to do the start with the 12k riders. Otherwise you could stay closer to home and ride any other charity ride.

Two reasons:
1. We are slow, 14.2 mph for the 100m course, we like to start early so we finish before they close the course.

2. Our "hotel" is half a block from the course, about two miles into the course; It's much more convenient to start there.

3. To stop and cheer the racers on as they go by.

Two reasons:
1. We are slow, 14.2 mph for the 100m course, we like to start early so we finish before they close the course.

2. Our "hotel" is half a block from the course, about two miles into the course; It's much more convenient to start there.

I started with the crowd in the "Hells Gate Hopefuls" section, took a half hour to get to the start line, averaged 13.7 mph riding, spent 20 minutes fixing a flat at the 13 mile mark, and still managed to make Hell's Gate.

I signed up as a Scorcher with the goal of riding a sub 4:30 for the 100m course. I lined up 25 yards behind the start line, got there an hour early. As I passed the start line I could see up the road to the bridge, I could not believe how many people where up a head of me, it was an endless wave of riders. Of course, none of there folks had timing chips because they started after the chip scanner, so I new the majority of these folks were leisure riders and realized this could be a bit dangerous. I stayed all the way to the left, basically the fast lane, behind other riders trying to make good time. Last year when we hit mile 20/25 things thinned out a little. This year at mile 25ish it was still wall-to-wall riders. This was then things turned BAD for me. I was all the way to the left edge of the road when apparently something up ahead caused the group to bunch. As I was all the way to the left I had no where to go when the guy to the left moved in on me putting his pedal/foot into my front wheel. The next thing I remember was kind folks were all around me trying to help. Long story short… I was ok, a little road rash all over (face, hands, knees, elbows) but no broken bones. I was so thankful I didn’t go down in the middle of the pack and hurt someone else. I new better than to get in the middle of a pack with some of the riders I saw up front. Anyway, as it turned out, my day turned out to be a great day. I found a buddy doing the 100K, so I partnered up with him, we took our time, visited several rest stops and the best part was going through the Air Base. Turned out to be a fantastic ride.

Oh yeah, I got to thank the very kind medical folks that took care of me at the rest stops. At every rest stop they actually came to me and dragged me in for medical care. Really great folks to volunteer their valuable time. I was also amazed at how many other people were being attended to for medical care at EVERY stop.

We started early, and when the "clear the way" vehicles came by we pulled over and watched the racers go by. After that we stay to the right as faster riders go by.

We will probably do the same next year. I don’t see a problem.

The only solution to your problem is to limit the number of riders.

From your perspective, you did absolutely nothing wrong. You paid to ride and should be able to start anywhere that's convenient for you, regardless of what the organizers say. Since you yield to the far right, then the early start is justified and no worries.

Other perspectives believe what you're doing is reckless, inconsiderate, and not only risks their safety but fellow riders as well.

Funny how opinions can be complete polar opposites.

To be fair, H-bear, if the rider and his friends pulled over (I'm assuming he means stopped and off of the road) to let the racers go by, then he isn't one of the riders that the OP is talking about.

I'll tell you what, though. I live not too far from the event and have contemplated doing it next year. After reading all these posts (this one as well as many others), it sounds like a nightmare. I guess I'll just have to ride 100 miles by myself. :lol:

hey everyone thanks for actually seeing my point. i plan on 2010 HHH and if anything I hope the doscourse here will net some results. It's for everyone including the people I critiqued, but for the sake of safety you know we should push the Bod to act on this. Again thanks for the great replies!

Two reasons:
1. We are slow, 14.2 mph for the 100m course, we like to start early so we finish before they close the course.

2. Our "hotel" is half a block from the course, about two miles into the course; It's much more convenient to start there.

*sigh* then do not start ahead of people and do a smaller loop. making other people risk injury because you think you own the course is f-ed up. if you cause an accident in your eyes it's our fault. You make the event look bad by ignoring the RULES. you SIGNED a waiver STATING you would OBEY the rules. So don't kepp your word, but try to remember that when you cause a wreck it's your fault for ignoring the rules. And if you get hurt after the wreck don't expect anyone to sympathize with you.

We started early, and when the "clear the way" vehicles came by we pulled over and watched the racers go by. After that we stay to the right as faster riders go by.

We will probably do the same next year. I don’t see a problem.

The only solution to your problem is to limit the number of riders.You part of the problem
One day you will cause a wreck. You are pretty selfish for ignoring the rules you signed up to agree to. I hope DPS does detain you and you get DQ-ed from the ride and banned. If racers were disrupting packs of riders you'd have a problem with that, genuinely so would i. But since it's you disrupting others it's fair. We rolled up on people who didn't see the rest of the break and started pulling BACK into the road and nearly hit a racer. So your gimmick will fail at some pont and really your lucky you do not cause a wreck.

This is a nice place to vent, and find others who will agree with you, but I'm afraid you are "preachin' to the choir."

I'm in full agreement people shouldn't start early in the HHH and disrupt the race. My question would be are the organizers doing all they can to provide a safe environment for the race?

Does the ride waiver riders sign include a statement that riders can be removed from the ride if they start before the racers?

Do they send vehicles out ahead of the race to "clear the way" and make anyone who has started early pull off to the side and stop? Do they/would they actually remove someone from the ride for starting early?

Doesn't sound like they have these type of rules in place, or if they do, it doesn't sound like they enforce it.
Hard to enforce.
Lirterally hundreds of riders do this every year and it's becoming a fad. the WFPD is small compared to 14,000+riders. See when HHH was organized most riders respected and appreciated the ride enough to simply play by the rules, but sense of entitlement has arisen with people who think because they pay a 24 dollar fee and get a t-**** that the ride owes them something so they can pretty much do whatever they like. I actually commend the event organizers and the DPS and WFPD on how well they police an event that size. most of the people who do what i am talking about are very aware of what they are doing and many times rest stop personell tell them they are wrong. It's about the rider ethic, if you don't give a **** about other riders, or wether or not your riding is causing undue risks then you see no problem with breaking the rules. basically.

I feel you...I just wanna know why you feel the need to call other people stupid because they do something that impedes on what you're trying to do? Maybe leaving earlier in the day is the only way they can make it. Maybe they don't think they should have to stay home just because they aren't as good as you. Maybe you should consider you're own words about having "fun" at someone else's expense. Maybe a little more "live and let live" mentality would suit you.

Maybe...just maybe...it's not all about you and your petty little race time....or are you trying to qualify for the TDF?Listen up .
There is a sanctioned race and people unlike yourself like to compete against one another. You cause risk by ignoring the rules you said you would obey. it's not about who is better and who is worse. it's all about safety. you cause risk. If a race group was disrupting a ride group I would side with the riders. If a break is causing risk then the break is at fault. Your immature comments makes you not me look like an ass. What are you mentally 15?
If leaving earlier in the day is the only way you can cheat the rules to makes hells gate, then you can't do the century based on the rules of that organized ride. See that's why people do smaller rides. And because you want to rights to say you did a century? then earn it and train properly or if you are physically unable then a century is not for you, at least the organized HHH ride. Nothing stops you from doing the course next week and stopping in burk and other places for fuel. I rode the HHH on solo centuries three times last year prior to HHH it brought my time down so much and I SPUN those miles. SPINNING I averaged 15-16 and finished well enough to make hells gate. So man either own up to the 60k or shut up the insults. You'll cause a wreck and then blame others for you lack of wisdom. If this keeps up eventually they will either eliminate same day ride and race or do away with the race which will cause the ride to eventually loose revenue. You work against the ride not for it which only illustrates the nature of your attitude as a whole. Selfish, narrow minded and ignorant.

Hey, I agree So we all have pet peeves. I do agree with the original post here, but it isn't us slower riders that cause all of the problems.
hey I did the ride every rest stop one year and spun with some freinds so i hope i did not imply that slow riders go home not at all! I am saying that just begin when and where you signed and agreed to. When I stop racing? Times only important in terms of hells gate. i love slow paces when i do not compete. The ride is FUN. So please ride or even walk I just say be where you should so the wheel keeps rolling safely. Is that a better way to put it?

THIS IS WHAT I ORIGINALLY POSTED ABOUT HHH LAST WEEK BEFORE THE RIDE......
Originally Posted by trophyoftexas...."I've said it before and I'll say it again.....I can't even BEGIN to figure out why anyone would want to ride 100 miles in and around WF,TX at ANY time of the year, let alone in late August and especially with 12,000 other people, most of whom, according to most of the posts here, have almost no idea of what they are getting themselves into! Most of the posts on this ride are about bad experiences, a crash or two, and a ton of rules that I'm sure are pretty important for most of the 12k to know about and almost any experienced rider would already understand and follow anyway!

That ride has always sounded to me like a good one to be too busy to go to.....which is why whenever I get tempted I head for the Hill Country.....if I'm gonna be hot and ride 100 at least it's gonna be in a pretty location with hills and trees! Sorry for raining on the parade but this ride makes NO sense to me what-so-ever!....riding in the WF area has to be at least a boring as riding out here in Sulphur Springs!"

THIS WAS THE IMMEDIATE RETURN-POST AFTER I MADE THOSE COMMENTS (which I later somewhat "softened")
Originally Posted by PurpleFender...."Maybe you should try it to get an idea of how fun huge rides are instead of thread sihtting?"

Now, after reading all of these ride reports I think my original position has been at least a LITTLE vindicated! I'm glad that those that enjoyed the ride had a good time....I'm sorry that those that didn't enjoy the ride had a bad-poor-disappointing ride...but all of the comments serve to show me that, for me at least, the choice I've made to NOT ride this ride is the right one for me.

And perhaps PurpleFender's comment about me "thread sihtting" was sort of apropo since there appears to have been a LOT of bu!!$hi+ going on out there before-during-and after the ride!:eek:

I can't believe your sponsors make you race in what everyone else knows is a leisure ride.

Maybe if you also podium in RAGBRAI and the local MS150, you can be the first to win the Grand Open Triple Cycling Hundred Annual!

Jokes aside, HHH should drop the race until they can control the start with a closed course (no jumpers or bandits).

That's ridiculous. The HH 100 offers a race option for several race categories. Are you saying that because this is the largest ride in TX that we shouldn't have racers? Really?

With a ride this large (and this popular), you will always run into the folks starting early, racers getting mad, etc.

I am assuming the purpose of this thread is to raise awareness for those that start early that it is not cool to do so. Otherwise, this is the largest, most popular ride in Texas' history. Would you really want to not allow a race option? Threads like this will raise awareness to the issue, and hopefully improve conditions in the future, for racers and riders alike.

With that said, those that "get it", will. Those that have heads up there azzes, won't change without force (e.g. removal or penalty)

That's ridiculous. The HH 100 offers a race option for several race categories. Are you saying that because this is the largest ride in TX that we shouldn't have racers? Really?

With a ride this large (and this popular), you will always run into the folks starting early, racers getting mad, etc. excerpt.

Hey Dean,
I am not sure if you were directing this at me. I never advocate the elimination of racing from HHH it's one of the things that make this ride and race unique. Mainly it was as you said to communicate to those that admit they do this that it isn't cool, it's dangerous etc.. As you can see I expected most of the people that do this to be assinine about it and to ridicule the fact that all I am asking is to respect the rules of the ride itself. So you can lead a horse to water but as we can see from some of the most uninformed and base riposts to my point that no matter what some idiots out there simply refuse to share this experience safely by simply obeying the rules. I was using a sarcasm to make a point maybe this is where I was confusing people. I realize that no matter what some people just feel entitled to make a complete ass of themselves and to endanger other riders but maybe some of the people who have read this thread will simply see my point. I guess my biggest concern is that one day somone is going to get hurt and maybe even killed by this type of behaviour. It's a ride there's a race. It's not 'just do whateverthe****youwant' Some here think it is unfortunately.

So how does the race end? With the 25 milers wobbling across the finish line just ahead of them, or do they have their own finish line, or what?

You gotta admit it just doesn't seem that intelligent to have a race at the start of such a huge ride.

It's rude and plain stupid to get in the way. Please obey the rules if you can't finish the century because it's to hot by the time you finish then don't do the f-ing century.

So is your pathetic rant RUDE. When the HHH gains authority to close the roads for a closed race course then come back and try again.

Public road = well, public. So STFU

I'd like to see some of you say some of these things to each other in person.

:popcorn:

:fight:

I don't disagree with nacbikeguy, in fact I heartily agree with his request to not
start early, it is dangerous for the racers and for the recreational riders.
However the tone of this entire thread really bothers me, calling riders
f'ing idiots, and tossing around lots of *s to bypass the filters does nothing to forward
your argument, only draw attention to the words.
If you'll note, there was another thread that discussed the same issue in a more
civil manner if you will, I would suspect more folks would take the advice if they weren't
insulted throughout the thread.
I also agree to an extent with Sam above, until the course is closed from start to finish there
is no way to fully enforce this rule, and that its just something that unfortunately we have
to live with.

Marty

Reminds me of a political debate. Two sides so extreme that each side thinks the other is completely nuts and unreasonable. And in many ways, both sides are right. Kind of like how Ted Nugent wouldn't be the best gun rights advocate to have a civil discussion with Nancy Pelosi, you know?

shut up the insults.


I see the same idiots that start hours early... . It's rude and plain stupid to get in the way. ... We just laughed at the fool..


...if you get hurt after the wreck don't expect anyone to sympathize with you.


You are pretty selfish for ignoring the rules you signed up to agree to. I hope DPS does detain you and you get DQ-ed from the ride and banned.


L
Your immature comments makes you not me look like an ass. What are you mentally 15? ...You'll cause a wreck and then blame others for you lack of wisdom. ... Selfish, narrow minded and ignorant.


As you can see I expected most of the people that do this to be assinine about it ..... but as we can see from some of the most uninformed and base riposts to my point that no matter what some idiots out there ...some people just feel entitled to make a complete ass of themselves and to endanger other riders

It seems like you are the one throwing around the insults my friend...and on what, your first post here on BF's??? You just signed up and already start blasting everyone? Take it easy and relax. The board typically has a friendlier vibe. We can all get along and we can agree to disagree, but don't come in here brand new and start blasting people with your insults and expect everyone to just agree with you.

In the main, I agree with your point. I have never started early...I like the big crowd even though I know it can be treacherous.

I'm just saying...take it easy with the attitude, and you might get a little better responses.

On another point, I am not a racer. But I have to say, if I was, I would stay away from this thing. Aren't there much better races out there without all the hassle of the massive group ride? I'm not being sarcastic here, I'm legitimately asking because I don't know much about the established races.

THIS IS WHAT I ORIGINALLY POSTED ABOUT HHH LAST WEEK BEFORE THE RIDE......

Sup Tex?

I think after a fashion you were right, but not through any point that you argued. Besides, you made that comment really close to the beginning of the ride when I was all nerves and hopes that I would at least make hell's gate. Shoot, I blasted through there with 2 hours to spare. I was on the ride and thought that the way the riders were distributed across BOTH LANES of the road was simply amusing. Pretty much everyone at the start crowded left, just like the highways around here, leaving the right lane for much slower riders, kids, and people keeping something of a pace.

I was puzzled at some of the mile marks since I started with the big group as to how some of these really speed challenged riders could possibly be on the course before me, when I'm banging down the chip & seal at 20 mph? It hadn't occurred to me that so many people cheated and made their own start line. I agree with the OP that people should start with the rest of us. If you want to make 100 miles, train for it. Don't cheat and give yourself extra time, sheesh. I've been brutalizing myself on weekday and weekend rides for weeks to make the century. The least the speed challenged can do is do a shorter course, start with your speed group, or train harder.

to the trolls and or detractors here.
1) Public roads blah blah blah. Sorry buit once they are CORDONED off as they are during the race and CONTROLLED as far as traffic etc.. they cease to be 'public' for the intent of the race and ride.
2) to the nasty trolls, man just shut up. I did not come here to debate or start flame threads. the problem i am talking about is because of people like you. You think it's ok to break the rules i don't. Period.
3) just forget posting about it if all you are going to do is defend and indefensible position. You are breaking the rules and endangering other riders plain and simple.
Butterbean, maybe we need to start this over.

I'd like to see some of you say some of these things to each other in person.

:popcorn:

:fight:
I actually would and no not the internet tough guy bullsht but it's frustrating and I think most agree that it is.

to the trolls and or detractors here.
1) Public roads blah blah blah. Sorry buit once they are CORDONED off as they are during the race and CONTROLLED as far as traffic etc.. they cease to be 'public' for the intent of the race and ride.
2) to the nasty trolls, man just shut up. I did not come here to debate or start flame threads. the problem i am talking about is because of people like you. You think it's ok to break the rules i don't. Period.
3) just forget posting about it if all you are going to do is defend and indefensible position. You are breaking the rules and endangering other riders plain and simple.
Butterbean, maybe we need to start this over.

You realize by saying this that they are going to troll you harder now, right?

You realize by saying this that they are going to troll you harder now, right?

definitely. Calling people trolls and telling them not to post doesn't work around here




I was puzzled at some of the mile marks since I started with the big group as to how some of these really speed challenged riders could possibly be on the course before me, when I'm banging down the chip & seal at 20 mph?

Interesting you said that. I ride the Houston to Austin MS150 every year. I am not fast...avg about 16 mph. And every year, I pass slower riders all the way there. But, I'm also still getting passed by speed demons and pace lines 50 or 60 miles out. I often wonder how they could be so far behind that they are just now passing me. I wasn't riding fast and I didn't leave early. I wonder if they are asking themselves if I cheated (like you could cheat on a charity ride).

It seems there is more to it than most folks realize. Not every slow rider in front of you cheated.

Butterbean, maybe we need to start this over.

agreed

One simple solution would be to move the start line out from the center of town far enough to where anyone riding their bike to participate must come the start area from behind or via side roads, but not from the front (in town starts are okay with <10K riders, but >14K, not so much). So many people came from hotels located up the ride route that they simple stopped and waited for the event start at the closest distance on the route from their respective hotels. These people were not worried about chip timing as they most likely just wanted to participate in the rather large group start. I swear, there must have been at least three thousand (leisurely riders) people up ahead of the official starting area. Just say’n.

So how does the race end? With the 25 milers wobbling across the finish line just ahead of them, or do they have their own finish line, or what?

You gotta admit it just doesn't seem that intelligent to have a race at the start of such a huge ride.

Actually, yes... In past years it wasn't uncommon to have Bubba and the kids come wobbling across the finish line right as the race was sprinting for the finish ;-)

Beginning last year, and continuing this year, the race course splits off about a mile short of the beer stop, and finishes on a different street than does the endurance rides.

But then, this is the HHH... think of Critical Mass on steroids, for 102 miles or so. The only real difference is that most riders will be in "bike clothes", and going a lot faster.

One simple solution would be to move the start line out from the center of town far enough to where anyone riding their bike to participate must come the start area from behind or via side roads, but not from the front (in town starts are okay with <10K riders, but >14K, not so much). So many people came from hotels located up the ride route that they simple stopped and waited for the event start at the closest distance on the route from their respective hotels. These people were not worried about chip timing as they most likely just wanted to participate in the rather large group start. I swear, there must have been at least three thousand (leisurely riders) people up ahead of the official starting area. Just say’n.

That's an interesting idea, but a couple of problems immediately arise. First off, if the start point is some FM road 5 miles out of town, where does everyone park? Or do you ride 5 miles to the start point? Secondly, unless you also move the finish to that point, you no longer have a 100 miles.

Not sure where everyone came from, but if you extend the start out anther mile, mile half you would probably put a good numer behind the start coming from the high concentration of hotels. Still have a 100 miler. Just say'n.

I'm throwing this out there, I'm sure it's been though of before, and there is a reason they can't do it, but.....


I know it's a HUGE event, but would it be possible to maybe do Saturday for the 50 mile, 100 mile, 100K "fun" rides on Saturday and then run all the races/crits or whatever on Sunday?

Just curious. I'm sure there is a reason it won't work, or they would have done it already. Probably just the logistics of closing off those roads for two whole days, police, volunteers etc. But as this thing gets bigger and bigger, surely something has to be done.

I don't know that it's necessarily growing. They had a bumper crop of riders this year due to the weather. Had it been 100+, probably would have been smaller than last year.

How bout this for an idea? Put all the 25 milers in front, then the 50 milers, then the 100k's, then the slow 100 milers, the medium 100 milers, and the fast 100 milers in the very back. Then 30 seconds before ride time, announce "Everybody please turn around. We're riding in the opposite direction this year!"

How bout this for an idea? Put all the 25 milers in front, then the 50 milers, then the 100k's, then the slow 100 milers, the medium 100 milers, and the fast 100 milers in the very back. Then 30 seconds before ride time, announce "Everybody please turn around. We're riding in the opposite direction this year!"

: standing-freaking-ovation :

The bumper crop is something amazing to me. It took a lot of planning for me to make it up to Wichita Falls. I had everything booked weeks ahead of time. It took me 7 hours of driving to get from Houston to Wichita falls, and another hour of driving to get from there to my hotel in Vernon. How is it people can just up and decide to ride a ride in such a remote place? Are there really that many people that live that close to WF? It seemed pretty lonely out there to me. The fact that you could register the day before was amazing to me.

I wonder if closing registration a couple of weeks before the ride could do something to 'cull the numbers' ? I mean shoot, the BPMS150 registration this year closed a few days after it opened because so many people signed up so fast. It was closed months before!

Maybe a fundraising requirement could step back the number of 'bleh' riders? I mean if you're riding for a cancer of some kind maybe it would change things?

I don't believe the idea is to reduce the number of riders.The HHH steering committee did exactly what the are supposed to do. Bring in the cyclist and their familys and handle the crowds once they arrived in Wichita Falls. Maybe the MS150 has set a number of riders they can handle safely, and close registration once that number has been achieved.I have already started my trip for next year by booking my room a year in advance. Some hotels won't take reservations until Jan. 01, but my hotel lets us reserve early. Maybe you should start your planning early to make your nextHHH more enjoyable.

You are correct about the fund raising.... it will limit riders. Take it how you want... I will be one of them. i don't think cutting numbers will solve anything... you'll still have the same number (at least %) starting early and getting in the way of the other riders.

The start LOCATION isn't the issue, it's the TIME. I could care less if you start 3 miles into the course... just don't start 1hr early.

As for fast riders passing you late in the ride. Some riders ride at 30mph for 100mi. Some ride at 30mph between EACH stop, and stop at EACH stop. They'll leap frog and be passing people all day. Can't stop that... it's the actual race, which is a... ummm... RACE that I don't think should be effected.

With that said, you will NEVER get people to agree to follow rules.


Think of speed limits on public roads.

Limit of 70mph.
People creeping along (for good reason or not) at 40mph makes it VERY unsafe and causes lots of congestion.
People drive 69mph to get all they can, and not break the rule.
People drive 90+ to limit time on road, enjoy the drive, get there on time, because they have prepped the car for it, etc etc.

Everyone has an opinion, everyone can be considered dangerous to others. No one will change. And that is WITH police enforcement ;)

"THIS IS WHAT I ORIGINALLY POSTED ABOUT HHH LAST WEEK BEFORE THE RIDE......
Originally Posted by trophyoftexas...."I've said it before and I'll say it again.....I can't even BEGIN to figure out why anyone would want to ride..."

I went to the Saturday morning bike ride this morning, and I think half or more of the guys there had been at the HH100 last week. Generally, the comments were that it was a great ride (unusually nice weather!). One guy had knee problems and had to sag in, etc., but overall, they were pretty pleased with the day. They did comment on seeing a few wrecks and on slow traffic on the first hill, but still felt positively about the ride. So I think perhaps this and other threads get a skewed perspective on it. Reading all this, you would assume that no one will ever ride it again, and it'll just be cancelled next year due to lack of interest, which is not likely to be the case.

My morning auto commute takes about 45 minutes. If I remember right, on Thursday, I saw one or two wrecked cars, and same on Friday. So if I drive a couple of hours on the freeway, and see a wrecked car, I don't think much about it- fairly normal. Riding the HH100, I spent about 7.5 hours on the bike, and saw the results of 3 or maybe 4 wrecks. IE, the "wrecks per hour" were about on par with what I'll see while driving on congested roads. Which helps to put it in perspective.

I enjoyed it a lot. Downed a beer at the starting line and one at the end.