Hotter’N Hell Hundred
What started as an idea to celebrate the centennial of Wichita Falls’ founding has become the largest single-day 100-mile bicycle ride in the nation — and one of the largest in the world. American pioneers and ranchers settled the Wichita Falls area in the 1860s, and when the Fort Worth & Denver City Railway arrived in September 1882, Wichita Falls became the county seat. Although the original falls for which the city was named were destroyed by a flood in 1886, they were recreated in 1987 and can be visited in Lucy Park.
In the early 1980s, community leaders began planning a centennial celebration. A marketing firm suggested a variety of events, including a rocking-chair marathon. The town’s postmaster and a member of the newly formed cycling club, Roby Christie, suggested a different idea: a bicycle ride of 100 miles in 100-degree heat to celebrate 100 years.
Christie’s committee promoted the idea as a unique and fitting event to honor the spirit and grit of the people who first settled the area, and the name “Hotter’N Hell Hundred” was coined for the biking event. On Aug. 27, 1982, more than 1,100 cyclists took up the challenge of riding 100 miles in 98-degree weather.
Along For The Ride Readying for the 100-mile sprint.
The Hotter’N Hell Hundred (HHH), or “THE RIDE,” as it’s known locally, provides both pleasure rides and a competitive event. On a separate route, licensed racing teams time their ride to the tenth of a second as they sprint through the 100-mile course while other riders of all ages, sizes and abilities go for their own HHH bragging rights in the endurance ride.
Today’s HHH is a four-day event that challenges and inspires. In addition to the main ride, there are professional criterium races, mountain bike races, trail runs, a medical symposium, a consumer trade show, music and entertainment.
Last year, there were more than 13,000 registered participants, and what began with a committee of seven now involves thousands of volunteers. “I think one reason the HHH has been such a success locally,” says executive director Chip Filer, “is because it belongs to the people of Wichita Falls and Wichita County.”
For one weekend each August, host homes and hotels within a 100-mile radius of Wichita Falls are full. “It’s an amazing event,” says Lindsay Greer, director of the Wichita Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s part of our heritage and identity and engages the entire community.”
This year, riders and racers from across Texas and all corners of the world will celebrate the 35th annual event on Aug. 27. Ask Filer how hot it will be, and he’ll reply “Hotter’N Hell – of course!”
