“I almost died yesterday,” Dylan Pembroke, a senior in mass communication, talking about racing in the 50-mile Hotter ‘N Hell, finishing in 3:02:37.
What was the most fun part of the race?
It might sound obvious but the start and the finish. At the start you can really get a grasp at the full spectacle that is the Hotter ’N Hell when you’re standing among nearly 10,000 people. Finishing surrounded by the cheering crowd is an awesome feeling as well even if I did manage to fall down in front of them. As I think about it the 30-minute nap I took in the shower when I got home might have been the highlight of the day.
What was the hardest part?
Miles 35 to 45 were hell for me. We had turned into a headwind and my ill-fitting saddle was putting a lot of pressure on a rather delicate area causing my feet to fall asleep. Luckily I was sweating enough that no one could see the tears.
What kind of training did you do?
I decided to ride a week before the race so I did virtually no training. I had ridden the same race last year so I assumed I would be fine. In hindsight that might have been the cause of my suffering but I choose to point the blame to whoever decided to invent wind and hills.
Would you do it again? Why/not?
I would absolutely do the race again. This was my second year to do the race. I’m not sure when I’ll get the chance to ride again since I am graduating and moving away from Wichita Falls but if I am able I will be back.
What advice would you have for other students who wanted to ride?
Go out and ride! There is a race for everyone at every skill level from a casual 10-mile all the way up to the 100-mile. The experience alone is worth it to see a huge part of what makes this city what it is. You’re going to be spending at least four years here go out and see what Wichita Falls has to offer. Lastly if you’re going to ride 50 or more miles, do a little training. That way you won’t sob your way through the finish line while falling into a heap of Lycra and misery.
Hotter ’N Hell 2016 — not so hot this year
The Hotter ’N Hell race is known for being one of the nation’s largest, one-day road races, and 100-degree-plus temperatures. This year, however, the more than 10,000 cyclists didn’t find the temperatures to be so unbearable.
Stu Langley • Aug 29, 2016 at 5:04 PM
Great story, Dylan. Your article is a great primer for anyone thinking about the hotter’n Hell race.
Them’s the choices we make. Do our homework or get out and get on the bike. Of course, homework varies from University classes to showing up at a job, or chasing after kids, or working out of the home office… or relaxing by tearing around and kicking up the heels…