Hotter 'N Hell comes through Sheppard

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jerred Moon
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard will welcome an estimated 14,000 cyclists who will ride through two miles of the base Aug. 25 during the 31st annual Hotter 'N Hell Hundred bike race.

The Hotter 'N Hell Hundred is the largest single day 100 mile bicycle ride in the nation. Riders from all over the United States, and the globe, come to Wichita Falls to participate in race routes anywhere from 10 kilometers to 100 miles long.

2nd Lt. Tabitha Postupack, Sheppard Hotter 'N Hell Hundred point of contact, said this is a time to be proud and show people from all over what we do.

"I think this is a great tradition that has become a nationwide event, we have people from different states coming to our town to take part in this race," she said. "It gives Sheppard Air Force Base a chance to show people our base and take pride in what we do."

Postupack said the route through Sheppard features displays and support that will educate and motivate the riders.

"The riders will first see Airpower Alley first, this is a great opportunity for the riders to see all the static displays, pilots, pilot trainees and the people who do the maintenance on the aircraft," she said. "This is also a great opportunity for the rider to get off and take pictures with the displays and pilots."

"The Community Action Center will be after Airpower Alley; there will be medical attention for riders that need it, refreshments, portable toilets, Thunderbird aircraft and more," said Postupack. "The last thing that the riders will see before leaving SAFB will be AiT (Airmen in Training) Alley, this seems to be the rider's favorite attraction; there are 200 AiTs per shift cheering on the riders."

Postupack also wanted everyone to know that the route through Sheppard will be a little bit different this year.

"This year the route is much simpler with less turns and a straight shot to the rest stop area," she said. "Also, all the riders are going through the base this year which is a huge difference for us."

Hotter 'N Hell festivities will begin Thursday and last through Sunday. The race is set to kick off at 7:00 a.m. downtown with a dual cannon firing by Brig.Gen Michael Fantini, 82nd Training Wing Commander, and Col. Dieter Bareihs, 80th Flying Training Wing Commander.

During the day of the race, the medical and main gates will be the only open gates.