So I hope everyone can understand why the ride organizers did what they did, and maybe put this all in perspective. Having done this ride 4 times, I had a pretty good idea what I needed to do to ensure that I finished. Train hard in the heat all summer, hydrate days before HHH, and keep your own pace (do not try to ride with people who are faster than you are). Having had one bad HHH experience underneath my belt (2004 incident), I also have decided not to do the mass start (did it once...do not need to do it again) to ensure that I get on the road promptly at 7:00 am. I also only stopped at a rest stop once between the start and Burkburnett (Hell's Gate). While it is relatively cool and you still have your legs, book it to Hell's Gate. Then after you get there, you can take it easy with your pace, and stop at the rest stops regularly.
Well, I understand. I mean, there are people out there who haven't been training in 100+ degree heat... and don't understand how to hydrate, etc. for it.

I know Heidi and I really did a great job of staying on top of nutrition (well, I couldn't find food... but otherwise...) and making sure we drank enough and got in the electrolytes (she took some pills even). Neither one of use even felt a twinge of cramps. We just got headaches from... lack of food... I believe.

Personally I'm not too upset about it. If we had pushed harder to get to Hell's Gate, yea, I would be pretty pissed... but we pretty much knew at about mile 52... we weren't going to make the 100 that day. And we were fine with that.

Of course, when they cut off Hell's Gate, they didn't take into account the people who would circle back at the end of the course to make the 100 miles.

Hey, do you miss the mass start? Do you just start earlier and up the road from the start? I need to do that next year to make the 100 miles.

I am also going to hit up a few bikes rallies and ride 50-100 miles on a monthly basis before the HnH next year! I think that's what was lacking in my training this year.