HHH cyclists ride through Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 11,000 cyclists came to Wichita Falls to ride in the 27th Annual Hotter'N Hell Hundred bicycle race Aug. 23, including a portion of the route that went through the heart of Sheppard Air Force Base. 

Participants chose to ride in the 100-mile endurance race or smaller portions of the route, including 50-miles, 25-miles, 100K and for those just wanting a taste of the excitement, a 10K race for those who don't ride much but want to experience the dynamics and human energy unleashed at the starting line," according to the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred website (www.HH100.org). The event also hosted an off-road race. 

Although the majority of the race is located outside Sheppard's gates, riders still enjoy the route that takes them through Sheppard's aircraft maintenance training ramp and down a street lined with Airmen cheering the racers on. Members of the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association said the atmosphere and planes at Sheppard were their favorite part of the race. 

"It's a fun ride," one member of the bicycle association said. "Every year (Sheppard does) a better job." 

Capt. Christopher Brown, the base point-of-contact for the event, said Sheppard's participation not only highlights the base, but also provides a way for its personnel to give back to the community. 

"We want to be part of the community and show Wichita Falls we are part of them," he said, "They give a lot to us, and we want to give back." 

The community not only had a chance to unite with Sheppard, but they bonded with each other during the race as well. Even though Wichita Falls isn't the halfway point between Oklahoma City and Houston, it did provide an opportunity for a couple to re-unite. 

"It's great for the community because it brings people together," said Brett Bakust from Houston, who participated to see his long-distance girlfriend, Jennifer Duller from Oklahoma City. 

The race not only brought Mr. Bakust and Mr. Duller together; it also brought together servicemembers deployed to overseas locations. Chip Filer, executive director of the HHH, said cyclists from Kuwait and Iraq also participated in the event. About 100 participants were sent HHH shirts and water bottles, signifying their official participation in the event, he said. 

As reported by the Wichita Falls Times Record News, Mr. Filer asked Maj. Brian Young of the 82nd Services Division to help coordinate the delivery of HHH items to men and women overseas. 

"From the amount of fun and excitement this event afforded me last year, I wanted to stay involved and find a project to work with the steering committee for 2008," he said. 

Major Young was able to contact a deployed member from Sheppard, Col. Janice Wallace, the deputy commander of the 82nd Medical Group and chief nurse at Balad Air Base, Iraq, to begin the process. The colonel also provided a list of six officers and a senior airman who wanted to participate, either indoors or outdoors. 

In an e-mail to Major Young, Colonel Wallace said the riders in Kuwait and Iraq would wear tags that read "Hotter'N Hell Participant" with the organizations logo. 

About 1,400 Sheppard members volunteered for the event on base, Captain Brown said. Sheppard also offered a rest stop and medical support for the cyclists. This year, the 15th rest stop for the race was at Pitsenbarger Fitness Center, which also featured displays from the Heritage Center. 

The volunteers for medical support provided emergency care and help to those who suffered from heat exhaustion, dehydration or other medical needs, Captain Brown said.