Wichita Falls, TX- Hotter N Hell Hundred?

[KSH]

You don't have to stay in high dollar motel rooms. We stay with the Host Families. It doesn't cost anything and you meet some really nice people.

I have heard that works for a lot of people. I know for me, I just don't feel comfortable staying in a strangers home. I would have having to worry about when to take a shower, if I was staying up too late, if it was OK to watch TV, etc.

But I know it works well for a lot of people.

Otherwise, here is my experience with the hotel I stayed at back in 2006:

As I am checking-in, I get into a discussion with the front desk as they are tellling me I MUST pay for 2 nights. I let them know that I was NEVER told about the 2-night minimum and they tell me that they sent the information to Marvin Parker (who I got the room from, but I did call the hotel and switch the reservation in my name but they apparently didn't take down my information!). So, after going back and forth, they finally agree to charge me for one night at $109 instead of $89. Fine.

8-26-06/Saturday-

OH! 5:15 AM comes too quick! Diane packed up and headed out, while I hit the breakfeast in the front office. After I was full, I proceeded to check out.

The manager (I spoke with his wife the day before), tries to charge me for 2 nights. I emphasize I was told the day before I would be charged for 1 night. He says he REFUSES to let me only pay for one night and I MUST pay for 2 nights. We keep going round and round. I get so pissed off, I start to SHAKE in anger.

I then stomp out to my car and I grab my cell phone... go back inside and call the local police. At that point, the manager realized I was SERIOUS about NOT paying for 2 nights and he calls upstairs to find out that I was told I would only pay for 1 night. Then, and only then do I get charged for 1 night.

Moral of the story: Never stay at the Ramada Inn Limited in WF, TX!

[Aggie_Ama]

Well since I like pretty sites if I am going to suffer, have a native central Texas bias against all things West Texas and haven't yet decided I care enough about saying I have done it once to sign up, I guess I can say I am okay with never having done this ride. I have done several centuries and I can say the boring, ugly one I did was the absolute worst. It was also my first and the only reason I look back on it fondly.

I can see the allure, it just doesn't suit me and that is reason enough not to spend $400+ (remember gas from here would be high!) to say I have done it. I have wondered if my impression was off though.

Oh and I also wouldn't want to stay with strangers, that is just me too.

I do enjoy reading your ride reports, so everyone tell us about it!

[li10up]

I know for me it is the sheer number of people and the support from the town...and the challenge. Most rides have a few hundred to a couple of thousand riders...but 11,000 riders all massed at the start is something you gotta see and a must ride at some time...whether it's the HHH or some other ride. I think the support on this ride is fantastic! Our club has about 20 riders that go and we all hang out and go out to eat together...it's just an atmosphere of fun and good times. Plus it's not just a show up, ride, and go home type ride. It kind of has the feel of a ski resort...only MUCH hotter. There are a lot of tours that don't even offer a 100 mile route option. Can't wait til August 23rd!

[kenyonchris]

I'm doing it...the metric hundred for me, the hundred miles for husband. We pack up the bikes, hook up the pop up trailer, and camp in the state park about 20 minutes away. It is cheap and easy. I didn't ride last year because I was recovering from a stroke I had in January and had just gotten the go ahead to get back on the bike again, but I went to root for husband. I really didn't get to riding in full stride again till this spring, but I feel fit and ready now.
I am actually most nervous about the start. It is WALL TO WALL people of all biking abilities, shapes and sizes. Anything can happen. Last year I watched the beginning and watched lots of stupid crashes.
After the ride, husband and I brave the wait at the steakhouse near the start (I can't remember the name)...but I do remember a hideous wait that was well worth it!! And since both of us have been abstaining from beer for the last few weeks, a cold, cold beer in a frosty mug will also be in order.
See ya'll there!

[TexasMermaid]

Planning to be there with 3 boot camp buds - a girl power weekend! We're going to do the 50 as only one of us has done enough time in the saddle to attempt the 100. We're just looking forward to the excitement of the event, riding together, and the unusually low fore-casted temps! Should be awesome this year.

I'm planning to wear an Amici Veloci jersey, so stop me and say 'howdy' if you see me!
~ Jennifer

[crazybikinchic]

What I liked about it was that people all along the route would sit outside to watch. Several people themselves, or their children, had their waterhoses going so that you could ride through it if you chose. For me, it was something that I had read about when I first started cycling and had always wanted to do. I am not going this year due to school commitments. I do, however plan on going next year after I graduate.