Hell's Gate Closed at 11:30
We have had to close Hell's Gate only a few times in 25 years. During the late 80's we establish a hard and fast rule for closing the 100 mile route when heat stress could be fatal. The decision is made by the our medical officer. The decision is not made before the ride but in response to weather conditions as they occur. Dr. Keith makes his decision based on heat, solar light, wet bulb thermometer, black bulb thermometer, wind, and the speed at which the stress indicators are accelerating through the morning. I am the chairman of the ride and might want to hold it open for the sake of opinions. That is why Dr. Keith makes the decision. His process is based on fact, not my emotional response to want to please everyone, and is made to protect rider health. If you have ever been responsible for other people; children, elderly parents, co workers, etc. you know the level of commitment you must have. Your decision and that of Dr. Keith should be based on what is best for the other person whether they think it is their best interest or not. If there was a thunderstorm that was capable of producing ground lightening our response would be the same. We would not wait for the first person to be hit by lightening. No apologies, it was the right thing to do and done for all the right reasons