I can give personal testimony that this year's Hotter than Hell ride was really Hotter than Hell. I rode my first HHH last year and was surprised to have finished in just under 5 hours of riding time. Last year it was relatively cool with temperatures in the 80's for the first 3/4 of the ride before the overcast clouds cleared somewhat and the temperture soared.

I went back this year to experience a real Hotter than Hell ride as I looked back on last year as really not a "hot" ride. Now I can truely say that I did the Hotter than Hell and survived; but just barely.

I made it at a reasonable pace for 70 miles before the conditions got to me. I was really suffering at the 82 mile rest stop and a wise decision would have been to take the SAG wagon in. The medical personnel at the rest stops were great with lots of cold towels, fluids, massages, and concern. I decided to press on to the next rest stop at the 92 mile mark and with another 20 minute rest I was off to the finish line.

It isn't just the temperatures that get you at the HHH. With the low humidity and the wind your sweat evaporates as fast as you can take in more water. Generally low humidity provides cooling but with one putting so many fluids through your system it is easy to get your electolytes out of balance. I had some sport drink with the water but I don't think I had enough. And then there is the issue of the radiant heat load. The HHH is not one of the scenic rides as the asphalt roads have almost no shade on them for the 100 miles of the course. Without any cloud cover, the sun just bares down on you.

I spent Saturday night in Wichita Falls and when I drove out of the city on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. It was 78 degrees with cloud cover and a slight misting rain. At that same time on the day of the ride it was already 90+ degrees and heading for 104. What a differnce a day makes.