Hotter'N Hell riders cruise through Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert L. McIlrath
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Thousands of focused and determined cyclists blazed through the streets of Sheppard, competing in the annual Hotter'N Hell bike race Aug. 23, 2014.

The famous Wichita Falls, Texas, bike race draws in riders from all over the globe to participate in multiple race routes, some stretching through Sheppard.

The city and the base teamed up in a joint effort to support the 100-kilometer, 50-mile and 25-mile races.
 
"Sheppard typically participates and opens up the base," said Capt. Steven Anderson, 82nd Logistics Readiness Squadron officer in charge of Hotter'N Hell Hundred for Sheppard. "It tends to be one of the highlights of the race as well for those who do the shorter routes."

The riders entered the base on Missile Road and then proceed to ride through "Airpower Alley," followed by "Airmen's Alley."

"Airpower Alley is where they show off the pilots, the maintainers and the aircraft," Anderson said. "It's an opportunity for them to kind of get up close and personal with a lot of Air Force people. That's always been a big draw from a lot of the riders."

Several aircraft were on display for the riders to enjoy and take pictures with. Funneling riders through the base were the C-130 Hercules, T-6 Texan II, T-38 Talon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Falcon and F-15 Eagle.
 
"Sheppard is the best part," said Tony Pierce, a Fort Worth, Texas, native and 4-time Hotter'N Hell participant. "Going down Airpower Alley and getting to talk to pilots and seeing the planes is amazing."

The next stretch took riders through the Airmen's alley, where cyclists were cheered on by hundreds of Airmen-in-Training. As one of the supporters, Airman Zayd Baldwin, 363rd Training Squadron armament student, was excited to see all of the bikers.
 
"It's a good opportunity for the riders to feel supported," Baldwin said. "They get to feel how we feel then they tell us 'thank you for your service.'"
 
"Riders can expect to see the base welcoming them with open arms," Anderson said. "They'll see genuine enthusiasm for them coming through the base, with AiT's out there cheering for them and rooting them on."
 
Sheppard also provided a rest stop at the Community Activity Center for any weary bikers needing a break or medical attention.

"We'll give them refreshments and watch their bikes, give them a chance to rest and if any of them need any medical care they can get it there as well," Anderson said.
 
Events such as the Hotter'N Hell Hundred further strengthen the relationship between the base and the surrounding communities.
 
"As much appreciation as the city shows, I think this is one of those returning kindness situations where we get to open up our doors," Anderson said. "It allows them to see what we do and makes future events a lot easier if we have a good positive relationship."

As temperatures exceeded 100 F, the namesake of the race lived up to expectations, but that didn't stop participants or supporters from enjoying themselves.