Tomorrow is the big ride in Wichita Falls and if you're doing the 100 mile journey. Be prepared for the rules of Hell's Gate.

Hotter'N Hell Hundred August 24, 2024

Thanks to our friends at Bicycle ER, we're once again broadcasting live from the starting line starting at 5AM, the Hotter'N Hell Hundred will officially kick off a little after 7 tomorrow morning and with those folks doing the 100 mile journey. You need to know about a little something called Hell's Gate.

Hell's Gate

So a lot of folks think that Hell's Gate is the halfway point of the Hotter'N Hell Hundred if you're doing the 100 miles. That is actually not true, it is 61 miles into your trip. Here is what causes a huge debate online, pretty much every year in Wichita Falls. Hell's Gate 'closing' early. Hell's Gate is scheduled every year to close at 12:30 PM. If you don't make it to Hell's Gate by 12:30, you're then directed to go the 75 mile course to finish.

Why Can Hell's Gate Close Early?

If Hell's Gate closes earlier than 12:30, this is the call of the medical director for the Hotter'N Hell Hundred. They use the hot bulb temperature to determine if Hell's Gate needs to close before 12:30pm. The hot bulb temperature is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation). This differs from the heat index, which takes into consideration temperature and humidity and is calculated for shady areas.

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Hell's Gate is closing early for your safety if they have to do it. Believe me, the folks with the Hotter'N Hell Hundred do not mind staying out there til 12:30 at Hell's Gate, but for your safety is why they have to do it. Looking at the weather forecast for tomorrow, I see a high of 106 right now. Basically I am writing this today, don't be shocked if Hell's Gate closes early tomorrow. Good luck to everybody riding and be safe.