Every year, thousands gather from all over the globe to partake in what is known as the largest century ride in the country.
This year was no different as 10,000 riders competed in the 30th annual Hotter N’ Hell Hundred on Saturday.
Dail Neely, dean of students, served as rest stop coordinator for the entire race.
Neely’s job was to assess all 19 rest stops and be in charge of close to 2,500 volunteers.
In those 19 rest stops, which stretched across both Wichita and Clay counties, 80,000 cups, 254 cases of bananas, 126 cases of oranges, 384 cases of Powerade, 2,000 food service gloves, 632 rolls of toilet paper, 70 cases of pickles, and 500 cases of pickle juice were included. Each rest stop was also given $250 by the Hotter N’ Hell organization to go towards any other miscellaneous supplies such as different types of fruit, meat products such as sausage, and even homemade cookies.
So that must amount for a pretty costly bill, right?
Neely went into detail on how most of the supplies were funded.
“It’s funded by a combination of things,” Neely said. “Mostly through registrations by the ride itself, but there are also some things that are donated.”
The Powerade used to hydrate cyclists was donated by Coca-Cola, to give an example.
Although the rest stops didn’t only serve riders refreshments. Medical attention was on-site if needed.
“It’s pretty unique for bicycle rides,” Neely said. “Most bicycle rides have a medical coordinator or director and they usually have a first response situation.”
HHH differs from other bicycle races because medical attention is on standby at every rest stop along the way.
“We have physicians, nurses, PA’s, and nurse practitioners at every rest stop,” Neely said. “That is very unique.”
Dr. Keith Williamson, university physician, served as medical coordinator for HHH.
Being that HHH is known for its 100 mile course, other courses were available for riders who didn’t want to push to that extreme. Courses included: 10K, 25 mile, 50 mile, 100K courses.
In all those long courses, the city of Wichita Falls was not the only area covered. Small neighboring towns were also included in the race, such as Iowa Park, Electra, Punkin Center, Burkburnett, Charlie, Thornberry, and Dean.