Gran Fondo Hibros - Hotter 'N Hell 100
10,000 plus riders return to Witchita Falls, Texas for the 26th Anniversary and largest national century ride, NRC Racing, and one of country's largest Bike Expos.

If you live in the USA, you have probably heard of popular Hotter than Hell Century ride that takes place each year during August in Wichita Falls, Texas. The legend of the ride gives bragging rights to the finishers who can conquer the 100 mile mostly flat course on the plains of Texas in weather often over 105 degrees. Like everything in Texas it is "BIG" drawing the largest domestic and foreign field often in excess of 10,000 for one of the oldest and largest cycling events on the continent.

The event is held each year in August (always 9 days before Labor Day) and includes events for professional as well as amateur riders. Over the years the century grew into a 3 day cycling festival; this year the race is scheduled from Thursday Aug. 23 through Sunday Aug. 27, 2007. The three days include: a Bike Expo - consumer Show, Spaghetti Dinner, USCF Criterium Race, USCF 100 mile Elite Road Race, on an enclosed course using both sides of the road, the Hotter'N Hell Hundred Endurance Ride, an Mtn. Bike Off-Road race, off-road trail run along with daily live entertainment, complete support with food, water and medical services available at 17 rest stops over the 100 mile challenge. Map Pdf. Sunday events are running events only.

The bike fest will include live music for after race parties from three different bands on Friday and Saturday.

Full Gran Fondo Hibros -
Hotter 'N Hell 100 Event Schedule and Statistics Below.

Event and Race History:
The race started in 1982 to celebrate the Centennial of the Wichita Falls, with nothing less with a "Century Ride" that would challenge riders to survive not only the hundred miles, the heat and humidity, risk of dehydration and the prevailing winds of the mostly flat course across the vast Texas plains. How hot is the Hotter than Hell? Well the temperatures are hotter than the locally grown jalapenos peppers often over 109 degrees, and the winds can buffet you coming and going throughout the course increasing the chances of exhaustion and dehydration. It is a win to finish the century at all with often only 25% able to do so. Race registration.

Pro's Race: Friday Criterium - Sunday Road Race
The Elite/Professional race registration has grown in the past few weeks with Successful Living.com/Parkpre pros Italian Alessandro Bazzana, Argenitine Ricardo Escuela, and American Daniel Ramsey are set to contest the race. Bazzana and Escuela are in form and each of the trio are no stranger to the top step of the podium in the past few months in the blue and white kit of the team.

Race directory Gary Achterberg commented yesterday that the strong elite squad of Hagen Berman are sending Nick Clayville and Sam Johnson; while Mercy Cycling is also sending a strong squad to battle for the gelt in the Criterium and road races. VMG rider and Collegiate Road Champion from Witchita's Midwestern State College team Alex Boyd will be defending home town honors on his turf in the pro race. Achterberg the director of the Cycling program at Midwestern University in Wichita is working to expand on the calendar to make the pro races a significant NRC competition in the future.

Thursday: The H 'N H Consumer Expo one of the largest expos in North America, opens in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday in the Multi-Purpose Events Center with exhibitors from the USA around the world. Early arrivals will come to the expo area to complete their registration and pick up their packets.

Friday the second day, opens at the expo with the all day Science & Medicine in Cycling - Medical Symposium an all day program for coaches, trainers, accomplished cyclists, and medical professionals, (continuing education credits) with featured speaker Dr. Larry Armstrong of Connecticut University an expert in heat and exercise. Additional info.  Dave Shields will also be there to answer questions and sign his latest co-writing effort: Tour de Life, the autobiography of Saul Raisin. Later in the day massages with 40 masseuse's sponsored by Hibros will be available in the hall in advance of the afternoons criterium that starts at 5 pm.

Hibros
The main sponsor of the Gran Fondo Hibros will provide samples of their  Hibros  shower gel  and for the first time in the USA the new Hibros Summer Thermoregulating Oil with sun protection SPF 25 to all riders in the events and at their location in the Expo. Hibros is also the sponsor of the 40 masseurs and inside the massage room at MPEC Center and will also provide the massage products used. The products will also be displayed in a special booth in front at the massage room and inside the MPEC Center at Britton’s Bike Shop booth.

Hibros products are imported by Gianluca Caliari of Albabici LLC a company that specializes in bringing the best of Italian cycling products to the USA. Caliari and Albabici also sponsor nine professional cycling teams including Value Act Capital, Slipstream, Midwestern University, Succesful Living.com and Tibco. Gianluca also a long time amateur team director currently is co-director of the Successful Living.com/Parkpre team. This is the second year for Albabici to sponsor the Hotter 'N Hell event.

Saturday: The Big Event - Hotter 'N Hell 100
Saturday is the big event with the pro riders followed by the other cat riders taking to the road first at sunrise (7:00 am) for the 100 mile race. Following a US Air Force flyover and a canon firing the release of the 10,000 challengers will roll off from the start line which takes about a half hour for the last rider to start the course. Timing chips are available for a small fee and your time for the century will not start until you have passed the start line.  All riders for the 100 miles need to be aware of Hell's Gate! It is the make break point in time to continue the full ride.

Hell's Gate
Hell's gate is located at the 60.3 mile mark on the 100 mile route. Hell's Gate normally closes at 12:30 p.m. unless weather conditions force an early closure. Riders who reach Hell's Gate after closure are directed to a shorter route that finishes the day with 84 miles. This year, rest stops prior to Hell’s Gate will display closure status so riders can adjust their pace to reach Hell's Gate prior to closing.

Sponsor Information Hibros Pre-sport Olio Summer
The Thermo-regulating Oil looks to be the product that will produce the most interest for the riders on race day under the Texas sun. There couldn't be a better test for the product than trying it out on eleven thousand long-distance cyclists who have to face 100 miles of pedaling with a temperature in excess of  105 degrees and a humidity of 95 percent.

This, in fact, is the “torturous” environment of one of the most important American long-distance endurance races, the 100 Hotter’n Hell, which this year goes by the name of Gran Fondo Hibros, taken from the name of its main sponsor: the totally Italian Hibros skin products.

Gruelling, awesome, an inferno of heat and fatigue awaits the participants of this 26th edition of the event, who will be able to receive comfort before and after the race in the support structure organized by Hibros, where forty masseurs will alleviate the muscular strains of the athletes using the products from the Parma, Italy based company. The cyclists will also find these products in the race pack and, amongst these, the one product which absolutely can’t be missed, especially in expectation of the high temperatures, Pre-sport Olio Summer.

Olio Summer has been created specifically for summer use and for this reason its functions are many and all finalized towards muscular and physical wellbeing, especially under the summer heat. One of the main qualities of this product is its extremely fast absorption, which is practically immediate. The product has been on the market for less than a month and is on sale in specialized sales points.

Once absorbed, the oil hydrates the skin and forms a protective film with a SPF 25 in order to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Furthermore, if your wife is afraid of the “patchy” effect of such a high protection, don’t worry: Olio Summer is also a tan accelerator. But the best part lies in its thermoregulatory action: in fact, when resting, a pleasant sensation of freshness can be felt on the areas where the product has been applied and when in movement again, the effect fades in order to better aid muscular warm-up.

The protective film formed on the skin also protects from rain, forming a sort of impermeable pellicle which doesn’t block perspiration, it avoids irritations caused by wind and salinity and is an insect repellent. To obtain the best effect, Olio Summer should be massaged on the areas affected by sporting performance.

Pre-sport Summer Oil Description:
Hibros Summer Oil is an effective pre-race/sports summer dry oil, with thermo-regulating action, recommended in warm and hot weather. The oil’s ingredients act to regulate moisture levels and skin temperature, to help seal in moisture while letting skin breathe. The oil effectively protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 25 and helps enhance and promote a longer-lasting tan. Hibros Summer Oil is rich in active ingredients, including Crabwood Oil (an anti-inflammatory and insect repellent), Vitamin E and C (natural anti-oxidants), Karité Butter (to soften, moisturise and protect) and Laminaria Ochrolueca extract (to soothe reddened, irritated skin). The pre-race/sports summer oil is immediately absorbed, is non-greasy and also protects the skin from the wind, insects and salt spray. The product is dermatologically and microbiologically tested. Not tested on animals. Massage smoothly into areas to protect and areas exposed to the sun, before sun exposure and before practicing sports. Apply again as necessary. Provides moderate protection against sunburn. Helps prevent sunburn. Higher SPF gives more sunburn protection.

Shop inquiries: Albabici LLC www.albabici.com - 805-385-3179
www.hibros.it

Schedule of Events - Hotter'N Hell Hundred 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007: The first day of HHH festivities
3:00 p.m.: The Consumer Show opens in the Exhibit Hall of the Multi-Purpose Events Center
4:00 p.m.: Packet Pickup and late registration open at the Exhibit Hall
4:00 p.m.: USCF registration begins in the Exhibit Hall
8:00 p.m.: All Activities Close

Friday, August 24, 2007: The celebration begins
8:00 a.m. the Science & Medicine in Cycling - Medical Symposium (all day program for coaches, trainers, accomplished cyclists, and medical professionals)
1:00 p.m.: Consumer Show begins
2:00 p.m.: Packet Pickup and late registration open in the Exhibit Hall for ride and race participants
4:00 p.m.: Sports Massage at MPEC. Loosen up for the day ahead
5:00 p.m.: Dave Shields author the Saul Raising Autobiography of "Tour de Life" will preview and sign his new book and previous cycling novels The Race and The Tour.
5:00 p.m.: Ultra Criterium for USCF racers begins at the Ultra Finish Line Village
Great races to watch from MPEC parking lot 5th and Lamar 5 p.m. to 8:30 pm
6:00 p.m. Wee-Chi-Tah NORBA Off-Road Time Trial
7:30-8:00 p.m.: Ride Right Seminar with Bik'n Mike
8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Killdares (Celtic Rock Artist) playing in the Ultra Finish Line Village
5:30 p.m.: Spaghetti Dinner Begins; Served by the North Texas Restaurant Association
9:00 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner closes
10:00 p.m. Consumer Show, Registration, and Packet Pickup Closes

Saturday, August 25, 2007:
The Heat is On! Endurance ride and USCF Races begin
5:00 a.m.: Breakfast offered by Luby's; West end of the Exhibit Hall
5:30 a.m.: Packet Pickup and Late Registration in the Exhibit Hall. USCF racers, no registration
6:00 a.m:. Morning Praise and Worship (5th and Lamar)
6:30 a.m.: Day Care opens at 403 Lamar, next to the finish line. Reservations must have been made in advance.
6:40 a.m.: Michelob Ultra USCF Road Races begins at Scott and Lincoln Streets. See site map for location
7:00 a.m.: Recumbent and tandem start. See site map for location
7:00 a.m.: Registration for the ride closes
7:00 a.m.: USAF Flyover
7:09 a.m.: Canon Blast and the Endurance ride starts
7:00 a.m.: Michelob Finish Line Village opens at 5th and Lamar
8:00 a.m.: Food Court opens at 5th and Lamar
9:00 a.m.: The Consumer Show Opens
9:00 a.m.: Sports Massage at the finish line opens
10:30 a.m.: Outdoor Concert at 5th and Lamar
10:20 a.m. till 11:20 a.m. - Under the Influence (Texas Country Artist)
11:40 a.m. till 12:40a.m.- Kayla Reeves (Blues Rock Artist)
1:00 p.m. till 2:10 p.m. - bigloo (Pop Rock Band)
2:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. - Killdares (Celtic Rock Artist)
11:00 a.m:. Michelob Ultra Road Races finish. Awards by noon, on stage with the Concert
3:00 p.m:. Consumer Show Closes
4:00 p.m.: Outdoor Concert closes
7:00 p.m.: All activites close

Sunday, August 26, 2007: Off-Road Trail Run: Wee-Chi-Tah Trail Run , Half Marathon Distance

Rider Support and Statistics:
Rider Supplies-delivered to 17 rest stops, including the MPEC In every aspect, Passion is what the Hotter'N Hell Hundred is all about; rest Stop Volunteers are no exception. Rest stops are provided at approximately 10-mile intervals throughout the ride, with supplies, shade and resting places for the riders. Participants will have the benefit of 3000 community volunteers that are there to share their passion for HHH riders. All along the way rest stop volunteers and Sponsors support riders with hospitality, medical care, radio communication, refreshments while having a good time and showing it:

• 3,000 Community Volunteers
• Bananas approx. 20,000 (195 cases)
• Hydration fluid over 2,800 gallons of PowerAde replacement fluid
• Oranges approx. 9,000 (100 cases)
• 10,000 gallons of water
• 8000 pickles
• Ice more than 70,000 pounds
• At least 14 of our 500 gallon water tanks will help supply riders at rest stops.
• More than 100 port-a-pots are available for rider convenience.
• Rest stops without shade are provided with tents, from 20'x20' to 40' x 80'.
• Each rest stop has its own team of medical personnel headed by a doctor, so no rider is more than five miles away from medical help or supervision.
• Each rest stop has its own sponsor-a business or charitable organization whose members volunteer their time to serve water, fruit and cold towels to tired riders. Sponsors put in much time and effort coordinating volunteers, providing special surprises and working hours in the heat to care for riders.
• Rest Stop Sponsors include: Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital,  Saint Gobin Vetrotex Electra Volunteers ABB, Wichita County Budget Rent A Car, Target State Farm Insurance, Home Depot Clinics of North Texas, Howmet Red River Hospital, Delphi Automotive Systems, UAW, Sheppard AFB, Wells Fargo, Walmart (north and south), Wichita Falls Firefighters, Wichita Valley Rehabilitation Hospital Ron Longino - Rest Stop Coordinator

2007 Consumer Show
The Hotter'N Hell Consumer Show runs from Thursday, August 23 to Saturday, August 25, 2007, in the Exhibit Hall of the Multi-Purpose Events Center (MPEC), 1000 Fifth St. in downtown Wichita Falls.

The hours are:
Thursday - 3 to 8 p.m.
Friday - 1 to 10 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The consumer show combines national and area cycling resources, official Hotter'N Hell clothing and other items and other community vendors. It is among the largest consumer bicycle trade shows in the nation. For information on exhibiting, contact Hotter'N Hell's Executive Director Roby Christie, P.O. Box 2096; Wichita Falls, Texas 76308; Phone: (940) 322-3223; Fax: (940) 322-1118; E-mail: execdir @ hh100.org