Hotter N Hell Hundred Trip Report

[crazybikinchic]

We got back a little earlier. It was Awesome!!!! We started ahead of the mass start, which I am very glad of. We were still able to see the imcredible fly over. We decided to go through the fifty mile rest stop but our minds got changed only for a brief second when I tapped a wheel in front of me. It was very crowded trying to get through there. I have some pretty good road rash on my knee and lower leg and a massive bruise on my hip. I quickly picked myself up, before I could even think about getting up, someone had picked up my bike (for a second, I was still clipped in) and one of my friends was asking me if I wanted to go to first aid. I said no and she said I was bleeding. I still said no, and we got on our bikes and went on our way. We got to Hell's gate about 11:25. The last 20 miles of head wind was not the most fun. But, I finished the 100, my longest ride. I had a great time and look forward to doing it again.

[Tri Girl]

Nice to hear so many stories from your rides! I KNOW I have to do this one day (and I'm only 1.5 hours away- I have no reason). All those cyclists scare me a bit, tho. I don't like others being around (it's the triathlete in me- give me my space and let me go solo ).
Can you start early to avoid so much congestion? Just wondering.

Thanks for all the reports- keep 'em coming!

[Starfish]

Wow, and you guys are all fast! Thanks for the reports!

[indysteel]

Congrats to all on the HHH. I'm glad the weather cooperated and that all of you (minus some flats and minor mishaps) not only survived it, but did really, really well! That's awecome!!!

K-

[Righteousbabe]

All those cyclists scare me a bit, tho. I don't like others being around (it's the triathlete in me- give me my space and let me go solo ).
Can you start early to avoid so much congestion? Just wondering.

That is why I always avoid the mass start, and it is pretty easy to do. Just start a few blocks from the start line on Scott, and be sure to wait until all the racers take off and go by so that you do not get in their way. A lot of people do it this way because the mass start is so scary and slow.

[NMRider]

The mass start is pretty slow, but I thought it was kind of fun to have so many cyclists around. I got to talk to some people and it was good camaraderie. After the cannon, it was probably about 15 minutes for me to get across the start line from where I was (back of the mid pack).

There were some at the start who were pretty careless about pulling out without looking or signaling, and a few who were riding (very slowly) in a big group across the road instead of single file without taking into consideration that there were people bunching up behind them... but overall, it seemed like people were pretty aware. One thing to watch out for was those raised reflectors along the lines in the road. I saw one guy take a very dramatic spill less than a mile after the start after hitting one of those.