The Hotter’N Hell Hundred has been an iconic event in Wichita Falls for almost four decades. Many people do not know the history behind this bike race that has been in the record books from the very first year. The “father” of the HHH, Roby Christie, tells of how, back in 1981, the Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry (now today’s 
Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce) asked for ideas to kick off the celebration for its 1982 centennial. Roby, a 37-year-old assistant postmaster, was a member of a newly formed bicycle club. From this, the suggestion of having a bike race came up. Al Miller, an engineer for PPG, came up with the idea for riding one mile for every year making it a 100-mile race. Mark Davis asked, “When is this gonna be?” After realizing it would be in late August, Davis replied, “Well, it’s gonna be Hotter N Hell!” From that statement the name of this legendary event was born.From the very first year, the goal was to bring enough bikers to rival the largest bike race at that time, which was held in Colorado with 400 riders. The Hotter’N Hell team trekked out to the southwest United States and met up with other bike clubs and spread the word. That year they prepared for 500 riders. The day of the HHH race they had 1,200 riders! Because there were not enough competitor number tags available, paper plates and safety pins had to be used for the other 700 riders.With this unexpected and overwhelming success, Dr. Alexander suggested to Roby that they make this an annual event. This year will mark Hotter N Hell’s 37th Anniversary. It still holds the title of largest single day bike race in the United States. The economic impact of that first year was estimated to be around $3 million. Another study was done three years ago and they estimated that it has grown to $7.8 million.So, what happens to that money? The proceeds of the event go back into the community. Some of the charities to which they contribute are the Boy Scouts, United Regional, Volunteer Fire Depts, Midwestern State University, and many others.
The reason for them giving back to the community is because of how the community comes together to help with this event. Every surrounding city and county have had some hand in helping. Roby says that there are approximately 4,000 volunteers that help put this on. These volunteers have been faithful and committed year after year. Roby said the original core members, such as Dr. Alexander, Al Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Davis, Bill Barnes, Ron Barnes, Beverly 
and Joel Noel with their son, have stayed until they either moved or passed away.
Roby says the event is successful and people come back year after year because it is a grueling race that takes tenacity and grit to finish it. He makes the analogy that the race is representative of the founders of this great city who first came to build it.
Roby may have been born in Dallas, but said Wichita Falls has been his home since he first stepped foot here back in 1966. Interestingly enough, he was 37 years old when he started this journey and this year marks the 37th year of the race making it official that he has spent over half his life dedicated to an event that has brought thousands of people all across the world to our great city.
Thank you, Roby, for all the blood, sweat, and tears you have given, not just to Wichita Falls, but bicycle enthusiast everywhere.
-Samuel Pak
