Hotter 'n Hell 100 to ride through Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard welcomes an estimated 12,000 cyclists who will ride through two miles of the base Aug. 28 during the 29th Annual Hotter 'N Hell Hundred bike race.

The Hotter 'n Hell Hundred is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation. Each year, riders from all over the United States, and foreign countries, come to Wichita Falls, Texas, to participate in race routes up to 100 miles long.

2nd Lieutenant Troy Kinchen, Sheppard Hotter 'N Hell Hundred point of contact, said Team Sheppard is excited about taking this opportunity to partner with Wichita Falls in support of the local and surrounding communities.

"The 2010 Hotter 'n Hell 100 Race event is a weekend where we can show citizens outside the gate what the Air Force and Sheppard is all about," Lieutenant Kinchen said.

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

"From the moment the riders enter the base and take their first right, they get to see 'Airpower Alley' stocked full on each side with aircraft and armaments, displaying just a sample of Air Force inventory and power," the lieutenant said. "Later on the route, they are personally greeted at the 'Pits' pit stop 15 by Sheppard's Airmen in Training.

"The riders will be provided refreshments, medical support and be shown audio visual displays on the Air Force and Sheppard Air Force Base. Upon exiting the 'Pits' they are supported by the cheering roar of more than 200 AiT lining the street as they exit the base."

Setting up the route and its featured sites was something many members of Team Sheppard worked hard to achieve.

"Over six months of preparation and hundreds of personnel make this excellent portion of the Hotter'N Hell 100 Race possible," he said. "A member from literally every squadron is involved in some way."

Due to event preparations, the Pitsenbarger Gym parking lot will be closed Aug. 27 at 3 p.m.

Beginning Aug. 28 at 6:30 a.m., traffic on Sheppard will be adjusted for the Hotter 'n Hell Hundred as follows:

-  The only access into the base will be via the Sheppard Clinic gate at 9th Ave. Traffic exiting the base can leave through the main gate or the Sheppard Clinic gate.

-  To access facilities on base, Sheppard personnel need to:
  • Enter the Sheppard Clinic gate and continue on 9th Ave.
  • Make a right turn at Moates Ave.
  • Turn left on 5th Ave.
  • Proceed through D Ave. and E Avenue.
  • Turn right at the 82nd Training Wing and Force Support Squadron parking lot.
  • Turn left on 4th Ave.
  • Turn left on Ave. J.
  • Proceed to the destination facility on Sheppard, to include the 80th Flying Training Wing.
Water barriers and road guards will be positioned throughout the course to assist with traffic rerouting.