Hotter 'n' Hell

[denda]

This will be our 4th year. We have never had any problems with them running out of water, ice maybe, but not water. The weather forecast looks like it will not be a scorcher this year, Yea! We have never had a problem getting started. Just get there early and get toward the front. We barely missed Hell's Gate in 2006 because they closed it so early! I was not happy! It didn't feel that hot to me.
Have fun and be safe!

[IFjane]

Best of luck, Krista! You will do fine - it doesn't matter how far you ride or how long it takes you - just go and have fun.

Remember how hot and humid it was in Baltimore? It WON'T be like that

Post a ride report after you get back! -jane

[TexasMermaid]

post bump - 4 days and counting!

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

[Tiffany]

My girlfriend and I will be there. Neither of us have ridden the ride before so we're really looking forward to the experience. I have lots of century rides under my belt but this will be her first. She's more than ready though so she'll be fine.

I do have a question though - how early do you get to the start in order to get a decent place in line?

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

My girlfriend and I will be there. Neither of us have ridden the ride before so we're really looking forward to the experience. I have lots of century rides under my belt but this will be her first. She's more than ready though so she'll be fine.

I do have a question though - how early do you get to the start in order to get a decent place in line?

Tiff - I'd start heading down there before sun-up! Seriously! If you don't get as close to the front as you can, you'll be waiting a LONG time to cross the start line. That can mean the difference between getting through Hell's Gate or not.

Can't wait to hear everyone's ride report!!!

[Kvixen23]

What am I going to do...??? I want so badly to go down there this weekend and ride. However, I woke up Sunday morning with pain in my right ankle. I don't remember hurting it at all...??? The most strenuous thing I did saturday was vacuum my 5' by 7' carpet!!!! I finally went to the doctor Sunday night and he said it was tendonitis after touching it 2 times and asking if it hurt (). Thanks for your time, here's my credit card.......My ankle is still swollen and sore (Monday night).

Any ideas out there as to what I can do to be prepared to ride Saturday?? I'm really bummed just thinking about having to miss and reading all of the posts from you guys.......

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Kvixen23]

The right one looks like there is a tennis ball in there....

The red line across the left from a hemp anklet that wear. I had that leg under my other leg b/f taking the photos for you all to enjoy!!!

It's kind of hard to tell from the photos but my ankle is deformed and I have limited mobility at the moment.....

[Tiffany]

Tiff - I'd start heading down there before sun-up! Seriously! If you don't get as close to the front as you can, you'll be waiting a LONG time to cross the start line. That can mean the difference between getting through Hell's Gate or not.

Can't wait to hear everyone's ride report!!!

Great advice - Thanks a ton. We do want to make Hell's Gate so we'll be sure to head up early. When you say before sun up, do you mean like 5:30 or 6:00? Just want to be certain - I don't want to get there late and then be worried for the first 65 miles that we aren't going to make Hell's Gate.

[KSH]

Tiff - I'd start heading down there before sun-up! Seriously! If you don't get as close to the front as you can, you'll be waiting a LONG time to cross the start line. That can mean the difference between getting through Hell's Gate or not.

Can't wait to hear everyone's ride report!!!

Great advice! I didn't know this and it took us ONE HOUR to get off the start line. The closed Hell's Gate an hour early, and we didn't make it in time.

[li10up]

The ride starts at sunrise so you kind of HAVE to be there before then. I think they solved the problem of the start. Last year it only took 10 minutes for us to start moving. The reason it's so slow (IMO) is because too many inexperienced riders go to the front hoping to get a "head start" and end up slowing down the more experienced riders. I wish everyone would start in the group that matches their abilities. That being said, even though it only took 10 minutes for us to start moving we still had to "skateboard" our bikes for several minutes before we could actually clip in and start pedaling.

Something else to watch out for. This goes back to inexperienced riders being in the wrong group...seems like every little incline we went up the pace almost came to a halt. There were several times I thought I was going to have to unclip for just a small rise....so be prepared for that.

The first 20 miles or so is really nerve wracking. You are shoulder to shoulder the whole way. It gets better after the 100 mile/100k split.

Good luck to everyone riding this year. Be safe! I can't wait 'till Saturday!!!