Originally Posted by
StephenH
You are an inspiration.
One of the great rides here in Texas is the Hotter'n Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls. I've been wondering whether to give it a try or not, as I've never ridden a century (in miles) before. However, in reading up on it, I find that you have to make it past the 60.3 mile mark in the first 5-1/2 hours. That's averaging 11 miles per hour including stops. Sounding promising!
The HHH is a great century. Very well supported. MASH tents at rest stops 3 and up. 10,000+ reasonably well-behaved riders and a great expo the night before. USCF road race, USCF crits, Mountain Bike race, trail runs, and century tour options.
The 5.5 hrs is unless they need to close earlier for safety reasons. In 2006, they closed down Hell's Gate at 11 am. Temps went over 100 degrees very early. If you don't make Hell's Gate in time, you get routed back to Wichita Falls for a total of ~85 miles.
Last year was pleasant in comparison. Very near the end of the 100 mile route, there is an Outlaw Rest Stop at a machine shop with free beer and BBQ!
PM if you do decide to ride and can't find a place to stay - I might have a few spots still open in the dorm where my team is staying. Most people reserve their rooms for the next year when they check out, so the closest open rooms are probably in Oklahoma.