Rode the last two years ('10, '11). Was 117* on the pavement last year (hence the name Hotter Than Hell), but here in west Texas, my husband and I ride Interstate 10 access roads...straight, slightly hilly, and always windy. The wind and heat really helped prepare us for the ride. The 12K-14K riders make it quite a party and the rest stops every 10 miles are worth the effort...where else can you see nurse/doctors dressed up like barmaids and gunslingers and have longhorn cattle next to the gatorade tent! Each rest stop has a theme. You must make the 60 mile Hell's Gate within 5 hours of the start time, otherwise you're short-cutted back to Wichita Falls. Make your hotel reservations this very minute and take spare change for the Exposition the day before....it's crazy! Gotta love it!!