Thousands tackle 45th annual Hotter ’N Hell Hundred

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — More than 7,500 cyclists took part in the 45th annual Hotter ’N Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls, with riders completing routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles.

Whether riding 100, 75, 50, or 25 miles, riders from across the country spend the year preparing for Hotter ’N Hell Hundred, the biggest bike race in the state.

The event has been a staple in Wichita Falls for 45 years, bringing endurance rides, intense heat and an atmosphere that brings hundreds of riders back year after year.

“The size of this event for the size of this town is very impressive,” said cyclist Pete Sheffield.

For riders Leron Walker of Celina, Texas, and Casey Songy of Little Elm, Texas, this year marked their first Hotter ’N Hell Hundred.

“I thought it was absolutely awesome. The second that cannon blast and those jets fly over, you’re geared up and you’re ready,” said Songy.

“You can feel the energy even at 5:30 this morning when we pulled in; you could see how many people were here. You could feel the activity. It’s been awesome so far- these first 20 miles,” said Walker.

For some riders, the event is about challenging themselves.

“I think it’s really important for men, especially, to really get them connecting with their mental health,” said cyclist David Capper. “I think that cycling can really give you that space to really think and explore new things.”

“It’s great to finish and just know that you are able to complete something- not the fastest, but able to challenge yourself and try and do better this year than I did last year and the year before,” said cyclist Sean Fleming. “It’s about my 10th time doing it, so it’s a good challenge.”

For the Phelps family, riding in the Triple H has a deeper meaning.

“We are riding on the Race for Grace team. We raise money for Grace Children’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and we’ve been riding with the Race for Grace team for 20 years,” said Vicky Phelps. “It’s hard what we’re doing out here, but it’s nothing compared to what the children and families are having to deal with over there. So we just try to keep that in mind.”

For 12-year-old cyclist Emerson Stansel from Denton, the ride is about maintaining a family tradition.

“I started when I was really young because of my grandpa,” said Stansel. “He participated in the second and third ever Hotter N Hell Hundred and he did the 100-mile option twice. And I’m carrying on his legacy by doing it here for my second time today.”

For everyone, the finish line is the ultimate reward. Although riders had just crossed the finish line, they said they were already preparing for next year.

According to the city of Wichita Falls’ PIO Chris Horgen, approximately 5,000 riders crossed the finish line at the Finish Line Village at the MPEC.

There was also an unofficial total of 94 medical patients treated, with six taken to the hospital. None of those patients were considered critical.

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