Hotter'N Hell 2010

[abejita]

How many of you are riding in this year's Hotter'N Hell?

[Tri Girl]

I would- if it weren't for the other 14,000 that do it.
Last year it was just too many people and WAY too many crashes (more than I've ever seen there). We even started way up front near the starting line, and I still had trouble keeping a decent enough pace to make my 100 in a reasonable time.

Have fun, tho! It's a great ride- just too many people for my taste anymore.

[abejita]

This is my first time, so it should be interesting...I figure you have to do it at least once. I am worried a bit about crashes, though.

[denda]

Me, Me, Me! This will be me and my husband's 6th. I can't wait!

[abejita]

any advice for newbies?

[Tri Girl]

start as close to the front as humanly possible (get to the staring line early, but not crazy early), and *really* watch out and be hyper-alert of other riders around you during the first 20 miles. Most of the madness is during that first 20. After that it thins out some and it's not nearly as chaotic.
And have a great time. It's really a lot of fun, and definitely a must do at least once. Last year it most certainly was not Hotter than Hell. It was the coolest year in decades. I'll hope it's that way for you this year.