Hotter'N Hell Hundred: Why I Keep Coming Back

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Hotter'N Hell Hundred Starting Line with thousands of cyclists

If you're a cyclist in Texas — or honestly, anywhere in the U.S. — chances are you've heard of the Hotter'N Hell Hundred. This legendary ride through the North Texas heat has become a rite of passage for endurance cyclists, and I’ve ridden it enough times to know exactly why.

Held every August in Wichita Falls, Texas, the event draws thousands of cyclists from all over the world to take on a course that’s as tough as it is rewarding. With blazing temperatures often soaring above 100°F, the challenge is real — and so is the community that rallies around it.

🔥 My Ride in the Heat

One of my most unforgettable Hotter'N Hell rides was the year the temperature topped 110°F. I was riding the full 100-mile century route and felt strong — until mile 75, when the heat caught up with me and I started cramping badly.

Thankfully, this ride is known for incredible support. I made it to a medical tent, where volunteers handed me a huge dose of pickle juice. It worked. I got back on the bike and crossed the finish line with one of my best times ever.

🚿 Post-Ride Comfort: Cold Showers in the Hockey Arena

Here’s something most people don’t know: when you finish the ride, you can shower inside the air-conditioned hockey arena right next to the finish line. After 50 or 100 miles in the brutal Texas sun, a cold shower in that arena might be the single best part of the whole day.

Clean, cool, and revived — it’s just one more reason this event goes above and beyond.

🧺 Why I’m Coming Back (and Doing the 50-Miler This Time)

I’ll be there again this year, but this time I’m opting for the 50-mile ride. I’ve done the century route before, and now I want to enjoy the event in a slightly different way — still challenging, but with more time to soak in the experience and enjoy everything the weekend has to offer.

🎪 Not Just a Ride — A Festival

The Hotter'N Hell Hundred is more than a bike ride. It’s a weekend-long festival packed with energy, events, and opportunities to connect:

  • 🍝 Pre-ride spaghetti dinner – Fuel up and swap stories with other riders.

  • 🎸 Live music, vendors, and food trucks – The downtown area buzzes all weekend.

  • 🛒 Huge cycling expo – Gear, gadgets, bikes, nutrition — if it exists, it’s there.

  • 🏁 Criterium races – Fast-paced street racing that’s thrilling to watch.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a competitive cyclist or just looking to be part of something big. There’s something here for everyone.

⛺ Where to Stay? Camp Like I Do

With tens of thousands of people attending, hotels book fast. My solution? Camping near the event grounds, right alongside other cyclists. It’s affordable, close to the action, and helps you soak up the full community vibe.

Waking up on race day with bikes clinking, coffee brewing, and nerves buzzing — it’s all part of the tradition.

🗓️ Next Ride: Saturday, August 23, 2025

If you’ve never done it, make this the year. Choose your distance — 100, 75, 50, 25, or even the off-road trail events — and come experience something unforgettable.

Whether you're chasing a new PR or just surviving the heat, the Hotter'N Hell Hundred is a true celebration of grit, gear, and camaraderie.

📨 Want more stories like this?

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Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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